One noted military historian ranked Lee as one of the six greatest captains of all time, with Napoleon, Frederick the Great, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Hannibal. Others believe Jackson surpassed even Lee in skill and daring on the field of battle. Certainly both of them demonstrated the highest of military skill and daring during the struggle for Southern independence.
However, a great military reputation does not make for a great moral reputation. Many great soldiers throughout history have equaled their skill at war with their cruelty and wickedness. Such was not the case with Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson. Both exemplified many of the best Christian characteristics. Though they were not perfect men, they are men who deserve our honor, and I dare say, our emulation, regardless of what position one takes on the war.
Above all, Lee and Jackson were Christians. Their devotion to their native state and their country was only surpassed by their dedication to the service of God. Both, it seems, were converted some time around the Mexican War. Though they belonged to different denominations, Jackson to the Presbyterian, Lee to the Episcopalian, both constantly professed faith in Christ as the only Saviour for sinners, and lived lives in accordance with God’s Word. Following a religious service during one of the winter revivals in the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, Lee said to one of the preachers, “I am only a poor sinner trusting in Christ alone for salvation.” Both men endeavored earnestly to foster religious services in the army, and great revivals spread throughout the soldiery during the winters of 1862-63 and 1863-64.
No less was Stonewall Jackson a Christian. Fierce and relentless in battle, irritable, and often difficult to deal with, his efforts to promote the Gospel were nevertheless tireless, and his prayer life so constant that it was often said that the place he could always be found before a battle was in his tent, on his knees. Before the war, Jackson had sponsored, and financed, a Sunday school for Negroes, and was faithful to send his offering to that endeavor throughout his service in the army. He was loathe to do anything unnecessary on Sunday, though he would fight a battle if required. His preference was that that day be spent either in quiet rest, or at divine services. Ultimately, God granted him to die on a Sunday, which he had always wished for.
Jackson was a strong believer in the sovereign ordination of God in all things. “My religious beliefs,” he remarked, “allow me to feel as safe in battle as in bed.” He could not be killed until the time God had appointed, and when it was time for him to die, he would not be afraid, for he knew he had a reward in heaven. Just before launching the devastating flank attack on Union general Oliver Howard’s 11th Corps at Chancellorsville, Jackson wrote a brief note to Lee, which he concluded with the remark, “I trust an ever kind providence will bless us with great success.” Not even a battle report would go unmarked by Jackson’s strong faith and reliance on God. Defeated only once in the field, Jackson never failed to ascribe full credit for victory to God.
Robert E. Lee constantly did the same. His character was so sterling that he has often been called “the marble man.” His gentleness in manner and action changed only when he was in battle. He applied his Christian principles to everything he did. “I am opposed,” he wrote to his son Custis, “to the theory of doing wrong that good may come of it. I hold to the belief that you must act right, whatever the consequences.” Even under the severest strain and trials, Lee always remained faithful to his God, and constantly urged both his wife, who he wrote to constantly, and his army, to trust in Him, and to thank Him for each and every victory. He urged them against pride and self-confidence, and warned them always to put their reliance upon the Lord, “Who teaches my fingers to fight, and my hands to war.” Even when his daughter Annie died, in the winter of 1862, though sorely grieved, Lee urged his wife to rely upon God’s benevolence, and maintain faith in His goodness.
Above all, Lee was humble. Indeed, it could likely be said of Lee what the Scriptures say of Moses, “He was the meekest man on the face of the earth.” In all accounts ever given of the great commander, he was never once heard to “toot his own horn.” Always the credit for each victory went to God, first and foremost, and then to his generals, Jackson, James Longstreet, John Gordon, or others. Even at Gettysburg, when he was sadly failed by several generals, after the failure of Pickett’s charge, Lee manfully shouldered all the blame. “It is all my fault,” he said, and, upon returning to Virginia, offered his resignation to President Jefferson Davis in apology for the defeat. Davis, of course, wisely rejected the offer, and Lee returned in 1864 to conduct a brilliant defensive campaign against the overwhelmingly superior Army of the Potomac, now under the command of Ulysses Grant, until finally worn down, and forced to surrender when his army was a mere skeleton of his former self.
