The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1877-05-31
General stonewal jackson.
The LIFE AND ,CHARAoTER OF THE
~ni - GREAT SOUTHERN HERO. fut,tIE

But Let Dns pass to the original
Jackson, whose short life is so filled
with heroism, and therefore would
lend so many charms to an extended
biography that it is very difficult To-
contine ones self to sketching bis
great characteristics. Gen. Stone
wall jackson had nothing in bis ex-
terror appearance which would in
dicate a general of great merit
Of medium and unerect statue.
awkward in his movements, he per-
fectly resembled a scholar, with his
keen, black eyes and pleasant coun~
tenance, enclosed in a black beard.
His long black hair, his precise Lam
guage, and the complete negligence
of his bearing, did not modify the
impression that he produced as
soldier, the less as he was not a skill
full cavalier, and that he trotted not
elegantly on thin, brown horse, now
become famous.
General Jackson was born January
21, 1924. Sprung from parents with
little wealth, he was at an early age
destined to a military career. He
was educated at West Point, on leav-
ing which place he entered the artil-
lery. In the campaign of 1847,
against Mexico, be distinguished him.
self to such a degree that he was
soon commissioned first lieutenant.
His brilliant conduct in the battle of
ControraS and Churubusco obtained
for him the grade of captain, AMI
after the battle of Chepultepec he
-Na@s breSeted major Bat the eli
mate 50 badly affected his health that
he was forced to resign in 1852, and
to accept professorship at the Mill
tary Institute. In this vocation he
distinguished himself by his origina-
lity. Little liked by the cadets whom
be alienated by his pedantry and
severi les, he WAS frequently the OBJ
ject of caricatures, and received a
quantity of nick names, such as odd
Tom etc.
If the war Of secession had not af
torded him occasion to put into play
his brilliant military qualities, he
would, lnost likely, have passed
through life. like many thousands be-
fore him, as simple individual, who
would have heen rendered conspicu
Gus more than in any other manner
by his originality. In 1861, at the
age of 81 years, he was called to the
command Of a small corps of obser-
vation at Harper's Ferry, and after
that debut it could have been per-
ceived that he possessed distinguished
talents as general; not only in the
skilltul preparation of his troops, but
also by his judgment in conceivine
and executing his plans. After the
military operations in which he was
engaged, of which there has been ar
account in this work, it is no longer
necessary to refer to his military
talents; but there is much untolc
about his character that is of in
terest.
General jackson was a Presbyte
rian and resembled Cromwell in be-
ing not only the military but spirit
ual chief Of his soldiers. He remained
faithful to his peculiar belief; die
nothing without prefacing it with al
ardent prayer, 80 that his mon, who
were attached to him with mos
profound love, saw him, 30 to speak
surrounded with an ideal halo, while
he himself drew from this intimate
union of invincble force, and in con'
tempt of his personal safety, COM
mitted into the hands of Providence
He had zeal for the service, and an
activity in the execution of just
measures, the result of which was tc
make all mediocrties subservient tc
his will. 1t was here his force con-
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