Life and Campaigns of Stonewall Jackson (Battlefield Evangelism)

Book Description

Stonewall Jackson. His very name evokes the image of the solid, immovable Confederate general whose sobriquet, earned at the Battle of First Manassas, no longer requires quotation marks. In this volume, Stonewall's pious Christian character, service to the church, unwavering commitment to duty, affectionate role as husband and father, as well as his magnificent service to Virginia are carefully recorded by his close friend Robert Lewis Dabney.

Labeled by some a religious fanatic, General Jackson was simply a consistent biblical Christian who lived out his faith every day, seriously and without compromise. Dabney's account of military life in the field with General Jackson provides poignant insight into the character of the General as they discuss theology and military history, pray together, and gallop to the sound of the guns. In a day bereft of true heroes, Stonewall's gallant deeds and virtuous conduct still move our hearts with admiration. He shows us how a Christian soldier should live and die.

Standing Like a Stone Wall: The Life of General Thomas J. Jackson
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"Be good, or Stonewall Jackson will get you".

Standing Like a Stone Wall: The Life of General Thomas J. Jackson
Jr., James I. Robertson
Manufacturer: Atheneum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Stonewall Jackson: The Man, the Soldier, the Legend

ASIN: 068982419X
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Book Description

"YOU MAY BE WHAT EVER YOU WILL RESOLVE TO BE."

This was the credo that governed and defined the life of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, perhaps the most extraordinary figure in American military history. From his childhood as an unloved, poorly educated orphan, it was Jackson's pure determination that impelled him from his humble origins. A shy man, with some particularly odd habits, Jackson was an outcast by many standards. But it was his single-mindedness of purpose that landed him a position at West Point where he struggled but ultimately prevailed. It was his unflappable courage combined with an emerging and unshakeable faith in God that led him to distinguish himself in the Mexican-American War. Then, after serving as a professor at the Virginia Military Institute, Jackson rose to true glory during the Civil War where, during the first major battle, he received what is perhaps the most famous nickname in military history. Beloved by his men whom he drove to the limits of endurance, feared and yet admired greatly by his enemies whom he constantly surprised with his brilliant tactics, Jackson was a general who, in the heat of battle, was seemingly blind to his own personal danger. Victory after victory, he allowed himself no personal triumph but would often be seen astride his faithful horse, Sorrel, his hand thrust toward the sky, deep in prayer of thanks to the God who had allowed his cause to prevail.

James I. Robertson Jr., history professor at Virginia Tech and the recognized authority on the life of "Stonewall" Jackson, offers young readers a gripping biography of an extraordinary man.

Customer Reviews:

"Be good, or Stonewall Jackson will get you"........2006-12-04

This, according to a very enjoyable biography by James Robertson, is how Union mothers in the years of the Civil War tried to convince their unruly children to behave. It is one of many fascinating stories in the incredible life and military career of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.

I have always heard Jackson described as "Lee's right hand" and "the Confederacy's greatest general". I have never studied exactly how he came to gain this reputation, nor considered how much it was deserved. While I was reading this book, I came across a military history magazine with the cover story (I think this is how they phrased it) "How Strange WAS Stonewall Jackson?" After finishing this biography, I'd have to say "pretty darn strange". He was a man of mediocre intellect but exceptional drive. He had a religious faith of childlike simplicity to which he was entirely devoted, and which left him utterly convinced that he was called to military service. He behaved with reckless courage in many battles, in part because he seems to have found it inconceivable that God would let him be injured. He fought for the South, and believed slavery was part of God's plan, but he was a devoted teacher of religion and literacy to slaves in his home church. He drove his men on such fast forced marches that they took to calling themselves "foot cavalry", yet they loved him like a father. He was a stern disciplinarian with students a Virginia Military Institute, yet a pushover with young children. The contradictions continue for most of the book.

