Civil War Interactive has a list of the “best†and “worst†generals of the Civil War. I always find these types of surveys to be interesting. I have to admit that I was surprised by the selection of Patrick Cleburne as one of the top five generals. Their top five worst generals was equally interesting and really contained no surprises other than it must have been incredibly difficult to only pick five!
Speaking of the best generals. Brooks D. Simpson a few weeks ago wrote a nice piece on one of my favorite generals, George H. Thomas, who Brooks keenly describes as “one of the most puzzling figures in the pantheon of Civil War generals.â€
James Longstreet was the best not only tactically but also strategically. He understood the use of interior lines was the only advantage the south had in the war and was used in the victory at Chickamauga. In my opinion the failure to press our advantage after that battle was the turning point of the war – not Gettysburg. Longstreet made these arguments and others in Richmond from the beginning. His fighting qualities were unsurpassed. He never became over-excited in any situation that is why Lee valued his leadership. Stonewall’s corps were “shock troops”. Most of his attacks were headlong and uncoordinated, often loosing momentum as the attack progressed. If you were hit by Longstreet things were going to break. He was a master at making the best use of ground and supplying re-inforcements. His defensive strategies were superior to all others – either side. His use of the “traverse” trench was the largest contribution made to land warfare during the war. The biggest mistake he ever made was becoming a republican in the south after the war.
History is beginning to view him differently now. Longstreet collectibles are more valuable than Jackson or Lee. As time goes on he will, as he predicted, obtain his proper place in history.