The International Monthly, Volume 5, No. 4, April, 1852Various
History
The International Monthly, Volume 5, No. 4, April, 1852
Various
Art, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals
Indefatigable in the discharge of his interesting duties, Mr. Jackson
speedily obtained the confidence of his military superiors, who remarked
with admiration not only his intelligent zeal in performing his hospital
functions, but his calmness, quickness of perception, and generous
self-devotion when in the field of battle. On one occasion, although
suffering at the time from severe indisposition, he remained, under a
heavy fire, succoring the wounded, in spite of the remonstrances of the
officers present. On another, having observed the British commander,
Colonel (afterwards General) Tarleton, in danger of falling into the
hands of the enemy, who had routed the royalist troops, he galloped up
to the colonel--whom a musket-ball had just dismounted-pressed him to
mount his own horse and escape, whilst he himself, with a white
handkerchief displayed, quietly proceeded in the direction of the
advancing foe, and surrendered himself at once. The American commander,
who did not know what to make of such conduct, asked him who he was? He
replied: "I am assistant surgeon in the 71st regiment. Many of the men
are wounded, and in your hands. I come, therefore, to offer my services
in attending them." He was accordingly sent to the rear as a prisoner;
but was well treated, and spent the first night of his captivity in
dressing his soldiers' wounds, taking off his shirt, and tearing it up
into bandages for the purpose. He afterwards did the same good office
for the American sufferers; and when the wounded English could be
exchanged, Washington sent him back, not only without exchange, but even
without requiring his parole. At a subsequent period during the same
unhappy war, when the British under Lord Cornwallis were in full
retreat, the sick and wounded were placed in a building--which the
colonists, on their approach, began to riddle with shot. Several
surgeons, not caring to incur the risk of entering so exposed an
edifice, agreed to cast lots who should go in and see to the invalids;
but Jackson, with characteristic nerve and simplicity, at once stepped
forward: "No, no," said he, "I will go and attend to the men!" He did
so, and returned unhurt.
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