I struggled to decide how to rate this. I think the reader most apt to enjoy this would be one with an interest in history , but enough unfamiliarity with the details of the key Civil War battles that this would not seem redundant. I think a avid fan of such histories would still get enough out of this to find it worthwhile. I think that a reader not in those two categories might be somewhat put off by Jackson's strangeness, but would still be rewarded with a fast-paced look at the details of a great American's life. I give it four stars, and I'd go to 4 and 1/2 if I could.

Early life and letters of General Thomas J. Jackson, "Stonewall" Jackson,

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Early life and letters of General Thomas J. Jackson, "Stonewall" Jackson,
Thomas Jackson Arnold
Manufacturer: The Dietz Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007DR7H4

Richard S. Ewell: A Soldier's Life (Civil War America)

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A Complete Look At Ewell: Modest but Dutiful Soldier
Are you sure Robert K. Krick read this?
Ewell gets his turn in the spotlight...
An Excellent Read!
This is a fine biography of confederate Gen. Richard S.Ewell

Richard S. Ewell: A Soldier's Life (Civil War America)
Donald C. Pfanz
Manufacturer: The University of North Carolina Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 080785817X

Amazon.com

Confederate general Richard Ewell has never received the attention he deserves, according to his biographer Donald C. Pfanz. Ewell's many impressive military achievements have gone largely unnoticed, and his few failures--among them arguably blowing an opportunity to turn Gettysburg into a Southern victory--have often served as reasons to blame Confederate losses on anybody but its more revered generals, such as Robert E. Lee. Ewell's greatest accomplishment, suggests Pfanz, was leading third-rate troops in defense of Petersburg when Federal soldiers broke through at Fort Harrison. "Had [Stonewall] Jackson been in charge rather than Ewell, historians would have touted the battle as a military masterpiece. But ... the episode was forgotten. Historians have all but ignored it since." Despite such assessments, Richard S. Ewell: A Soldier's Life is no hagiography; Pfanz cites shortcomings in both Ewell's personality (bad temper) and judgment (at Spotsylvania, for instance). Still, this book is mainly a robust defense of a second-tier general who deserves better than what he's received from other historians.

Book Description

General Richard Stoddert Ewell holds a unique place in the history of the Army of Northern Virginia. For four months Ewell was Stonewall Jackson's most trusted subordinate; when Jackson died, Ewell took command of the Second Corps, leading it at Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House.

In this biography, Donald Pfanz presents the most detailed portrait yet of the man sometimes referred to as Stonewall Jackson's right arm. Drawing on a rich array of previously untapped original source materials, Pfanz concludes that Ewell was a highly competent general, whose successes on the battlefield far outweighed his failures.

Customer Reviews:

