Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (Full Version)

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shenandoah -> Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/8/2007 3:58:26 PM)

Here it is. If you can believe, I have all ready done a lot of editing. More is needed I think. Any suggestions? Maybe removing more dates? I tried to avoid using names and just said Union or some other small word. Later, I will post the rough/first draft of his bio. I ended up with three pages in MSWord. I almost could bind them together and write Cliff notes on the cover.


Lt. Gen. Thomas Jackson (b. 1824, d. 1863) Jackson is considered one of America’s greatest generals, but his life had a humble beginning. Thomas Jackson was born January 21, 1824 in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). Tragically, his father and an older sister died from typhoid in 1826. His mother died from tuberculosis in 1831 leaving an uncle to raise Jackson and a younger sister, Laura at Jackson’s Mill, the family homestead. As a youth, he worked at the mill, raced horses and built a raft where he would cross the river and spend time in the shade of some maple and poplar tress. In 1842, Jackson applied for candidacy into West Point. He lost out to another applicant who, after only one day at West Point, resigned. This allowed Jackson to petition to take his place. It is during this time that he adds the initial J. to his name. He was accepted as a replacement begins his military career that almost never happened. Jackson graduated from West Point in June 1846. The next month, he was ordered to report to Company K, 1st U.S. Artillery as 2nd Lieutenant (brevet) in preparing for war with Mexico. The first battles for Jackson were the siege of Veracruz and Cerro Gordo. Under the command of Capt. John B. Magruder (Co I), he fought at Contreras, Molino Del Rey and Chapultepec. Jackson was promoted to 1st Lt. (brevet major) for his gallantry during the war. After returning to the U.S. in 1848, Jackson was stationed at Fort Hamilton near New York City. The next couple years, Jackson’s interest in religion grew enough to become baptized. October 1850, brought Jackson a transfer to Co. E that Capt. French commanded. In December, Co. E was sent to Fort Meade(named after its founder, Lt. George G. Meade) in Florida. Time there was spent relocating the fort to better ground and scouting patrols looking for Seminoles still fighting to stay in Florida. In early 1851, Jackson received a letter saying his name had been submitted to the Virginia Military Institute as a candidate for professor. Jackson was granted a furlough request in May. He arrived in Lexington, Virginia where he was to begin his life as professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and in Artillery Tactics at VMI for the next ten years. He was excellent as an instructor in artillery but in philosophy, Jackson’s boring, monotonous lectures and strict discipline for learning by the book, word for word, lead to students’ difficulty in the course and sometimes confrontations. On Aug 4, 1853, he married Elinor Junkin. Tragedy struck in Oct., 1854, when Ellie died after giving birth to a stillborn son. Three years later on July 16, Jackson married Anna Morrison, sister-in-law to Daniel H. Hill. Anna gave birth to a girl on April 30, 1858. One month later, the infant died from a liver disorder. During these years leading up to the war, Jackson had become very devoutly religious. He did not write letters on Sunday. He did not curse, use tobacco or drink alcohol for he admitted he liked the taste too much. His sister had become an atheist and a Unionist so their relationship declined. Jackson did own slaves. He accepted slavery because God allowed slavery to exist. He created a Sunday school where he taught slaves and freeman to read the bible. It was illegal to teach slaves to read in Virginia but his argument was that every Christian should have the right to read the bible. No charges were ever brought against him. Jackson bought a house and showed interest in gardening and home repair. The home life began to change when John Brown lead a raid on Harper’s Ferry arsenal in October 1859. VMI was asked to help with security during Brown’s execution. The corps of 64 cadets was lead by Major William Gilham. Jackson was in charge of 21 cadets and two howitzers. On April 17, 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union and Jackson went with his state. Four days later, Jackson led the corps of cadets out of Lexington to Richmond where he was to help organize and drill new recruits. Jackson was made Colonel and ordered to Harper’s Ferry and take command. During this time, he acquired a horse for his wife from a seized train and named it Fancy. Impressed by the horse, he decided to keep it. Everyone else called it Little Sorrel. Late May, Brig. