Jackson’s tactical ideas, as regards the fire of infantry, expressed at this time, are worth recording.  “I rather think,” he said, “that fire by file [independent firing] is best on the whole, for it gives the enemy an idea that the fire is heavier than if it was by company or battalion (volley firing).  Sometimes, however, one may be best, sometimes the other, according to circumstances.  But my opinion is that there ought not to be much firing at all.  My idea is that the best mode of fighting is to reserve your fire till the enemy get—­or you get them—­to close quarters.  Then deliver one deadly, deliberate fire—­and charge!”

Although the newspapers did scant justice to the part played by the brigade in the battle of Bull Run, Lee’s epithet survived, and Jackson became known as Stonewall throughout the army.  To one of his acquaintances the general revealed the source of his composure under fire.  “Three days after the battle, hearing that Jackson was suffering from his wound, I rode,” writes Imboden, “to his quarters near Centreville.  Of course the battle was the only topic discussed during breakfast.  “General,” I remarked, “how is it that you can keep so cool, and appear so utterly insensible to danger in such a storm of shell and bullets as rained about you when your hand was hit?” He instantly became grave and reverential in his manner, and answered, in a low tone of great earnestness:  “Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed.  God has fixed the time for my death.  I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me.”  He added, after a pause, looking me full in the face:  “That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.""* (* Battles and Leaders, volume 1 pages 122 and 123.)

Although the war upon the borders had not yet touched the cities of the South, the patriotism of Virginia saw with uneasiness the inroads of the enemy in that portion of the State which lies beyond the Alleghanies, especially the north-west.  The country was overrun with Federal soldiers, and part of the population of the district had declared openly for the Union.  In that district was Jackson’s birth-place, the home of his childhood, and his mother’s grave.  His interest and his affections were bound by many ties to the country and the people, and in the autumn of 1861 he had not yet come to believe that they were at heart disloyal to their native State.  A vigorous effort, he believed, might still restore to the Confederacy a splendid recruiting-ground, and he made no secret of his desire for employment in that region.  The strategical advantages of this corner of Virginia were clearly apparent, as will be seen hereafter, to his perception.  Along its western border runs the Ohio, a river navigable to its junction with the Mississippi, and giving an easy line of communication into the heart of Kentucky.  Through its northern counties passed the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the