y war
experience. McDowell was a major in the Federal Army during the civil
war, and with eleven first cousins, including Gen. Irvin McDowell,
fought against the same number of first cousins in the Confederate Army.
Various interruptions prevented the completion of my work at that time.
More recently, after despairing of the hope that some more capable
member of my old command, the Rockbridge Artillery, would not allow its
history to pass into oblivion, I resumed the task, and now present this
volume as the only published record of that company, celebrated as it
was even in that matchless body of men, the Army of Northern Virginia.

E. A. M.

INTRODUCTION BY CAPT. ROBERT E. LEE, JR.

The title of this book at once rivets attention and invites perusal, and
that perusal does not disappoint expectation. The author was a cannoneer
in the historic Rockbridge (Va.) Artillery, which made for itself, from
Manassas to Appomattox, a reputation second to none in the Confederate
service. No more vivid picture has been presented of the private soldier
in camp, on the march, or in action. It was written evidently not with
any commercial view, but was an undertaking from a conviction that its
performance was a question of duty to his comrades. Its unlabored and
spontaneous character adds to its value. Its detail is evidence of a
living presence, intent only upon truth. It is not only carefully
planned, but minutely finished. The duty has been performed faithfully
and entertainingly.

We are glad these delightful pages have not been marred by discussion of
the causes or conduct of the great struggle between the States. There is
no theorizing or special pleading to distract our attention from the
unvarnished story of the Confederate soldier.

The writer is simple, impressive, and sincere. And his memory is not
less faithful. It is a striking and truthful portrayal of the times
under the standard of one of the greatest generals of ancient or modern
times. It is from such books that data will be gathered by the future
historian for a true story of the great conflict between the States.

For nearly a year (from March to November, 1862) I served in the battery
with this cannoneer, and for a time we were in the same mess. Since the
war I have known him intimately, and it gives me great pleasure to be
able to say that there is no one who could give a more honest and
truthful account of the events of our struggle from the standpo