Lt. Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy & Instructor of Artillery, Virginia Military Institute. (Circa late 1850’s)
Better known as “Stonewall”, he was known by his cadets at Virginia Military Academy as “Old Tom Fool”. Jackson earned the nickname “Stonewall”, at the First Battle of Manassas in July of 1861. After Brigadier General Barnard Bee informed him that his forces were being beaten back, Jackson replied, “Sir, we will give them the bayonet.” Inspired by the bravery of his subordinate, General Bee immediately rallied the remnants of the brigade while shouting, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall, let us rally behind the Virginians.” A devout believer in predestination, Jackson insisted that God had already determined his time on earth and no spot on the battlefield was safer than another. It was this unwavering conviction that enabled him to lead his troops into battle without the fear of death and inspire countless others to rally behind him.
The “Winchester Photograph” (November 1862)
When Jackson arrived for this photograph, the photographer, Nathaniel Routzahn, noticed one of Jackson’s coat buttons was missing. Jackson produced the button and hastily sewed it on himself, crookedly. The button is on the right, third button from the bottom.
Always a teacher, Jackson dedicated almost every waking moment (that didn’t require his military service) to educating the uneducated , uplifting the downtrodden, and introducing those around him to the glory of God. His popularity among his troops also enabled him to reach them in ways that other men could not and he was often found praying for the wounded at their bedside.
Always eager to share his relationship with the Father, Jackson wrote letter after letter urging his countrymen (and women) to actively seek repentance. One letter, written to his sister, summarized his faith:
You wish to know how to come to God; so as to have your sins forgiven, and to receive "the inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away." Now my dear sister the way is plain: the savior says in Mark XVI chapter, 16th verse "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." But you may ask what is it to believe. To explain this I will quote from an able theologian, and devoted servant of God. To believe in the sense in which the word is used here, "is feeling and acting as if there were a God, a Heaven, a Hell; as if we were sinners and must die; as if we deserve eternal death, and were in danger of it. And in view of all, casting our eternal interests on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. To do this is to be a Christian."
The Only Known Photo Of Janie Corbin (Circa 1862)
One of the least known, yet most charming stories in the legendary life of Confederate General Thomas Jackson, is that of "Old Jack" and little Janie Corbin. In the winter of 1862-1863, Stonewall's troops made headquarters at Moss Neck Plantation, located on the banks of Virginia's Rappahannock River. Owned and operated by Richard and Roberta Corbin, the estate provided a perfect location for stationing a weathered army in desperate need of rest and replenishment. At the start of the war, Richard departed to serve in the Confederate army, while Roberta stepped in to take over the day-to-day duties of running the plantation. A true southern belle, Mrs. Corbin welcomed General Jackson's troops with open arms and allowed them full use of her grounds and facilities. As hostesses, Mrs. Corbin and her daughters entertained the officers with piano recitals or hymnal sessions, and home cooked meals were also prepared for the senior staff. Jackson could often be found drinking lemonade on the front porch of the big house, and it was during these regular visits that he developed an endearing friendship with the Corbin's five-year old daughter, Janie.
Each day Janie would visit the general's office, interrupting his daily review of battle accounts with his staff. Most times, Thomas would take advantage of the opportunity to relinquish his paperwork duties, in favor of playing with his newest friend. On one occasion, Janie snatched Jackson's kepi hat and proceeded to march around the room, mocking his orders. Smiles immediately spread across the faces of Thomas and his aides, and they laughed uncontrollably at the "littlest general" whose entire head was engulfed by a mass of floppy gray fabric and a wide black brim. Innocence like Janie's was rare in war times, and her wonderful gift of laughter lifted the morale of all that met her. Above all others though, it was her relationship with the general that quickly blossomed, and was nurtured by the fact that they temporarily filled a void in each other's life.
“My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to always be ready, no matter when it may overtake me.”
With Richard's absence, Thomas became an "adopted" father of sorts, and Janie happily played the role of a daughter who Jackson had yet to meet. Thomas' love for her was genuine, and Janie brought out a side of the general that none of his troops had seen. Some days they would race around the campsites, playing Hide-and-Seek. Other times, Jackson would pretend he was a pony, carrying her high on his shoulders while trotting about. One of his aides later stated that it was truly an amazing site to witness the fierce commander who preached of swift and total destruction, acting like a child himself. In March, General Lee sent orders to Jackson's troops to initiate maneuvers for the upcoming spring campaign. After carefully striking their camp, with the utmost respect for the Moss Neck grounds, the Stonewall Brigade prepared to move out. Before leaving, Thomas and his staff went to the Corbin house to thank the entire family for their service to the country. The general also wanted to have a few moments alone, to give a proper goodbye to his dear little girl. Unfortunately upon their arrival, Janie's mother informed them that all of the children had come down with a fever. Visibly concerned, Jackson immediately offered the services of his personal surgeon, but was reassured by Mrs. Corbin, who cited her own doctor's prediction for a rapid recovery. After a short visit to the child's bedside, Thomas pushed on, aware that another fight was on the horizon. One day later, word reached camp that Janie's condition had been hopeless, and that she died from scarlet fever.
“Divine Guidance “ By Mort Kunstler
The news hit Jackson hard, and he was unable to gather his senses. Instantly, he broke down and wept inconsolably for the loss of his friend. Although his tears may have caught some of his troops off guard, those who really knew their general understood the gentle spirit that was buried beneath the warrior. He would continue to mourn for some time, which prompted his aides to arrange a well-deserved surprise. Thomas' spirits improved one month later, when his prayers were finally answered. Tears of sorrow quickly turned to tears of joy as his wife and five-month-old baby girl were able to spend nine delightful days with him in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Unfortunately, the Jackson family's earthly relationship lasted but another month, and this time it was Thomas himself who was taken away.
After being severely wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville he succumbed to pneumonia. Perhaps "Old Jack" was welcomed at the Heavenly Gates by a little girl named Janie, who was waiting to play another game of Hide-and-Seek with the "gentle general." I can almost hear them now, laughing and running amidst the clouds, comforting one another until the day they were reunited with their own families. being shot by mistake by his own men, and of being cut off from a cause which he loved so intensely and for which he fought so desperately, he manifested the calm faith in Divine Providence that he had in the hour of his most brilliant victories. During the anxious days when the result of his wounds was in doubt, he said, " I consider these wounds a blessing; they were given for some good and wise purpose, and I would not part with them if I could." When it . In the terrible trial of was evident that he had but a few hours to live, his wife notified him that his end was near, and calmly and tenderly he answered her, " Very good, very good; it is all right.
The Last Photo Of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson (April 1863)
It is called the “Chancellorsville Photo” because Jackson was headquartered there before the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Jackson died less than two weeks later.
It is not very hard to believe in Divine Providence when the sun is shining, the flowers blooming, the birds singing, the prospect pleasing; not very hard to trust God when our victorious battalions drive the enemy from the field, and the laurel wreath is placed upon our brow. But it is not so easy to recognize the Divine Providence when the clouds gather, the flowers are spoiled, the song birds hushed, the prospects blighted ; not so easy to count God's will our will when our battalions are beaten hack by the enemy, and we ourselves wounded, and sent to the Shades. Yet every true soldier of the Cross should be able to say, in adversity as well as prosperity, " Not my will, but Thine, O Lord, be done."
"Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees."
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