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston arrived and was given command of the garrison. Jackson was given command of newly formed 1st Virginia Brigade. Jackson’s first battle was at Falling Waters, Virginia on July 2. Jackson was promoted to Brig. Gen. July 3. July 18 brought orders for Johnston to reinforce Brig. Gen. PGT Beauregard at Manassas Junction. The 1st Brigade was the vanguard as the army marched east. Johnston seeing he would not get there in time by marching, had the men board the train at Piedmont Station to arrive for the 1st Battle of Manassas. Jackson moved the 1st Brigade to Henry House Hill and set a defensive line to stop the Union. During this time, Brig. Gen. Bernard E. Bee, after talking with Jackson, rode over to his men to rally them after their retreat from Matthews Hill by saying, “Look men, there is Jackson standing like a stone wall!” The 1st Brigade made many charges on Henry House Hill. As reinforcements arrived, the South routed the Union. Jackson was wounded during the battle with a cut and broken left middle finger. The next few months, he and the Stonewall Brigade camped in the area. On Oct 7, Jackson was promoted to Major Gen. The next month, he was ordered to take command of the Shenandoah Valley District. Jackson’s Jan. 1862 winter campaign of Bath and Romney, Virginia was hardship and controversy. Although successful in driving away the Union forces, bad weather and relations with brigade commanders and government leaders deteriorated. Jackson submitted his resignation but withdrew it later. On March 23, 1862, Jackson engaged the Union at Kernstown after a 14 mile march and with faulty intelligence which all lead to his only defeat. Jackson, in May, deceptively marched his army out of the Valley with the Union thinking he was going to Richmond. The army crossed over the Blue Ridge Mtns. and boarded trains to return back into the Valley to surprise the Union. The battle of McDowell had Jackson defeating the Union. He then marched his men down the Valley pushing Union Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks north to Strasburg where Banks dug in. Jackson marched the army over New Market Gap in a flanking maneuver. First was the battle of Front Royal which was a complete surprise and victory. The battle of Winchester followed with the routing of Banks. Jackson withdrew south, up the Valley pursued by the Union. The victories at Cross Keys and Port Republic were the closing of the campaign. Jackson was then ordered to Richmond to fight in the Peninsula Campaign. He arrived with his army for the battles of Seven Days. Gen. Robert Lee then sent Jackson to Gordonsville to stop the Union advance. Jackson fought against Banks and defeated him at Cedar Mountain. Lee then sent Jackson on a flanking march to get behind the Union. The capture of Bristoe Station and the night attack at Manassas Junction gave Jackson much needed supplies. It was followed by the battles of Groveton, 2nd Manassas and Chantilly. The Maryland Campaign began and Lee divided his forces sending Jackson to take Harpers Ferry. He captured supplies and paroled 12,000 prisoners. He then went to fight at the battle of Antietam. After the battle, Jackson was made Lt. Gen. and given the newly formed II Corps. In Nov. 1862, II Corps marched to Fredericksburg to help defend against the Union. As Jackson arrived, he received word he had a baby daughter named, Julia. At the battle, Gen. Meade attacked Jackson’s line and was defeated. Spring of 1863 brought the Chancellorsville Campaign and Jackson’s greatest march. Lee divides his army and sends Jackson on a flanking march. On May 2, late afternoon, Jackson began the attack on the Union right. The XI Corps was routed but the advance stalled. After dark, Jackson, some officers, staff and scouts rode out between the lines to observe Union positions. When returning, the group was fired upon by the 18th North Carolina Regiment. Jackson was hit once in the right hand and twice in the left arm. The left arm required amputation and the wounds began to heal, however, he developed pneumonia. On May 10, he passed away and was laid to rest in Lexington, Virginia. Jackson’s final words were, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.”



