Christmas, 1862.
Yesterday I received
the baby's letter with its beautiful lock of hair. How I do want to see that
precious baby! and I do earnestly pray for peace. Oh that our country was such
a Christian, God-fearing people as it should be! Then might we very speedily
look for peace. Last evening I received a letter from Dr. Dabney, saying: “One
of the highest gratifications both Mrs. Dabney and I could enjoy would be
another visit from Mrs. Jackson when her health is re-established,” and he
invites me to meet you there. He and Mrs. Dabney are very kind, but it appears
to me that it is better for me to remain with my command so long as the war
continues, if our gracious Heavenly Father permits. The army suffers immensely
by absentees. If all our troops, officers and men, were at their posts, we
might, through God's blessing, expect a more speedy termination of the war. The
temporal affairs of some are so deranged as to make a strong plea for their
returning home for a short time; but our God has greatly blessed me and mine
during my absence; and whilst it would be a great comfort to see you and our
darling little daughter, and others in whom I take special interest, yet duty
appears to require me to remain with my command. It is important that those at
headquarters set an example by remaining at the post of duty.
Dr. Dabney writes: “Our
little prayer-meeting is still meeting daily to pray for our army and leaders.”
This prayer-meeting may be the means of accomplishing more than an army. I wish
that such existed everywhere. How it does cheer my heart to hear of God's
people praying for our cause and for me! I greatly prize the prayers of the
pious.
SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of
General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 387-8
