The Valley after Kernstoion. 319
The army was falling back after the repulse on the 23d at Kerns- town. I was not in the field at this time on account of a severe affliction of my eyes. After defeating Milroy at McDowell and driving (Fremont's advance arrived after the battle closed) the Federal army to Franklin he returned to the Valley and left Captain Gilmer only with his company to watch the enemy. There was no other force between them and Staunton, the base of his supplies.
In this connection I will mention a fact I have never seen in print. By General Jackson's order I gave Colonel Gibbons, of the Tenth Virginia, and Colonel Harman, of the Fifty-second Virginia regi- ments, the positions they were to take, and when I reported to the General he abruptly asked me who was attending to my duties in Staunton, and said go there as quick as you can. General Ewell, he said, whom I left at Swift Run Gap, is not under my orders, and in the event he has left that position, and General Banks has moved towards Staunton from Harrisonburg; you will send as quickly as possible supplies to Millboro' Depot. I will have to move in that direction. On arriving at Staunton I found the situation as General Jackson had left it, and so reported. A. W. H.
BUTTONS FOR HIS COAT.
CONRAD'S STORE, April 22, 1862.
DEAR MAJOR : Did Major Paxton* bring me a set of buttons for a uniform coat ? Did you receive my letter directing that all persons absent from the army without leave will be sent back in irons as di- rected, and requesting you to enforce the order strictly ?
Yours truly,
T. J. JACKSON.
ORDERS FOR STRICT DISCIPLINE.
NEAR NEW MARKET, May 20, 1862.
DEAR MAJOR : Captain Bell has requested me to relieve him from the duty of commanding officer at Staunton. Accordingly I have selected you for the duty and the order is sent herewith. If your duties are too heavy let me know and I will make some arrangement. I desire you to enforce that strict military control and discipline which you so well understand and know how to apply as well as appreciate.
- Afterwards General E. F. Paxton, of the Stonewall brigade, and at that
time on General Jackson's staff.
