The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-05-23

ANECDOTES OF SToNEwALL JACKSON AND
HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE.-The tales
which are told of this able and daring
leader would fill a volume. They all hinge
upon the sincerity of his zeal, his personal
bravery, his dash and courage in military
operations, and the remarkable influence
which he exercised over his men. 1t is
said of him that, during the battle OF Cha
pultepec, where he commanded a section
OF Magruders battery, attached to Pillows
division, he was ordered by that command
er to withdrew his section. as, according
to Pillows idea, it was too much exposed.
Giving no heed whatever to the Generals
order, he rapidly imbered up, and moved
his section hundred yards nearer the en-
emy's works, where he did great execu-
ton.
Another story is to the effect that at one
time the expediency of removing him from
his command was freely discussed in the
Confederate Cabinet, and all but two mem
bers favoring the motion; these two argu
ing that man of such exemplary modesty,
and yet of such intense religious enthusi-
asm and indomitable firmness, must pos
seSS those moral elements, which cOmbin-
| ed with his military education and eXpe-
rience, shonld constitute a great general.
| Their opposition served to postpone a de-
cision and the motion was held under con-
| sideration. Meantime, the people of the
valley got wind Of the affair, and with
great QUERY of indignation and threats, so
assailed the powers at Richmond that the
| question was dropped.
| Jackson was q very religious man. While
| in command at Winchester, he took n
| prominent part in revivals, and habitualiy
led the Union prayer meetings. A ser
want Of his, captured by our forces, not
| long ago says that before entering upon an
engagement his master always retired to
| his quarters to pray. Nor was he devoid
of generosity. There is a story that when
| IL
ments and two of his brother officers were
captured by a party of Ashbys cavalry,
and taken before Jackson. he said: at was
you, gentlemen, who lately saved the prop
erty OF a dear friend of mine, in the val
ley, from the fury of your men. thank
you. Have you any means OF transp0rta-
ton back to your reglment?' I'VE have
not, General He then gave them horses
an escort, and one hundred dollars, and
courteously dismissed them on their parole.
i The following personal description of
Jackson recently appeared in the columns
of the Savannah Georgia. News:
Imagine a man about five feet ten inch
es high, rather thick set, full chest. broad,
stalwart shoulders, and, indeed, the whole
Il ph/sjque indicating what is commonly
called q well made man. He is the picture
Of health, though there is no redundancy
, OF flesh. His face is slightly bronzed from
the constant exposure of his campaigns.
,
the idea of great powers of endurance. The
expression of his face adds TO- rather than
diminishes, the general effect. There you
see self command, perseverance and in
, domitable will, without the least admix-
, ture of vanity. His forehead is broad and
prominent; eyes expressing singular
union of mildness, energy and concentra-
ton cheek and nose both long and well
formed. His dress is a common gray suit
, of faded cashmere, the coat slightly braid
ed on the sleeve, just enough to be percep-
, tible, the collar displaying the rank OF q
Major General # ff IS.
Another writer says: f.. il ~
''He often walks with his head somewhat
on one side, and his eyes fixed upon THE
: ground, imparting to his whole appearance
that distracted quality which young Ia.
! dies describe as 'absent-ninded.' A lady
who has known him long and well, has
:, told me that she never saw him on horse
), back without laughing-short stirrups
a knees cramped up, heels stuck out behinC
most unmilitary phenomenon. In socie
ty. he is quiet, but cheerful; not loqua
cious but Intelligent and shrewd; in reli
q gion a strict Presbyterian and extremely
strict in his church observances."