Thomas Stonewall Jackson (1824 – 1863)
American teacher and soldier.
Endeavor to do well with everything you undertake.
Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly.
Make it a rule never to accuse without due consideration any body or association of men.
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. A defensive campaign can only be made successful by taking the aggressive at the proper time. Napoleon never waited for his adversary to become fully prepared, but struck him the first blow.
I like liquor — its taste and its effects — and that is just the reason why I never drink it.
It is man's highest interest not to violate, or attempt to violate, the rules which Infinite Wisdom has laid down. The means by which men are to attain great elevation may be classed in three divisions — physical, mental, and moral. Whatever relates to health, belongs to the first; whatever relates to the improvement of the mind, belongs to the second. The formation of good manners and virtuous habits constitutes the third.
There is Jackson standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer. Rally behind the Virginians.
Disregard public opinion when it interferes with your duty.
Be kind, condescending, and affable. Any one who has anything to say to a fellow-being, to say it with kind feelings and sincere desire to please; and this, whenever it is done, will atone for much awkwardness in the manner of expression.
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.
Yonder stands Jackson like a stone wall. … Rally round the Virginians.
My duty is to obey orders.
Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off unnecessary actions.
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.
Speak but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
My men have sometimes failed to take a position, but to defend one, never!
Duty is ours; consequences are God's.
Through life let your principal object be the discharge of duty.
Who could not conquer with such troops as these?
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.