The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1878-08-13

Dut the cnQ tnat came. DdNIS uiu di
he could do for his side. and how much
he did do no one knows better thar
those who we're in the field"
sToNEwALL JACKSON.
Your correspondent asked the Gen
eral how he ranked Jackson among tic
soldiers. IL knew Stonewall Jackson, "
said the General, 'at West Point and
in Mexico. At West Point he came
into the schoo, at an older age than the
average and began with low grade.
Bot he had so much courage and en-.
,ergy, worked so hard and governed his
life by a discipline. so stern, that he
steadily worked his way along aud rose
far above others who had more ad-
vantages. Stonewall Jackson at West
Point was in a state of constant i'm
provement. He was a religious man
then, and some Of US regarded him as n
fanatic. Sometimes his religion took
strange Observation-Disclosures
thst an evil spirit had taken possession
ofhim. But he never relaxed in his
studies or his Christian duties. Lknew
him in Mexico. He was always brave
aud trustworthy oficer-none more so
in ,theappy. ] never knew him or en-
c9uptere bim in the rebellion. 1
Question whether his campaigns in Vir-
gfniaiIjustify his reputation as a great
commander. He was killed too soon,
and before his rank allowed him great
command. 1t would have been q test
of geueralship if Jackson had met
Sheridan in the valley instead of some
of the men he did meet. From all I
know of Jackson and all I see of his
campaigns, have little doubt of the re-
suit. IF Jackson had attempted on
Sheridan the tactics he attempted so
successfully upon others he would not
only have been beaten but destroyed.
Sudden, daring raids, under a fine gen.
cral like Jackson, might do against raw
troops and inexperienced commanders.
such as we had in the beginning of the
war, but not against drilled troops and
commander like Sheridan. The tac-
tics for which Jackson is famous, and
which achieved such remarkable results.
belonged entirely 10 the beginning of
the war, and to the peculiar conditions
under which the earlier battles were
fought. They would have insured de-
struction TO any commander who tried
then upon Sherman, Thomas, Sheri-
dan, Meade, or, in fact, any of our great
generals. Consequently Jackson's fame
as general depends upopachievements
gained before his genera Ship was test
ed-betcsc he had chance of matching
himself with really great commander.
No doubt so able and patient man as
Jackson, who worked so hard at any
thing he attempted, would have adapted
himself to new conditions and risen with
them. He died before his opportunity.
| always respected Jackson personally,
and esteemed his sincere and manly
character. He impressed me always as
a man of the Cromwell stamp-a Purl-
tan-a much more of the New Eng.
lander than the Virginian. If any man
believed in the rebellion, he did. And
his nature was such that whatever he
believed in became deep, religious
duty-a duty he would discharge at any
cost. 1t is a mistake to suppose that
had any feelings for Stonewall jackson
but respect. Personally, we were al.
ways good friends; his character had
rare points of merit, and although he
made The mistake Of fighting against his
country, fever a man did SO conscien'
tiously, he was the man."
LEE AS A COMMANDER.
This led 10 a remark as to the great
and universal fame of Lee, especially in
Europa reputation which seemed to
grow every day.
Il never r,nked Lee as high as como
others of the army" said the General
"that is to say, never had as much
anxiety when be was in my front a:
when Joe Johnston was in front. Lee
was a good man, a fair commander, WHIT
had everythingin his favor. He was {
man who needed sunshine. He was
supported by the unanimous voice O
the South he was supported by lnrg'
party in the Nonhj he had the supper
and sympathy ofthe outside world. AL
this is Of an immense advantage to
general. Lee had this in a remarkable
degree. Everything he did was right
lie was treated like a dcmi-god. Ou
generals had hostile press, lukcwarn
friends, and public opinion outside
The cry was in the air that tho Nortl
only won by brute force; that the gen
eralship and valor We're with the Sonth
This has gone into history, with so man,
illusions that are historical. Lee va
Of Il slow, conservative, cautious nature
without imagination or humor. Away
the same, with grave dignity. | coul'
never see in his achievcmen's what jus
tilles his reputation. The illusion tha
nothing but heavy odds beat him vii
not stand the ultimate light of history
| know it is not true. The South ant
North were more nearly matched tha,
you would suppose. The whole popu
lation were in the war The four mil
lion Of negroes were the same as sol
diers, because they did the work in tn