There are, obviously, varying opinions of Lee-Jackson Day. It’s not my intent to field all of those opinions, here, in this post. Rather, for me, I found yesterday’s awareness of the observation, a chance to reflect. It wasn’t Lee, however, who held my attention, but Jackson. For that matter, it wasn’t the time in Jackson’s life, between 1861-1863 that held my attention.
I took some time to visit the Stonewall Jackson House website. I’ve been to the house before, so, I looked over the various photographs and remembered my own visits there. I also took time to visit their online shopping. It might seem strange, but it was a small quote on a mug that compelled me to reexamine Jackson during the 1850s.
Of all of the places… this little village is the most beautiful.
Of course, there is more to the quote, as seen in the letter in which it appeared (September 7, 1852):
I have for months back admired Lexington, but now for the first time have truly and fully appreciated it. Of all the places which have come under my observation in the U. States, this little village is the most beautiful.
The letter was addressed to Jackson’s sister… Laura Jackson Arnold.
I spent time looking through this collection of letters in VMI’s collection, and enjoyed reading about the other side of Jackson. My interest was in the fact that most of these letters are addressed from Jackson to his sister. It isn’t the story of the soldier, and, to be honest, it isn’t one which is filled with the image of Jackson that we get from Gods and Generals… a Jackson steeped in religion (not that his faith isn’t reflected in several comments, but that it isn’t the center of his writings). I find these letters fulfilling in understanding better the human side of Jackson… as a brother; as an uncle; as a husband.
I encourage readers to take the time to look through the same letters… again, those from the 1850s (seen here)… and… give special attention to the strength of that relationship between Jackson and his sister… all the while, thinking about how differences in opinion impacted that relationship when the Civil War came, when Laura’s sentiments did not align with those of her brother.
I think we lose ourselves too much in Jackson’s years as a Confederate… which numbered so very few in the bigger picture of Jackson, the man.
Richard G. Williams, Jr.
January 19, 2014
“I think we lose ourselves too much in Jackson’s years as a Confederate… which numbered so very few in the bigger picture of Jackson, the man.”
Oh, that is so true Robert. Whenever I give a talk about Jackson, I love to point out the fact that Jackson spent almost twice as long teaching his black Sunday school class as he did fighting for the Confederacy, yet what is he remembered for? Its fun to watch the reaction.
I think the same could be said of Lee – or for anyone who fought. Great post and a great reminder.
Robert Moore
January 19, 2014
It’s also interesting to think, however… would we even know Jackson were it not for the war? Then again, I hate dabbling in counter-factual history.
Thanks for the comment, Richard. Hope all is well with you.
Richard G. Williams, Jr.
January 19, 2014
Some men seem destined for greatness. Jackson was one such man, but you are right. Were it not for the WBTS, he would likely be but a footnote in history. Actually, I’m recovering from the flu and severe bronchitis, but improving. Thanks for asking.
John Rogers
January 21, 2014
Well said! I think his early life is too often ignored. The circumstances of his personal life were often challenging and I believe it had a significant bearing on his approach and demeanor as an officer. Robert Lewis Dabney hits some of this in his biography as well.
Richard G. Williams, Jr.
January 21, 2014
I was perusing Robertson’s “Stonewall Jackson’s Book of Maxims” today. Quite a fascinating glimpse at some other aspects of Jackson – often overlooked.
Robert Moore
January 23, 2014
Thanks, Richard,
The only thing about that is… while these maxims can stand on their own, there’s so much more to all that surrounded the quotes that form the maxims. In some ways, I get the sense that, in these “maxims” we only get a portion of the character of the man. I just prefer the raw, primary source material. It allows us to take our own meaning from what was said.
Richard G. Williams, Jr.
January 25, 2014
True, but one of the insights into anyone’s character is what/whom they look to for inspiration. This adds another dimension to Jackson, I believe.
Robert Moore
January 23, 2014
Thanks, John. I’m just a little hesitant with Dabney, as I’ve seen where he has exagerated on a few occasions about other topics. As I mentioned in my response to another comment, I think the primary sources (Jackson’s earlier letters to his sister, for example) allow us to look more closely at the man. while reading through these, in that these are “him without the refinement of analysis”, we’re able to take meaning in our own way. I just got a much more “human sense” about Jackson, in what he said, and his interpersonal interactions with various people.