Stonewall_Jackson

Stonewall Jackson was a brilliant tactician during the Civil war Tammie Smart COM/150 04/04/10 Suzann Connell Although many people do not know his name, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was an intelligent tactician and a strong leader during the Civil War. Aside from Robert E. Lee, “Stonewall” Jackson was one of the most memorable confederate leaders that came from the Civil War era. Jackson’s military background started long before the Civil War began. But his Civil War legacy will always be remembered. Jackson was a religious man, which he showed in his style of leadership during the Civil War, and throughout his teaching at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson was born January, 24, 1824 in Clarksburg, Va. (now West Virginia) to Jonathan Jackson and Julia Beckwith Neale. Jackson’s father was a lawyer before his death. Jackson had three siblings; Elizabeth, Warren, and Laura Ann. In March, 1826 Jackson’s sister Elizabeth and his father died. One day after his father’s passing, his younger sister Laura Ann was born. Orphaned at a young age, Jackson was raised by family and despite his tough childhood, Jackson grew up to become a strong, intelligent, and brave man. As quoted by Paul S. Boyer, (The Oxford Companion to United States History.)“Jackson was a deeply religious Presbyterian and a secretive man, an aggressive soldier, and a stern disciplinarian.” From 1846-1848 “Stonewall” Jackson served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican War. Jackson first me tGeneral Robert E. Lee during the Mexican War. Robert E. Lee later became the leading commander of the confederate armies. During the Mexican War Jackson first showed the qualities which later made him famous, such as, his resourcefulness, his ability to keep his wits about him, and bravery in the face of danger. 1851-1861 Jackson taught at the VMI (Virginia Military Institute) in Lexington, Va. He resigned from the army at this time. In 1861, the Virginia Military Institute’s cadets were sent to Richmond to become drillmasters for new army recruits. Jackson was sent to be in charge of them. After the start of the Civil War, Jackson was assigned to Harper’s Ferry and the Shenandoah Valley. Where on April 27, 1861, Major General Robert E. Lee under orders of Gov. John Lector, ordered Colonel Jackson to “Proceed, without delay, to Harper’s Ferry, Va. ….and assume command of that post”. (chapter 11 of “Stonewall: A Biography of General Thomas J. Jackson. By Byron Farwell), It was there that Joseph E. Johnston superseded him in May 1861. Stonewall Jackson was sent on the longest march-West across the Potomac upstream to Harper’s Ferry. Jackson’s march took 4 days. Jackson led his troops in a very stern fashion, but his troops looked up to him. Though they had to be very tired from their long march, they kept pushing onward to achieve Stonewall Jackson’s march. Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson led troops in fifteen different battles during his Civil War service. He is most greatly remembered for his leadership in the “1st Battle of Bull Run”. In July 1861, Jackson and his troops went to the aide of P.G.T. Beauregard. It was during this campaign that Jackson was given his nickname “Stonewall” after Confederate General Banard Bee said of Jackson, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall”. After Jackson and his troops stood fast and did not let the Union forces break through, even though they tried several times. “Then Sir, we will give them the bayonet” (Stonewall Jackson’s reply to Colonel B.E. Bee after his report that they were being beat back). The battle of Bull Run was the first major battle of the Civil War and was located near a creek about 30 miles south of Washington. Jackson is also remembered for his brilliant tactical maneuvers during his “Valley Campaign”. It was during this campaign that his diversionary tactics prevented Federal Army General George B. McClellan being sent reinforcements. Even though he was out numbered, Jackson proved his intelligence by maneuvering his troops fast and precisely throughout this campaign. During his “Valley Campaign”, Jackson was forced to retreat in Kernstown, Va. but that did not stop him from continuing his movement through the valley. Jackson defeated two Union forces in McDowell, Va.