Even in defeat, Lee manifested a quiet Christian dignity. Though firmly believing the South had acted rightly, and that he had done right in defending his native state against hostile invasion, he was never heard to reproach his former enemies. In fact, on one occasion after the war, when he served as president of Washington College (later renamed Washington & Lee), he responded, “Sir, if you ever again presume to speak disrespectfully of General Grant in my presence, either you or I shall sever our connections with this university.” Also, after the war, at the Episcopalian church in Lexington, when a black member approached the table to receive Communion, Lee was the first to join the man, and thus set an example for the other members of Christian behavior.
Not bitter, but saddened, Lee lived out his final years striving to educate the young men of Virginia to serve the country God had placed them in. The defeat of the South had, he accurately foresaw, ended the days of strict construction of the Constitution, and ushered in the American empire. States’ rights had always been precious to Lee. Indeed, he had gone to war to defend Virginia, his native soil. He was not a traitor or terrorist, as some modern, historically ignorant and inept writers accuse, nor was he in favor of slavery. He had drawn his sword “only in defense of my native state.” To Lee, and to the South, had there been no invasion, there would have been no war. But the war came, and Lee, a reluctant secessionist, became more dedicated to the cause as the war progressed, once remarking, “No civilized nation within knowledge has ever carried on a war such as the United States has carried on against us.” This, of course, stood in stark contrast to the impeccable behavior of Lee’s army during the Gettysburg campaign, a result of strict orders issued by Lee, which forbid the soldiers from exercising vengeance on the Northern population, but to wait on Him “to Whom vengeance belonged.” During the cruel abuse of the South during Reconstruction, he privately remarked, “Had I foreseen these results of subjugation, I would have preferred to die at Appomattox with my brave men, my sword in my right hand.” Prophetically, he would write to the British Lord Acton in 1866, “The consolidation of the states into one vast republic, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of that ruin which has overwhelmed all that have preceded it.” Two years later, he would mourn, “I grieve for posterity, for American principles and American liberty.” In our day and age, we are reaping the fruits of what was sown in Lee’s time.
Forgive me if I have strayed from my original subject, but a short political commentary is fully within the scope of this publication. As for Lee, let him be summed up in the words of Benjamin Hill: “When the future historian comes to survey the character of Lee, he’ll find it rising like a huge mountain above the undulating plains of humanity, and he will have to lift his eyes toward heaven to catch its summit. He possessed the every virtue of the great commanders, without their vices. He was a foe without hate; a friend without treachery; a private citizen without wrong; a neighbor without reproach; a Christian without hypocrisy, and a man without guilt. He was a Caesar without his ambition; a Frederick without his tyranny; and Napoleon without his selfishness; and a Washington without his reward. He was obedient to authority as a servant, and loyal in authority as a true king. He was gentle as a woman in life; modest and pure as a virgin in thought; watchful as a Roman vestal in duty; submissive to law as Socrates; and grand in battle as Achilles.” Said of most men, I would accuse the writer of an almost inexcusable exaggeration. Having studied Lee for years, I can say that these words are the most accurate description of his character I have ever seen.
And so, I urge all of us this week to remember the birthdays of Robert E. Lee, January 19th, 1807, and Stonewall Jackson, January 21st, 1824. The military historian will love to recall their stirring campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley, the Peninsula, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, among others. But above all, we should admire, and emulate their Christian character, and seek to be as devoted to our God and our country as they were. When I see the day that this nation turns away from low-life celebrities and hypocritical, lying politicians as their heroes, to men like Lee and Jackson, then I will have hope that something good may come of us yet.
Thanks for posting this. I am doing research on Jackson right now and my opinion is in accordance with yours.
WE HAVE GREAT APPRECIATION FOR BOTH GENERALS LEE AND JACKSON.
gd stuff bt u cld make it a bit shorter coz dere is so much 2 read
!!
Nice. I need some help. Do you know anything about how a christian soldier would behave in a time of war, because I need toknow for an essay i’m writing and I can’t find much about it.
Thanks for posting this information. I’m doing an oral presentation on the Christian character of General Lee and this site gave me all the info. I needed. Most people don’t know Lee was such a great man.
Wonderful essay. Thank you so much.
Thanks very much for your post. I’ve been interested in the era for some time, and I enjoyed your perspective.
I think that this is a great article. It is diffently shown throughout the movie, “Gods and Generals” that Jackson was a Christain man. It does not, however, show this side to Lee in the movie that much. I do believe that both men went to heaven because of their strong faith, even though a minor reason they were fighting was for slavery (the larger reason being for the protection of their families and states), which is not something that God favors (he says this in the book of “Jeremiah”) Anyway, I do think that they still entered into heaven.
