"My beloved Esposita": Jackson the husband

The great military exploits of Stonewall Jackson are studied in military schools all over the world. His iron-will and stern self-discipline are legendary. We have found that the real Jackson was also a godly, humble Christian man. How do we know this? Many of the ways we have proof of not only Jackson's strict religious morale, but his humility and profound faith in Christ, are through his letters to his wife, Anna. The tender and instructive letters he wrote to his "esposita" (little wife) are a model of godly leadership and covenantal faithfulness. Now, I am a sucker for romance (the godly sort, mind you!) but this is not the only reason I have loved reading his letters. It is an amazing window into the life of a man who lived over a hundred years ago who shares the same faith we celebrate in our church today! Maybe it's just me, but sometimes when I read about people who lived long ago...well...it's hard to relate to them, you know? It's hard to let it sink in that these were real people...just like us. And being able to connect, or relate to, in such a wonderful way with a historical man I greatly esteem is thrilling for me. So, enjoy...

July 16, 1861 Wincheter

My beloved Esposa,

Last evening the enemy encamped at Bunker Hill, about ten miles from us, and this morning we would have given them a warm reception had they advanced, but we have heard nothing respecting their movements to-day. The news from the Northwest is unfavorable, as you have probably seen in the papers, but we must not be discouraged. God will, I am satisfied, in His own good time and way, give us the victory...In reply to your queries I am sleeping on the floor of a grand room, but I have been sleeping out in camp for several weeks, and generally found that it agreed with me well, except when it rained and even then it was but slightly objectionable. I find that sleepig in the open air, with no covering except my blankets and the blue sky for a canopy, is more refreshing than sleeping in a room. My table is rather poor but I usually get corn-bread. All things considered, however, I am doing well...As to writing so as to mail letters which would travel on Sunday, when it can be avoided, I have never had the occasion, after years of experience, to regret our system. Although Sister I--- gets letters from her husband every day, is she any happier than my esposita? Look how kind our Heavenly Father has prospered us! I feel well assured, that by following our rule, which is Biblical, I am in the path of duty, and no evil can come nigh me. All things work together for my good. But when my sweet one writes, let the letters be long, and your esposo expects to send you full ones in return; and when the wars and troubles are all over, I trust that, through divine mercy, that we shall have many happy days together.