48 quotes
Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees.
I like liquor — its taste and its effects — and that is just the reason why I never drink it.
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.
The Institute will be heard from today.
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.
The Civil War : An Illustrated History (1990)
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.
Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (1891)
To move swiftly, strike vigorously, and secure all the fruits of victory is the secret of successful war.
Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War (1904)
I yield to no man in sympathy for the gallant men under my command; but I am obliged to sweat them tonight, so that I may save their blood tomorrow.
I am more afraid of King Alcohol than of all the bullets of the enemy.
Who could not conquer with such troops as these?
I have seen enough of it to make me look upon it as the sum of all evils.
If the general government should persist in the measures now threatened, there must be war.
War means fighting. The business of the soldier is to fight.
Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War (1904)
Then, Sir, we will give them the bayonet!
My men have sometimes failed to take a position, but to defend one, never!
The only true rule for cavalry is to follow the enemy as long as he retreats.
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.
My duty is to obey orders.
Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (1891)
Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy, if possible; and when you strike and overcome him, never let up in the pursuit so long as your men have strength to follow; for an army routed, if hotly pursued, becomes panic-stricken, and can then be destroyed by half their number. The other rule is, never fight against heavy odds, if by any possible maneuvering you can hurl your own force on only a part, and that the weakest part, of your enemy and crush it. Such tactics will win every time, and a small army may thus destroy a large one in detail, and repeated victory will make it invincible.
I see from the number of physicians that you think my condition dangerous, but I thank God, if it is His will, that I am ready to go. … It is the Lord's Day; my wish is fulfilled. … I have always desired to die on Sunday.