General Thomas Jackson

I decided that I would continue with the Civil War theme.  And, I've also decided that posting everyday is going to be darn near impossible for me right now.  Many people have heard of General Jackson, but don't know much more than his nickname.  Thomas Jackson began his military career at the US Military Academy at West Point.  His early schooling did not adequately prepare him for the rigorous academic program he would face there.  Jackson began his pursuit of a commission at the bottom of his class.  His fierce and gritty determination to succeed would help him in his rise through the academic ranks, when he would utimately graduate 17th in his class.  (1846).  Upon accepting his commission (2nd LT) he was assigned to the 1st US Artillery Regiment and would see action in the Mexican-American War.  During his time in Mexico, he would meet Robert E. Lee, and begin to earn his reputation as a very difficult man to push off the battlefield. 

After the Mexican American War, Jackson would take a post teaching Natural and Experimental Philosophy, and would also be an Artillery Instructor. As great and revered a commander he would eventually become, he was not well liked by his students.   He was considered a droning pedagogue who memorized his lectures and then recited them back to his class.  Questions would be answered word for word as they were recited.  Questions asked again would result in discipline for insubordination.  Long before his "stonewall" nickname, he was dubbed "Fool Tom" by his students.

In November of 1859, at the request of the Governor of Virginia, a contingent of the VMI Cadet Corps was sent to Charlestown to provide an extra military presence at the hanging of militant abolishonist John Brown.  After the Raid on the Harper's Ferry Aresenal, Major Jackso was placed in command of the Artillery consisting of 2 Howitzers and 21 Cadets.  On April 27th, 1861 the Governor ordered Col. Jackson to take command at Harpers Ferry.  He took control of the Brigade consisting of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th, and 33rd, Virginia Regiments.  Promoted to Brigadier General in June of 1861, he would lead his brigade at the first Battle of Manassas.  As the Confederate Lines began to crumble, Jackson's brigade provided crucial reinforcements on Henry House Hill.  Demonstrating great discipline, General Bernard Bee exhorted his own men by shouting: "There is Jackson standing there like a stonewall.  Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer.  Rally behind the Virginians!"

After the First battle of Manassas, Jackson would be promoted to Major General.  He and his brigade would gain the familiar nickname, "Stonewall".  After a very rocky Valley campaign, including the Seven Days battles, Jackson's brigade would participate in several engagements before he would make his most famous success.  The battle of Chancellorsville would be a remarkable success for Jackson, and the end of his life.  While grossly outnumbered in the Wilderness, Jackson took his entire corps on a wide flanking movement south and west of the Union Army.  His mission was to find the rear, and right flank of the Union army.  It was a gamble.  He left General Lee with only 14,000 men to defend against nearly 55,000 men.  The ruse worked, Jackson found the extreme right and rear of Hookers Army lightly defended by only 2 cannon. 

Jackson would charge sweeping through the rear eschelons of Hookers Army.  He would rout one entire corps of the Army of the Potomac, and it was a great victory.  Darkness came, and as he was heading back to his headquarters, he and his staff were attacked by his own men who thought they were Yankee calvary.  Jackson was shot 3 times, twice in the left arm, and once in the right hand.  He would lose his left arm, and though his wounds would heal, he died of pneumonia.  General Lee, could not see him, he sent a message to him via his Chaplain: "Give General Jackson my affectionate regards, and say to him: he has lost his left arm but I my right. "Give General Jackson my affectionate regards, and say to him: he has lost his left arm but I my right."

General Jackson was a hero in his own right.  Not always the most effective commander, but his great discipline would allow him to win many battles.  His tactics are still taught at VMI today.  General Jackson would be revered as much as General Robert E. Lee.  Just a little over a month after his death, The Confederate forces would be very badly damaged at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Whew, that was a long one again. 
Blue Skies!