Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson

A Five Star Book Review

“People who are anxious to bring on war don’t know what they are bargaining for.” — Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson

The single most important factor in Stonewall Jackson being one of the best generals in American history was this: He had absolute fear of the Lord, but was fearless in every other respect.

Where others dithered in self-preservation, Jackson pressed full steam ahead. He knew the way to victory is to attack the enemy the second an opportunity presented itself — and if it didn’t, he would create that opportunity. His ingenuity taught another great leader, Robert E. Lee, to trust him to operate independently and in unorthodox ways.

But a warrior’s tenacity can be vile if not tempered with chivalry.

“He was a rigid disciplinarian, yet as gentle and kind as a woman. He was the easiest man in the army to get along with pleasantly so long as one did his duty. He was courteous to the humblest private who sought an interview for any purpose as the highest officer in command.”

Leaders take note: His men loved him for his actions—frequently riding among them, surveying the battle from the front, making calculated adjustments in the moment and at God’s direction. He cared nothing about himself, only his mission and his men.

“He was dressed in the coarsest kind of homespun, seedy and dirty at that...He wore an old hat which any Northern beggar would consider an insult to have offered him, and in general appearance was in no respect to be distinguished from the mongrel, barefooted crew who followed his fortunes.”

I literally cried when finishing this book, and became teary eyed a few times throughout. It’s also a testament to the complexity of the Civil War and the tragedy of war in general, especially among fellow countrymen, such as this passage where the 2nd Virginia regiment found itself in an hour-long, brutal death match with Union forces. The Confederate flag bearer was killed, and another took it up and was also killed shortly after.

“Lieutenant Richard Lee then took up the flag and, with reckless bravery, jumped over the wall and brandished it at members of the 67th Ohio, who refused out of respect to shoot him, saying, ‘Don’t shoot that man, he is too brave to die.’”

Jackson’s life was tragic, his history complex, and his story highly recommended for anyone, but especially for leaders who know and fear the Lord.

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