38 Stonewall Jackson quotes that are interesting to read if you want to know more about the great Confederate commander:
1. “Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy, if possible; and when you strike and overcome him, never let up in the pursuit…” – Stonewall Jackson
2. “My men have sometimes failed to take a position, but to defend one, never!” – Stonewall Jackson
3. “Shoot the brave officers, and the cowards will run away and take the men with them.” – Stonewall Jackson
4. “The hardships of forced marches are often more painful than the dangers of battle” – Stonewall Jackson
5. “The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth.” – Stonewall Jackson
6. “I yield to no man in sympathy for the gallant men under my command; but I am obliged to sweat them tonight, that I may save their blood tomorrow.” – Stonewall Jackson
7. “Once you get them running, you stay right on top of them, and that way a small force can defeat a large one every time.” – Stonewall Jackson
8. “The only true rule for cavalry is to follow the enemy as long as he retreats.” – Stonewall Jackson
9. “War means fighting. The business of the soldier is to fight. Armies are not called out to dig trenches, to throw up breastworks, to live in camps, but to find the enemy and strike him; to invade his country, and do him all possible damage in the shortest possible time. This will involve great destruction of life and property while it lasts; but such a war will of necessity be of brief continuance, and so would be an economy of life and property in the end.” – Stonewall Jackson
10. “I want my army to be an army of the living God.” – Stonewall Jackson
11. “Why should the peace of a true Christian be disturbed by anything which man can do unto him? Has not God promised to make all things work together for good to those who love him?” – Stonewall Jackson
12. “All I am and all I have is at the service of my country.” – Stonewall Jackson
13. “Captain, 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. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.” – Stonewall Jackson
14. “Then, Sir, we will give them the bayonet!” – Stonewall Jackson
15. “Yesterday we fought a great battle and gained a great victory, for which all the glory is due to God alone.” – Stonewall Jackson
16. “Don’t say it’s impossible! Turn your command over to the next officer. If he can’t do it, I’ll find someone who can, even if I have to take him from the ranks!” – Stonewall Jackson
17. “What is life without honor? Degradation is worse than death.” – Stonewall Jackson
18. “I am more afraid of King Alcohol than of all the bullets of the enemy.” – Stonewall Jackson
19. “Our movement was a great success; I think the most successful military movement of my life. But I expect to receive more credit for it than I deserve. Most men will think I planned it all from the first; but it was not so. I simply took advantage of circumstances as they were presented to me in the providence of God. I feel that His hand led me – let us give Him the glory.” – Stonewall Jackson
20. “My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed.” – Stonewall Jackson
21. “Up, men! Up, Virginians! Hold your fire until they are within fifty yards, and then give them the bayonet! And when you charge, yell like furies!” – Stonewall Jackson
22. “Duty is ours: consequences are God’s.” – Stonewall Jackson
23. “Our men fought bravely, but the enemy repulsed me. Many valuable lives were lost. Our God was my shield. His protecting care is an additional cause for gratitude.” – Stonewall Jackson
24. “Our God was my shield. His protecting care is an additional cause for gratitude.” – Stonewall Jackson
25. “We must make this campaign an exceedingly active one. Only thus can a weaker country cope with a stronger; it must make up in activity what it lacks in strength.” – Stonewall Jackson
26. “The time for war has not yet come, but it will come, and that soon; and when it does come, my advice is to draw the sword and throw away the scabbard.” – Stonewall Jackson
27. “You may be whatever you resolve to be.” – Stonewall Jackson
28. “Under divine blessing, we must rely on the bayonet when firearms cannot be furnished.” – Stonewall Jackson
29. “This army stays here until the last wounded man is removed. Before I leave them to the enemy, I will lose many more men.” – Stonewall Jackson
30. “My duty is to obey orders.” – Stonewall Jackson
31. “Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees.” – Stonewall Jackson
32. “Through the broad extent of country over which you have marched by your respect for the rights and property of citizens, you have shown that you were soldiers not only to defend but able and willing to defend and protect.” – Stonewall Jackson
33. “Who could not conquer with such troops as these?” – Stonewall Jackson
34. “There are but few commanders who properly appreciate the value of celerity.” – Stonewall Jackson
35. “He is cautious. He ought to be. But he is not slow. Lee is a phenomenon. He is the only man whom I would follow blindfolded.” – Stonewall Jackson
36. “Arms is a profession that, if its principles are adhered to for success, requires an officer do what he fears may be wrong, and yet, according to military experience, must be done, if success is to be attained.” – Stonewall Jackson
37. “Be content and resigned to God’s will.” – Stonewall Jackson
38. “If officers desire to have control over their commands, they must remain habitually with them, industriously attend to their instruction and comfort, and in battle lead them well.” – Stonewall Jackson
A few words about Stonewall Jackson.
When we think about the Confederacy, especially its iconic figures/leaders, it is almost impossible not to identify the figure of Stonewall Jackson.
For most of us, because of his brilliant leadership and skills on the battlefield, Jackson is often considered to be better than Robert E.Lee.
Probably if Jackson was not shot by his own troops during the decisive Battle of Chancellorsville, maybe the war between the Union and the Confederacy would’ve lasted much longer.
Robert E.Lee would later recall, that with the lost of Stonewall Jackson, he also lost “his right hand”. Such valuable was this commander for both Lee and the Confederate States of America.
We hope that the above 38 Stonewall Jackson quotes helped you to learn more about the personality of this great commander of the American Civil War(1861-1865).