shenandoah -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/8/2007 4:00:36 PM)

After seeing it in thread form, there is still a lot of info to edit. What is most important, I would think is military career. Have to cut out some personal stuff.



jkBluesman -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/8/2007 6:39:35 PM)

That must have been a lot of work. From personal experience with the 3900 character limit, I suggest that you cut down the family part and the Mexican events as well as the John Brown incident, even the events at the beginning of the war might be shortened (recruiting duty, his horse etc.). I would like to read more about his Valley campaign and his performance during the Seven Days. Perhaps to include some of his way of commanding would be great too (disciplinarian, secrecy etc.).
Good Luck.



cesteman -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/8/2007 8:00:41 PM)

where do you guys come up with this stuff? Great work.



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/8/2007 10:47:41 PM)

It's a real shame, but the 3900-char. limit can't be worked around -- it causes the program to malfunction -- and this bio is significantly over that limit. I'll let you make the call on what should be removed. I think the main emphasis should be during the Civil War, so info like a sister dying of typhoid would be less important.

Please see if you can at least get it down to 4200 characters, since I could shorten it from there.



shenandoah -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/13/2007 4:46:38 PM)

How close am I this time to 3900? I tried to find something in MS Word to tell me how many characters are in a document. Unable to find it.

Lt. Gen. Thomas Jackson (b. 1824, d. 1863) Jackson is considered one of America’s greatest generals, but his life had a humble beginning. Thomas Jackson was born January 21, 1824 in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). His parents died when he was young leaving an uncle to raise Jackson at Jackson’s Mill. As a youth, he worked at the mill, raced horses and built a raft where he would cross the river and spend time in the shade of some trees. In 1842, Jackson applied for candidacy into West Point. He lost out to another applicant who, after only one day at West Point, resigned. This allowed Jackson to petition to take his place. It is during this time that he adds the initial J. to his name. He was accepted as a replacement begins his military career that almost never happened. Jackson graduated from West Point in June 1846. The next month, he was ordered to report to 1st U.S. Artillery as 2nd Lieutenant in preparing for war with Mexico. The battles Jackson was in were the siege of Veracruz and Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Molino Del Rey and Chapultepec. Jackson was promoted to 1st Lt. for his gallantry during the war. After returning to the U.S. in 1848, Jackson was stationed at Fort Hamilton near New York City. In 1850, brought Jackson was sent to Fort Meade in Florida. Time there was spent relocating the fort to better ground and scouting patrols looking for Seminoles. In early 1851, Jackson received a letter saying his name had been submitted to the Virginia Military Institute as a candidate for professor. Jackson was granted a furlough request in May. He arrived in Lexington, Virginia where he was to begin his life as professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and in Artillery Tactics at VMI for the next ten years. He was excellent as an instructor in artillery but in philosophy, Jackson’s boring, monotonous lectures and strict discipline for learning by the book, word for word, lead to students’ difficulty in the course and sometimes confrontations. On April 17, 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union and Jackson went with his state. Four days later, Jackson led the corps of cadets out of Lexington to Richmond where he was to help organize and drill new recruits. Jackson was made Colonel and ordered to Harper’s Ferry and take command. During this time, he acquired a horse for his wife from a seized train and named it Fancy. Impressed by the horse, he decided to keep it. Everyone else called it Little Sorrel. Late May, Brig. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston arrived and was given command of the garrison. Jackson was given command of newly formed 1st Virginia Brigade. Jackson’s first battle was at Falling Waters, Virginia on July 2. Jackson was promoted to Brig. Gen. July 3. July 18 brought orders for Johnston to reinforce Brig. Gen. PGT Beauregard at Manassas Junction. The 1st Brigade was the vanguard as the army marched east. Johnston seeing he would not get there in time by marching, had the men board the train at Piedmont Station to arrive for the 1st Battle of Manassas. Jackson moved the 1st Brigade to Henry House Hill and set a defensive line to stop the Union. During this time, Brig. Gen. Bernard E. Bee, after talking with Jackson, rode over to his men to rally them after their retreat from Matthews Hill by saying, “Look men, there is Jackson standing like a stone wall!” The 1st Brigade made many charges on Henry House Hill. As reinforcements arrived, the South routed the Union. Jackson was wounded during the battle with a cut and broken left middle finger. The next few months, he and the Stonewall Brigade camped in the area. On Oct 7, Jackson was promoted to Major Gen. The next month, he was ordered to take command of the Shenandoah Valley District. Jackson’s Jan. 1862 winter campaign of Bath and Romney, Virginia was hardship and controversy. Although successful in driving away the Union forces, bad weather and relations with brigade commanders and government leaders deteriorated. Jackson submitted his resignation but withdrew it later. On March 23, 1862, Jackson engaged the Union at Kernstown after a 14 mile march and with faulty intelligence which all lead to his only defeat. Jackson, in May, deceptively marched his army out of the Valley with the Union thinking he was going to Richmond. The army crossed over the Blue Ridge Mtns. and boarded trains to return back into the Valley to surprise the Union. The battle of McDowell had Jackson defeating the Union. He then marched his men down the Valley pushing the Union north to Strasburg where they dug in. Jackson marched the army over New Market Gap in a flanking maneuver. The battle of Front Royal was a victory followed by the battle of Winchester. Jackson withdrew south, up the Valley pursued by the Union. The victories at Cross Keys and Port Republic were the closing of the campaign. Jackson was then ordered to Richmond to fight in the Peninsula Campaign. He arrived with his army for the battles of Seven Days. Gen. Robert E. Lee then sent Jackson to Gordonsville to stop the Union advance. Jackson fought against Banks and defeated him at Cedar Mountain. Lee then sent Jackson on a flanking march to get behind the Union. The capture of Bristoe Station and the night attack at Manassas Junction gave Jackson much needed supplies. It was followed by the battles of Groveton, 2nd Manassas and Chantilly. The Maryland Campaign began and Lee divided his forces sending Jackson to take Harpers Ferry. He captured supplies and paroled 12,000 prisoners. He then went to fight at Antietam. After the battle, Jackson was made Lt. Gen. and given the newly formed II Corps. In Nov. 1862, II Corps marched to Fredericksburg to help defend against the Union. At the battle, the Union attacked Jackson’s line and was defeated. Spring of 1863 brought the Chancellorsville Campaign. Lee divides his army and sends Jackson on a flanking march. On May 2, late afternoon, Jackson began the attack on the Union right. The XI Corps was routed but the advance stalled. After dark, Jackson, some officers, staff and scouts rode out between the lines to observe Union positions. When returning, the group was fired upon by the 18th North Carolina Regiment. Jackson was hit once in the right hand and twice in the left arm. The left arm required amputation and the wounds began to heal, however, he developed pneumonia. On May 10, he passed away and was laid to rest in Lexington, Virginia. Jackson’s final words were, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.”

