Stonewall's Man: Sandie Pendleton

by W.G. Bean

First published by UNC Press in 1959, this biography tells the story of Alexander (Sandie) Swift Pendleton, a high-spirited and intelligent Confederate staff officer from Virginia who, at the age of twenty-two, won the confidence, admiration, and affection of Stonewall Jackson. Pendleton began as ordnance officer of the Stonewall Brigade of the Army of the Shenandoah in the spring of 1861. By January of 1863, he had become chief of staff of the famed Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia and was recognized as a brilliant staff officer--even as "Stonewall's Man." Wounded in the battle of Fisher's Hill, Pendleton died five days before his twenty-fourth birthday.
Based on diaries, letters, and manuscripts, the poignant and revealing story of Pendleton's life and Civil War experiences is set against a background of the campaigns in which he participated.

Genres: Civil War, American Civil War, History

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

Reviews

[Liberty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written biography on one of the most promising young men in the Southern army: Sandie Pendleton. Truly it could have been of his death, How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! 2 Samuel 1:25

[Joshua Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fantastic biography of Pendleton. Read the book in preparation for a reenacting event and found Bean's work to be both informing and encouraging. Though not the main subject of the book, Pendleton's almost-adopted-son relationship to Stonewall Jackson (lightly touched on in the film Gods and Generals) is deeply meaningful, particularly in the context of Pendleton's life, the war, and the protocols of aiding the general.

I would definitely recommend this book as the best resource on Sandie Pendleton's life and death.

[Lettie Laferriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written biography tells the story of Alexander Pendleton, a Civil War officer who fought under the famed Stonewall Jackson. From his childhood years to his unexpected death at the age of 24, this book not only chronicles Pendleton's extraordinary life but also offers a glimpse of the complex time period in which "Sandie" found himself.

[K.H. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's one book I can (and do) read over and over, it's Stonewall's Man. If you want to step into the life of the Confederacy's once rising star, this is the essential read. Through excerpts of his letters, you get to know Sandie Pendleton. Bean did an excellent job, start to finish in shining the spotlight on this wonderful young man. Loved it, loved it, loved it.