This was an exceptional coverage of two of our great Confederate
Generals.
Thank you for the information.
p.s.
Whoever Amanda is. Dear,if your reading skills are on the same par
as your English.(?) There’s no wonder that this editorial became
lengthy and laborious for (yu.)
America’s true identity has been hidden by our enemies!
The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America acknowledges faith towards a supreme God who created mankind. The Declaration also acknowledges by all who signed it, the laws of God, the providence of God, and the judgment of God.
The Declaration also appeals to God as the Supreme Judge of the world for their intentions. Furthermore, for the support of this Declaration, the signers relied firmly on the protection of Divine Providence.
America was born in one Day July 4th 1776
Isaiah 66, 7-8(King James Version)
7Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
8Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.
Did you know that President’s Day was originally Washington’s Birthday? Does anyone remember him? You Know The Father of our country. The man who defied a Tyrant at the risk of his own life and that of his family. The man who if caught would have been hung as a traitor because he knew that there was a higher authority than that of evil tyrannical rulers, an authority that everyone will eventually be accountable to! An authority that he often gave all the credit praise and glory for the American Army overcoming overwhelming odds and defeating the strongest military power of his time! The very same authority that the communist of the world hate and despise because they are the egotistical arrogant self proclaimed masters of the universe, who expect you and me to bow down to! For History repeats itself and when communist and other tyrannical invaders destroyed a society from within, they first destroyed their history and their national pride, don’t let this happen remember our Fore Fathers and the risk they took for our Declaration of Independence! They knew exactly how to deal with Tyrants and we are their descendants, never let our children forget! I took an oath to protect my country against all enemies! Foreign and domestic!
A nation that does not remember where it came from, or what it’s foundations were, is easily destroyed, by it’s enemies, either from within, or without.
Over 60 years ago all American children learned in school, the story of our founding father George Washington, and how he miraculously survived the first major battle of the French and Indian War at the hand of God, 20 years before the signing of the declaration of independence. But thanks to the traitors, and infiltrators who hate God and America this story and many like it can no longer be taught in school to our children!
George Washington was only a 23 year old colonel at the time of the French and Indian war, along the banks of the Monongahela river, near Fort Duquesne , which is now Pittsburgh , Pa.
General Edward Braddock had heard of the prowess of George Washington, and asked him to become one of his aids. Washington ’s Mother feared for her son’s life, and tried to persuade him to stay home. Washington replied:
“God, to whom you commended me, madam, when I set out upon a more perilous errand, defended me from harm, and I trust He will do so now. Do not you?” Washington had done everything he could to inform Gen. Braddock of the tactics of the French & Indians, of getting down behind cover and firing only when a target was visible, but Braddock was insulted to be advised by an inferior officer.
On the morning of July 9th, 1755, Braddock and 1000 of his men, along with Washington and some of his Virgina regulars, crossed the southern shore of the Monongahela. Colonel Thomas Gage had a forward detachment of 350 soldiers, and 250 workers, and axemen, cutting a path. They were about 10 miles from Ft. Duquesne . It was around 1:00 pm. Gage and the forward detachment had just crossed a ravine, when scouts, and flanking parties came running back towards them, waving them off. Just then,
they were hit with a fusillade of musket balls. It immediately became chaos. The British could not see their enemy, for they were hidden behind rocks, hills, and trees. The rain of bullets kept coming in on them, dropping them like flies. Gage’s men fired back at the direction of the smoke plumes from their enemies rifles, but hit nothing but rocks, hills, and trees, merely splintering bark. Gage’s men continued to drop, and the horses, some of them wounded, began to panick, and bolt, carrying wagons full of their weapons and ammo, trampling men on the ground as they galloped off. The workers and axe men fled. For the Indians, who were crack marksmen, this was like shooting sitting ducks! Eventually what was left of Gage’s forward detachment began to retreat. Gen. Braddock, hearing the gunfire, left 400 troops along with most of the Virginia regulars, with Sir Peter Halkett, and most of the baggage. Braddock and his remaining troops, Washington , and a 100 or so, Virginia militia hastened towards the battle. The retreating men, collided with the advancing men, setting them to more confusion. All the while, the French and Indians continued to rain down musket balls upon them with deadly accuracy, and force.
