Equally Brave

Henry Alexander White, Stonewall Jackson, p. 95:

"General," said [Gen. John D.] Imboden, "how is that you can keep so cool, and appear so utterly insensible to danger in such a storm of shell and bullets as rained about you when your hand was hit?"

"Captain," replied Jackson in a grave and reverential manner, "my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me."

After a pause, and looking Imboden full in the face, he added, "That is the way all men should live and then all would be equally brave."