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Stonewall Jackson: The Good Soldier (Southern Classics)
His courage at 1st Manassas saved the Confederate army and earned him his enduring nickname. In the brilliant Shenandoah Valley campaign his outnumbered men marched with such speed that they were henceforth known as "foot cavalry". At Chancellorsville, Lee used him to execute his most daring tactical manoeuvre of the war. His untimely death was a loss from which the Army of Northern Virginia never recovered. In this fast-paced biography of one of the South's ablest (and most enigmatic) commanders, Allen Tate portrays the qualities that made "Stonewall" Jackson the warrior whom Lee would mourn as "my right arm". It is a rich and dramatic account that should interest any reader of American biography or the Civil War.
Allen Tate, a major American poet and a leading New Critic, was the author of many works of criticism and poetry as well as Civil War novel, 'The Fathers'.
Allen Tate, a major American poet and a leading New Critic, was the author of many works of criticism and poetry as well as Civil War novel, 'The Fathers'.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1928
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About the author
Allen Tate
98 books16 followersPoetry of especially known American writer and editor John Orley Allen Tate includes "Ode to the Confederate Dead" (1926); a leading exponent of New Criticism, he edited the Sewanee Review from 1944 to 1946.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Tate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Tate
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 9, 2019
Tom Jackson came from a family of small farmers rather than from the privileged planter class and he believed that slavery was immoral, he owned no slaves and he had little in common with the rich planters who did.
As a youngster he undertook a variety of jobs before Congressman Hays had his turn at appointing a cadet to West Point. Four candidates were nominated and Tom, having impressed in whatever he had previously done and having had many letters of support sent to his Congressman, was one of them.
Tom made his way to Washington and Hays spoke up for him and he was admitted to West Point to take the necessary examinations. He was no great success to begin with, finishing 51st in a class of 72 in his first examination. But he was determined and he studied hard and he mastered every study he undertook. He later told his cousin, Sylvanus White, when on leave back home, 'I tell you I had to work hard. Not for all Lewis County would I fail to go back to West Point. I am going to make a man of myself if I live. I can do anything I will to do.' And on 30 June 1846, Cadet Jackson was commissioned Brevet 2nd Lieutenant of Artillery.
His career was underway and once the Civil War began he showed his courage at the Battle of 1st Manassas as he helped save the Confederate army and also earned his enduring nickname when repulsing a Union attack. General Bee felt that the Union army was beating them back and said so to Jackson, who replied, 'Then, sir, we will give them the bayonet.' Bee then rallied the troops and shouted, 'Look there at Jackson, standing like a stone wall. Rally behind the Virginians.' Thereafter Jackson's brigade were known as the Stonewall Brigade.
He was much loved by his men and known by them for his prodigious marches and at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee used Jackson and his men to execute his most daring tactical manoeuvre of the war. Thereafter he and Lee were always close and when Jackson was wounded, possibly by friendly fire, and subsequently died of pneumonia, Lee mourned him, saying it was like 'losing my right arm'.
Allen Tate has written a stirring and patriotic biography that will entertain any readers of American history and students of the Civil War and at the end of it, they may well have another hero in their hearts.
As a youngster he undertook a variety of jobs before Congressman Hays had his turn at appointing a cadet to West Point. Four candidates were nominated and Tom, having impressed in whatever he had previously done and having had many letters of support sent to his Congressman, was one of them.
Tom made his way to Washington and Hays spoke up for him and he was admitted to West Point to take the necessary examinations. He was no great success to begin with, finishing 51st in a class of 72 in his first examination. But he was determined and he studied hard and he mastered every study he undertook. He later told his cousin, Sylvanus White, when on leave back home, 'I tell you I had to work hard. Not for all Lewis County would I fail to go back to West Point. I am going to make a man of myself if I live. I can do anything I will to do.' And on 30 June 1846, Cadet Jackson was commissioned Brevet 2nd Lieutenant of Artillery.
His career was underway and once the Civil War began he showed his courage at the Battle of 1st Manassas as he helped save the Confederate army and also earned his enduring nickname when repulsing a Union attack. General Bee felt that the Union army was beating them back and said so to Jackson, who replied, 'Then, sir, we will give them the bayonet.' Bee then rallied the troops and shouted, 'Look there at Jackson, standing like a stone wall. Rally behind the Virginians.' Thereafter Jackson's brigade were known as the Stonewall Brigade.
He was much loved by his men and known by them for his prodigious marches and at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee used Jackson and his men to execute his most daring tactical manoeuvre of the war. Thereafter he and Lee were always close and when Jackson was wounded, possibly by friendly fire, and subsequently died of pneumonia, Lee mourned him, saying it was like 'losing my right arm'.
