General Longstreet at Gettysburg

[The Iron Duke]

Because he's Jackson's in-law or another reason?

Hill was blunt and to the point. He spoke his mind and didn't care who he offended. Not even Lee was exempt. I think his opinions would have been very entertaining to listen to.

[K Hale]

Reminds me of my favorite professor telling about taking grad classes at VMI--she took her morning coffee out to the cemetery every morning hoping Stonewall would speak to her

Well? Don't leave us in suspense!

[M E Wolf]

Dvrmte,

I am of the belief that not only General Robert E. Lee missed General T. J. "Stonewall" Jackson.

I am of the belief that General Longstreet, General J.E.B. Stuart missed General Jackson also.

Longstreet, Jackson and Stuart all started together, even before Lee entered the picture, as they were under General Joe E. Johnston, at First Bull Run/Manassas.

All had their strengths--the 'Three Musketeers'--and there was a recipe for success.

General Lee's planned invasion of Maryland and Pennyslvania, as the timing was ripe to do so; involved General Jackson. And, one has to admit, though Jackson was unique--an odd ball and great at what he did; he was not easily replaceable, as he was more like a Samuri --as he had no fear of death whereas, I think everybody else was mentally and or emotionally 'checked' by the thought of death and or distracted by the possibility of their death. A 'snag' per se verses a smooth focus as Samuri soldiers are focused on anything but their death.General Longstreet in his "Manassass to Appomattox" says:
From Manassas to Appotamox (Longstreet)
Chapter XXIV.—Preparing For The Spring Of '63.
[excerpt]
In the midst of his work of preparation came the announcement that General Jackson's trouble had taken an unfortunate turn, that he was thought to be sinking, and not many hours after that the news came that he had gone to rest. But the full realization of all that this meant was delayed until, at the railroad station, the train that was to bear his remains to their final resting-place started upon its sad journey. Then officers and soldiers gathered to do last honors to their dead comrade and chieftain seemed suddenly to realize that they were to see "Stonewall" Jackson no more forever, and fully to measure the great misfortune that had come upon them. And as we turned away, we seemed to face a future bereft of much of its hopefulness.

General Jackson's death suggested to General Lee a reorganization of his army into three corps, and R. S. Ewell and A. P. Hill, appointed lieutenant-generals, were assigned to the Second and Third respectively.

This perhaps was the fatal tampering of the recipe.

As the senior major-general of the army, and by reason of distinguished services and ability, General Ewell was entitled to the command of the Second Corps, but there were other major-generals of rank next below Ewell whose services were such as to give them claims next after Ewell's, so that when they found themselves neglected there was no little discontent, and the fact that both the new lieutenant-generals were Virginians made the trouble more grievous.(*) Afterwards, when Early, noted as the weakest general officer of the Army of Northern Virginia, was appointed lieutenant-general over those who held higher rank than he, there was a more serious feeling of "too much Virginia." Longstreet and Jackson had been assigned by General Johnston.In our anxious hours and hopeful anticipations the little quarrel was soon lost sight of,—displaced by affairs of greater moment. Reaction began to show the effect of General Lee's strong hand and hard work. Hope and confidence impaired by the failure of the Maryland campaign were restored, and we prepared to abandon all uncomfortable thoughts with the graves of our fallen comrades.
[end of excerpt]

Supposing this was more factual and critical to the moral of the other generals that were bypassed--it wouldn't be surprising that personal resentments towards Early would be manifested in covered/masked missteps as to toss Early out of the favor of Lee's. And, it is unfortunate that General Lee never wrote as to his reasons why he promoted Early over more ranking Generals. Its one of those mysteries.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[M E Wolf]

K_Hale, ma'am;

Reference #107.

I agree ma'am. Both were native Virginians. Whereas, General James Longstreet was from Georgia.

Longstreet, according to Shelby Foote (the historian/author), did not conform to the more romantic Southerner. But, he was as Southern as one could be. The lack of conforming per se; may have made Longstreet appear to others most different and always under the view of being an outsider.

One can't dismiss though, General Lee's terms of endearment in regard to Longstreet, as his "Old War Horse." Like Traveler his grey horse--always there and reliable with strength to carry the rider in all campaigns.

Just some thoughts ma'am.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[K Hale]

Oh yeah, I completely agree that Lee valued Longstreet. I just don't think they were "of the same mind" as often as Lee and Jackson were. Longstreet's book kind of indicates that, too. I think he was a little jealous of Jackson's relationship with Lee as well as Jackson's fame, which Longstreet seemed to feel was somewhat undeserved.