Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: Monday Morning, June 13, 1864

I had a calm, solemn, two-hours conversation yesterday, with an intelligent and seemingly Christian man, which has filled me with entire despair for the Confederacy. He listened to my solemn declarations that I knew the spirit which animated every man, woman, and child was a martyr spirit; was a conscientious belief that in the sight of heaven they were doing their holiest duty; that there was a deadly earnestness among our men which would make the last remnant of them fly to our mountain fastnesses and fight like tigers till the last inch of ground was taken from them: that then the women and children would be swept into the Ocean on one side, and into the wilds of Mexico on the other, but there could be no yielding. “If,” said he, after listening with deep interest to what I had been saying, “if I believed that your spirit animated your army, I would feel obliged to lay down this sword; I could not fight against men who fought for conscience’ sake.” “I beseech you, sir,” I said, “to believe it; for it is as true as that the heavens are above us.” This is the sentiment expressed by the best of them. He took from his pocket-book some leaves which he had gathered from Jackson's grave, which he said he would keep as sacred mementos. One of the guard which he sent us, decent fellows, who have kept us from being insulted, asked me for some trifle that had belonged to Jackson, saying, “We think as much of him as you do.” I gave them each an autograph.

We were told the house was to be searched for arms as some of our neighbors’ have been. I delivered up all the sporting guns, but forgot that I had hidden Jackson’s sword in a dark loft above the portico. At one o'clock last night I crept up there as stealthily as a burglar, and brought it down, intending to deliver it up to this Lt. B.; but on running up the back way to Dr. White's gate, and consulting him, he said he had his old sword, which had never been in the service, and advised me to keep it as long as I could. I have hidden it in Anna Jackson's piano. We hear that we are to be searched this morning; almost every house in town has been, and but for the interest this Lt. has taken in us, I believe we should have been too.

Gen. Smith's house has not been burned; they have not yet discovered our wounded man. Oh! I am so exhausted — so heart and soul weary! We have heard many times this morning that the Cadets have been captured. Lynchburg no doubt has fallen, for there was no force there. The servants are flocking away. The soldiers almost force them into the omnibuses. We have a young girl here now, our Mary's sister, whom they were about to drag away; Mary went and brought her here for safe keeping.

SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 192-4

Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: May 23, 1864

At nine o'clock this night my husband returned home, safe, having walked twenty miles owing to a break in the canal. . . . He has had a very pleasant trip; was ten days on the way returning; the difficulty of travelling is now almost insurmountable. Anna Jackson came on as far as Greensboro' on her way to Lexington, but was obliged to give up the attempt to come further. The Government absorbs the railroads for the transportation of troops and supplies, and no passenger cars are run.

SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 181

Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: October 23, 1862

Just heard of the birth of General Jackson's daughter: as much talk and ado about it almost, as if it were a little princess!

Unexampled drought! Not rain enough yet to enable the farmers to seed; consequently they cannot sow half crops. What is to become of the country? The fear is that there is not enough food in it to keep the people from starving.

SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 155

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Colonel John T. L. Preston, July 22, 1862

Headquarters, Valley District,

July 22d, 1862.

Dear Colonel Preston, — Your letter, and the touching poetical production of Maggie have been handed me by Cadet Morrison. I have known your son Willy long, and hope that an opportunity will offer for showing my appreciation of his great worth. Accept my thanks for your kindness in advancing funds to Cadet Morrison. Please settle it as you suggest, and keep the bond until you hear from me upon the subject; unless you should meet with an opportunity of handing it to Mrs. Jackson; but do not send it to her. I congratulate you upon Frank's return home. Remember me very kindly to all enquiring friends. Please say to Dr. White that I wish him to pay my stipends last due, from the money I sent him by you. I think he acknowledged the receipt of the funds, but said no thing about the stipends, and I fear that he did not feel authorized to pay himself from the funds placed in his hands?

Very truly your friend,

T. J. Jackson.

SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 151-2

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, April 19, 1863

Saturday. Yesterday I received your letter, but you did not say a word about coming to see your esposo. I do hope that ere this you have received mine, saying you could come, and that you at once got an escort and started. There is no time for hesitation if you have not started. There is increasing probability that I may be elsewhere as the season advances. But don't come unless you get a good escort. I am not certain that I can get accommodations for you; but I don't think there will be any difficulty about it, as I hope some kind neighbor would try to make us comfortable for the short time that you may remain. I think that we might get in at Mr. Yerby's, which is less than a mile from my headquarters.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 422

