“As far as I can determine, Stonewall Jackson’s last journey home up the Kanawha Canal has never been portrayed in art before. This idea was suggested to me long ago – and it continued to attract me. One reason this painting is so meaningful to me is that it reconstructs a remarkable, but little-known historical event. I was also attracted by the artistic elements of this scene. You have this extraordinary procession to honor a great fallen leader, and it’s being conducted with such typical 19th century American ceremony. Then there’s this picturesque Southern bridge that’s still around today. Add to that the packet boat Marshall – whose features are well documented – and you have so many elements of a memorable painting.”