I left a little bit about him being young and crossing over the river which is the West Fork River. Most people know about his dying words but do not understand what he meant by them. As he was dying, he reversed back through life in his delirious state. Ending with his fondest, earliest memories as a child which were not many.

The one source for this bio is Stonewall Jackson by James Robertson. Great book, the book on Jackson. He is one of those guys on History Channel Civil War Journal.



jkBluesman -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/13/2007 6:19:58 PM)

You get statistics under "Extra" in MS Word. There it tells you the number of pages, words, characters and characters with spaces. The last one is the column you need. 3900 characters with spaces is about three quaters of a page to one full page. You are at roughly 6500 at the moment.



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/14/2007 2:11:40 AM)

I just highlight a text and then hit ALT-T-W and get the count.

It looks like chunks still need to come out, but space can also be saved by making the writing less elegant -- e.g., instead of "he passed away and was laid to rest" (35 chars.) you can use "he died and was buried" (22 chars.).

Note that spaces need to count as characters.

The bit about how he got into West Point is interesting, but should probably be cut. Looks like at least 100 characters right there.



shenandoah -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/15/2007 9:17:20 PM)

Lt. Gen. Thomas Jackson (b. 1824, d. 1863) One of America’s greatest generals had a humble beginning. Thomas Jackson was born January 21, 1824 in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). His parents died when he was young leaving an uncle to raise him at Jackson’s Mill. As a youth, he worked at the mill, raced horses and built a raft where he would cross the river and spend time in the shade of some trees. Jackson graduated from West Point in June 1846. The next month, he was ordered to report to 1st U.S. Artillery as 2nd Lieutenant in preparing for war with Mexico. Jackson was in the siege of Veracruz and battles at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Molino Del Rey and Chapultepec. He was promoted to 1st Lt. for his gallantry during the war. In early 1851, Jackson left the military and became a professor at the Virginia Military Institute. He arrived in Lexington, Virginia where he began his life as professor for the next ten years. On April 17, 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union and Jackson went with his state. Four days later, he led the corps of cadets to Richmond where he helped organize and drill new recruits. Jackson was made Colonel and went to Harper’s Ferry to take command. Late May, he was given command of 1st Virginia Brigade. Jackson’s first battle was Falling Waters on July 2. He was promoted to Brig. Gen. July 3. Orders then came to reinforce Manassas Junction. At Manassas, Jackson moved the 1st Brigade to Henry House Hill and set a defensive line to stop the Union. At this time, Brig. Gen. Bernard E. Bee, after talking with Jackson, rode over to his men to rally them after their retreat from Matthews Hill by saying, “Look men, there is Jackson standing like a stone wall!” As reinforcements arrived, the South routed the Union. On Oct 7, Jackson was promoted to Major Gen. The next month, he was ordered to take command of the Shenandoah Valley District. Jackson’s Jan. 1862 winter campaign of Bath and Romney had limited success. On March 23, Jackson had his only defeat at Kernstown. Jackson then deceptively marched his army out of the Valley, boarded trains and returned back into the Valley to surprise and defeat the Union at McDowell. He then marched his men down the Valley pushing the Union north to Strasburg where they dug in. Jackson marched the army over New Market Gap in a flanking maneuver routing the Union at Front Royal and Winchester. Jackson then withdrew south. The victories at Cross Keys and Port Republic closed the campaign. Jackson was ordered to Richmond to fight in the Peninsula Campaign. He arrived for the battles of Seven Days. Gen. Robert E. Lee then sent Jackson to Gordonsville to stop the Union. Jackson defeated them at Cedar Mountain. Lee then sent Jackson on a march to get behind the Union. The capture of Bristoe Station and the night attack at Manassas Junction gave Jackson needed supplies. It was followed by the battles of Groveton, 2nd Manassas and Chantilly. The Maryland Campaign began and Lee divided his forces sending Jackson to take Harpers Ferry. He captured supplies and paroled 12,000 prisoners. He then went to fight at Antietam. After the battle, he was made Lt. Gen. and given the II Corps. In Nov. 1862, II Corps marched to Fredericksburg to help defend it. At the battle, Jackson repelled the Union attack. Spring of 1863 brought the Chancellorsville Campaign. Lee divides his army and sends Jackson on a flanking march. On May 2, late afternoon, he began the attack on the Union right. After dark, Jackson, officers and staff rode out between the lines to find Union positions. When returning, the group was fired upon by the 18th North Carolina Regiment. Jackson was hit in the right hand and left arm. The left arm was amputated and he developed pneumonia. On May 10, he died and was buried in Lexington, Virginia. Jackson’s final words, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.”