A Complete Look At Ewell: Modest but Dutiful Soldier .......2006-07-07

This is a refreshing and informative look at Richard Ewell, before, after and of course during the Civil War. Often described as a failure after succeeding Jackson and becoming leader of the Lee's new 2nd Corp, Ewell has suffered severe criticism for the first day of Gettysburg and for his emotional response to the breach at Spotsylvania. Pfanz provides a fair and colorful look at the dependable soldier that fought the second half of the war with a wooden leg and overall served much better than superficial history would lead you to believe. Pfanz profiles Ewell's early life efficiently noting that Ewell's family as a whole were eccentric and Ewell himself a very thin and balding man who spoke with a lisp. Although lacking in military forbearance, Ewell completes West Point and serves gallantly as a dragoon officer in the west occasionally fighting Indians with high praise. Pfanz provides a full perspective of Ewell as a brave soldier who initially though Jackson crazy and in a rather amusing historical telling, Pfanz describes how at one point several generals in Jackson's command think each other unbalanced. As Pfanz describes, Ewell fights extremely well for Jackson particularly at Cross Keys and at Winchester. Although literally pegged as an officer that follows explicit orders, Pfanz clarifies that Ewell fought extraordinary well particularly in the initial stages of the Gettysburg campaign in capturing Winchester and marching virtually to Harrisonburg. He also fought brilliantly at the Wilderness and for the most part at Spotsylvania. As Pfanz notes, Ewell saved Richmond during Butler's great onslaught attack in the fall of 1864, which is a little appreciated fact. After Butler captured Fort Harrison his attack is stymied by Ewell who masks his small force by using the woods to limit the view of his small defiant band. Richard Sommer's writes of this wonderfully in his book "Richmond Reeemed". Pfanz notes Ewell's one quality that may have not worked in his favor; he frequently asked the opinions of others in contrast to Jubal Early who frequently gave opinions. At Gettysburg, Lee's directives were not precise to Ewell who contended with his July 1 victory with rounding up 5,000 union prisoners, waiting for Johnson's division along with a report of union troops appearing on his left flank. On top of that, Early would not support an attack on Cemetery or Culp's Hill. Nor would Early support shifting Ewell's corps to the right to pull the lines together as Lee wished. Pfanz notes that communication failures appear to be the biggest command problem at Gettysburg along with a lack of forceful leadership from Lee along with the union's will to fight. Ewell also suffers a slight from Gordon, whose self serving personal history make him a questionable source, stung Ewell in Lee's eyes as Gordon relates how Ewell virtually squandered a surprise attack on the union right. Acting judiciously, Ewell orders the attack but may have looked inept to Lee after his brilliant attack and defense in the Wilderness. The almost humorous episode of Ewell trying to stop retreating soldiers at Spotsylvania, cussing at them and slapping them on the back with his sword appears too much for Lee and Ewell's ill advised attack that was suppose to be more reconnaissance in nature virtually keys Lee's decision to replace Ewell with Early when Ewell is momentarily ill. Unfortunately, Ewell's romance with his old flame and new bride caused a huge negative reaction with his staff particularly when she intervened with staff activities and her husband's time raising doubts about his focus. Pfanz provides fascinating detail on the correspondence between Ewell and Lee where Ewell sadly tries to return to command while Lee gently tries to tell him he is not needed at the front. Ewell finishes his confederate career in charge of the Richmond defenses finishing the war on the road to Appomattox at Saylers Creek when he is cut off and alone with Anderson's division. Pretty amazing story after the war that the man missing a leg, with several horses shot out from under him, and two horses roll over him, survives to live a life as a vigorous business man. Ewell was a modest man who, unlike Longstreet, died before Jubal Early rewrote his version of confederate history.

Are you sure Robert K. Krick read this?.......2005-10-31

I disagree with a line written by Mr. Pfanz in his biography of Ewell.
On page 326 of the book he discusses the failure of General Robert Rodes to attack Cemetery Hill the evening of July 2.This has been discussed in every book I have read on Gettysburg. However, Mr Pfanz has decided to put his own spin on an old subject. He states "he(Rodes) tried to deflect his failure onto his subordinate Stephen D. Ramseur." This is the first accusation of disloyalty and pettiness that I have ever read of General Rodes.
I would ask the reader to check Rode's Official Report on the battle and try to discern how Mr. Pfanz could have come to the conclusion that the General was guilty of something so dishonorable.
Too bad Rodes is not here to defend himself. It is easy to malign the dead.

Pleasant reading but nothing really new on Ewell- a kind,brave and generous man who was very good at being a general until he was so severely wounded at Groveton.

Ewell gets his turn in the spotlight..........2002-04-13

Pfanz offers a most credible account of the life and times of one of the "lesser" lights of the Confederate pantheon. While indeed "Baldy Dick" lacks the nobility of Genl Lee or the exciting eccentricity of Thom Jackson, this offering serves the good general well. I found the author pretty balanced in his recitation of Ewell's trials and tribulation, be it in the realm of military action or his personal life. While this text is 500+ pages of small print, those with a particular interest in Confederate military lore will appreciate author Pfanz's efforts to bring Richard Stoddert Ewell to life...

An Excellent Read!.......2001-11-09

Gen. Richard Ewell. A figure from history that has been all but ignored until now. While many blame Ewell for the loss at Gettysburg, One finds a different side of the story. The reading flows smoothly. I have really enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Gen.Richard Ewell. The author expolores his background as a Dragoon, fighting Indians and his faithful service to the Confederacy. Also mentioned is his conversion to Christainity as a result of his rubbing elbows with Stonewall Jackson. I suggest you add this book to your library!

