Raynors HCA 2015-08
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015
Sheet music, “My Wife and Child; Song. Poetry by the late lamented hero General Stonewall Jackson,” Richmond, VA: Lithog’d by Geo. Dunn & Compy.; Columbia, SC: Julian A. Selby, 1863, 4pp. Title page printed in brown and blue, variable type faces. This song was erroneously attributed to General Thomas J. Jackson, actually being written by Henry Rootes Jackson. Scattered foxing, reference Parrish 728.8. VG. We were able to find Stonewall’s denounciation of authorship in the followinng newspaper report (a printout which is included in the lot). New York Times, December 14, 1862, “Stonewall Jackson not a Poet.; ‘MY WIFE AND CHILD,’ From the Richmond Enquirer, Dec. 6. We published some time ago a beautiful poem entitled my Wife and Child, giving credit to Major-Gen. T.J. JACKSON as the author. We are almost sorry that the following letter proves us to have been in error in the matter: ‘GORDONSVILLE PIKE, Nov. 27, 1862. MY DEAR MADAM: In answer to your letter of the 20th, which has just been received, I am happy to inform you that I am not the author of the beautiful lines entitled "My Wife and Child," of which you inclose a printed copy. The poem written by Hon. JOHN R. JACKSON, of Alabama, who was a field-officer in one of the Southern regiments during the Mexican war, and one of the noblest sons of the South. During a great war, Generals often get credit for many acts which they do not perform, and this is not the first time that I have been inadvertently complimented by the Press. I have never written anything for publication -- would always read rather than write. I am a plain, practical soldier, with an ambition only to demonstrate the great problems of the art of war and serve my country. I am, Madam, Your humble servant. T.J. JACKSON, Maj.-Gen. C.S.P.A.’”
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