Chapter II: Mexico. Jackson graduated West Point as a second lieutenant of artillery and he was immediately sent to Mexico. He served in General Scott's Army for several years, and gained notice for his bravery under fire. He reached the rank of captain, and then major in Mexico, and gained heavy combat experience. More importantly, he served with many Army officers who would fight during the Civil War, and so he had intimate knowledge of the men who would become his enemies. This would help his military tactics immensely, and it would give his enemies an advantage, too, bec

Chapter XI: Cross Keys and Port Republic. Here, the Confederates were again in retreat and Jackson faced Fremont's troops, who he had routed at Winchester the second time. The author indicates how Jackson trusted his men and his officers, and allowed them to make their own decisions in battle, just as he did. Jackson lost many men in these two key battles, but when they were over, General Lee sent massive amounts of troops toward Jackson to take advantage of the South's improved position in the war. The author also shows how Jackson could be extremely secretive and quiet about his plans and his tactics, and this helped keep intelligence from reaching the Union forces. The author also shows that the Union made strategic mistakes, and that the leadership of Lee and Jackson helped turn the tide of the war the Confederate way.

Chapter IV: Secession, 1860-61. Jackson spent 10 years at Lexington before the Civil War began. The author explains the origins of the Civil War, from abolition to secession as a background to Jackson's service. This helps lay the foundations of the war and explain why Jackson was such a loyal Southerner. Jackson did not condone slavery or secession, but he was a true Southerner and when the South needed him, he joined the Confederate Army.

Chapter VII: Romney. Jackson formulates his own ideas on how to win the war, and there is a lull in the fighting. The author gives detail on how the general picked his aides and staff, and gives detail on Jackson's attack on the Union communications garrison at Romney, which his forces captured, driving the Union soldiers back over the Potomac River. The author offers details of criticism against Jackson that elicited his resignation of command, and the Confederate reaction - begging him not to resign. It had a lingering affect on Jackson, as he began to question the support of the people above him. His decision to resign was not done rashly, and his decision to remain was difficult. His reprimand shows how unorganized the Southern troops were. Jackson may have made a difference had he been placed in charge of all the military operations, but that was never done.

Chapter VIII: Kernstown. The author details some of Jackson's thoughts and planning stages as he prepares for battle, and the difficulties the Southern armies faced without proper supplies. He also criticizes the Northern Army under McClellan. The Northern Army recrossed the Potomac and took several key towns in West Virginia, including Winchester, where Jackson had been living with

Some common words found in the essay are:
Civil War, Republic Confederates, Potomac River, Jefferson Davis, Washington American, Romney Jackson, Valley Banks, Shenandoah Valley, South Jackson, Virginia Jackson, civil war, military tactics, union forces, tide war, shenandoah valley, union troops, troops jackson, advancing union troops, lee jackson, difficulties jackson, advancing union,
Approximate Word count = 1711
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)