Augusta County: "ANECDOTE FROM MAJ. JED. HOTCHKISS," by Capt. Frank B. Berkeley, 1904
Summary: Vignette concerning a disagreement between Stonewall Jackson and a subordinate over the placement of an artillery battery.
Capt. Frank B. Berkeley, of Staunton, Va., tells the following, which he had from his brother, Dr.Cater Berkeley, who was present as an officer of the battery in question and heard the conversation:
"During the battle of Malvern Hill Gen. Whiting, whose division had been temporarily assigned to Jackson's command, had put his troops in position on each side of a road that led directly to the Federal lines. In that road he had placed the Staunton Artillery, at that time commanded by Capt. Balthis, as part of his line of battle. Gen. Jackson came riding up and, halting, said: "Gen. Whiting, what's this battery doing here? Take it up on that hill," pointing toward the enemy. Whiting replied: "That hill is occupied by a Federal battery." Gen. Jackson answered: "Gen. Whiting, will you obey orders?" He answered, "I will, sir, but under protest," and, turnign to the battery, he said: "Captain, take your battery up on that hill at a gallop." The guns were promptly limbered up and the battery moved forward as ordered. Seeing this movement, the Federal battery as promptly limbered up and left its position, which was at once occupied by the Confederate battery, which soon opened on the enemy."
Bibliographic Information: Source copy consulted: Confederate Veteran, Vol. 12, 1904, p. 175