I got it to around 3900. Thanks for the tip about ms word. I learn something every day. I would rather not have my name attached to this particular biography. Will these latest bio's be added to the next upgrade. Whenever that will be. I have been playing some and enjoying the game. The introduction in the manuel was great reading. Did you write it? [:D]



shenandoah -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/15/2007 9:38:01 PM)

P.S. Working on Hunter for you. I am sorry to say I do not work as fast as some of the other. But we'll get it done.



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/16/2007 2:37:20 AM)

Thanks. It's a shame that you had to chop so much, but you've done a good job keeping in the essentials. Let me know if you change your mind about the attribution.

I'll definitely get this bio in for the next patch.



jkBluesman -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (6/18/2007 3:31:01 PM)

I know that Jackson is a kind of semi-god to some people (espacially Southerners), but could we include some of his mistakes in his bio? Jackson's performance during the Seven Days was so bad that he might have been forced to resign had he not been so great in the valley and had Lee not backed him. He did only very late order a general attack at Second Manassas also, when Longstreet's crushed the Federals. And he did not know how to build field fortifications (should the game ever get a negative rating for certain abilities, Jackson might get a malus for "Diggers"), his defence at Fredericksburg was pretty bad and overall his secrecy confused his staff and his subordinates. Last, his command was known for its problems with struggling.
I know that it is impossible to get everything in and I very much respect the time Shenandoah devoted for the bio. But maybe some of the mentioned aspects might be included after rephrasing.



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/2/2007 12:42:11 AM)

Shenandoah, do you want to make any of the suggested changes, or should I go with what you've posted?



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/12/2007 3:32:13 AM)

Okay, since no one is providing further feedback, I think it high time that I edited Jackson's bio. Stay tuned...

I forgot to respond to the question below. The answers are: "thanks" and "guilty."

quote:

ORIGINAL: shenandoah
I have been playing some and enjoying the game. The introduction in the manuel was great reading. Did you write it? [:D]




shenandoah -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/18/2007 7:24:16 PM)

Sorry for the delay. I have been doing some traveling and photo shows. During this little break, I wanted to do some posting.

Jackson's bio is fine for posting. There many things to add to it but not enough room. Many faults too as jkbluesman pointed out. His performance at Seven Days was bad. But bad for many reasons. Robertson pointed out in his book that a big one was Jackson and Lee were just getting their relationship started(another wish-i-had-more-space-to-talk-about). It had always been by correspondence but at 7days they were meeting face to face.

Jackson was strict on orders. Lee ordered him, at Savage Station, to "resist their passage until reinforced" So Jackson didn't participate in the battle because he felt Lee had ordered him to protect the Chickahominy. Orders are orders to Jackson. On many occasion, orders were not well written and were thus misinterpreted. Jackson as an independent commander was great, but he was now under the command of Lee, and he obeyed the chain of command.

Also, Jackson took the wrong road and ended up late to the battle on at least one occasion. The 7days were also exhausting for Jackson and the army. They had just finished the Valley Campaign and then marched to Richmond. Lots of marching, fighting, little sleep.

June in Shenandoah is very different from June in Richmond, I know this. Usually a 4 to 8 degree difference in temperature and humidity. While I live in Shenandoah, I never get lost because I have distinctive mountains around me from which to navigate. Around Richmond, you see nothing but trees, even today, without a good map, I have been lost on more than one occasion(the land between Richmond and Williamsburg).

I have auto toured the route of 7days and a lot of land has been developed. But you can still understand the problems of maneuver. Reconstructing bridges over the rivers and the surrounding swamp added difficulty. And then there was good/bad staff. Jackson made some bad appointments to staff for religious reasons rather than military experience. And last but not least, Jackson was in bad health at the time.

On the other faults, he was too secretive. Many times divisions and brigades got lost because they didn't know which road to take at a fork and Jackson wasn't there to tell them. Because of this, some battles where engaged with one brigade, one division at a time(piecemeal). And he almost lost a few battles because of this(Port Republic, Cedar Mtn).

