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Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded May 2, 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville after carrying out, in my opinion, one of the greatest manuevers of the entire war. When he heard that Jackson was wounded and had lost his left arm, Lee said "He has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right arm." Jackson died May 10. How good was Jackson? Would you call Chancellorsville and his death one of the major turning points of the war? If he lived would there have been a Gettysburg and would it have turned out different? A lot of questions, I know.
Roger
Jackson's end run was indeed a masterful plan. Was it Jackson's? Or Lee's? It was one of those where all the luck was running south and none north. There was a path running in the right direction; there was a local who knew the way; Federals who sighted the movement misinterpreted it; Howard's Division was on the Union Left; Hooker was the Union General.
How many times have masterful plans failed due to a missing factor or a piece of bad luck? It may be that Jackson was the only one who could have carried off that movement, and Lee was the only one who could fill the time by attacking one way and threatening attack the other, but Jackson did enjoy some divine help that day.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
The whole strategy was a total example of Lee knowing his adversary using him and abusing him [Hooker]. Talk about not having any respect for your enemies commander. But if I was to rank Jackson's exploits I would rank them: Jackson's Shenandoah Campaign first followed by his totally using and abusing Pope during the Second Bull run campaign followed by the chancellorsville march. Does anyone else agree?
As stated the flanking march was brilliant in leading to the rolling up of the Eleventh Corps on the Federal right but as pointed out was it Lee's plan or JAckson's? Again, the chips fell right into place. The Valley Campaign is a fascinating study and was brilliantly conducted but even more so than Chancellorsville, the quality of the opposition leadership he faced( at best over their heads, at worst incompetent) has to be a considered factor and caveat in analysing him. I think in retrospect, I am just as impressed if not more so by his defense on the left wing at Bull Run II whereby he took Pope's best shot on the chin, counterpunched well and held his staggered opponent up so Longstreet could deliver the round house right to Pope that put him on the canvas for the rest of the war.
I think Chancellorsville demonstrated that Jackson was a great operational level commander (although in terms of the ACW that's a pretty rough and flighty term.) Moving 26,000 men with only the tail of Thomas' brigade getting hit was very impressive. The Shenandoah campaign and the capture of Harpers Ferry are also great examples of Jackson's operational prowess. However, I think the Jackson was a rather poor tactician. His status as a near deity, especially in VA, tends to prevent a thorough reexamination of his abilities. While Jackson had some pretty amazing talents, I still have to say that he is overrated. My criticisms of him can be pretty harsh on the tactical level, but few generals are good on all levels. He had his skills and his weaknesses.
I give Lee most of the credit for Chancellorsville, though.
Respectfully
__________________ Up men, and to your post! And let no man forget today that you are from old Virginia!
Jackson is welcome to a place on Stone Mountain. Everyone needs their heroes and no one gains in attacking them.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Jackson's reputation as a commander must suffer slightly for his unwillingness to at least try to get along with subordinates. Not a unique problem though...
On a related note, I just read an article that said D.H. Hill and Jackson were not very close even though they were brothers-in-law. I found that rather interesting since they both were intensely religious and both had rather *****ly relationships with other generals.
Respectfully
__________________ Up men, and to your post! And let no man forget today that you are from old Virginia!
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Jackson and Chancellorsville 
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