October 20th.
Although I greatly
desire to see our much-prized Winchester friends, it has not been my privilege
to visit the town since last May. . . . Last
night was very cold, but my good friend Dr. Hunter McGuire secured a camp-stove
for me, and in consequence, to-day, I am comparatively quite comfortable. Don't
send me any more socks, as the kind ladies have given me more than I could
probably wear out in two years. God, through kind friends, is showering
blessings upon me. . . . Let the soldiers have all your blankets.1
Don't trouble yourself
about representations that are made of your husband. These things are earthly
and transitory. There are real and glorious blessings, I trust, in reserve for
us beyond this life. It is best for us to keep our eyes fixed upon the throne
of God and the realities of a more glorious existence beyond the verge of time.
It is gratifying to be beloved and to have our conduct approved by our
fellow-men, but this is not worthy to be compared with the glory that is in
reservation for us in the presence of our glorified Redeemer. Let us endeavor
to adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour in all things, knowing that there
awaits us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” I would not
relinquish the slightest diminution of that glory for all this world can give.
My prayer is that such may ever be the feeling of my heart. It appears to me
that it would be better for you not to have anything written about me. Let us
follow the teaching of inspiration — “Let another man praise thee, and not
thine own mouth: a stranger, and not thine own lips.” I appreciate the loving
interest that prompted such a desire in my precious darling. . . . You have not forgotten my little
intimation that we might meet before the end of the year, but I am afraid now
that your esposo will not be able to leave his command. However, all
this is in the hands of the Most High, and my prayer is that He will direct all
for His own glory. Should I be prevented from going to see my precious little
wife, and mother should grow worse, I wish you to remain with her. In addition
to the comfort it would give her, it would also gratify me to know that she was
comforted by your being with her. She has my prayers that it may please our
Heavenly Father to restore her again to perfect health. Do not send me any more
handkerchiefs, socks, or gloves, as I trust I have enough to last until peace.
You think you can remember the names of all the ladies who make presents to me,
but you haven't heard near all of them. An old lady in Tennessee, of about
eighty years, sent me a pair of socks. A few days since a friend in Winchester
presented me with a beautiful bridle and martingale for a general officer,
according to the Army Regulations. Mr. Porter, of Jefferson, sent me a roll of
gray cloth for a suit of clothes, and friends are continually sending things to
contribute to my comfort. I mention all this merely to show you how much
kindness has been shown me, and to give you renewed cause for gratitude. If I
only had you with me in my evenings, it would be such a comfort! I hope it may
be my privilege to be in Winchester this winter. The people are so kind, and
take a great interest in my esposita, and that gratifies me. . . . I am in a Sibley tent, which is of a
beautiful conical shape, and I am sure you would enjoy being in it for a while.
_______________
1 This order was fulfilled, and finally all
his carpets were sent to the army as covering for the suffering soldiers.
SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of
General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 363-5
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