Beschreibung:

JACKSON, Thomas J. ("Stonewall") (1824-1863), Major General, C.S.A. . Autograph letter signed ("T.J. Jackson") to an unidentified Judge, "Hd. Qrs. 1st Brigade, Camp near Manasses," 6 August 1861. 1 page, 8vo, on lined paper, integral blank. Fine. JACKSON RECOMMENDS A PROMOTION FOR PAXTON, LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER MANASSES, WHERE HE WON HIS NICKNAME "STONEWALL" Jackson, commanding the 1st Brigade under Beauregard at First Manasses, 21 July, had won his nickname and glory in his brilliant and unyielding defense of the Confederate line against powerful Union forces. Paxton, whom he here recommends for promotion, later commanded the Stonewall Brigade. Still encamped near the scene of their victory, Jackson writes: "I have found from valuable services rendered by our mutual friend, E.F.E. Paxton, that his rank is below his merit, and being satisfied that he deserves a majority, I have so recommended him to Governor Letcher [John Letcher, Gov. of Virginia]. Should it be necessary that you will aid my recommendation: as you will thereby do good service to the country. Very truly yours T.J. Jackson " Elisha Franklin Paxton (1827-1862), from Lexington, Va., attended Washington College, Yale, and earned a law degree at the University of Virginia. Commissioned a Lt. of the 1st Rockbridge Rifles, he fought with the 4th Virginia under Jackson at First Manasses, and, following Jackson's recommendation, was promoted to Major of the 27th Virginia in October 1861. He later served as aide to Jackson and when Jackson was promoted, served as Chief of Staff and Adjutant General for Jackson's Corps. Promoted to Brigadier General in November 1862, he commanded Jackson's former Brigade--by then known as the Stonewall Brigade--at Fredericksburg and at Chancellorsville, where he was killed leading a charge. Eight days later, his commander and friend also died from wounds sustained in the same battle.