“After a very pleasant and somewhat protracted conversation, he ordered me to move at once, and as rapidly as possible, to North Mountain Depot, tear up the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and put myself in communication with General Hampton (commanding cavalry brigade), who would cover my operations.  While we were there General Jackson sent a member of his staff to see how we were progressing.  That night I received orders to move at once and quickly to Martinsburg, as there had been heavy skirmishing near Kerneysville.  Next morning, when I reported to General Jackson, he received me in the same cordial, warm-hearted manner, complimented me on the thoroughness of my work, told me that he had recommended me for promotion to take permanent charge of Branch’s brigade, and that as I was the only person recommended through military channels, I would be appointed in spite of the two aspirants who were trying to bring political influence to bear in Richmond in their behalf.  When I rose to go he took my hand in both of his, looked me steadily in the face, and in the words and tones of friendly warmth, which can never be forgotten, again expressed his confidence in my promotion, and bade me good-bye, with a ‘God bless you, Lane!’” (1 Memoirs pages 536-7.)

On the other hand, Jackson’s treatment of those who failed to obey his orders was very different.  No matter how high the rank of the offender, Jackson never sought to screen the crime.* (* The five regimental commanders of the Stonewall Brigade were once placed under arrest at the same time for permitting their men to burn fence-rails; they were not released until they had compensated the farmer.) No thought that the public rebuke of his principal subordinates might impair their authority or destroy their cordial relations with himself ever stayed his hand; and it may well be questioned whether his disregard of consequences was not too absolutely uncompromising.  Men who live in constant dread of their chief’s anger are not likely to render loyal and efficient service, and the least friction in the higher ranks is felt throughout the whole command.  When the troops begin taking sides and unanimity disappears, the power of energetic combination at once deteriorates.  That Jackson was perfectly just is not denied; the misconduct of his subordinates was sometimes flagrant; but it may well be questioned whether to keep officers under arrest for weeks, or even months, marching without their swords in rear of the column, was wholly wise.  There is but one public punishment for a senior officer who is guilty of serious misbehaviour, and that is instant dismissal.  If he is suffered to remain in the army his presence will always be a source of weakness.  But the question will arise, Is it possible to replace him?  If he is trusted by his men they will resent his removal, and give but halfhearted support to his successor; so in dealing with those in high places tact and consideration are essential.  Even Dr. Dabney admits that in this respect Jackson’s conduct is open to criticism.