Allen Tate has written a stirring and patriotic biography that will entertain any readers of American history and students of the Civil War and at the end of it, they may well have another hero in their hearts.
August 16, 2018
This biography of Stonewall Jackson is a worthy read in a couple of ways.
One, the background and description of the battles, even though from a Southern perspective, are accurate and informative.
Tate's description of Stonewall Jackson is even handed, even though Jackson is a somewhat mysterious figure about which not a whole lot is known.
What makes this book interesting, as long as it doesn't offend you, is that it was written in 1927 by the Poet Allen Tate in an attempt to renovate the reputation of the South and make a defense for their war.
Tate is a Southerner through and through so while his facts are clear and accurate and his description of Jackson not gushing nor even particularly flattering, his opinions as to the outcome of various battles probably differ than most people's today.
His terminology is slanted toward a legitimate Secession. He refers to Jefferson Davis as "President Davis" and Lincoln as "The Northern President." He faults Davis for losing the war for the South as well as a few Generals he felt were over complacent. He thinks Jackson is eccentric but effective, most of the time.
The only person in his biography with which he finds no fault is General Robert E. Lee.
People looking for a complete record of the Civil War will be disappointed as this historical record ends with Jackson's unexpected death in 1963, two years before the war ended.
Needless to say I disagree with the author's attitude but I think it is invaluable to read this dated piece of historical record in order to remember and understand the attitudes and culture of a past time.
I look forward to reading S.C. Gwynne's Rebel Yell and compare the two biographies of this fascinating historical figure, who I may say, had he lived, might have turned the war around. In my opinion, as much as I respect Jackson's abilities; I think our country benefited from his death.
One, the background and description of the battles, even though from a Southern perspective, are accurate and informative.
Tate's description of Stonewall Jackson is even handed, even though Jackson is a somewhat mysterious figure about which not a whole lot is known.
What makes this book interesting, as long as it doesn't offend you, is that it was written in 1927 by the Poet Allen Tate in an attempt to renovate the reputation of the South and make a defense for their war.
Tate is a Southerner through and through so while his facts are clear and accurate and his description of Jackson not gushing nor even particularly flattering, his opinions as to the outcome of various battles probably differ than most people's today.
His terminology is slanted toward a legitimate Secession. He refers to Jefferson Davis as "President Davis" and Lincoln as "The Northern President." He faults Davis for losing the war for the South as well as a few Generals he felt were over complacent. He thinks Jackson is eccentric but effective, most of the time.
The only person in his biography with which he finds no fault is General Robert E. Lee.
People looking for a complete record of the Civil War will be disappointed as this historical record ends with Jackson's unexpected death in 1963, two years before the war ended.
Needless to say I disagree with the author's attitude but I think it is invaluable to read this dated piece of historical record in order to remember and understand the attitudes and culture of a past time.
I look forward to reading S.C. Gwynne's Rebel Yell and compare the two biographies of this fascinating historical figure, who I may say, had he lived, might have turned the war around. In my opinion, as much as I respect Jackson's abilities; I think our country benefited from his death.
August 18, 2023
This biography seems to tell you more about Allen Tate than Stonewall Jackson.
May 7, 2020
Thomas Jackson of the Virginia backcountry was a very interesting man. But for me, he remains an enigma. He apparently told others that he had great admiration for Christian ministers. He believed that a man of the cloth was performing the most honorable of all duties. On the other hand, this God-fearing man was hell & fury on the battlefield. He went at it like it was his sacred duty. President Lincoln & all the Federal generals worried about his whereabouts for about two yrs (1861-63). So writes the author. Jackson certainly caught the attention of General Robert E Lee. Jackson was accidentally killed by his own men (Confederate pickets) during the May 1863 Battle of Chancellorsville (his greatest victory). Had be lived and fought two months later at Gettysburg the Rebels might have very well won that battle. General Lee believed it. However, in my view, the South never really had a chance to win the Civil War. The North simply had too many resources. I was taught that in the 6th grade and still believe it.
This book was written by a very fine and respected writer from Kentucky by the name of Allen Tate. It was published in 1928 and from beginning to end Mr Tate showed himself to be a partisan in the cause for southern independence. The author couldn’t change the outcome of the war but he gave it his best shot. Ha. He was a great admirer of both Jackson and Lee. I did think that all of his descriptions of the battles were quite accurate. He did call Sharpsburg a victory for the South because the Federals were unable to dislodge the South from their defensive positions during the battle. I think most historians would call Sharpsburg a military draw, a very bloody one.