This is a fine biography of confederate Gen. Richard S.Ewell.......1998-07-18

There are three impressive aspects of this work. First, it is quite readable. The battle scenes and other events are as lively as a full color film. The historic characters are full dimensional figures who inhabit the book rather than being referred to. Even minor Ewell family members are brought to life realistically.

Second, the terrain is imaginatively and graphically depicted. The author has a real sense of the places and the climate of the times. This is also supported by good made-to-order maps of important locales.

Third, practically every assertion in the book is backed up by solid primary and secondary historical sources. This is done with no intrusion on the readability of the text. No judgment is made without balancing all extant points of view. A real work of moderm scholarship.

Book Description

Davis approaches the subjects with the zest of an author who has a richly interesting human being to write about.--Bruce Catton

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good.......2006-12-22

I enjoyed this, but can't say I learned a lot that I didn't already know from other readings. Still, its interesting subject matter about an interesting person. If you're interested in blow-by-blow of the battles, this isn't the book for you.

Historical Background.......2005-05-26

Where can I find a historical Background of this book?

Mighty Stonewall........2004-01-08

This book has come in for some criticism from other reviewers and many of their points are well taken. One has to remember however that this book was first published in 1954, a time when the cult of the lost cause was still very much alive and kicking. This is a prime example of civil war literature of that era. Davis actually shows a good deal of courage in that he did criticize the mighty Stonewall at all. No, this book does not compare favorably with some of the civil war studies that are available today, but it still has a place. In fact this would be an excellent book for someone with no background in civil war studies. For someone who has never heard of A.P. Hill or Richard Ewell this book offers an excellent introduction to the campaigns in Virginia.

Davis has a pleasant writing style, which makes this an easy book to read. He sprinkles his narrative with amusing antidotes which add greatly to the book and he does not get bogged down in battle the battle details that derail so many books of this sort. The map of the valley campaign does allow the reader to get an idea of the relation of the significant points to each other but a few more maps sprinkled here and there would be of a great deal of help. Jackson of course wore his religion on his sleeve and Davis deals with that extensively. Calvin's influence is obvious although I found it interesting that while in Mexico the General flirted with the Roman Catholic Church. Some of Jackson's habits however cannot be explained by his religious beliefs and some of his behavior is frankly quite odd. Davis gets points for pointing out that Jackson absolutely refused to take any responsibility for failure, always looking for a scapegoat. This of course explains the long running feuds he had with some of his generals. In 1954 circles that criticism of the much revered Stonewall must have raised some eyebrows for as every southerner who is over 40 knows, Stonewall was always right and we would have won easily at Gettysburg if he had only been there. Every time we go to Gettysburg my wife points that out to me and thinks I am crazy because I don't necessarily agree with her.

I do have a problem with the fact that Davis does not have the courage to take on the Jackson legend so far as to point out his failures during the Seven Days Battles. I realize that it would have been a hard sell in 1954 but Davis fails to do much more than point out that Jackson was unusually slow during this period and does not really even attempt to answer the questions raised by the General's behavior. In fact, had Jackson not failed so badly during this campaign the Union army might have been almost destroyed. After Jackson's failure below Richmond it is indeed almost a miracle that Lee would later have enough confidence in Jackson to give him command of a corps. A lot more detail would have helped in this area.

Overall though, I found this to be an excellent biography. There is to be found here what was new information in 1954. This book in fact has been the foundation for many of the later and yes, better studies of Stonewall Jackson. This book has remained in print now for fifty years. That in itself should be a clear indicator that this is one of the all time classic studies of the civil war.

Excellent and Easy To Understand!.......2003-07-23

This is a well written and easy to follow book on the life of "Stonewall" Jackson. The book not only covers Jackson's military genius, but probes into the mind of the man himself. You come away from this book with a deeper understanding of Jackson, his strong religious convictions, his military fierceness, his strict discipline and his gentle side as well.
Upon reading this book, one realizes that Jackson was a complex man. Highly recommended reading for all Civil War buffs!

