On May 10, 1863, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson died. On the evening of May 2, he had been wounded by “friendly fire” at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He had just concluded one of the most acclaimed flanking movements and assaults in the annals of warfare when he was wounded. He was hit twice in the left arm, which had to be amputated. When Gen. Robert E. Lee learned of the wound and amputation he wrote a now familiar memo as follows:

General: I have just received your note informing me that you are wounded.

I cannot express my regret at the occurrence. Could I have directed events, I should have chosen for the good of the country, to have been disabled in your stead.

I congratulate you upon the victory, which is due to your skill and energy.

Most truly yours,

R. E. Lee

As Jackson lay dying, Lee sent a message through Chaplain Lacy, saying “Give General Jackson my affectionate regards, and say to him: he has lost his left arm but I my right.”

After Jackson’s death General Lee broadcast the following:

General Orders No. 61 – With deep regret the Commanding General announces to the army the death of Lieutenant General T.J. Jackson, who expired on the 10th ints., at 8:15 PM.

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 many fields. Let officers and soldiers emulate his invincible determination to do everything in the defense of our beloved country.

– R.E. LEE General Commanding

Jackson’s body was moved to the governor’s mansion in Richmond for the public to mourn. And certainly the Southern people mourned their most respected, beloved and renowned hero. He was buried in the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, Lexington, Va., the home of Virginia Military Institute, where he had been an instructor for several years.

His severed arm was buried separately by Jackson’s chaplain in the wilderness of Orange County.

Jackson’s exploits were without equal in the Civil War. Northern armies and soldiers dreaded to face “Old Jack.”

In the savage fighting of Chancellorsville Lee lost many more Generals and field commanders, as also did the Union. His command structure had to be greatly overhauled in the aftermath of the battle. It was certainly a different army that was soon marching north to invade Pennsylvania. Many leaders were new to their jobs. In one instance, Richard Ewell replaced Jackson. Ewell was stigmatized because he failed on July 1 to pursue the straggling Union army at Gettysburg that was trying to reach the safety of the cemetery and Culp’s Hill. Many scholars and students of the battle concur that Jackson would not have hesitated to press the attack and secure those valuable heights for the Confederacy.

Had that happened the outcome of the battle could have easily been reversed.

Compiled by members of the CW150 Committee of Warren’s Sutliff Museum.