Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend

Richard G. Williams, Jr.
Cumberland House Publishing (2006)
ISBN 158182565X
Reviewed by Mark A. Raborn for Reader Views (5/07)

“Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man’s Friend,” Richard G. Williams Jr.’s biographical offering of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, is an intimate and very interesting portrayal of Jackson’s Christian efforts and influence on others around him, most remarkably the enslaved Negroes of his era. Expertly written and splendidly researched, Williams reveals a portion of Jackson’s character that is predictably amiss in much of modern academia. Indeed, I remember learning about the premature death of Jackson, the brilliant military strategist, who was shot by his own forces; however, I only learned of his enthusiasm for Christ while reading this work. 

Williams presents Jackson as a spiritual philanthropist who worked in earnest to bring salvation to his fellow man, relating numerous accounts of his Christian witness to those in bondage. However, this writing is not only a testimony of Christian faith, but a valuable historical chronicle of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s life and character, both as an individual and as a professional soldier. Williams takes the reader into Jackson’s world with such clarity and ease that it would seem he was actually there, pen in hand, throughout the journey of Jackson from orphaned child to Major General; through mortality and burial and a legacy of character, faith and bravery that transcends the years.
Of Jackson’s work with the Rockbridge Bible Society (the “genesis of Jackson’s black Sunday School class”), Williams writes (as quoted from one Robert Lewis Dabney, a contemporary of Jackson): “The free blacks of the quarters, all of whom he had visited in their humble dwellings, and encouraged to give a pittance of their earnings to print Bibles. He argued that these small sums were better spent thus than in drink or tobacco; that the giving of them would elevate their self-respect, and enhance their own interest in the Holy Book.”

Williams goes on to write: “One can picture the devout and zealous Presbyterian deacon (Jackson) knocking respectfully and confidently at the door of a free black’s shanty, hat in hand, perhaps becoming a little doubtful about soliciting funds from such impoverished members of society. After noticing the poor condition of the humble home, somewhat ashamed, Jackson may have considered turning and walking away before the door opened. Imagine Jackson describing the work of the Bible society to these illiterate blacks: the publication of tracts and books for Sabbath schools and education for the ministry. He would be soliciting donations for reading materials from those who could not read.” Scenarios like this certainly offer one a different and, perhaps, a clearer perspective on the life and character of Stonewall Jackson.

Williams’ style is engaging and compelling: offering the reader a sense that you really come to “know” Stonewall Jackson as a person, a friend and as a fellow Christian believer. I highly recommend “Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man’s Friend” to anyone with an interest in extremely well-written historical accounts with an uplifting, positive tone.

Make comment on weblog