Stonewall Jackson's Way

Military historians consider Jackson to be one of the most gifted tactical commanders in American History. When he died, it was a severe setback for the Confederacy, not only for his military expertise but for the morale of the soldiers and southern people.

"Stonewall Jackson's Way"

1. Come, stack arms, men! Pile on the rails,

Stir up the camp-fire bright;

No matter if the canteen fails,

We'll make a roaring night!

Here Shenandoah brawls along,

Here burly Blue-Ridge echoes strong,

To swell our brigade's rousing song

Of "Stonewall Jackson's way."

2. We see him now, - the old slouched hat,

Cocked o'er his eye askew;

The shrewd, dry smile, - the speech so pat,

So calm, so blunt, so true.

That "Blue-Light Elder," knows him well.

Says he, "that's Banks, - he's fond shell;

Lord save his soul! we'll give him...!"

Well, That's Stonewall Jackson's way.

3. Silence! Ground arms! Kneel all! Caps off!

Old "Blue Lights" going to pray.

Strangle the fool that dares to scoff!

Attention! That's his way.

Appealing from his native sod,

"Hear us, Hear us, Almighty God,"

Lay bare Thine arm; stretch forth thy rod,

That's "Stonewall Jackson's way."

4. He's in the saddle now, Fall in!

Steady the whole brigade;

Hill's at the ford, cut off, we'll win

His way out, ball and blade!

What matter if our shoes are worn?

What matter if our feet are torn?

Quick-step! we're with him e're the dawn!

That's "Stonewall Jackson's way."

5. The sun's bright lances, rout the mists,

Of morning, and by George!

Here's Longstreet, struggling in the lists,

Hemmed in an ugly gorge.

Pope and his Yankees, with before,

"Bayonets and grape!" hear Stonewall roar;

"Charge, Stuart! Pay off Ashby's score!"

Its "Stonewall Jackson's way."

6. Ah! Maiden, wait and watch and yearn

For news of Stonewall's band!

Ah! Widow, read, with eyes that burn,

That ring upon thy hand;

Ah! Wife, sew on, hope on and pray;

That life shall not be all forlorn

The foe had better ne'er been born

That gets in "Stonewall's way."