(Milroy and Schenck). In Front Royal, Va. Jackson’s victory forced the Union army to quickly retreat to Winchester. While in Winchester, Jackson’s division out manned and overran the Union position on Bowers Hill. Causing panic throughout the Federal ranks. With his army defeated, Banks withdrew across the Potomac River. Confederate forces at Cross Keys joined Jackson at Port Republic, Va. In which they burned down the North River Bridge behind them causing Fremont’s army to arrive too late to help Tyler and Carroll’s armies. Jackson once said, “Once you get them running, you stay right on top of them, and that way a small force can defeat a large one every time… Only thus can a weaker country cope with a stronger; it must make up in activity what it lacks in strength. Who could not conquer with such troops as these' My troops may fail to take a position, but are never driven from one.” It was also found to have been said by Dr. McGuire, who was chief surgeon of Jackson’s command, “that with swelling heart he had heard some of the first soldiers and military students of England declare the within the past two hundred years the English speaking race has produced but five soldiers of the first rank—Marlborough, Washington, Wellington, Lee, and Stonewall Jackson, and that this campaign in the valley was superior to either of those made by Napoleon in Italy.” Thomas “stonewall” Jackson was quoted as having said to one of his captains, “Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me.” He added, after a pause, Looking me full in the face: “That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.” In May, while in Chancellorsville, Jackson and his company was mistakenly shot at by friendly fire. Jackson was hit by three bullets. Jackson’s left arm had to be amputated and several days later, Jackson died due to complications. While on his death bed, Jackson said, “I see from the number of physicians that you think my condition dangerous, but I thank God, if it his will, that I am ready to go.” General “Stonewall” Jackson was brave to the very end of his life. Jackson’s last words were, “Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade tree…” Upon hearing of Jackson’s death, Robert E. Lee said of Jackson, “I have lost my right arm.” Jackson’s bravery, leadership skills, and brilliant tactical maneuvers, will be remembered and talked about for years to come. General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson’s legacy will be studied and many will write stories and biographies about him. Jackson’s brilliant leadership will give motivation to all people in the future. Whenever you think of the Civil War and all the heroes that emerged from it, General “Stonewall” Jackson will definitely be one that will be remembered for years to come. Jackson was admired and respected by a lot of the people who knew him and by those who have studied his life and military leadership. His deep religious faith led him to be the brilliant leader that we have studied along with other great leaders such as Robert E. Lee. “You may be whatever you resolve to be.” (from Jackson’s personal Journal). (Lt. General Thomas Jackson, in a letter to his pastor), “In my tent last night, after a fatiguing day’s service, I remembered that I failed to send a contribution for our colored Sunday school. Enclosed you will find a check for that object, which please acknowledge at your earliest convienence and oblige your faithfully.” Even though Jackson was deep in to battle, he never forgot his faith and religious views. Many can learn from his devoted faith that led him to become an intelligent tactician and a strong leader for his troops. “Our God was my Shield. His protecting care is an additional cause for gratitude.”(Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson) Jackson will most be remembered for his brilliant tactical maneuvers throughout his “Valley Campaign” through the Shenandoah Valley. And for his and his troops standing strong during the “Battle of Bull Run”. After all that is where he became known as “Stonewall” Jackson. REFERENCES Boatner III, Mark. The Civil War dictionary. Retrieved March 15, 2010 from http://americancivilwar.com/south/stonewall_jackson.html Boyer, S. Paul. “Jackson, Thomas J.(“Stonewall”.”) The Oxford Companion to United States History. 2001. Retrieved April, 03,2010 from encyclopiedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/10119-JacksonThomasJStonewall.html Farwell, Byron. Stonewall: A Biography of General Thomas J. Jackson. Chapter 11. General Stonewall Jackson’s quotes. Retrieved March 15, 2010 from http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/Stonewall_Jackson_Quotes.htm Rickard, J. Siege of Harper’s Ferry, September 13-15, 1862. Retrieved from http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_harpers_ferry1862.html Biography on Stonewall Jackson. Retrieved from http://www.civilwarreference.com/people/index.php'peopleID=403