Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 19.djvu/151

 Stonewall Jackson. 145

[From the Richmond Times, July 19, 21, 22, 1891.]

STONEWALL JACKSON.

Personal Reminiscences and Anecdotes of His Character Recollections of Him by Dr. J. William Jones, Formerly Chaplain of the Army of Northern Virginia.

The unveiling of Valentine's statue of Stonewall Jackson, the gath- ering of the veterans of the old " Foot Cavalry" to gaze on the life- like presentment of their old commander which the genius of our great artist has given to the world, the reunion of old comrades, and the recalling of a thousand hallowed memories of the camp, the march, the bivouac, and the battlefield, will excite fresh and wide in- terest in all that pertains to the career of the great soldier who filled two continents with his fame.

The distinguished orator of the day, General J. A. Early, will doubtless make an able and exhaustive presentation of the military career of his chief, whom he so bravely followed in his great cam- paigns, and whose name and fame he is so capable of delineating and so ready to defend. All will rejoice that this sturdy old soldier has lived to see this worthy monument to his corps commander, and the full text of Early on Jackson will be eagerly read by thousands who are not privileged to hear it, and will pass into history as highest authority on the great theme of which it treats.

But if it may be permitted one who counts it a high honor to have been one of " Stonewall's men " to recall some personal reminiscences and anecdotes illustrative of the character of our great leader, I shall esteem it a privilege to do so for the readers of The Times.

MAJOR JACKSON OF THE V. M. I.

I used to hear the cadets of the Virginia Military Institute speak of a quiet, eccentric, but hard-working professor, whom they called "Old Jack," or "Fool Tom Jackson," and upon whom they de- lighted to play all sorts of pranks. Stories of his eccentricities were rife such as his wearing a thick uniform in the sweltering heat of summer because he had " received no orders to change it," or of his pacing up and down in front of the superintendent's office in a pelt- ing hail storm because he would not deliver his report one minute before the appointed time. 10