What’s this site about?

The basis of this site are the letters of rope-maker Thomas Jackson. (No relation to the other Thomas Jackson, nicknamed “Stonewall” who was a major leader for the southern states of course.)

In contrast, our author had been born and spent his early years in England but emigrated to the USA in 1829 and spent the rest of his life in Reading, PA. He became a fervent abolitionist and, as the war progressed, wrote back to his cousins asking that they try to get his letters published in the English newspapers. For this reason, many of his letters contain virtually no reference to family matters but concentrate instead on reporting his first-hand experiences of the civil war and the injustices of slavery. By following Thomas Jackson’s passionate descriptions, you can now re-live history and become a witness through his eyes to some of the key events of the American Civil War.

His motive was to reinforce and encourage English citizens not give their support to the southern confederate states despite the massive importance of Southern cotton to the British economy. His viewpoint was dominated by his disgust at the immorality of slavery and, as such, he had no respect for the southern case for secession and state’s rights. His passionate support for the abolition of slavery and later, the well being of the freed slaves lasted throughout of his life.

This trove of letters also includes many from his family both in America and also in England. In addition, there are many valuable newspaper articles and letters to the editor covering Thomas Jackson the man and his rope making businesses.