Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1912-07-09
Col. CheE'S Address 1t Lexington.

yelling of Jackson's statue at the Virgin
ia Military Institute. Col. r. P. Chew. of
Stuart's Horse Artillery. said. in part.
We are here today to witness the en-
yelling of monument to commemorate
the great character and deeds of General
Thomas Jonathan Jackson. Wien we
come to talk of ''Stonewall" Jackson. we
treat of character as remarkable as any
10 all history. As the war progressed in
the short period of two years this great
soldier advanced to the front rank of the
great captains of modern times. and after
his death was esteemed by competent
military authorities in England, one of
the five greatest Generals of the English
speaking Wellington. Washington.
Marlborough, Lee, Jackson.
My first acquaintance with General
Jackson commenced in 1859, when en-
tered the v. M. l. ERECTED to General
Jackson and saw him daily from Septem-
Der, 1860. to April, 1861. He appeared
TO luC a. tudt TING q Aaiui aHd dCiCiibtHCo
man, giving his whole thought and at
tention to the matter before him. He
was not what You would call grateful
man, but he was a very good looking
person. Never during all my acquaint-
ance with him did ever see him laugh,
though have seen him often with de-
lightful smile upon his face.
Colonel Chew recounted Jackson's ca
reer in the Mexican wal. and said he came
out second to that of no young Officer;
and the taste of battle he had had there.
doubtless spurred his ambition to higher
achievement, if opportunity should offer.
In 1851, after the termination of hostil-
ties he spent several months in the City
of Mexico. 1t is said these were very
pleasant months to him. and that he came
near falling in love with beautiful
Colonel Chew gave an exhaustive re-
view of General Jackson's Valley cam
paigns. in which he displayed such re-
geuius, aud struck terror tothe
enemy on many fields. His brigade con
sisted of the and Virginia. Colonel Allen;
the 4th Virginia, Colonel Preston; the
5th Virginia. Colonel Harper. the 27th
Virginia. Colonel Echols; and the 33rd
Virginia, Colonel Cummings. The Rock
bridge Battery, commanded by Rev DIR.
Pendleton, was also attached to his brig
ade. A large majority of the men of this
brigade were born and reared in the |
Shenandoah Valley. and distinguished |
in almost all the battles IN |
Virginia; and no body of men in any war |
ever won greater reputation tor cour-
age. and for skill in battle,
AS General Jackson was riding on the |
march around General Hooker at Chan
he tnrned to General Mum
ford and said: The v. M. /. will be
heard from today" His divisions were
largely commanded by graduates of the
Institute, and many subordinate COM
were there. Wherever they
served throughout the armies Of the
South, their conduct on the battlefield |
was such as to do honor to this great IN
,titution, and lend fresh and additional
ustre to the name and the fame of the
American soldier. On May IS, 1904, the
corps of cadets from the Institute immor
allied themselves on the field of New
Market. Alleging under fire, they as
,ended the eminence on which the Fed
rails were posted, as though on dress
parade. and with marvellous decision and
charged into the midst of their
inc. capturing battery and putting
heir foes to fight. Who can doubt that
he example Of Jackson furnished them
aspiration in this attack. unsurpassed
or dash and dauntless courage in all the
nnals of was2
The remains Of this beloved General
est here in your beautiful city. and it is
remarkable coincidence that The tomb
f Robert E. Lee is here also. Jackson's
,ure and beautiful life was ended abrupt.
=. He had observed throughout life his
Iuty to himself. TO his family, to bis
state and to his God.
Possessed of perfect poise of mind and
his character adorned with
very moral and manly attribute, and en-
lowed with every Christian virtue, pre-
ents beautiful and glowing example
worthy OF emulation by all the men of
,ur country. and especially by our am
,ltious and aspiring youths. stimulating
hem IL time Of peace to great and noble
purposes and to generous undertakings.
Ind in time of war prompting them to
inc Of conduct IN the camp. on the march
ind upon the battlefield that will enable
hem to win for themselves imperishable
lonors aud to couple their names with
leeds of renown.
We shall witness with awe aud rever-
,nce the unwilling of this monument the
landiwork of the celebrated artist, Sir
uOScS EZchiCi, uiSlibS utSuSa StauddtS
# the Virginia Military institute. the
oremost sculptor of his country; but at
be same time we shall be mindful that
he great and good man, to pay homage
O whom we are assem- bed here today, by |
lis own exalted character and great
erected monument which |
inds its foundations resting broad and
ieep 10 the hearts Of the people of the
South; monument that reaTs its males
&c head aloft to pierce and penetrate the
'kies above and remain forever con
,incing evidence of the triumph of virtue,
courage and genius.
~o1f ~ r.f all ax7fT