39

CHAPTER V.

Ewell's division remained at Swift Run Gap for more than two weeks, when
it was learned that Jackson had marched over the steep ranges of mountains that
lay between Swift Run Gap and Milroy at McDowell, and. after administering a
crushing defeat to that General, was then returning to the valley of Virginia,
and Ewell was ordered to unite with him in the vicinity of Luray.

It was on this march, in the vicinity of Columbia Bridge, on May 16, 1862,
that the term of enlistment of the officers and men of Company C, First Maryland,
expired, and they were discharged from the service.

It was near Luray, on the 21st day of May, 1862, that the men of the First
Maryland wvere gratified with a sight of the glorious Jackson. Away off in their
rear, as they trudged along the turnpike, went up a mighty shout. Louder and
louder it swelled in volume as it grew nearer. The Maryland boys had never
heard that shouting before, and did not know its meaning until an old Virginia
soldier who had heard it before called out : "Thar comes old Jack or an old
har." And presently an officer was seen riding furiously up the road bareheaded
and bowing right and left. It was Stonewall Jackson, under whose leadership,
through the long marches and hard battles that summer, the First Maryland was
to win a reputation that will live for all time.

The evening of their arrival at Luray the following order was read, detaching
the First Maryland from Elzey's Brigade and placing it under command of
Brigadier-General George H. Steuart :

SOLON, May 17. 1862

Major-General R. S. Ewell:

For the purpose of carrying out the order for organizing the Maryland Line. I have
detached the First Maryland Regiment from Elzey's Brigade and assigned it to Brigadier-
General George H. Steuart. Should you need the regiment, I have directed General
Steuart to remain with you, but so soon as he can be spared I wish you would direct him to
return to the Valley District, as it might facilitate the organization by being in the Valley.

T. J. JACKSON, Major-General

The parting between the regiment and General Elzey was affecting in the
extreme, and there were but few dry eyes present after their good old General
had delivered his parting speech.