Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, Signed Virginia Military

Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, Signed Virginia Military Institute Diploma, 1860

Jackson, Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” (1824-1864). Partly printed vellum document, signed “T.J. Jackson / Prof Nat. & Exp. Phil. &c.” 1p, 14 x 17.5 in. (sight), framed to 21.675 x 25.25 in., Lexington, VA. July 4, 1860. Degree conferred upon "A.S. Scott of Handy County" by the faculty of the Virginia Military Institute.

Prior to his service as a Confederate general, Jackson worked as both a professor of natural and experimental philosophy and an instructor of artillery at VMI from August of 1851 until the beginning of the Civil War. Under the supervision of Jackson and Major William Gilham, VMI infantry and artillery units were present at the execution of John Brown at Charles Town, Virginia in 1859. Other signatories include Gilham, Philip St. George Cocke (future Confederate General), and John Letcher (future Governor of Virginia).
Condition Report: Vellum with wrinkling and creasing. Hole at left, approx. 2 in. Areas of spotting/staining, with silk ribbon affixed at upper right. Not examined outside frame.