Jackson’s paternal grandfather was a Scots-Irishman who met his wife on the ship transporting them to America in the 1700s. Tom Jackson was born in the backwoods of Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1824. By the time he was 7 or 8 he had lost both of his parents and was orphaned. His uncle, Cummins Jackson (a fairly prosperous & hardworking man), took him in and Jackson continued his life in VA. Circa 1842, a local U.S. congressman recommended Jackson for an appointment at West Point. Jackson had read quite a bit as a youngster but had very little formal schooling. However, he worked very hard at West Point and pretty much willed himself to get through the military academy. He became an artillery officer and served in the Mexican-American War. Jackson, according to Tate, was driven to make a name for or distinguish himself in some manner, that seemed to be an innate trait. He did well in Mexico but later left the Army and became a teacher at VMI in Lexington, VA.
In 1861 the war came and Jackson took charge of the VMI cadets and moved them to Harpers Ferry for duty. They soon became a part of the Valley Army of VA. There was very little mention of Jackson’s personal thoughts about the War in the book. Tate wrote that Jackson had no bias against the blacks & believed they should be freed. Jackson was not a Cavalier Virginian (the planter & slaveholding class). But like many Virginians he was called to duty and anything that Jackson did he did with great energy and fervor. Perhaps he thought it was God’s will that he fight hard against the “northern aggressors?” He went at war like an Old Testament warrior. He distinguished himself at First Manassas (1861) and gained the moniker “Stonewall.” (When looking at photos of Jackson, look at his eyes.)
I enjoyed reading this book and getting the thoughts of a learned man (Tate) on the Civil War. The majority (perhaps 75%) of the book focuses on Jackson’s military exploits during the War. I think I was hoping for a more detailed analysis of Jackson & his personality. What drove the man? It seems to me it was God, war and a burning desire to succeed. Generals Lee, Jackson & James Longstreet were the big 3 of the Confederate Army (at least in the East). They totally dominated the North when it came to military leadership. I’ll give them that but I simply view the War Between the States as a senseless war. Hundreds (sometimes thousands) were slaughtered in a single battle. General Jackson would see countless dead bodies after brutal engagements & seem unmoved by it all. If the South was victorious he would feel that God was good to the Confederate cause on that particular day. My view would be that God would be deeply saddened by armies clashing and killing one another. To what end?
“Let’s cross over the river and rest in the shade of the trees.” Those were Jackson’s final words. He seemed to be dreaming of a time in his boyhood when he and friends would think about crossing a local stream/river and relaxing in a stand of maple trees. Stonewall Jackson seemed to have peace in his heart when died. He’s hard to figure.
This book was written by a very fine and respected writer from Kentucky by the name of Allen Tate. It was published in 1928 and from beginning to end Mr Tate showed himself to be a partisan in the cause for southern independence. The author couldn’t change the outcome of the war but he gave it his best shot. Ha. He was a great admirer of both Jackson and Lee. I did think that all of his descriptions of the battles were quite accurate. He did call Sharpsburg a victory for the South because the Federals were unable to dislodge the South from their defensive positions during the battle. I think most historians would call Sharpsburg a military draw, a very bloody one.
Jackson’s paternal grandfather was a Scots-Irishman who met his wife on the ship transporting them to America in the 1700s. Tom Jackson was born in the backwoods of Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1824. By the time he was 7 or 8 he had lost both of his parents and was orphaned. His uncle, Cummins Jackson (a fairly prosperous & hardworking man), took him in and Jackson continued his life in VA. Circa 1842, a local U.S. congressman recommended Jackson for an appointment at West Point. Jackson had read quite a bit as a youngster but had very little formal schooling. However, he worked very hard at West Point and pretty much willed himself to get through the military academy. He became an artillery officer and served in the Mexican-American War. Jackson, according to Tate, was driven to make a name for or distinguish himself in some manner, that seemed to be an innate trait. He did well in Mexico but later left the Army and became a teacher at VMI in Lexington, VA.
In 1861 the war came and Jackson took charge of the VMI cadets and moved them to Harpers Ferry for duty. They soon became a part of the Valley Army of VA. There was very little mention of Jackson’s personal thoughts about the War in the book. Tate wrote that Jackson had no bias against the blacks & believed they should be freed. Jackson was not a Cavalier Virginian (the planter & slaveholding class). But like many Virginians he was called to duty and anything that Jackson did he did with great energy and fervor. Perhaps he thought it was God’s will that he fight hard against the “northern aggressors?” He went at war like an Old Testament warrior. He distinguished himself at First Manassas (1861) and gained the moniker “Stonewall.” (When looking at photos of Jackson, look at his eyes.)
