The Civil War Letters of General Frank "Bull" Paxton, A Lieutenant of Lee and Jackson. Edited by John Gallatin Paxton. Introduction by Col. Harold B. Simpson.

Octavo, green cloth (hardcover), gilt lettering, viii, 102 pp. Near Fine in Very Good, mylar protected dust jacket with light edgewear. From dust jacket: Elisha Franklin "Bull" Paxton was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, and was a second cousin Sam Houston. After graduating from Washington College, Yale University and the University of Virginia Law School, he went north to practice law and engage in land speculation in Ohio. Paxton returned to Virginia in 1854 and opened a law office at Lexington. He and Stonewall Jackson were good friends, both resided at Lexington and both attended the Presbyterian Church. Paxton was an ardent secessionist, and when the war started was elected a lieutenant in the "Rockbridge Rifles" (Company B, 5th Virginia Infantry Regiment). He fought as a company officer at 1st Manassas, and his gallantry at this battle led to a position on Jackson's staff. In mid-October, 1861, Paxton was appointed major of the 27th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was not re-elected major of his regiment in the re-organization of the Confederate Army in the spring of 1862, and again joined Jackson's staff, serving as Chief of Staff for the Corps during the summer and fall of 1862. Jackson recommended Bull Paxton for brigadier general and command of the famous Stonewall Brigade in the fall of 1862. Paxton assumed command of the Brigade on November 6. He was the fourth commander of the Stonewall Brigade, following in order, General Stonewall Jackson, Richard Garnett and Charles Winder. Paxton commanded the Brigade at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Paxton was killed at age 35, leading his men during the second day (May 3, 1863) at Chancellorsville. He was temporarily buried in the yard of the farmhouse near Guiney's Station (Virginia) in which Jackson died. Later his body was moved to the Lexington Cemetery where he was buried a few feet from his old commander. The simple epitaph on his tombstone reads, "It is well with thee." Paxton was a Christian gentleman, a dedicated soldier and a devoted father and husband. His letters bear witness to al these attributes, and are an important contribution to the War Between the States. Civil War, United States History, U. S. History, American History, Americana, U.S.-iana nslic.…