Stonewall Jackson Qualities

Thomas "Stonewall” Jackson was a man of humble beginnings. He, himself, was a humble man. However, he possessed many qualities that under the right guidance would make him one of the great American military generals. His experiences during the Mexican War would have the greatest impact in molding him into the great leader he was.
Stonewall Jackson began his military training at The United States Military Academy at West Point. Not having the same financial and educational advantages as his classmates, Jackson had a rough first year and finished at the bottom of his class. However, with each successive year, he improved academically and finished seventeenth out of fifty-nine graduates (Stonewall Jackson House Staff par 1). When the war
He often turned to God for spiritual wisdom and guidance. Being humble and devout, Jackson had the qualities that would help shape him into a great leader who was trusted by his men. The next skirmish Stonewall Jackson would participate in would be a battle at Cerro Gordo. Jackson was a keen observer and was ever watchful of the maneuvers of those in command. During this battle, he noted the engineering techniques General Scott used to pinpoint the enemy's weaknesses. In riding out to survey the damage American forces created, Jackson realized he was greatly moved by the number of bodies left on the battlefield. In order to be a good general, he realized he would have to command his inability to dismiss human suffering easily (Robertson
Somehow Jackson and his troops got ahead of the rest of the forces. Outnumbered, Jackson's men did not waver. They pursue the Mexican forces relentlessly. Jackson stated, "It was splendid!" Later that evening by the campfire, Jackson realized his jacket had been torn apart by a bullet. Once again, Jackson had defied death (Robertson 68). Most importantly, the day had proven that Jackson was a courageous leader who remained calm and level headed during the toughest of situations.
In his commentary on the Chapultepec battle, General Magruder made commented on Jackson's performance.
If devotion, industry, tallent [sic] & gallantry are the highest qualities of a soldier, then he is entitled to the distinction which their possession confers....Upon this occasion when circumstances placed him in command for a short time of an independent action, he proved himself eminently worthy of it.

Also, General Pillow, General Scott, and General Worth praise Stonewall Jackson's courage and service in their writings about the battle. Swiftly, Stonewall Jackson was promoted to first lieutenant and brevet major. No other officer during the Mexican War was promoted more that Stonewall Jackson. Jackson’s experience during this war molded him into the great military leader he was. His courage, strategic mind, willingness to learn from others, and religious devotion made him the great military