Ojg THE WAS AND ITS BKR01 pethy is contained in the fact that, at the age of s!xtcrn } he wu elected constable of th- county of Lewis, the duti< - of which office he discharged with intell p 1 credit. inclinations of the young man Mem, however, to have pointed oat early towards arms as a profession. Some hereditary instinct of his family for war probably developed itself in the grave and serious youth — bul t<> those irho believe, as we do, that a mightier hand than man's Bhapes all human events, this early inclination will appear to have been the means of fitting him f<>r tin- grand part he was eventually to have in the assertion of Southern liberties It is certain that young Jackson found himself impelled toward a milttarj career, and at tin- an n he sit out for Washington, on f *• •« »r , to Becure, if possible, an appointment as oadet at West Point. This he was enabled to-do through the instrumentality of Borne political friends), and he entered upon his Studies there in 1 s 42. In July, l*4(i, at the age of twenty-two, he graduated with distinction, was brevetted second lieutenant, and immediately ordered bo report for duty in Mexico, under General Taylor, lie served under that commander until General Sedtt tonk the field, when lie w.i- transferred to the command of the latter. Hi- military career was distinguished and his promotion rapid. In August, l v 17. In- was made first lieutenant in Magruder's battery; brevetted captain lor "gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Contreras and Cherobus August L' (, th, 1847, (August, 1848,) and brevetted major "for gallant and meritorious conduct in the hattlc of Chcpultepcc," September 1-lth, 1.17. (March, 1840.) No other officer had so distinguished himself ami risen 00 rapidly as the young Virginian. The unknown youth had. in this brief space of time, attracted the attention of his generals, and become one of the most promising young officers of the army. Tin- oltmste of the country had, however, told powerfully upon a frame at no time Verj robust. His health became so impaired that he was unahle to dw- cbarge his duties, and, with the high souse of honor which marked hischarat ho, ou the conclusion of peace, resigned his commission, | February 29th, 1852. i Returning to Virginia, lie obtained a professorship in the Virginis Military Institute, and continued in the performance of the important duties ot this position until the breaking OUt Of the present war. Soon after entering upon his duties at the Military Institute, he married Miss Junkin, daughter of the Kcv. Dr. Junkie, principal of the Washington College. This lady and her children died, and he was afterwards married to Miss Morrison, of North Caro- lina — his only living child, a daughter, horn shortly before hi- death, being the sole issue of this marriage. It is said that, while in Mexico, 8 hattery ol the enemy was pouring a storiu of shot and -hell down a road, along which he wished his men to advance. They remained under cover, out of the fire, shaken in nerve and fearing to venture forth. This was excessively distasteful and mortifying to their young commander, and, leaving them, he advauced to the road, and calmly walked up
