noon
He repeats what he said in his note that for the good of Virginia and the South he could wish that he were lying here in your place -- '' The soldier on the bed smiled a little and shook his head . `` Better ten Jacksons should lie here than one Lee . '' It was sunny weather , fair and sweet with all the bloom of May , the bright trees waving , the long grass rippling , waters flowing , the sky azure , bees about the flowers , the birds singing piercingly sweet , mother earth so beautiful , the sky down-bending , the light of the sun so gracious , warm , and vital ! A little before noon , kneeling beside him , his wife told Stonewall Jackson that he would die . He smiled and laid his hand upon her bowed head . `` You are frightened , my child ! Death is not so near .