A capable, though not outstanding, work on Jackson.......2002-12-14

Certainly one of the most ingenious commanders of the Civil War, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson provides an interesting profile for a biographer. He was a brilliant commander, and led his troops on grinding marches for days at a time in order to secure gallant victories in the face of insurmountable odds. When he died Robert E. Lee lamented that he had lost his right arm, and indeed Jackson's loss was deeply felt by the Confederacy.

There was more to this man, however, than just the brilliant military strategist. He was also a devout man of God, humble and ever-willing to submit to the Divine will and give Him all the glory for his many victories. Behind General Jackson there was Jackson the believer, and the latter is just as much a part of Stonewall's history as the former.

Burke Davis does a decent job of narrating Jackson's life, though not extraordinary. The battle sequences are vague and difficult to follow, and the maps provide no assistance whatsoever. Davis frequently assumes he knows what Jackson was thinking, and often tells us just how Jackson felt about something. Sources are not cited, and we are left to wonder how much of the story is actually based on fact, and how much on speculation.

Davis's biography is satisfactory, but it does not do Stonewall's military actions justice. Some of the maneuvers he made and the victories he had were downright brilliant, and Davis leaves much to be desired in this respect. Still, the biography gives a decent portrait of Jackson's life. There are many biographies on Stonewall Jackson out there, and I would recommend this one only if one better is not available (as in my city's library).

The Family and Early Life of Stonewall Jackson

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The Family and Early Life of Stonewall Jackson

Manufacturer: Eastern Digital Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000FH7NDU

Product Description

Reprint of the 1924 ed. About a third of the book covers Jackson's military career. Detailed genealogies of the Jacksons and affiliated families included.

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Excellent insight of one of the greatest generals in American history
SOLDIER OF THE CROSS
Great Short Read
the source of Stonewall's maxims
An inspiring look at a man 100% determined to overcome his limitations

Stonewall Jackson's Book of Maxims
Stonewall Jackson
Manufacturer: Cumberland House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Christ in the Camp

ASIN: 1581822960

Book Description

Few men have ever started from humbler beginnings and risen to greater heights. Thomas J. Jackson never sought fame, but he could not escape its light when opportunity came. At the same time, the louder people cheered, the more embarrassed he became. Fatally wounded by friendly fire on May 2, 1863, Jackson has continued to live in the American memory. His sobriquet "Stonewall" remains the most famous nickname in American military history. The manner in which Jackson lived his life was heavily influenced by the writings of Lord Chesterfield, whose published letters to his son on self-improvement were popular in polite society. No single work—save the Bible—more influenced Jackson in his evolution as a polished gentleman. As a cadet at West Point, he felt compelled to compose his own book of maxims. Jackson's maxims are reproduced here as he wrote them. Accompanying each are insights into the man by today's foremost authority on the general, James I. Robertson Jr.!

This information includes the origin of the adage, one or more quotations paralleling the maxim, how Jackson may have applied the idea in his own life, and how certain maxims offer insights into the mind of the man. Following Jackson's death in 1863, this book of maxims disappeared. Subsequent generations could only assume that it was a casualty of time. When Robertson began to research his landmark biography of Jackson in the late 1980s, he came across the original notebook of maxims in a collection of papers that had been given to Tulane University at the turn of the twentieth century. The contents are reproduced here in full.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent insight of one of the greatest generals in American history.......2007-09-13

Not only does this book provide the maxims written by Stonewall but it also provides insight into those maxims. Fantastic book and I highly recommend it to anybody who wants to better understand the man they called "Stonewall".

SOLDIER OF THE CROSS.......2007-05-28

Regardless of who actually originated the maxims that Stonewall collected, what is amazing to me is how steadfastly he followed every single one of these sayings incorporating them into his own character. Each of these sayings was a command, which he seemed to take to his soldier's heart, as if it had come from G-d Himself. I'm sure he wasn't thinking of publication when he collected these, nor was he submitting it for an academic grade, lying that every single phrase had originated from his gray (intensely) matter. He was an amazing gentleman, and please don't ever get rid of West Point. Some fine people come out of that institution.