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, April 18, 1863

. . . I am beginning to look for my darling and my baby. I shouldn't be surprised to hear at any time that they were coming, and I tell you there would be one delighted man. Last night I dreamed that my little wife and I were on opposite sides of a room, in the centre of which was a table, and the little baby started from her mother, making her way along under the table, and finally reached her father. And what do you think she did when she arrived at her destination? She just climbed up on her father and kissed him! And don't you think he was a happy man? But when he awoke he found it all a delusion. I am glad to hear that she enjoys out-doors, and grows, and coos, and laughs. How I would love to see her sweet ways! That her little chubby hands have lost their resemblance to mine is not regretted by me.  . . . Should I write to you to have any more pantaloons made for me, please do not have much gold braid about them. I became so ashamed of the broad gilt band that was on the cap you sent as to induce me to take it off. I like simplicity.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 421-2

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, April 10, 1863

April 10th.

I trust that God is going to bless us with great success, and in such a manner as to show that it is all His gift; and I trust and pray that it will lead our country to acknowledge Him, and to live in accordance with His will as revealed in the Bible. There appears to be an increased religious interest among our troops here. Our chaplains have weekly meetings on Tuesdays; and the one of this week was more charming than the preceding one.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 419

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, March 14, 1863

March 14th.

The time has about come for campaigning, and I hope early next week to leave my room, and go into a tent near Hamilton's Crossing, which is on the railroad, about five miles from Fredericksburg. It is rather a relief to get where there will be less comfort than in a room, as I hope thereby persons will be prevented from encroaching so much upon my time. I am greatly behind in my reports, and am very desirous to get through with them before another campaign commences. Do you remember when my little wife used to come up to my headquarters in Winchester and talk with her esposo? I would love to see her sunny face peering into my room again.  . . . On next Monday there is to be a meeting of the chaplains of my corps, and I pray that good may result.  . . . I am now in camp, but I do not know of any house near by where you could be accommodated, should you come; and, moreover, I might not be here when you would arrive, as the season for campaigning has come. Before this time last year, the campaign had begun, and, so far as we can see, it may begin again at any time. The movements of the enemy must influence ours, and we can't say where we shall be a week hence.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 418-9

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, March 7, 1863

March 7th.

I have just finished my report of the battle of McDowell.  . . . There is a good deal of religious interest in the army. Rev. Mr. Lacy is with me now, and I expect will continue with the army during the war. Rev. William J. Hoge is here, and has preached several sermons. Rev. Mr. Hopkins is chaplain of the Second Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. If you were here you would find a number of friends

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 418

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, February 14, 1863

February 14th.

Your delightful letter of six pages received a welcome reception this evening. I. am thankful to see that our kind Heavenly Father is again restoring mother to health. I felt uneasy about her, and thought that Joseph had better make a visit home. I have made the restoration of mother's health a subject of prayer; but then we know that our dear ones are mortal, and that God does not always answer prayer according to our erring feelings. I think that if, when we see ourselves in a glass, we should consider that all of us that is visible must turn to corruption and dust, we would learn more justly to appreciate the relative importance of the body that perishes and the soul that is immortal.  . . . Your accounts of baby are very gratifying, and intensify my desire to see her. If peace is not concluded before next winter, I do hope you can bring her and spend the winter with me. This would be very delightful. If we are spared, I trust an ever-kind Providence will enable us to be together all winter. I am glad little Julia was pleased with her present, and wish I could have seen her laugh.  . . . You say you don't see any use of my not taking a furlough. I think that the army would be much more efficient if all belonging to it were present.  . . . I do trust and pray that our people will religiously observe the 27th of next month as a day of humiliation, prayer, and fasting, as our President has designated in his proclamation. To-morrow is the Sabbath. My Sabbaths are looked forward to with pleasure. I don't know that I ever enjoyed Sabbaths as I do this winter.  . . . I don't think I have written you about recent presents. About a week since, I received from Mr. W. F. De la Rue, of London, a superb English saddle, bridle, holsters, saddle-cover, blankets, whip, spurs, etc. — the most complete riding equipage that I have seen for many a day. Its completeness is remarkable. This evening I received from Mr. John Johnson, of London, a box containing two flannel shirts, two pairs of long woollen stockings extending above the knees, a buckskin shirt, a pair of boots, a pair of leather leggings extending about eight inches above the knees, two pairs of excellent fitting leather gloves, and a very superior variegated colored blanket. Our ever-kind Heavenly Father gives me friends among strangers. He is the source of every blessing, and I desire to be more grateful to Him.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 416-8

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, February 7, 1863

February 7th.

