The Cleveland leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1865-1865, 1865-08-02
STONEWALL JACKS0N-
HIS Appearance and CharacterIsn,

his ~ anu OMaNEACLEEAaNnGa.
-
A Southern writer in the New York
World describes in an able and e~ulogistc
article the character of the great military
hero and idol of the rebel army, StonewalI
jackson. Though the portrait is drawn
by one whose sympathies are evidently
with the rebellion, it is a graphic one, and
we reproduce some portions of it below:
VIRGINIA, July, 1866.
Among the most prominent actors in the
great drama of the late revolution, there
was one whose curious figure riVeted every
eve. He wa man between thirty-fve
and forty, erect, stiff, clad in dingY gray,
with the measured carriage, and brief curt
1oice of the, soldier on duty. When he
smiled, it is true, his face was charming,
and when his piercing look grew soft, his
eye was full of the kindliest sweetness, but
his lips were hsbituslly compressed, his
glance keen, penetrating and inquisitive
under the rim OF the faded cadet esp,
drawn down low upon the forehead. He
rode ungracefully,, though not badly, APP
pearing 70 manage his horse without an
effort of position. In manner he was alb.
sent, preoccupied and absorbed, carried
away apparently by some possessing
thought, which rendered him obliYious of
time and place. He would raise his hand,
sometimes both hands, sloft in the hottest
hours of the battle, and with closed eS es
utter half audible prayers. His walk was
a stride, which the most ardent Of his sd-
mirers would not have ventured to call
graceful. lie sat stiHy erect upon his
camp stool, or in his pew st church, refu-
sing TO enjoy the luxury of reclining In the
least degree. He was silent, shy, aWk-
ward, homsly in dress and appearance,
and constrained in manner, without wit,
without humor, without any apparent en-
dowment Distinguishing him from the dull
est and most commonplace of his species.
And yet this curious parsonage had very
powerfully excited the admiration and af-
lection, not only of his W people, but of
many Of his adverssries who in the heme-
ly figure of StonewalI jackson saw the
embodiment of goodness, military genius,
and almost unbrOken victory.
HIS CoMBATIVENEss.
When once engaged, he seemed to dis
card all idea of defeat, and regard the issue
as absurd. And, what was more important
his men seemed to share his conviction
Even at Keinstown he believed the federal
forces would have retired in ten minutes if
one of his own brigsdes had not been or
dered TO fall back. A man less open to the
convic ion that he was whipped could not
be imagined. His indomitable combative-
ness, it might have baen said, made him
set his teeth. against Fate, and endeavOr to
place his heel upon Destiny itself.
HIS sKCRETIVENESS
He would not permit his men to inquire
names of towns through which they passed
and on the march against General Nc
Clellsn at Richmond issued a general or
der directing the troops to answer 81 don't
know" to every question. Meeting man
struggling towards a cherry tree he said,
where are you going ~ at don't know"
was the reply. ITO what regiment do you
beloDg2" 81 don't know" "Whst do
you meaD2D 81 don't know" jackson
laughed quietly and passed on. He said
that if his coat knew what be designed he
would take it off and burn it. He would
encamp for the night at cross roads, and
the ~quiduancs were in despair at their
inability to determine toward what point
of the compass he would march on Abe
morrow. About to abandon the valley, he
publicly directed careful maps to made of
the region, IS though intending q campaign
therein. When one of his staff engaged
dinner a few miles ahead of his advancing
column, he admonished him of his error.
How did he know that the column would
pass that point2
....