Attracted to the Virginia Military Institute in 1851, he resigned his commission in the army a year later. He left VMI in 1861 to join the Confederate army. Immediately commissioned a colonel, within months he had been promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He was mortally wounded by friendly fire at the May 1863 battle of Chancellorsville and died a week later.
Revered as a brilliant military leader, tactician, and one of the most adroit Confederate commanders, Jackson is a study in contrasts. He was justifiably feared by his enemies and totally beloved by his men. Yet his humble and sincere faith seemed at odds with his reputation as a ferocious warrior.
All Things for Good is a thoughtful new volume in the Leaders in Action Series. In it J. Steven Wilkins challenges some of the myths that surround Stonewall Jackson and celebrates his devout Christian faith.