JACKSON,
THOMAS JONATHAN “STONEWALL”
(January 21, 1824–May 10, 1863), was a Confederate General during the Civil War, serving under General Robert E. Lee. General Jackson’s tremendous success in combat against great odds was observed in numerous battles, including the: Battle of Bull Run; Shenandoah Valley; Cross Keys; Port Republic; Seven Day’s Battle; Second Battle of Bull Run; etc. When he died, General Lee exclaimed, “I have lost my right arm.”
As professor of philosophy and tactics at Virginia Military Institute, General Jackson once said:
When we take our meals, there is the grace. When I take a draught of water, I always pause, as my palate receives the refreshment, to lift up my heart to God in thanks and prayer for the water of life. Whenever I drop a letter into the box at the post-office, I send a petition along with it, for God’s blessing upon its mission and upon the person to whom it is sent.
When I break the seal of a letter just received, I stop to pray to God that He may prepare me for its contents, and make it a messenger of good. When I go to my class-room and await the arrangement of the cadets in their places, that is my time to intercede with God for them.2627
In 1842, Jackson wrote to his uncle Alfred Neale, concerning the sudden death of his brother, Warren:
I have received no answer to my last communication conveying the sad news of my brother’s premature death. He died in the hope of a bright immortality at the right hand of His Redeemer …
As time is knowledge I must hasten my pen forward. We have received the smile of Bounteous Providence in a favorable Spring. There is a volunteer company being formed here to march to Texas, in order to assist in the noble cause of liberty.2628
In 1852, Jackson wrote to his aunt, Mrs. Clementine (Alfred) Neale, from Lexington, Virginia:
The subject of becoming herald of the cross has often seriously engaged my attention, and I regard it as the most noble of all professions. It is the profession of our divine Redeemer, and I should not be surprised were I to die upon a foreign field, clad in ministerial armor, fighting under the banner of Jesus. What could be more glorious?
But my conviction is that I am doing good here; and that for the present I am where God would have me be. Within the last few days I have felt an unusual religious joy. I do rejoice to walk in the love of God. My heavenly Father condescended to use me as an instrument in getting up a large Sabbath school for the negroes here. He has greatly blessed it, and, I trust, all who are connected with it.2629
General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson, on April 13, 1859, wrote in a letter to his wife, Mary Ann:
Is there not comfort in prayer, which is not elsewhere to be found?”2630
On July 22, 1861, General Stonewall Jackson wrote to his wife, Mary Ann, from Manassas:
My precious Pet,—Yesterday, we fought a great battle and gained a great victory for which all the glory is due to God alone … My preservation was entirely due, as was the glorious victory, to our God, to whom be all the honor, grace, and glory.2631
On the battlefield in Manassas, General Stonewall Jackson prayed:
Oh God, let this horrible war quickly come to an end that we may all return home and engage in the only work that is worthwhile—and that is the salvation of men.2632
General Jackson’s old servant said he:
… could always tell when a battle was near at hand, by seeing the general get up a great many times in the night to pray.2633
After the Battle of Cross Keys, Chaplain Bennett recorded a soldier’s remarks:
I saw something today which affected me more than anything I ever saw or read on religion. While the battle was raging and the bullets were flying, Jackson rode by, calm as if he were at home, but his head was raised toward heaven, and his lips were moving, evidently in prayer.2634
In a letter to his wife, General Stonewall Jackson wrote:
Don’t trouble yourself … these things are earthly and transitory. There are real and glorious blessings, I trust, in reserve for us, beyond this life. It is best for us to keep our eyes fixed upon the throne of God. … It is gratifying to be beloved, and to have our conduct approved by our fellow men; but this is not worthy to be compared with the glory that is in reservation for us, in the presence of the glorified Redeemer … knowing that there awaits us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”2635
General Stonewall Jackson had faithfully taught a colored Sunday school class in Lexington. He wrote to his pastor, the Reverend Dr. White:
My dear Pastor,
In my tent last night, after a fatiguing day’s service, I remembered that I had failed to send you my contribution for our colored Sunday School. Enclosed you will find my check for that object, which please acknowledge at your earliest convenience and oblige yours faithfully,
T. Jackson.2636
General Jackson was instrumental in organizing the Chaplains’ Association within the southern ranks. When it was reported to him how his army responded by attending religious services, Jackson replied:
That is good—very good—we ought to thank God for that.2637
In 1862, during the midst of the Civil War, Stonewall Jackson wrote to his wife, who was ill:
I trust you and all I have in the hands of an ever kind Providence, knowing that all things work together for the good of His people. So live that your sufferings may be sanctified to you; remember that our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.2638
On May 2, 1863, the seemingly invincible Confederate Army won a tremendous victory at Chancellorville. This victory was shortlived, though, for at twilight, as General Stonewall Jackson was scouting ahead of his troops, he was accidently shot by his own troops. His left arm had to be amputated. This was a tragedy from which the Confederate troops never fully recovered.
The next day, when visited by Chaplain Lacy, Jackson remarked:
You see me severely wounded but not depressed. … I am sure that my Heavenly Father designs this affliction for my good. I am perfectly satisfied, that either in this life, or in that which is to come, I shall discover that what is now regarded as a calamity, is a blessing. …
If it were in my power to replace my arm, I would not dare to do it, unless I could know it was the will of my Heavenly Father.2639
On May 10, 1863, General Jackson’s wife, who had been called to his side, comforted him, saying, “Do you not feel willing to acquiesce in God’s allotment, if He wills you to go today. … Well, before this day closes, you will be with the blessed Saviour in His glory.” Jackson responded:
I will be an infinite gainer to be translated.2640
General Stonewall Jackson, in his restless sleep, uttered his final words:
Let us pass over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees.2641