He was not into fortifications, he was about manuever and flanking. But most generals back then accepted this method of war at the beginning but by the end it had turned into modern trench war.

There is also the fact that Jackson wanted to wage total war and black flag policy, take no prisoners. In '61, he preached black flag but did not do it. By '62, he wrote that he could see that the country and society would not accept his type of war so he never enacted it. Before Antietam, he paroled 12,000 prisoners from Harper's Ferry. I wonder what historians would think of him if he did fight the war he wanted. He also ordered many executions of deserters.

One little note that is humorous is that Jackson went to church service wherever he was at the time. He had a problem staying awake during the sermon. Although very religious, he could not stay awake. His sitting posture was (always) legs, knees together at perfect right angle. Back straight up and not touching the chair. Chin very high. During the sermon, his head would begin to drop his head and he would pick it up. What you would see is his head nodding up and down many times with his eyes very sleepy. We all have been there at some time!

But he was in church and this situation was embarrassing. His staff would tell him to lean his back on the chair and slouch down and nap. He refused saying that he accepted his embarrassing moments of tiredness as punishment from God. Also embarrassing was that every church he went to everyone in the church would stand up when he entered with his staff and felt that he should not be respected like that in God's house. Eventually, he only would attend regimental services where he did not fall asleep. And you can be sure if they knew that Stonewall was going to be at the service, the entire regiment would turn out even the non-religious folk.

There is a story about Jackson during his years at VMI. A hypnotist came to Lexington to entertain them with his powers. And Tom Jackson got on stage and the man was unable to put Jackson to sleep. After awhile, someone in the audience said, "The only person who can put the professor to sleep is the reverend!"

With all this collected info, maybe I should contact Cliff Notes.

Respectfully,
Shenandoah



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/19/2007 5:19:01 AM)

Fascinating post there.

Well, I've just spent a heck of a lot of time both shortening and lengthening the bio. Before I can finish with it, though, I have a few questions, and also wanted to run my changes by everyone. (It's 500 chars. too long. I'm pretty sure I'll reduce the Mexico part to a minimum, but some other cuts will still be needed.)


Lt. Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson (b. 1824, d. 1863). One of America’s greatest generals, Jackson had a humble, lonely beginning: born in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia) on January 21, 1824, his parents and a sister died when he was young, leaving him to be raised by an uncle at Jackson’s Mill, the family estate. As a youth, he worked at the mill, raced horses and built a raft he would use to cross the river and spend time in the shade of some trees (Is this business about the raft and trees documented, or is it a story that sprang up because of his final words?). Having no formal schooling, Jackson saw West Point as his only chance at a college education and studied with unmatched intensity. Then, graduating in 1846, he reported to the 1st U.S. Artillery (Heidler says 3rd Artillery. Does anyone know for sure?) as a 2nd Lieutenant and served in Mexico, where he was at the siege of Veracruz and battles at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Molino Del Rey and Chapultepec, gaining promotion to 1st Lieutenant for his gallantry. In early 1851, Jackson left the military and became a professor at the Virginia Military Institute, located in Lexington, for the next ten years. On April 17, 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union, and four days later (Heidler has April 20 – are you counting inclusively, or do you have April 21 as the date?) Jackson led V.M.I.’s corps of cadets to Richmond, organizing and drilling new recruits there. Jackson was made a colonel of the state militia and sent to take command at Harpers Ferry, and also organized the 1st Virginia Brigade, gaining promotion to brigadier general on July 3. Later that month, Jackson played a crucial roll in the fighting near Manassas Junction when, arriving by rail as the Confederate forces crumbling, he moved his brigade to Henry House Hill and set a defensive line to stop the Union. At this time, Gen. Bernard E. Bee, after talking with Jackson, rode over to his men to rally them by saying, “Look men, there is Jackson standing like a stone wall!” Bee’s famous exhortation gave both the commander and his brigade the immortal name of “Stonewall.” As more reinforcements arrived, the South routed the Union. On October 7, Jackson was promoted to major general, and subsequently given command of the Shenandoah Valley District. Charged with hampering the Union’s forces in the Valley while Gen. George B. McClellan was aiming for Richmond in the Peninsula Campaign, Jackson startled the enemy with a series of bold maneuvers. On March 23, Jackson had his only defeat, at Kernstown, but then deceptively marched his army out of the Valley, boarded trains and returned back into the Valley to surprise and defeat the Union at McDowell. He then marched his men down the Valley, pushing the Union north to Strasburg, where they dug in. Jackson marched the army over New Market Gap in a flanking maneuver, routing the Union at Front Royal and Winchester, before withdrawing south and closing the campaign at Cross Keys and Port Republic with victories over armies sent to trap him. Jackson, already a hero in the South, was then ordered towards Richmond, and by his unexpected arrival forced McClellan to abandon his attack plans and position. Joining up with Gen. Robert E. Lee for the Seven Days’ Battles of June 25-July 1, the exhausted Jackson performed poorly. He redeemed himself at Cedar Mountain on August 9 and with a brilliant flank march that precipitated the Second Battle of Bull Run. During September’s Maryland Campaign, Jackson captured Harper’s Ferry – and a number of P.O.W.’s not matched by a U.S. enemy until Corregidor – before hurrying to fight at Antietam, where his men withstood withering Union attacks. Promoted to lieutenant general and given the II Corps on October 10, Jackson’s men helped repel the Union attack at Fredericksburg on December 13. Spring of 1863 brought the Chancellorsville Campaign. On May 2, Lee divided his army and sent Jackson on a daylong flanking march that ended in a crippling attack on the Union right. After dark, Jackson rode out with officers and staff between the lines to scout Union positions, but while returning they were fired upon by Jackson’s own men. Jackson was hit in the right hand and left arm. Having lost the arm, he soon developed pneumonia. The profoundly religious Jackson – he always credited his victories to God and, seeing the Civil War as a test of faith, had drawn inspiration from Biblical military heroes like Joshua, Gideon and David – had always desired to die on the Sabbath day, and so he did: he passed on Sunday, May 10, just after uttering his final words, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.”



