“Stonewall” Jackson

Richmond 1863: Jackson’s Funeral

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

The city of Richmond, Virginia, witnessed military funerals regularly during the American Civil War, but in journals, memoirs, and newspapers the city’s mourning for Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson emerging as a pivotal event in 1863.

That’s not to say the citizens didn’t mourn other fallen officers. Far from it. The city had a tradition of elaborate funerals and memorial days going to back to days of mourning for the founding fathers. In 1862, there was even a public funeral for former president John Tyler. Continue reading →

1863: “At Such A Price”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 4 Comments

General Orders, No. 61

[Headquarters] Army of Northern Virginia,

May 11, 1863.

With deep grief the commanding general announces to the army the death of Lieut. Gen. T.J. Jackson, who expired on the 10th instant, at 3:15 p.m. The daring skill, and energy of this great and good soldier, by the decree of an all-wise Providence, are now lost to us. But while we mourn his death, we feel that his spirit still lives, and will inspire the whole army with his indomitable courage and unshaken confidence in God as our hope and strength. Let his name be a watchword to his corps, who have followed him to victory on so many fields. Let officers and soldiers emulate his invincible determination to do everything in defense of our beloved country. Continue reading →

1863: “Increased Religious Interest Among Our Troops Here”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / Leave a comment

April 10

…I trust that God is going to bless us with great success, and in such manner as to show that it is all His gift; and I trust and pray that it will lead our country to acknowledge Him, and to live accordance with His will as revealed in the Bible. There appears to be an increased religious interest among our troops here. Our chaplains have weekly meetings on Tuesdays; and the one of this week was more charming than the preceding one.

General Thomas J. Jackson to his wife, Mary Anna Jackson, April 10, 1863. Continue reading →

Tea With Sarah: What If?, 1893, & Historical Cookies

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

Good afternoon, it’s time for tea!

It might be cliched to say but these last couple weeks have been a whirlwind. Two speaking engagements, one book festival, work, research, all the rest of life, and gearing up for our Reconstruction Era theme of the month for March and an upcoming short sale over St. Patrick’s Day.

If I was hosting a REAL tea this afternoon, fresh fruit would be the treat and probably Chamomile Tea to drink. I’ve had a little cold this week, so luckily it’s just a tea on the blog this week. No germ sharing here…

But it’s always a good day to talk history and we have some fun questions this week. We’ll start with a “what if” topic… Continue reading →

1863: “Friends Among Strangers”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

February 14, 1863

…Your delightful letter of six pages received a welcome reception this evening. I am thankful to see that our kind Heavenly Father is again restoring mother to health. I felt uneasy about her, and thought that Joseph had better make a visit home. I have made the restoration of mother’s health a subject of prayer; but then we know that our dear ones are mortal, and that God does not always answer prayer according to our erring feelings. I think that if, when we see ourselves in a glass, we should consider that all of us that is visible must turn to corruption and dust, we would learn more justly to appreciate the relative importance of the body that perishes and the soul that is immortal…

Your accounts of baby are very gratifying, and intensify my desire to see her. If peace is not concluded before next winter, I do hope you can bring her and sped the winter with me. This would be very delightful. I f we are spared, I trust an ever-kind Providence will enable us to be together all winter. I am glad little Julia was pleased with her present, and wish I could have seen her laugh… Continue reading →