Funny how we never seem to consider just how someone from our past died, don't you think? Maybe because we just aren't interested, or because we think of it being a "natural" death.
The Death Of Stonewall Jackson
Most people who are familiar with Civil War history know that Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, the famous Confederate Lieutenant General, died a very peculiar death. His own men accidentally shot him in the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863.
But what really happened on that fateful night? Although historians generally state that Jackson was shot because of the darkness and confusion on the battlefield, the waters of history have been fairly muddy on this particular subject. Jackson’s fame led many people—from both sides of the conflict—to claim that they were involved in his death, and conspiracy theories of murder and foul play have surfaced every once in a while.
The question was finally answered in 2013, near the 150th anniversary of the great general’s death (which may or may not have been a happy coincidence). Two astronomers painstakingly calculated the phases of the moon during that fateful night. When Jackson was returning to his troops, the moon was so dim it would only have revealed his silhouette. When the fatigued, frightened soldiers were startled by this mysterious, soldier-shaped shadow, they instinctively opened fire . . . only to find to their horror that they had felled their own commander.
I can only imagine how stunned the troops were after finding out they had just killed their General! That would be a battle scar that would be with you the rest of your life, I would think!
Coffee out on the patio again today!It's supposed to go up to 78 today, so the patio is looking good to me!
Talk about something you wouldn't get over! Patio sounds good although we have slightly more moderate temp ( 40's ) it's rainy n windy. How about some store bought oreos for a change. Are your a dunker?
ReplyDeleteHe was a great general - who knows what the outcome of future battles would have been. I'll bring the milk to go with your Oreos, Mamahen - haven't had them in a long time!
ReplyDeleteTo be fair to the NC troops who shot him, he was out in front of the lines and came riding down a road with a group of officers from the direction of the enemy. He looked like an enemy patrol in the dark. George Patton studied his tactics.
ReplyDeleteIf my memory of history serves me correct Mr. Jackson was the one who unlawfully instigated the Trail of Tears.
ReplyDeleteI can' begin to imagine the horror in finding out you accidentally shot one of your own men, not to mention it was your general. How do you live with that? Boy, does coffee outside sound good to me right now. We had another 5 inches of snow yesterday. At least today and tomorrow it will get above freezing today, so maybe some of this "crap" will start to melt.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. I didn't know this fact either. Don't want to get into the trail of tears but yes he was.
ReplyDeleteOur mornings are still a little to chilly for out doors so I will be happy to come by the patio for a cuppa.
I visited the farmhouse where he was operated on. My brother and I were making the grand tour of the battlefields while we were both stationed at Quantico. Later we went to his grave. There is a photo of women mourning at the grave, and it was eerie to stand at the exact same spot. Don't know why, it just was.
ReplyDeleteMomlady, you are confusing Stonewall Jackson with Andrew Jackson.
And sometimes they shoot a leader on purpose.
ReplyDelete