Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson (vanity)

9/19/03 | carton253

[carton253]

One thing that I like about Free Republic is the breadth of knowledge on a variety of subjects that Freepers have.

After watching the movie Gods and Generals over the past few weeks, I have really grown to appreciate General Stonewall Jackson.

My knowledge of him is limited, but I know that many Freepers know and understand the Civil War.

So, while this is a slow news day (unless you are participating on the Tom vs Arnold threads), I was hoping that we could start a discussion on the contributions and meaning of Stonewall Jackson to the Southern Cause.

[BooBoo1000]

General Jackson was a devout Presbyterian, he sent in his weekly tithe, on time. He also started a Sunday School for Black Children. I have heard all of the stories about his carrying a lemon around all of the time, but most Historians, do not hold with this.

He was really an interesting person, after the birth of one of his children, he told his wife not to love the child too much, as God might see how much she was loved,, and remove her.

He was a very insecure person, perhaps due to the fact his mother gave him away, ( yes gave him away) at a very early age, he found it hard to make lasting friendships.

But he was a born warrior, and was able to move his men so fast and so far they became known as Jackson's Calvary.

[neb52]

There are many accounts from his soldiers of him reaching down for his saber and instead out comes one of his trusty lemons. Then proceeds to marshall his troops in battle order whirling his lemon like a scepter. There was a few battles were nobody could find him, until they found him snoozing under a tree. He was also known to fall asleep will his subordinates were reporting to him and then he would all of a sudden come a wake and say something like very well thank you report and then dismiss the bewildered officer.

Very eccentric man, which probably aided his ability in battle. You all should also read Jeff Shara's Mexican War book "Gone for Soldiers". It talks about Lees first incounters with Jackson and Grant. Its funny to know that Grant, Longstreet and Pickett were all good friends from West Point.

[Restorer]

Jackson was somewhat of a nut. Not only did the North never know where he was going to pop up next, neither did his own men or officers. From a purely military perspective, it's probably not a good idea to have an army that dependent on a single man, at least on an independent command.