Stonewall Jackson was born 199 years ago today on January 21, 1824. There are many stories told about this legendary military officer and Presbyterian deacon. One such story was reported by Brigadier-General John D. Imboden (CSA) and appears in Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, Vol. 1 (1887), p. 238 [not currently available at LCP]:

“I remarked, in Mrs. Jackson’s hearing, ‘General, how is it that you can keep so cool, and appear so utterly insensible to danger in such a storm of shell and bullets as rained about you when your hand was hit [at the First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas]?’ He instantly became grave and reverential in his manner, and answered, in a low tone of great earnestness: ‘Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me.’ He added, after a pause, looking me full in the face: ‘Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.’”