It became an instant slaughter, as Braddock instructed his men to form columns (making them easy to hit, because of their red coats, and being in plain sight) like they were accustomed to doing in Europe . Musket balls rained down on them at will, cutting them down and anything else that gets in its way, with an instantaneous efficiency!
The 100 or so Virginia men, quickly adopted the Indian style of warfare, and dropped behind trees, and shot when only an enemy target was visible. Gen. Braddock was furious at this, and barked orders for them to get out from behind the trees. He saw this as cowardice, according to his rules of engagement. Braddock was undaunted in his task, bravely going to and fro amidst the shower of musket balls, trying to rally his troops. He had five horses shot out from under him. But for all his bravery, and reckless courage, he could not stem the tide. God’s hand can be seen protecting Washington this whole time. Because he was busy going back and forth across the battle field, completely exposed. Carrying out General Braddock’s orders. One soldier observing Washington , stated:
“I expected every moment to see him fall. Nothing but the superintending care of Providence could have saved him.”
Indians testified later, that they had singled him out, but their bullets had no effect on him. The chief suddenly realized that a mighty power must be shielding this man. “Stop firing!” he commanded. “This one is under the special protection of the Great Spirit.” A brave standing nearby stated, “I had seventeen clear shots at him…and after all could not bring him to the ground. This man was not born to be killed by a bullet.” They were convinced that an Invisible Power was protecting him. Washington had two horses shot out from under him. Had four bullet holes in his coat. Yet he had been untouched by bullet, or arrow. Scores of victims had fallen beside him, yet he went unharmed, protected by God’s hand! Every other mounted officer, had been slain! Eventually, Braddock was mortally wounded in the side, and fell. When this occurred, all the British troops fled in confusion. Washington gathered up what was left of the Virginia men, barely 30. The injured General, and covered the retreating British, leaving all the baggage, weapons, provisions, cattle, horses, behind for the enemy to plunder. General Braddock died three days later. In the aftermath, 714 British soldiers had been killed, 37 wounded. 26 officers out of 86 were killed, and 37 wounded. Only 30 men and 3 officers were killed, of the French and Indians! Upon Washington ‘s return to Fort Cumberland , He wrote a letter to his mother, to allay any fears she would have, as news of the rout had preceded them. On the same day (July 18, 1755) he also wrote to his brother, John A. Washington:
“As I have heard, since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and of assuring you, that I have not as yet composed the latter. But, by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!”
15 years later, an old respected Indian Chief, sought out council with Washington , when he heard that he was in the area. Through an interpreter he explained that he had set out on a long journey to meet Washington personally, and to speak to him about the battle 15 years earlier. He said:
“I am a chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far Blue Mountains . I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man’s blood mixed with the streams of our forest that I first beheld this chief. I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe—he hath
an Indian’s wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do—him is alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss—’twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you. Seeing you were under the special guard ship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you. I am old and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the
land of shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy. Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man [pointing at Washington ], and guides his destinies—he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle.” 80 years after this battle, a gold seal that belonged to Washington , that bore his initials, was found on that very field, where he had been moving back and forth on horseback, relaying the orders for Braddock, amidst the hail storm of bullets. The gold seal had been
shot off of his body, by a bullet!
During the War for our independence in New Jersey at the Battle of Monmouth June 28th 1778 General Lee attacked the British General Clinton’s rear guard. General Clinton hearing the explosions and fire rushed back with several regiments. The reinforced rear guard drove the Americans back. General Lee feeling overwhelmed and confused ordered a general retreat. General Washington marched his men towards Monmouth as he began to hear the sounds of fighting Washington rushed forward and was shocked to be encountered by Lee’s retreating Army. Not only had Lee fled the field of battle but the enemy was in hot pursuit Washington hastily reorganized his troops. He ordered two regiments to charge forward, “stand fast my boys, and receive your enemy; the southern troops are advancing to support you!” he went dashing in to the middle of the field to get a better view of the advancing enemy, without any regard for his own safety. “He remained there some time upon his old English charger, while the shot from the British artillery were rendering up the earth all around him.” During this battle as many others Washington was exposed. He was speaking with an officer when “a cannon ball struck at his horse’s feet throwing dirt into his face, and over his clothes, the general continued giving his orders, without noticing the derangement of this toilette. The officers present, several of whom were of the party of the proceeding evening, looked at each other with anxiety. The chief of the medical staff, pleased with the proof of his prediction, and reminiscence what had passed the night before, pointed toward heaven, which was noticed by the others, with a gratifying smile of acknowledgment.” “The night before the campfire, Doctor Craik had expressed his great faith in the Indian’s prophecy. “Gentlemen,” he said, to some of the officers, “recollect what I have often told you, of the old Indian’s prophecy.” Yes, I do believe, a Great Spirit protects that man-and that one day or another, honored and beloved, he will be the chief of our nation, as he is now our general, our father, and our friend. Never mind the enemy, they cannot kill him, and while he lives, our cause will never die.”