jkBluesman -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/19/2007 11:27:38 AM)

While reading on the Maryland Campaign, I stumbled upon a little story that fits into Shenandoah's post on Jackson's sleeping in Church. A pro-Union priest in Maryland praised the North in his sermon although some Confederate generals, including Jackson, were attending church. However, the priest's boldness was not recognized by "Stonewall" as he fell asleep during the sermon.

Gil, some remarks on the edited version. Vandiver in "Mighty Stonewall" (a classic) writes that Jackson was assigned to the 1st Artillery (Company K) for Mexico. Concerning the dates 20th or 21st of April he writes that the order to move arrived on the 20th, but the march started the day after.

Jackson arrived at Manassas Junction on the evening of the 19th as first of Johnston's men. Only Kirby Smith arrived on the day of battle (July 21) by rail.

I suggest to delete Cedar Mountain in this bio. Jackson did not redeem himself there as he was surprised by Banks and almost beaten, had not A.P. Hill arrived in time.

I hope it helps to shorten it.



shenandoah -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/19/2007 6:02:18 PM)

The raft was documented by many Jackson biographers with one qouting Mrs Jackson calling it, "a burnt out canoe." An uncle named Robinson helped build the raft. So it was well known within the Jackson family. Jackson only has a couple of direct descendants still in VA. But his relatives are numerous in WV where he was from.

At his deathbed was his wife, Anna, his personal doctor, Dr. Hunter McGuire and Lt. Smith. They all witnessed and discribed his final words as he slipped into coma. Jackson began with ordering Pendleton to "bring up the columns." And then in reverse order he talked about his battles giving orders, VMI, Mexico, West Point and then his childhood. Finishing with "Let us cross over..."

A couple of weeks after his death, many south newspapers told about his final hours. So it was well documented but over time the meaning was largely forgotten. But the quote always stayed around.

In his book, Robertson sources where the actual orders and roll for the 1st Artillery found in the National Archives. Stating that Jackson was to proceed to Fort Columbus, Governor's Island, New York, and report to Captain Francis Taylor, commanding Company K of the First Artillery.

At Mexico, he got moved around alittle between companies. So it was well documented. First Artillery.

Robertson lists in his book April 21, Sunday when they marched out of Lexington. He did a lot of research at VMI. Legend has it that the now commanding Jackson and cadets marched 35 miles in nine hours!

Robertson debunks this by revealing the cadets marched a mile or two out of town and boarded onto coaches provided by the Harmon brothers and rode the rest of the way to Staunton.

Also the cadets were lined up and ready to go at noon. But the orders where to leave at 12:30. So Jackson made everyone stand there for 30 minutes before "going off to war." I bet that was a long 30 minutes.

Robertson has Jackson and the vanguard arriving before the battle of Bull Run on the July 19th. One day after Blackburns Ford and two days before the Bull Run.

Cedar Mtn was redeeming on some level if only because it was a victory. But jkbluesman is right that Jackson made many mistakes and would have lost if not for AP Hill getting to the battle in time to turn it.



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/19/2007 6:12:35 PM)

Thanks for all of your comments. I'll see if I can get the bio ready today.



