Militia forces at Harpers Ferry were put under the command of Colonel Thomas Jackson, who had not hesitated in siding with his native Virginia.

Orphaned at a young age, Jackson was raised on his uncle's farm at Jacksons Mill on the West Fork River. He had poor eyesight, was partially deaf, and suffered from numerous ailments which he said were punishments from God for his sins. Obsessed with his health, Jackson refused to drink tea or coffee, ate fruit only in the morning, and often held up an arm so blood could flow back into his body.

“People who are anxious to bring on war don't know what they are bargaining for. They don't see all the horrors that must accompany such an event.” —Thomas Jackson