This has been a beautiful spring day. I have been thinking lately about gardening. If I were at home, it would be time for me to begin to prepare the hot-bed. Don't you remember what interest we used to take in our hot-bed? If we should be privileged to return to our old home, I expect we would find many changes. An ever-kind Providence is showering blessings down upon me. Yesterday Colonel M. G. Harman and Mr. William J. Bell, jun., of Staunton, presented me with an excellent horse. As yet I have not mounted him, but I saw another person ride him, and I hope soon to have that pleasure myself.  . . . Just to think our baby is nearly three months old. Does she notice and laugh much? You have never told me how much she looks like her mother. I tell you, I want to know how she looks. If you could hear me talking to my esposa in the mornings and evenings, it would make you laugh, I'm sure. It is funny the way I talk to her when she is hundreds of miles away.  . . . Jim has returned from Lexington, and brought a letter from “Cy”,¹ asking permission to take unto himself a wife, to which I intend to give my consent, provided you or his mother do not object.  . . . I am so much concerned about mother's health as to induce me to recommend a leave of absence for Joseph. I send this note by him, and also send the baby a silk handkerchief. I have thought that as it is brightly colored, it might attract her attention. Remember, it is her first present from her father, and let me know if she notices it.²

_______________

¹ A negro servant.

² This handkerchief has ever since been sacredly preserved as a precious relic.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 415-6

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, February 3, 1863

February 3d.

In answer to the prayers of God's people, I trust He will soon give us peace. I haven't seen my wife for nearly a year — my home in nearly two years, and have never seen our darling little daughter; but it is important that I, and those at headquarters, should set an example of remaining at the post of duty. Joseph would like very much to go home, but unless mother gets worse, he had better not.  . . . My old Stonewall Brigade has built a log church. As yet I have not been in it. I am much interested in reading Hunter's “Life of Moses.” It is a delightful book, and I feel more improved in reading it than by an ordinary sermon. I am thankful to say that my Sabbaths are passed more in meditation than formerly. Time thus spent is genuine enjoyment.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 415

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, January 31, 1863

January 31st.

Captain Bushby, of the British Army, called to see me to-day, and presented me with a water-proof oil-cloth case in which to sleep on a wet night in summer campaigning. I can encase myself in it, keep dry, and get a good night's sleep.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 415

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, January 17, 1863

January 17th.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from my esposita four days after it was written. Doesn't it look as if Confederate mails are better than United States mails? Don't you remember how long it took for letters to come from Charlotte to Lexington under the old regime? I derive an additional pleasure in reading a letter from the conviction that it has not travelled on the Sabbath. How delightful will be our heavenly home, where everything is sanctified!  . . . I am gratified at hearing that you have commenced disciplining the baby. Now be careful, and don't let her conquer you. She must not be permitted to have that will of her own, of which you speak. How I would love to see the little darling, whom I love so tenderly, though I have never seen her; and if the war were only over, I tell you, I would hurry down to North Carolina to see my wife and baby. I have much work to do. Lieutenant-Colonel Faulkner is of great service to me in making out my reports. Since he is my senior adjutant-general, Pendleton is promoted to a majority, and is the junior adjutant-general. Major Bier, my chief of ordnance, has been ordered to Charleston, and Captain William Allan, of Winchester, is his successor. Colonel Smeade is my inspector-general, so you must not complain of my not writing to you about my staff. I regret to see our Winchester friends again in the hands of the enemy. I trust that, in answer to prayer, our country will soon be blessed with peace. If we were only that obedient people that we should be, I would, with increased confidence, look for a speedy termination of hostilities. Let us pray more and live more to the glory of God.  . . . I am still thinking and thinking about that baby, and do want to see her. Can't you send her to me by express? There is an express line all the way to Guiney's. I am glad to hear that she sleeps well at night, and doesn't disturb her mother. But it would be better not to call her a cherub; no earthly being is such. I am also gratified that Hetty is doing well. Remember me to her, and tell her that, as I didn't give her a present last Christmas, I intend giving her two next.  . . . Don't you accuse my baby of not being brave. I do hope she will get over her fear of strangers. If, before strangers take her, you would give them something to please her, and thus make her have pleasant associations with them, and seeing them frequently, I trust she would lose her timidity. It is gratifying that she is growing so well, and I am thankful she is so bright and knowing. I do wish I could see her funny little ways, and hear her “squeal out with delight” at seeing the little chickens. I am sometimes afraid that you will make such an idol of that baby that God will take her from us. Are you not afraid of it? Kiss her for her father.

I have this morning received two presents — a pair of gauntlets from near the Potomac, and another beautiful pair from Mrs. Preston Trotter, of Brownsburg. A kind gentleman, Mr. Stephens, of Nelson County, sent me a barrel of select pippins.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 413-4

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, January 6, 1863

January 6th.

