<DIV>Many historians have touched on Thomas Stonewall" Jackson's relationship with African Americans in light of his Christian convictions. "Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend" explores an aspect of his life that is both intriguing and enlightening: his conversion to Christianity and how it affected his relationship with Southern Blacks. Covering the origin of Jackson's awakening to faith, the book challenges some widely held beliefs, including the assumption that this spiritual journey did not begin until his adulthood. Furthermore, Richard G. Williams Jr. examines a paradox of Jackson's life: his conversion to Christianity was encouraged by Southern slaves, many of whom he would in turn minister to one day. The book examines Jackson's documented youthful pangs of conscience regarding the illiteracy of American slaves?and how Providence ultimately came to use him to have a lasting and positive impact on Southern slaves.</DIV>"</div>