Two days after the battle, Washington displayed his usual gratitude to Deity. In general orders he said: “The men are to wash themselves this afternoon and appear as clean and decent as possible . . . that we may publicly unite in thanks-giving to the Supreme Disposer of human events for the victory which was obtained . . . over the flower of the British troops.”
“Brothers . . . you do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.”—George Washington—in a speech to the Delaware Chiefs.
More of this story can be read in The Bulletproof George Washington: by Charles D.
Barton, or The Real George Washington: The True Story of America’s Greatest Diplomat
by Andrew M. Allison.
George Washington was never wounded in battle!
A rider on horseback, many years ago, came upon a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving lordly orders to “heave.” But the piece of timber was a trifle too heavy for the squad.
“Why don’t you help them?” asked the quiet man on the horse, addressing the important corporal
“Me? Why , I’m a corporal sir!” Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers.
“Now, all together boys—-heave!” he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place. The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal.
“The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, corporal, send for the commander-in-chief.”
The horseman was George Washington.
This is the story of our country and the enemy within doesn’t want us or our children
to hear it!
“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”- George Washington, General, Commander in Chief of the colonial armies in the American Revolution and first President of the United States of America. Political Correctness a term first seen in Mao’s Little Red Book, a communist engendered abomination that is instituting censorship little by little.
Carl Marx, once wrote that, the goal of the Communists was to quote,. “enter into men’s minds and cast God down from his throne.”
“It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors.” .”- George Washington, General, Commander in Chief of the colonial armies in the American Revolution and first President of the United States of America.
The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America acknowledges faith towards a supreme God who created mankind. The Declaration also acknowledges by all who signed it, the laws of God, the providence of God, and the judgment of God.
The Declaration also appeals to God as the Supreme Judge of the world for their intentions. Furthermore, for the support of this Declaration, the signers relied firmly on the protection of Divine Providence.
“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.” George Washington, General, Commander in Chief of the colonial armies in the American Revolution (1775-83) and 1st US President (1789-97), 1732-1799)
This is the last stanza to our National Anthem when was the last time that you heard it?
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
FROM GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON’S VISION AT VALLEY FORGE 1777
“Again, I heard the mysterious voice saying, ‘Son of the republic, look and learn.’ At this the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth, and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia, and Africa.” “Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene. From each of these continents arose thick black clouds that were soon joined into one. And through this mass there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men. These men, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America, which country was enveloped in the volume of the cloud. And I dimly saw these vast armies devastate the whole country and burn the villages, towns and cities which I had seen springing up.” “As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat, I again heard the mysterious voice saying, ‘Son of the Republic, look and learn.’ When this voice had ceased, the dark shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth, and blew a long and fearful blast.”
“Instantly a light as of a thousand suns shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel upon whose head still shown the word ‘Union’ and who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens attended by legions of white spirits. these immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle.” “Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict I heard the mysterious voice saying, ‘Son of the Republic, look and learn.’ As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious.”
“Then once more, I beheld the villages, towns, and cities springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, planting the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice: ‘While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the Union last.’ And taking from his brow the crown on which blazoned the word ‘Union he placed it upon the standard while the people kneeling down said, ‘amen.’” “The scene instantly began to fade and dissolve, and I at last saw nothing but the rising, curling vapor I at first beheld. This also disappeared, and I found myself once more gazing upon the mysterious visitor, who, in the same voice I had heard before, said, ‘Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted. Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful for her is the third. But the whole world united shall not prevail against her. LET EVERY CHILD OF THE REPUBLIC LEARN TO LIVE FOR HIS GOD, HIS LAND AND UNION.’ With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, the progress, and the destiny of the United States.” “Such, my friends,” the venerable narrator concluded, “were the words I heard from Washington’s own lips, and America will do well to profit by them.”