Thomas Jonathan Jackson, dubbed Stonewall" following the battle of First Manassas in July 1861, was born in 1824 in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). This extremely complex, often misunderstood man was orphaned at a young age, graduated from West Point in 1846, and participated in the Mexican War in 1848.
Attracted to the Virginia Military Institute in 1851, he resigned his commission in the army a year later. He left VMI in 1861 to join the Confederate army. Immediately commissioned a colonel, within months he had been promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He was mortally wounded by friendly fire at the May 1863 battle of Chancellorsville and died a week later.
Revered as a brilliant military leader, tactician, and one of the most adroit Confederate commanders, Jackson is a study in contrasts. He was justifiably feared by his enemies and totally beloved by his men. Yet his humble and sincere faith seemed at odds with his reputation as a ferocious warrior.
All Things for Good is a thoughtful new volume in the Leaders in Action Series. In it J. Steven Wilkins challenges some of the myths that surround Stonewall Jackson and celebrates his devout Christian faith.
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