Welsh Journals

Finally, no man was ever happier in his family relations. Probably no man ever owed more to his wife than he did to the sound judgment, the refined scholarly taste, and generous co-operation of Lady Rhys. All his interests she shared to the full: by her own proficiency in languages, especially STONEWALL JACKSON, 1824-1863 STONEWALL Jackson, as told by Colonel Henderson, would have been a story of moving power even in those far-away eclectic times of peace, but it would not have bitten into the bone and sinew of perfect understanding as it does to-day. There would have been those old melancholy doubts as to the righteousness of war and those dim intellectual suspicions that the patriot was a traitor to the larger humanity, and that the military mastery of a man like Stonewall was so much brilliant devilry enlisted on the side of evil. But we know better than that now. Such fogs are sucked away with the morning mists. The whole psychology of the nation has been re-made. In this time when men and groups and even massed millions hear a new metallic sound in the meaning of life, and realise strength and devotion, when they feel from the very core of their being that muscle and endurance, sternness and truth-simple, heroic, and direct-are virtues besides which the graces of cosmopolitanism, the easy ease and facile boast of leisured moneydom are nothing, indeed, are negative and evil, then the story of Stonewall Jackson is inspiration, a satisfying spiritual food for a nation facing realities. Jackson was born of a good stock-Ulster breed originally-that had made its home in the hills of Ohio. There was no prospect before him other than work on a farm or the routine of retail trade, yet apparently he never doubted his ability to shake free. He was early an orphan, and very early began to fight for a living. At the age of seventeen he became a constable of the county-a species of minor sheriff-and was so successful in impressing people of influence with his earnestness that when a vacancy occurred at the West Point Military Academy his frantic lobbying was just enough to secure his admission. He worked when his more fortunate fellow- students slept he lay on his back before the stove to catch the glow upon his books. War broke out between Mexico and the States, and the young subaltern was thus enabled to see active service, and though never making a reputation French, and her passion for folklore, she was able to be a helpful co-worker with him in his literary labours. After her death a few years ago, her two daughters have worthily filled her place by the side of the father, whose death they now mourn. he yet showed on one occasion that danger was supremely indifferent to him and that a retirement even by order was utterly repugnant. Promoted he returned to the States and accepted the post of Professor of Artillery Tactics at the Virginia Military Institute. The next ten years were quickly spent teaching and living. He was strict in school and scarcely popular with boys, in his social relations he was austere. in his attitude towards religion he had a warm personal evangelical faith which never failed him, and by which he measured all his actions. There was no fanaticism in it, it could be kind but would not compromise. Now this young old professor with ten years of class-room pedagogy behind him, found one day that he and all others in the Southern States must choose between their love for their country and the menacing force of a stronger power. Stonewall did not fight for slavery, he fought for his country and his people he strove to maintain the States constitution against any encroachment by a grouping of States however strong. Justice was the cause and devotion was to be the weapon. In 1861 at the age of thirty-five he was again a soldier. The problem set the professional soldiers of both sides was to train and bring into the field a big army of citizens without previous military training and with them to secure victory. When Jackson arrived at his small command he found only the elements of an army. Arms were scarcer than men and trained officers wholly lacking. The recruits were drilling in civilian clothes, and resplen- dent uniforms were on the backs of inefficient militia officers whose military training was nil. Stonewall made no speeches and held no review, and he sent the peacocks back to the ranks. All felt force and grip in the silent demeanour of this new commander. Drill, drill, drill, morning and night was the order of each and every day. Discipline is the beginning of an army and only work can teach it. Petty observation of military etiquette he cared not a fig for, nor ever enfoiced upon his volunteers, but everything affecting the health and fighting