"[farewell address to the Stonewall Brigade, prior to Fredericksburg] Throughout the broad extent of the country through which you have marched, by your respect for the rights and property of others, you have always shown you are soldiers, not only to defend, but able and willing both to defend and protect. You have already won a brilliant reputation throughout the army of the whole Confederacy, and I trust in the future by your deeds in the field, and by the assistance of the same kind Providence who has hitherto favored our cause, you will win more victories, and add luster to the reputation you now enjoy. You've already gained a proud position in the future history of this, our Second War of Independence. I shall look with anxiety to your future movements, and I trust that whenever I shall hear of the First Brigade on the field of battle, it will be of still nobler deeds achieved and higher reputation won. [draws his sword and holds it up in salute] In the Army of the Shenandoah, you were the First Brigade! In the Army of the Potomac, you were the First Brigade! In the Second Corps of this army, you are the First Brigade! You are the First Brigade in the affections of your general, and I hope by your future deeds and bearing you will be handed down the posterity as the First Brigade in this, our Second War of Independence! Godspeed!"