Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-08-05
ST0NEWALL JACKSON.
PERSONAL "REMINISCENCES AND ANEC.
DOTES OF HIS CHARACTER.
His Career at the V. M. Institute.
RECoLLECTIoNs OF HIM BY DR.. J. Will
LIAM JONES, FORMERLY CHAPLAIN
OF THE ARMY OF NORTHERN
VIRGINIA.
His Career at the V. M. Institute.
From the Richmond Times.

The unveiling of Valentines statue of
Stonewall jackson, the gathering of the
veterans of the old 'tFoot Cavalry" to gaze
on the life-like presentment of their old
commander which the genius Of our great
artist has given to the world, the reunion
of old comrades and the recalling of thou
sand hallowed memories of the camp, the
march, the bivouac and the battlefield, will
excite fresh and wide interest in all that
pertains to the career of the great soldier
who filled two continents with his fame.
The distinguished orator of the day, Gen
eral ]. A. Early, Will doubtless make an
able and exhaustive presentation of the
military career of his chief, whom he SO
bravely followed in his great campaigns,
and whose name and fame ne is so capable
of delineatine and SO ready to defend. All
will rejoice that this sturdy old soldier has
lived to see this worthy monument to his
corps commander, and the full text of Early
on Jackson will be eagerly read by thou
sands who are not privileged to hear it aud
will pass into history as highest authority
on the great theme of which he treats.
But if it may be permitted one who
counts it high honor to have been one of
"Stonewalps men, to recall some personal
the character of our great leader, 1 shall
esteem it privilege to do so for the read
ers of the Times.
MAJOR JACKSON OF THE ". MI.
I used to hear the cadets of the Virginia
Military Institute speak of quiet, ecen
trio. but hard working professor, whom
they called "Old jack" or "Fool Tom
Jackson" and upon whom they delighted
to play all sorts of pranks. Stories of his
eccentricities were rife-such as his wear.
ing thick uniform in the sweltering heat
of summer because he bad ''received no or
ders to change it, or of his pacing up and
down in front of the superintendent Office
| in a pelting hail storm because he woulG
| not deliver his report one minute before the
| appointed time.
| While he had, by hard work, mastered
the subject which he taught, he had bu
little capacity for imparting instruction
and showed 80 little tact and skill as
teacher that just before the breaking out O
tae war committee of the alumni of th
Virginia Military Institute, headed by Col
onel john B. Strange. who was killed a
Sharpsburg, waited on the board of visitor
and demanded the removal of Professo
jackson for utter incom petency." Their
we're traditions that he greatly distinguish
ed himself in the Mexican var, and storie
were told of his walking back and forth o
a road plowed by the enemy's artillery
inspire his men with courage; sitting a
alone on one of his guns after his men ha
been driven of, because ''he had receive
90 orders to leave, and of his standing I
his guns On another occasion after his il
fautry support had fed aud driving off
greatly superior force of the enemy. B.
: his brilliant career and rapid promotion i
Mexico had been well nigh lost sight o
and when, in the early days of the war, b
old neighbor and friend, Governor job
Letcher, nominated him to the Virgin
convention for commission as colonel,
member arose and asked: "Who is th
Major Jackson, anyhow" and it took a
the eloquence of the Rockbridgs delegate
to secure his confirmation.
remember that the soldiers at Harper
Ferry, whea be was sent to command u
also asked, "Who is this Colonel Jacl
son?" bat that before he had been in con
maud fc ty eight hours we felt his stror
hand, Recognized the difference betwee
him and certain militia officers who hs
previously had charge of the post, and res
lzed that we were at least under the cor
mand Of real soldier and r;g,d dis cipli
arian.