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/19/2007 7:17:17 PM)

By the way, when I posted the shortened version before I forgot to note what I had removed. I took out mention of Falling Water as well as the Bath/Romney campaign and mention of just what Jackson captured when he took Harper’s Ferry. Also, I shortened the part about 2nd Manassas, removing “The capture of Bristoe Station and the night attack at Manassas Junction gave Jackson needed supplies, and these were followed by the battles of Groveton, 2nd Manassas and Chantilly over the next three weeks.”

Getting down to editing some more...



Gil R. -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/19/2007 8:03:09 PM)

Okay, somehow I managed to get this to the right size. I shortened the Mexico sentence, reworking it and cutting out “...where he was at the siege of Veracruz and battles at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Molino Del Rey and Chapultepec, gaining promotion to 1st Lieutenant for his gallantry.” I shortened the description of Bee rallying his men. And that Clarksburg is in West Virginia, and that VMI is in Lexington. And, of course, I took out the bit about his arriving by rail – good catch. Sadly, I had to take out my detail about the Harper’s Ferry POW’s being the largest number until Corregidor. (I did add one new detail, about his voracious reading as a youth.)

Lt. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson (b. 1824, d. 1863). One of America’s greatest generals, Jackson had a humble, lonely beginning: born in Clarksburg, Virginia on January 21, 1824, his parents and a sister died when he was young, leaving him to be raised by an uncle at Jackson’s Mill, the family estate. As a youth, he worked at the mill, read voraciously, raced horses and built a raft he would use to cross the river and spend time in the shade of some trees. Admitted to West Point, Jackson saw it as his only chance at a college education and studied with unmatched intensity. After graduating in 1846, he served with distinction in Mexico as a 2nd Lieutenant of the 1st U.S. Artillery, but left the army in 1851 to teach at the Virginia Military Institute for the next ten years. On April 17, 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union, and four days later Jackson led V.M.I.’s corps of cadets to Richmond, organizing and drilling new recruits there. Jackson was made a colonel of the state militia and given command at Harper’s Ferry; he next organized the 1st Virginia Brigade, gaining promotion to brigadier general on July 3. On July 21, Jackson played a crucial roll at 1st Manassas when, with southern forces crumbling, he moved his brigade to Henry House Hill and set a defensive line to stop the Union. At this time, Gen. Bernard E. Bee rallied his brigade by saying, “Look men, there is Jackson standing like a stone wall!” Bee’s exhortation gave both the commander and his brigade the immortal name of “Stonewall.” As more reinforcements arrived, the South routed the Union. On October 7, Jackson was promoted to major general, and subsequently given command of the Shenandoah Valley District. Charged with hampering the Union’s forces there while Gen. George B. McClellan was aiming for Richmond in the Peninsula Campaign, Jackson startled the enemy with a series of bold maneuvers. On March 23 he had his only defeat, at Kernstown, but then deceptively marched his army out of the Valley, boarded trains and returned back into the Valley to surprise and defeat the Union at McDowell. He then marched his men down the Valley, pushing the Union north to Strasburg, where they dug in. Next the army marched over New Market Gap in a flanking maneuver, routing the Union at Front Royal and Winchester, before withdrawing south and closing the campaign at Cross Keys and Port Republic with victories over armies sent to trap them. Jackson was then ordered towards Richmond, and by his unexpected arrival forced McClellan to abandon his attack plans and position. Joining up with Gen. Robert E. Lee for the Seven Days’ Battles of June 25-July 1, the exhausted Jackson performed poorly. He redeemed himself with a brilliant flank march that precipitated the Battle of 2nd Manassas. During September’s Maryland Campaign, Jackson captured Harper’s Ferry before hurrying to Antietam, where his men withstood withering Union attacks. Promoted to lieutenant general and given the II Corps on October 10, Jackson’s men helped repel the Union attack at Fredericksburg. Spring of 1863 brought the Chancellorsville Campaign. On May 2, Lee divided his army and sent Jackson on a daylong flanking march that ended in a crippling attack on the Union right. After dark, Jackson rode out with officers and staff to scout Union positions, but while returning they were fired upon by Jackson’s own men. Jackson was hit in the right hand and left arm. Having lost the arm, he soon developed pneumonia. The profoundly religious Jackson – he always credited his victories to God and, seeing the Civil War as a test of faith, had drawn inspiration from Biblical military heroes like Joshua, Gideon and David – had always desired to die on the Sabbath day, and so he did: he passed on Sunday, May 10, just after uttering his final words, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.”



shenandoah -> RE: Lt. Gen. T. Jackson (7/20/2007 7:29:33 AM)

The bio looks great. I am heading out for awhile to Baltimore for an art show and some good weather. I will tune in later.



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