Words of Wisdom from Gen. Thomas Jonathan Jackson

Virginia's greatest son
He that won in all his fights
And never lost a Southern gun.

Note: (IRWS:x) = x is page number in I Rode with Stonewall by Henry Kyd Douglas

"You ask me for a letter respecting the [Shenandoah] Valley. . . . I have only to say this, that if this Valley is lost, Virginia is lost." - 3 Mar 1862 in ltr. to Col. A. R.. Boteler* (IRWS:28)

"I hope the Indians will come." - 3 Mar 1862 in ltr. to Col. A. R.. Boteler (IRWS:28)

"What I desire is to hold the country as far as practicable until we are in a condition to advance and then with God's blessing, let us [make] thorough work of it." - 3 Mar 1862 in ltr. to Col. A. R. Boteler (IRWS:27)

"Let the idea of selecting desirable positions for individuals be ignored and let merit be the basis of reward and everything subordinate to the success of our cause." - 3 Mar 1862 in ltr. to Col. A. R.. Boteler (IRWS:28)

*The letters "were addressed to Honorable Alexander R. Boteler, Representative from the Winchester District in the Confederate Congress and when not in Richmond Colonel and volunteer aide-de-camp on the staff of General Jackson. Colonel Boteler was at all times the General's unconditional friend..." (IRWS:24)

Quote Index |  HOME