"People who are anxious to bring on war don't know what they are bargaining for; they don't see all the horrors that must accompany such an event."
"I am in favor of making a thorough trial for peace, and if we fail in this and our state is invaded, to defend it with terrific resistance."
"All I am and all I have is at the service of my country."
"No, you greatly overestimate my capacity for usefulness. A better man will soon be sent to take my place."
"My religious belief teaches me to be as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed a time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to always be ready, no matter when it may overtake me."
"Through life, let your principal object be the discharge of duty."
"Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
"You may be whatever you resolve to be."
"Never take counsel of your fears"
Exchange with Dr. Hunter McGuire after second Manassas:
Dr. McGuire: "We have won this battle by the hardest kind of fighting."
Jackson: "No, no, we have won it by the blessing of Almighty God."
At First Manassas: Charge men, and yell like furies!
"Don't say it's impossible! Turn your command over to the next officer. If he can't do it, I'll find someone who can, if I have to take him from the ranks."
"Who could not conquer with such troops as these?"
Farewell address to his troops, Nov. 4, 1861: In the Army of the Shenandoah, you were the First brigade. In the Army of the Potomac, you were the First brigade; you are the First brigade in the affections of your general; and I hope in your future deeds and bearing that you will be handed down to posterity as the First brigade in this, our second War of Independence."
"Shoot the brave officers and the cowards will run away and take the men with them."
"Always mystify, mislead and surprise the enemy; and when you strike and overcome him, never let up in the pursuit. Never fight against heavy odds if you can hurl your own force on only a part of your enemy and crush it. A small army may thus destroy a large one and repeated victory will make you invincible."
"I had rather lose one man in marching than five men in fighting."
"What is life without honor? Degradation is worse than death."
"Aim, fire low, and may God have mercy on their souls."
Exchange with Longstreet before Fredericksburg:
Longstreet: "General, do not all those multitudes of Federals frighten you?"
Jackson: "We shall see very soon whether I shall not frighten them."
Longstreet: "But, Jackson, what are you going to do with all those people over there?
Jackson: "Sir, we shall give them the bayonet."
Lee on Jackson: "Such an executive officer the sun never shone on. I have but to show him my design, and I know that it can be done, it will be done...Straight as the needle to the pole he advanced to the execution of my purpose."
Jackson on Lee: "So great is my confidence in General Lee that I am willing to follow him blindfolded."
General George E. Pickett: "I pray that God may spare him to us to see us through. If General Lee had Grant's resources, he would soon end the war, but Old Jack can do it without resources."
"It is the Lord's Day. My wish is fulfilled. I have always desired to die on a Sunday."
Jackson's Final Words: "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees."
-Stonewall-