ᛉ Archive ᛣ

Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was born on January 21st, 1824 in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). Orphaned at 7, he spent his youth working hard on his uncles mill leaving him very little time for an education. Yet through his superior discipline, determination, and resilience that came to define him as a general, he managed to self educate and secure a spot at West Point in 1842. Though sheepish and quiet in his daily life, Jackson became a key player in the Mexican American War.  His leadership skills flourished and his brilliant strategic capabilities played a key role in multiple American victories. Most notable however was his bravery and fearlessness under fire. "My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me." His sense of religious and martial duty motivated him above all things. He wasn't a staunch secessionist but when secession came, he didn't hesitate to do his duty for God and for country. Nothing could be more important. "When war does come, my advice is to draw the sword and throw away the scabbard!" When war came, Jackson quickly rose to prominence. Manassas. The Valley Campaign,   Second Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville. None would have been won without Stonewall and his men. No one was as bold. No one was as fearless. His assurance in the righteous of the southern  cause and the faith he had in his savior drove him to find victory no matter what odds were stacked against him. When Jackson lost his arm, and ultimately his life, at Chancellorsville, General Lee said "He has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right." There were plenty of competent commanders in the south, but Jackson's force of will could not be replaced. Jackson was a great leader and brilliant commander. But this is not why we should revere him. Our movement is full of smart men who command a presence. But it's lacking men of commitment and a true sense of sacrifice. Men willing to put their duty to God and nation above all the way he did. Sacrifice isn't taking 5 minutes to throw up some stickers, or contributing a few bucks here and there. It's the willingness to lose ALL of your time and ALL of your money if the need arises.  You may have to lose your house, your family or even your life in the name of victory. Nothing is more important in this critical turning point of history that we are living through. Only with that mentality can you say that you are a man of faith and a man of conviction. Only then can we win. Only then will our people survive. Only that kind of sacrifice can inspire progeny to fight until the end of time. This is the spirit of Jackson. Learn it and let it carry us to victory.

Stonewall Jackson Acrylic on panel 12" x 16"