Stonewall Jackson Quotes

In this collection of Stonewall Jackson quotes, we hear the General's opinion on things such as proper military strategy, and the dangers of alcohol.

Please enjoy this selection of Stonewall Jackson quotes...

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"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."

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"Then, Sir, we will give them the bayonet! "

(Response to the news that the enemy was beating his men back.)

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"Yesterday we fought a great battle and gained a great victory, for which all the glory is due to God alone. Although under a heavy fire for several continuous hours I received only one wound, the breaking of the longest finger of my left hand; but the doctor says the finger may be saved."

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"If the general government should persist in the measures now threatened, there must be war. It is painful enough to discover with what unconcern they speak of war and threaten it. They do not know its horrors. I have seen enough of it to make me look upon it as the sum of all evils."

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"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave."

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"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."

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"The only true rule for cavalry is to follow the enemy as long as he retreats."

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"Who could not conquer with such troops as these? "

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"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. A defensive campaign can only be made successful by taking the aggressive at the proper time. Napoleon never waited for his adversary to become fully prepared, but struck him the first blow."

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"War means fighting. The business of the soldier is to fight. ... To move swiftly, strike vigorously, and secure all the fruits of victory is the secret of successful war."

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"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."

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"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."

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"You were the First Brigade in the Army of the Shenandoah, the First Brigade in the Army of the Potomac, the First Brigade in the Second Corps, and are the First Brigade in the hearts of your generals. I hope that you will be the First Brigade in this, our second struggle for independence, and in the future, on the fields on which the Stonewall Brigade are engaged, I expect to hear of crowning deeds of valor and of victories gloriously achieved! May God bless you all! Farewell! "

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"My duty is to obey orders."

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"It is painful enough to discover with what unconcern they speak of war and threaten it. They do not know its horrors. I have seen enough of it to make me look upon it as the sum of all evils."

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"Nothing justifies profanity."

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"I am more afraid of ... Alcohol than of all the bullets of the enemy."

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"I like liquor — its taste and its effects — and that is just the reason why I never drink it."

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"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."

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"Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees."

(Last words.)

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I hope you have enjoyed this selection of Stonewall Jackson quotes. Please feel free to share your favorite quotes from Stonewall Jackson in the comments section below...

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