Great Short Read.......2007-01-03

I loved reading this book! Anecdotes were used from a multiple of sources to describe the marvelous character of General Jackson. The material presented here can readily be applied to your own life today. It is the kind of book you can read and walk away refreshed in not only learning what it takes to be a great man and American hero, but a true man of God. It will be a stretch for most readers just to reach up and touch General Stonewall Jackson's shoelaces.

the source of Stonewall's maxims.......2006-11-15

James I. Robertson, Jr. is an indefatigable researcher, and no one knows more about Jackson than he does. But this book is not his best work.

Unbeknownst to Robertson, Stonewall's maxims come almost exclusively from William Alcott's _Young Man's Guide_ and Franklin's Autobiography. Ironically, Alcott was the uncle of Louisa May Alcott and the brother of transcendentalist Bronson Alcott.

Please forgive my self-promotion, as this article focuses on the maxim book: see Wallace Hettle, "The Minister, the Martyr, and the Maxim: Robert Lewis Dabney and Stonewall Jackson Biography," Civil War History, Dec. 2003.

An inspiring look at a man 100% determined to overcome his limitations.......2006-06-11

Jackson is a fascinating man who had some really serious problems and issues but who was determined to apply his faith in God and his absolute best efforts towards being the very best man he could be. The commentary in this book draws that point out very well.

The maxims are Jackson's self help book or memory aide to his efforts to overcoming his painful social awkwardness. In other words these are the things that Jackson felt he needed to work on badly enough to write down for future reference. As a piece of self revelation it is pretty profound.

The quotes in the book from Jackson's wife and associates show just how far he got in his quest to improve. He never totally overcame a lot of his problems (after all, who does?), but the effort he put into the attempt is breathtaking and, as I found, very inspiring. This is a short book and well worth reading and re-reading.

Life and campaigns of Lieut.-Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, (Stonewall Jackson)

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Life & Campaigns....
A Soldier in the Army of God
Very informative and enlightening.

Life and campaigns of Lieut.-Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, (Stonewall Jackson)
Robert Lewis Dabney
Manufacturer: Sprinkle Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006WA7FA

Customer Reviews:

Life & Campaigns...........2005-11-26

This is absolutely great! General Jackson was a Christian and a warrior. This is by far the best Civil War book I have read.

A Soldier in the Army of God.......2004-10-28

Summary

One of the difficulties in reviewing a biography is resisting the temptation to write a summary of a summary. This is made more difficult when the author has no specific purpose in writing the biography. Robert Lewis Dabney, however, wrote with a clear goal in mind-to vindicate the cause for which his hero, Lt. General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, fought. Dabney's motives were two-fold: to use Jackson's Christian character as an example of hope and perseverance to Jackson's defeated countrymen (vi., all citations and summarizations will be cited by page numbers within parentheses). Secondly, Dabney sought to vindicate the cause for which the South fought-the doctrine of state's rights as Dabney interpreted it. Dabney attempted, not so much to narrate Stonewall Jackson's life, but to give reasons for why Jackson faced each situation, during war-time and peace-time, and the influences that drove Jackson.

Review

Stonewall Jackson's life is described by hardship, courage, and fidelity. Jackson was born on 21 January, 1824 in Clarksburg, VA. Within the first six years of his life Jackson's sister and mother die, forcing him to live with relatives. Although he experienced hardship with his relatives, at the same time he began to cultivate diligence and devotion to family and country; it was at West Point that the diligence would come to full fruition. Jackson was by no means intellectually prepared to study at West Point. This was evident by his finishing his first year ranked 71st in the class. His diligence paid off as he graduated in the top third of his class.

