Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-12-11
sToNewALL JACKSON AT PRAYER

Probably there was never more
impressive tribute paid to Christian
ty than that by Gen. John Echols in
his "Stouewall Jackson Address" last
Tuesday evening, before the Confed-
crate Association of Kentucky. Bish-
op Dudley, Bishop Penick, DR.. Jones,
DR.. Broadus, the Rev. j. G. Minnige-
rode, and other ministers OF the Cos
pei in the great audience were visibly
affected when, after the thrilling re-
cital of Gen. Jacksons matchless
movements in the Valley of Virginia,
throughout the forty days during
which he marched four hundred miles,
fought five pitched battles, defeated
Ave great Generals, captured four
thousand prisoners, aud closed the
way of the Shenandoah Valley for
months, Gen. Echols, referring to the
death of Ashby and the tender emo
ton exhibited by Stonewall Jackson
paused, and speaking Of frequent
prayer "a characteristic of Jackson,
said slowly:
There is weakness among young
men in regard to praying. They do
not care to let men know that they
kneel and pray, some even thinking
praying sign Of cowardice. There
is nothing greater than this getting
hold of God. Remember Jackson, OF
whom it can be said, there lies man
who never feared the face Of man
Men may scofT as they will. but there
comes the time when every knee shall
bow. Stonewall Jackson went through
the war attributing oil his victories TO
God. He had absolute dependence
in an overruling Providence. What
could overcome such character a
distinguished Virginia minister has
lust furnish ed me this historical letter
in regard to Gen. Ewell and Stone
wall Jackson
October 10, 1891 Gen. John Ech-
ols-Dear General: Twas in
connection with Gen. Ewelfs conver-
sion to Christ, from his accidental
overhearing Jackson praying for
guidance in the prosecution OF the
campaign when it had short while
before been confessed by all the Con
federate Generals. Jackson included.
that they knew not what 10 advise e
then the brilliant movement through
Thoroughfare Gap, etc. NY inform
ant got the account from a minister
of the Presby terian Church, who was
present at one of the sessions in eI-
amining Gen. Ewell (who had been a
very profane man and skeptical), and
hearing him give his experience aud
what led him to desire membership in
the church.
Gen. Ewell had been wounded in
the series OF battles that occurred Just
after the incident to which reference
is about to be made, and he had time
for deep reflection. Gen. Ewell did
not have high opinion of Gen. Jack
sons ability. Indeed, as he often re-
marked in the hearing OF his stall, he
knew Jackson well. and knew he did
not have good common sense, and,
therefore. the victory which Jackson
had won had been an incident. And
so the staff used to join in with him
in deriding the claim OF Jackson 5
friends to his being a great General.
But. somehow, Jackson kept on
winning victories. so that the staff,
one after another. ceased talking in
the strain they had been indulging in,
and Ewell was left alone in reaffirn-
ing his oft repeated convictions. This
went on until the time when Pope had
assumed command OF the Federal
troops. and at juncture OF that cam
paign when everything seemed dark
and jnextricably mixed up and a
council of war was held at which
Gems. Jackson and Ewell were pres
emf. Each General was asked what
he would advise, and one after an
other said he had nothing to sug-
pest and Jackson also said the same
thing, but added that, as they seemed