I am very thankful to our kind Heavenly Father for good tidings from you and baby — specially that she is restored again to health, and I trust that we all three may so live as most to glorify His holy name.  . . . I have a visor, but I hope I shall not have to sleep in a tent any more this winter. My ears are still troubling me, but I am very thankful that my hearing is as good as usual, and from my appearance one would suppose that I was perfectly well. Indeed, my health is essentially good, but I do not think I shall be able in future to stand what I have already stood, although, with the exception of the increased sensitiveness of my ears, my health has improved. I am sorry to hear that dear mother's health does not improve.  . . . We have several cases of smallpox at Guiney's, and I expect you will have to give up all idea of coming to see me until spring, as I fear it would be too much of a risk for you and baby to travel up here.

The other day I received from the citizens of Augusta County a magnificent horse, with an excellent saddle and bridle. It is the most complete riding equipment that I have seen. My kind friends went so far as to get patent stirrups, constructed so as to open and throw the foot from the stirrup in the event of the rider being thrown and the foot hung in the stirrups. How kind is God to us! Oh that I were more grateful!

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 412-3

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, January 5, 1863

January 5th, 1863.

. . . How much I do want to see you and our darling baby! But I don't know when I shall have this happiness, as I am afraid, since hearing so much about the little one's health, that it would be imprudent to bring it upon a journey, so I must just content myself. Mrs. General Longstreet, Mrs. General A. P. Hill, and Mrs. General Rodes have all been to see their husbands. Yesterday I saw Mrs. Rodes at church, and she looked so happy that it made me wish I had Mrs. Jackson here too; but whilst I cannot see my wife and baby, it is a great comfort to know that you have a darling little pet to keep you company in my absence.  . . . I heard a good sermon at Grace Church (where General Hill has his headquarters) by an Episcopal minister, Mr. Friend. Colonel Faulkner is with us again, and I expect him to take the position of my senior adjutant-general.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 411-2

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, December 29, 1862

December 29th.

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending divine service in a church near General Hill's headquarters, and enjoyed the services very much. Dr. White says in a recent letter that our pew at home has been constantly occupied by Wheeling refugees. I am gratified to hear it. He also adds, “How we would rejoice to see you and our dear friend, Mrs. Jackson, again in that pew, and in the lecture-room at prayer-meetings! We still meet every Wednesday afternoon, to pray for our army, and especially for our general.” May every needful blessing rest upon you and our darling child is the earnest prayer of your devoted husband.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 388-9

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, December 25, 1862

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

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, December 18, 1862

December 18th.

Our headquarters are now about twelve miles below Fredericksburg, near the house of Mr. Richard Corbin, which is one of the most beautiful buildings I have seen in this country. It is said to have cost sixty thousand dollars. Night before last I was about to spend the night in the woods, but sent to ask if we could procure our supper at the house. Mr. Corbin was absent, serving as a private in the Virginia cavalry, but Mrs. Corbin bountifully supplied us, and requested me to spend the night at her house, which invitation was thankfully accepted, and I had a delightful night's rest. The next morning she urged me to remain, and offered me a neat building in the yard for my office, but I declined, and am now about five hundred yards from the house, encamped in the woods. She told me that if at any time I needed house room, she could let me have it.¹

Baby's letters are read with great interest, and it does her father's heart great good to read them.  . . . I have much work before me, and to-day I expect to commence in earnest. The reports of the battles of McDowell, Winchester, Port Republic, Richmond, Manassas, the Maryland campaign, Harper's Ferry, and Fredericksburg have all yet to be written. But something has been done towards several of them by my staff.

_______________

¹ He afterwards moved into the office in the yard, and spent most of the time he was in winter-quarters there.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 386-7

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, December 16, 1862

Yesterday, I regret to say, I did not send you a letter. I was on the front from before dawn until after sunset. The enemy, through God's blessing, was repulsed at all points on Saturday, and I trust that our Heavenly Father will continue to bless us. We have renewed reason for gratitude to Him for my preservation during the last engagement. We have to mourn the deaths of Generals Maxey Gregg and Thomas R. R. Cobb. The enemy has recrossed to the north side of the Rappahannock.  . . . I was made very happy at hearing through my baby daughter's last letter that she had entirely recovered, and that she “no longer saw the doctor’s gray whiskers.” 1 was much gratified to learn that she was beginning to notice and smile when caressed. I tell you, I would love to caress her and see her smile. Kiss the little darling for her father and give my grateful love to sister H–––.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 386