After finishing at West Point, Jackson would soon head to Mexico to serve in the Mexican War. This proved to be a crucial period in Jackson's life as he distinguished himself as competent artillery man and began an interest in Christianity. After exploring the different denominations Jackson was baptized in the Presbyterian Church in the early 1850's (60-61, he did not actually join the church until he moved back to Virginia). It could be argued (and Dabney takes its truth for granted) that one cannot understand Stonewall Jackson without understanding his Christianity which occupied every moment of his existence. In fact, Dabney uses Jackson's religious convictions to tie in all other themes in his life: "As God's nature and will were to him the standard of that which is right, and the fountain-head of obligation, so, whenever he found a fellow-creature clothed by the sanction of right, with legitimate authority over his conscience, he honored and obeyed him within his proper sphere, as a bearer of a delegated portion of the majesty of heaven; and his respect became a religious sentiment" (87). This mentality above all else would be the force that drove Jackson into war; having sworn fidelity to Virginia and seeing her cause as God's cause, he could then fight for Virginia and the South as he was fighting for God.

In speaking of the cause for Secession and Jackson's belief in it, Dabney is at his literary best. Dabney described Jackson as a "States'-Rights' Democrat" and spends the next thirty pages describing the implications of that view. Dabney argued that the right of a state, primarily Virginia, accepted the Constitution on one condition: that she could retire from the Union if she found the situation to be unsatisfactory to her sovereignty (130). Although this part of the book shows Dabney at his best, it is hard to see how much of these thoughts are Dabney's and how much are Jackson's. Dabney briefly mentions slavery and that it was "not the cause, but only the occasion, of the Southern resistance" (163).

Understanding the political and religious convictions of Jackson, Dabney then applied this understanding to the Civil War. Jackson fought each battle with the same intensity with which he lived every other aspect of his life: a religious devotion to God coupled with a fervent desire to his superiors. Although Dabney never explicitly phrased it this way, Jackson saw himself as a soldier fighting in the army of God. The Southern Cause was God's cause, or so Jackson thought. As a result, Jackson could attribute each victory in battle to the blessing of God, as his letters to his wife show (229).

Critique

Although one may fault Dabney with writing a biased account of the Civil War and his hero in particular, Dabney would have freely admitted as much. Dabney was privy to much personal information about Jackson and had the advantage of serving as his chief-of-staff for a year in 1862, giving him key insight into important battles. Although his prose was laborious at times, having warmed up to his subject he could reach elegant literary heights. A fine example is his defense of Virginia in response to President Abraham Lincoln's call for an invasion of the South, "But when the tyrant tried the perilous experiment, he was startled by a result as unexpected as that which followed the touch of Ithuriel's spear. She, whom he thought a patient, hesitating...paralytic, flamed up...like a pyramid of fire, and Virginia stood forth again in her immortal youth, the unterrified Commonwealth of 1776...wielding that sword which has ever flashed before the eyes of aggressors, the Sic Semper Tyrannis" (157). Civil War studies have moved beyond Dabney's time, but his work has rightly gained the title of a classic.

Very informative and enlightening........1999-08-11

I found this book most informative, especially as it was written by a contemporary of Jackson's. (the first part of this book went to print during the Civil War). R.L.Dabney served for a time with Jackson and was asked by Mrs Jackson to write this book. It is, as I suppose it is to be expected, a bit biased in Jackson's favor and the "speak" takes a little getting used to since it was written over one hundred years ago, however this lends this book an air of authenticity. I found the use of Jackson's letters to his wife very informative as they reveal his strength of character and his true devotion to his religion and to the Southern cause as he perceived it. Overall I found this an inspirational book that only served to deepen my already profound respect for this great hero.

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The Life of Stonewall Jackson
John Esten Cooke
Manufacturer: Digital Scanning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1582182515

General Lee's Warrior General Bee's Stonewall Volume II: A Biography of Lt. General Thomas J. Jackson, His Life and Combat

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General Lee's Warrior General Bee's Stonewall Volume II: A Biography of Lt. General Thomas J. Jackson, His Life and Combat
William W. Means
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 141202756X
Release Date: 2006-07-06

Product Description

The life and combat of Lt. Gen. Jackson: an exciting story of courage and determination to become educated (West Point grad), and defend his beloved state against the Yankee invaders!

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