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- Sep 19, 2017
Following the Battle of Fredericksburg Jackson established his Head Quarters at the Moss Neck Manor, refusing an offer to reside inside the mansion he used a wooden outbuilding. As Christmas was approaching the popular General was brought so much food and gifts he decided to to host a dinner and share the blessings with Generals R E Lee, Stuart, Pendleton and select members of their staffs.
Lt James Power Smith organized the affair and later described it as "a Famous Dinner". Smith had but little trouble finding more food. He failed in an attempt to purchase a turkey, instead he was presented by the lady with 2 fine turkeys. A bucket of oysters arrived from down river. The ladies of Staunton sent a basket containing a turkey, a "fine ham", wine, biscuits, and "the best of pickles."
Longing to see his 1 month old daughter, Christmas morning Jackson wrote Anna:
"How I do want to see that precious baby! And I earnestly pray for peace . Oh, that our country was such a God fearing people as it should be! Then might we very speedily look for peace."
Later in the day the guest started the arrive and along with the Generals were Majors Charles Venable, Walter Taylor, Heros Von Brocke, John Pelham and Capt John Esten Cooke.
A great time was had by all, Stuart took note of the decore in Jackson's Richard Corbin's furnished office. Pictures of race-horses, game-cocks and a rat eating terrier hung through out the office. Stuart not being one to let something like this slide past him. Pretended that the pictures where of Jackson's own choosing and indicated Jackson's own taste. Stuart declared Jackson's decline in moral character would be a huge disappointment to the ladies of the south who thought he was a good man.
General Lee himself got into the ribbing of Jackson, with lighthearted comments on how his Lt General was really only playing soldier and should visit his tent too see how a real soldier lived.
Stuart feigned father shock to see the teetotaling Jackson serving wine to his guests. Then perhaps the highlight of the evening. Stuart spotted a cake of butter (a gift from a near by farmer) imprinted with the image of a "gallant rooster". Stuart lifted it proclaiming it to Jackson's own coat of arms.
At this same time General A P Hill was hosting his own Dinner Party. But that my friends is another Christmas Story.
Lt James Power Smith organized the affair and later described it as "a Famous Dinner". Smith had but little trouble finding more food. He failed in an attempt to purchase a turkey, instead he was presented by the lady with 2 fine turkeys. A bucket of oysters arrived from down river. The ladies of Staunton sent a basket containing a turkey, a "fine ham", wine, biscuits, and "the best of pickles."
Longing to see his 1 month old daughter, Christmas morning Jackson wrote Anna:
"How I do want to see that precious baby! And I earnestly pray for peace . Oh, that our country was such a God fearing people as it should be! Then might we very speedily look for peace."
Later in the day the guest started the arrive and along with the Generals were Majors Charles Venable, Walter Taylor, Heros Von Brocke, John Pelham and Capt John Esten Cooke.
A great time was had by all, Stuart took note of the decore in Jackson's Richard Corbin's furnished office. Pictures of race-horses, game-cocks and a rat eating terrier hung through out the office. Stuart not being one to let something like this slide past him. Pretended that the pictures where of Jackson's own choosing and indicated Jackson's own taste. Stuart declared Jackson's decline in moral character would be a huge disappointment to the ladies of the south who thought he was a good man.
General Lee himself got into the ribbing of Jackson, with lighthearted comments on how his Lt General was really only playing soldier and should visit his tent too see how a real soldier lived.
Stuart feigned father shock to see the teetotaling Jackson serving wine to his guests. Then perhaps the highlight of the evening. Stuart spotted a cake of butter (a gift from a near by farmer) imprinted with the image of a "gallant rooster". Stuart lifted it proclaiming it to Jackson's own coat of arms.
At this same time General A P Hill was hosting his own Dinner Party. But that my friends is another Christmas Story.
Bringing the