Maatman, Gerald L. Stonewall's Lieutenant

The Life of General Elisha Franklin Paxton, Commander of the Stonewall Brigade

This is not only the first biography of Brigadier General Elisha Paxton; it also offers fresh insight into the character of Stonewall Jackson, the Confederate Army, and the secessionist movement. Elisha Paxtons short life was equally rich in achievements and contradictions. How could a volunteer rise to command a brigade in less than two years? Why did Stonewall Jackson place such trust in a man with whom he would not even have been willing to speak before the war? How could a devout Christian, who described slavery as a "violation of Gods law," become an ardent advocate for secession? Elisha Paxtons experiences offer fascinating insights into the inner workings of the Confederate Army and the mindset of Stonewall Jackson. A sober examination of Paxtons writings leads to uncomfortable discussions regarding Paxtons personal morality, as well as the broader political and social context of the Civil War. In this comprehensive biography of Brigadier General Elisha F. Paxton, author Gerald L. Maatman Jr. addresses all these themes in an objective, scholarly, and all-encompassing manner.