I enjoyed reading this book and getting the thoughts of a learned man (Tate) on the Civil War. The majority (perhaps 75%) of the book focuses on Jackson’s military exploits during the War. I think I was hoping for a more detailed analysis of Jackson & his personality. What drove the man? It seems to me it was God, war and a burning desire to succeed. Generals Lee, Jackson & James Longstreet were the big 3 of the Confederate Army (at least in the East). They totally dominated the North when it came to military leadership. I’ll give them that but I simply view the War Between the States as a senseless war. Hundreds (sometimes thousands) were slaughtered in a single battle. General Jackson would see countless dead bodies after brutal engagements & seem unmoved by it all. If the South was victorious he would feel that God was good to the Confederate cause on that particular day. My view would be that God would be deeply saddened by armies clashing and killing one another. To what end?
“Let’s cross over the river and rest in the shade of the trees.” Those were Jackson’s final words. He seemed to be dreaming of a time in his boyhood when he and friends would think about crossing a local stream/river and relaxing in a stand of maple trees. Stonewall Jackson seemed to have peace in his heart when died. He’s hard to figure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2018
This biography of Stonewall Jackson is a worthy read in a couple of ways.
One, the background and description of the battles, even though from a Southern perspective, are accurate and informative.
Tate's description of Stonewall Jackson is even handed, even though Jackson is a somewhat mysterious figure about which not a whole lot is known.
What makes this book interesting, as long as it doesn't offend you, is that it was written in 1927 by the Poet Allen Tate in an attempt to renovate the reputation of the South and make a defense for their war.
Tate is a Southerner through and through so while his facts are clear and accurate and his description of Jackson not gushing nor even particularly flattering, his opinions as to the outcome of various battles probably differ than most people's today.
His terminology is slanted toward a legitimate Secession. He refers to Jefferson Davis as "President Davis" and Lincoln as "The Northern President." He faults Davis for losing the war for the South as well as a few Generals he felt were over complacent. He thinks Jackson is eccentric but effective, most of the time.
The only person in his biography with which he finds no fault is General Robert E. Lee.
People looking for a complete record of the Civil War will be disappointed as this historical record ends with Jackson's unexpected death in 1963, two years before the war ended.
One, the background and description of the battles, even though from a Southern perspective, are accurate and informative.
Tate's description of Stonewall Jackson is even handed, even though Jackson is a somewhat mysterious figure about which not a whole lot is known.
What makes this book interesting, as long as it doesn't offend you, is that it was written in 1927 by the Poet Allen Tate in an attempt to renovate the reputation of the South and make a defense for their war.
Tate is a Southerner through and through so while his facts are clear and accurate and his description of Jackson not gushing nor even particularly flattering, his opinions as to the outcome of various battles probably differ than most people's today.
His terminology is slanted toward a legitimate Secession. He refers to Jefferson Davis as "President Davis" and Lincoln as "The Northern President." He faults Davis for losing the war for the South as well as a few Generals he felt were over complacent. He thinks Jackson is eccentric but effective, most of the time.
The only person in his biography with which he finds no fault is General Robert E. Lee.
People looking for a complete record of the Civil War will be disappointed as this historical record ends with Jackson's unexpected death in 1963, two years before the war ended.
May 14, 2022
Jackson did not have slaves and did not believe in slavery. He fought to preserve the rights of his state as did so many southern men.
The author introduces in detail the young Jackson, then proceeds with revealing his character through the battles of the Civil War. It is full of great detail about numerous battles. The biography reveals how deep was Jackson’s Christianity, extending to the belief that he was defeated in a battle because he was forced to attack on the Sabbath.
His reputation was that of a Patton … “Moses … took forty years bringing the Israelites through the wilderness. Old Jack would have double-quicked them through on half-rations in three days.”
New vocabulary for me:
“That general had declined the gage.” gage – a noun with the archaic definition “challenge.”
“The line of march soon led the half-famished tatterdemalions over Bull Run …”
tatterdemalion – a person in tattered clothing [certainly apropos of the army of the south]
The author introduces in detail the young Jackson, then proceeds with revealing his character through the battles of the Civil War. It is full of great detail about numerous battles. The biography reveals how deep was Jackson’s Christianity, extending to the belief that he was defeated in a battle because he was forced to attack on the Sabbath.
His reputation was that of a Patton … “Moses … took forty years bringing the Israelites through the wilderness. Old Jack would have double-quicked them through on half-rations in three days.”
New vocabulary for me:
“That general had declined the gage.” gage – a noun with the archaic definition “challenge.”
“The line of march soon led the half-famished tatterdemalions over Bull Run …”
tatterdemalion – a person in tattered clothing [certainly apropos of the army of the south]
January 29, 2018
This short biography of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson excels at describing the character of its subject. The work is replete with anecdotes and quotes of Jackson, and that makes it well worth reading. It also gives a very Southern perspective on the Civil War which is good to know, but it can be excessively partisan at times. People without a good deal of sympathy for the South will have a hard time reading it and some of the facts are skewed, hence four stars instead of five.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews