Jackson, then, was by no means imbued with the belief that the Presbyterian was the one true Church, and that all others were in error.  Nor did he attempt, in the very slightest degree, to usurp the functions of his chaplains.  Although he invariably went to sleep during their sermons, he was deeply interested in their endeavours, and gave them all the assistance in his power.  But he no more thought of taking their duties on himself than of interfering with the treatment of the men in hospital.  He spoke no “words in season,” even to his intimates.  He had no “message” for them.  Where religion was concerned, so long as duly qualified instructors were available, he conceived it his business to listen and not to teach.  Morning and evening prayers were the rule at his headquarters, but if any of his staff chose to remain absent, the general made no remark.  Yet all suspicion of indifference to vice was effectually removed.  Nothing ungenerous or unclean was said in his presence without incurring his displeasure, always unmistakably expressed, and although he made no parade of his piety he was far too manly to hide it.

Yet he was never a prominent figure at the camp services.  Rather than occupy a conspicuous place he would seat himself amongst the privates; and the only share he took in directing the proceedings was to beckon men to the seats that respect had left empty beside him.  Those who picture him as an enthusiastic fanatic, invading, like the Puritan dragoons, the pulpits of the chaplains, and leading the devotions of his troops with the same fervour that he displayed in battle, have utterly misread his character.  The humblest soldier in the Confederate army was not more modest and unassuming than Stonewall Jackson.

NOTE

The Federal strength at M’Dowell. 
Fremont’s return of April 30 is as follows:—­
   Milroy’s Brigade 4,807
   Schenck’s Brigade 3,335

of May 10:—­
   Milroy 3,694
   Schenck 3,335

of May 31:—­
   Milroy 2,914
   Schenck 3,335

Schenck reports that the total force engaged at M’Dowell was 1768 of Milroy’s brigade, and about 500 of his own, total 2268; and that he himself brought to M’Dowell 1800 infantry, a battery, and 250 cavalry—­say, 1600 men.

Milroy’s command may fairly be estimated at 3500; Schenck brought 1600 men; there were therefore available for action at M’Dowell 5100 Federals.

Fremont’s strength at Cross Keys.

The return of May 31 gives:—­13,520 officers and men.

Fremont, in his report of the battle, says that on May 29 he had over 11,000 men, which, deducting guards, garrisons, working parties and stragglers, were reduced to 10,500 combatants at Cross Keys.

But he does not include in this last estimate Bayard’s cavalry, which joined him at Strasburg.