The Green caldron - University Library

March, 1959
THE
Jackson at Chancellorsville
D. Craig Ahlberg
Rhetoric 102, Theme 11
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE CLIMAXED THE CA-
reer of Stonewall Jackson, one of America's greatest heroes. Before
following Jackson through his last days, we will attempt to trace the
development of those attributes which made him a great soldier and a great
man.
Thomas Jonathan Jackson grew up in the rugged frontier region near
Qarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia), where he was born January 21,
1824. He secured an appointment to West Point in 1842. The newly com-
missioned artillery officer got his first taste of war early; he was sent to
Mexico in 1846. Jackson emerged from the Mexican war with numerous
commendations for his valor.
In 1851, Jackson accepted a position as Professor of Natural and Experi-
mental Philosophy and Artillery Tactics at the Virginia Military Institute
in Lexington. At V.M.I, the professor prepared himself for his daily tasks
by diligent study. His habit of reflection enabled him to acquire remarkable
powers of concentration. A cadet gives this interesting description of his
professor
:
Old Jack is a character, genius, or just a little crazy. He lives
quietly and don't meddle. He's as systematic as a multiplication table
and as full of military as an arsenal. Stifif, you see, never laughs but
as kindhearted as a woman—and by Jupiter, he teaches a nigger Sunday
school. But, mind, if this John Brown business leads to war, he'll
^
be heard from !
Col. T. J. Jackson's first assignment for the Confederacy was at the scene
of the "John Brown business," Harpers Ferry. It was here that he took
command of the brigade which, along with its commander, would in a span
of two years become immortally associated with the word "Stonewall."
It was a few months later, on July 21, 1861, at the First Battle of Manassas
that the name "Stonewall" originated. During a furious Union charge,
General Jackson placed his well-trained brigade in a commanding defensive
position. The attack brought confusion in the Confederate ranks. It was
here that General Bee, spotting Jackson's men standing firmly amidst the
general retreat shouted to his men, "Look, there is Jackson standing like a
stone wall ! Rally behind the Virginians
What kind of general was this Stonewall Jackson? Jackson's tactics
were thoroughly worked out beforehand. Like Napoleon, he spent a great
deal of time studying maps. He gained amazing familiarity with the terrain
!" ^
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