The Arrival of Jefferson Davis

In frantic suspense, Confederate President Jefferson Davis found it impossible to remain in Richmond, secured a special train to Manassas Junction, and then proceeded to the battlefield on horseback. As he approached Portici, he learned of the great Southern victory. Determined to tour the battleground, Davis and his retinue set off for Henry Hill. As they descended into the valley of Hokums Branch, they encountered a crowd of soldiers gathered around the stream, including "Stonewall" Jackson, who was receiving treatment for a broken finger from Dr. Hunter McGuire. McGuire recalled that Jackson stood up at once, took off his cap, saluted the president, and said, "We have whipped them; they ran like dogs. Give me 10,000 men and I shall take Washington City tomorrow!" Despite Jackson's bold proclamation, the Confederates lacked the organization to pursue the defeated Union Army.

Sudley, Virginia · United States