The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-05-29
I.ieut. GEN. Thomas j. Jackson.

81 +
The Richmond Sentinel hss been kindly
furnished by al, intimate friend of the lament
ed 1t, Gen. Thos. J.. Jackson, with some facts.
concerning his early life, as. wellia his ca
reer up to the time since which the world has
need to be told nothing, because it already,
knows all.
Thomas J. JACKSON was born on the 2lst
day of January, 1924, in harrisburg, Harri-!
son county, Va. His great grand father,
John jackson, and his great grand mother.
were Of English birth.
They emigrated to this country at an early
day, and settled on the South branch Of the
Potomac. Subsequently they removed to
what is now Lewis county, in Northwestern
Virginia. Their son, Edward, (grand father
Of Thomas J.,l was surveyor in Harrison
county for many years, and subsequently re-,
presented the county Of Lewis in the Leg'sia-
ture for several years. Jonathan jackson,
the father Of Gen. jackson, studied Law under
Judge John C. jackson, in Clarksburg, and
then commenced its practice, acquiring some
reputation. He became embarrassed as secn-
rity for his friends, and all his property was
swept away before his death, which took place
in 1927. He left four children, Of whom Tho
mas, the youngest, was but three years old.
An uncle, then residing in Lewis county,
took the little orphan to live with him. Here
Thomas. by going to school three months in
the winter, and lEboring on theffarm the resi-
due of It's year, as was the custom with tar.
ners sons in Western Virginia, acquired the
radiments of a plain English education. -
Aboat the age Of seventeen he was appointed
to q Cadetship at West Point. He here graz
duated with high distinction.
Gen. jackson entered the military service
under Gen. Zachary Taylor. with the rank Of
BrOvet Lieutenant. When Gen. Scott was or
dered to Mexico. Lieut.. jackson joined him
at Vera CRUZ. In the short but sanguinary
and brilliant campaign that followed, result
ing in the capture of the city Of Mexico. 1t.
jackson, by successive promotions for his GAL
lantry and merit, became Brsset Maior. Per.
haps none who started even with him attained
30 high
After the Mexican war was over. Major
jackson left the army because of impaired
health, and accepted a Professorship at the
Military Institute.
When the present troubles commenced. he
repaired at once 10 Richmond. where he was
commissioned Colonel by Governor Letcher,
and ordered to take command at Harper's
Ferry. He arrived there May I'd, 1861. and
che next day entered upon his duties. From
that day to the fatal Sd of May, 1868. just af-
ter midnight, when he received his disabling
wounds, he was never absent from the first
day of duty. He filled up the eract period Q
zaco Years. No man ever did more faithfully
and deyotedly; and history is appealed til in
vain to produce from all her records the case
of any man, who, in the same period. has
achieved an equal amount Of brilliant, world
wide, and enduring fame. He died the pride
of his loving countrymen, the admiration ct
the world, and extorting the respect even OF
the demons whom he c0mbatted
Gen. jackson was twice married. The first
time to a daughter Of Rev. DR.. Jankin. Her
children all died. His widow was Miss Mnr-
risen, of North Carolina, and. with an infant
daughter of FIVE months, now survives him.
Since the above was written, wo have re,
ceived. the letter of Gen. Lee, addressed to
Gen. jackson on learning of his being wound
ed. We give it below.
CHANcELLoRsvILLE, May 4.
General: I have just received your note
informing me that you were wounded. 1
cannet express my regret at the occurrence.
Gould I have directed events. should have
chosen, for the good Of the country, to have
been disabled in your stead. ~,
ii I congratulate you upon the victory which
il due to your skill and energy.
sa Most truly, yours, 80.
iSigned) Il. E. LEE, General.
Lieut. Gen. T. ]. Jackson.
Vallandigham's Place of Exile.
The ..Dry Tortugas." the place to which
IY~1l \ - - kln