A few anecdotes about General Ewell

[samgrant]

Lieutenant-General Richard S. Ewell - by Edwin A. Pollard


Gen. John B.Gordon once described Gen. Richard Ewell as "the most eccentric
genius in the Confederate Army". However, it may be that his eccentricity
was actually a facet of his tendency to concentrate only on his thoughts
rather than his surroundings. Ewell's principal aide and stepson, Campbell
Brown, told of an incident illustrating his single-mindedness. The two men
stopped at a farmhouse for some buttermilk. While the lady there went to
get some, Ewell picked up her scissors and began to cut his own hair. Only
half-done when she returned, Ewell laid down the scissors, drank the milk,
then rode off with the hair short on one side of his head and untouched on
the other. Several days passed before Brown could get Ewell to finish the
job.



During the occupation of Carlisle, PA, by Confederate troops, citizens of
the town asked Gen. Richard Ewell, the Southern commander, if the Lutheran
church could open on the next Sunday. Ewell responded, "Certainly, I'll
attend myself if I'm here." The group was shocked at the prospect of Ewell
being at their services. After a lengthy silence, the spokesman told Ewell
that during the services prayers were offered for the President of the
United States, and asked if they could do so this time. Barked Ewell, "Who
do you mean, Lincoln? Certainly pray....I don't know anybody that stands
more in need of prayer."



As a young man, Confederate Lt.Gen. Richard Ewell deeply loved a girl who
wed another, a man named Brown. Ewell remained single but carried the lady
in his heart for many years. Evidencing his continued affection, he even
placed her son on his staff. Fate led to Ewell being wounded during the War
and subsequently being nursed by Mrs.Brown who had been a widow many years.
During the weeks of her gentle care, Ewell wooed Mrs. Brown. He finally
realized his dream of marriage to her and became a devoted husband.
However, he never seemed aware their marriage had changed her name. He
would proudly introduce her as "My wife, Mrs. Brown, sir."



As Richard S. Ewell rode into Gettysburg with John B. Gordon at his side in
1863, Ewell reeled in his saddle immediately after the ominous sound of a
bullet hitting home. Anxiously, Gordon asked, “Are you hurt, sir ?” General
Ewell replied unconcernedly, “No, no, it doesn’t hurt a bit to be shot in a
wooden leg !”



In late April, 1862, enraged by a terse reply by which Stonewall Jackson
dismissed an elaborate scheme of Ewell's, General Richard Ewell exploded to
a fellow officer, "Did it ever occur to you that General Jackson is crazy?
He is as crazy as a March hare!" About six weeks later he told the officer,
"I take it all back... Old Jackson's no fool. He keeps his own counsel, and
does curious things, but he has method in his madness." Grinning, he added,
"He's disappointed me entirely!"



Lt. General Dick Ewell looked on as Stonewall Jackson knelt hatless before
his tent on the morning of one of his great victories, praying to his Lord.
Aware of the great faith and military talent before him, Ewell commented,
"If that is religion, I must have it."



Taken from SIDELIGHTS AND LIGHTER SIDES OF THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES: A
Feast of History in Small Bites Cooked Up by Ralph Green, Past
Commander-in-Chief Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Too be published in December 2007.

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[gary]

Thank you SamGrant. I read about the wood leg incident, but didn't know about the haircut or the offered prayers for Lincoln.