The Civil War Series: General James Longstreet, the Face of Leadership
Repubblica will be presenting a series of articles written about heroes from the Civil War. As Americans we need to look back often at the people who built and influenced the country. The 19th Century was a time of greatness. Many presidents, Senators, House members, generals, soldiers, writers, young people, older people, teachers and farmers made impressions on the United States which will never be erased.
The morning sun rose gently over the Virginia landscape, casting long shadows on the encampment of the Army of Northern Virginia. General James Longstreet, known as "Old Pete" to his men, sat at his makeshift desk, his thoughts already deep in the upcoming campaign. It was the spring of 1863, and the war had taken a heavy toll on both sides. Longstreet, a seasoned veteran, knew that every decision in the days ahead could alter the course of history.
Longstreet's reputation as Robert E. Lee's trusted lieutenant had been hard-earned. His calm demeanor and tactical brilliance had made him indispensable, and his men admired him for his unwavering resolve. Yet, beneath his stoic exterior, Longstreet carried the weight of countless battles and the loss of dear friends and family.
As he reviewed the maps spread before him, his mind drifted back to the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. There, Longstreet had demonstrated his strategic acumen during the Battle of Williamsburg, where his division successfully delayed the Union advance, allowing Confederate forces to regroup. His skillful use of defensive tactics and counterattacks had earned him high praise from Lee and cemented his role as a key commander in the Army of Northern Virginia.
Longstreet's reverie was interrupted by the arrival of his aide-de-camp, Captain Thomas Goree. "General Lee wishes to see you, sir," Goree said, a note of urgency in his voice. Longstreet nodded, folding the maps with practiced precision. He knew that Lee had been contemplating an audacious move to carry the war into the North.
Arriving at Lee's headquarters, Longstreet found the commanding general deep in conversation with staff and commanders. Lee's piercing eyes met Longstreet's as he entered. "Pete, we're considering a push into Pennsylvania. The Yankees are reeling from Chancellorsville, and now might be our best chance to strike a decisive blow."
Longstreet listened intently as Lee outlined his plan. The idea of invading the North was bold, and Longstreet understood the potential rewards. But he also recognized the risks. "General Lee," he began cautiously, "an invasion into Union territory could rally their spirits. We must ensure and protect our supply lines and have a clear objective."
Lee nodded, appreciating Longstreet's pragmatism. "Your concerns are valid, Pete. But we need to keep the pressure on them. The victory at Chancellorsville has given us momentum. We must capitalize on it."
As the plan took shape, Longstreet was assigned to lead the First Corps, after the Army of Northern Virginia had been reorganized with the death of General Thomas Stonewall Jackson. He knew the campaign would test every ounce of his leadership and tactical skill. By June, the Confederate Army was on the move, their destination: Gettysburg.
The march into Pennsylvania was arduous, but morale was high. Longstreet maintained a strict discipline, ensuring his men were ready for the challenges ahead. When the two armies finally clashed at Gettysburg, the battle was fierce and unforgiving.
On the second day of fighting, Longstreet's corps was ordered to assault the Union left flank. The terrain was treacherous, and the Federals were well-entrenched. Longstreet meticulously planned the attack, coordinating with division commanders and ensuring that every detail was accounted for. He deployed Hood’s and McLaws’ divisions against the Union positions at Devil’s Den and Little Round Top, hoping to turn the Union flank.
As the assault commenced, Longstreet watched from Seminary Ridge, his heart heavy with the knowledge of the lives that would be lost. The fighting at Devil's Den was brutal, with boulders and rugged terrain turning the battlefield into a nightmarish maze. Despite the valor of his men, Union forces under Colonel Strong Vincent, Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, Colonel Patrick O’Rorke, General Stephen Weed, and Lieutenant Charles Hazlett held the high ground at Little Round Top, repelling wave after wave of Confederate assaults. Longstreet's cautious approach and insistence on careful planning had been correct, but the ground was simply too formidable.
The third day brought the infamous Pickett's Charge. Longstreet harbored deep reservations about the attack, understanding the futility of a frontal assault against such fortified positions. Yet, duty compelled him to follow Lee's orders. As he directed General George Pickett to lead his division forward, Longstreet's face was a mask of stoic resignation. After the assault, Puckett famously said to General Lee, "I have no division now."
The charge ended in disaster, with Confederate troops decimated by Union artillery and rifle fire. Longstreet's heart ached as he witnessed the carnage. The Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point in the war, a high-water mark for the Confederacy that would never again reach such heights.
In the aftermath, Longstreet reflected on the campaign and its outcomes. His loyalty to Lee never wavered, but he understood that the war had shifted inexorably in favor of the Union. He continued to serve with distinction, his tactical brilliance evident in subsequent battles, such as the Battle of Chickamauga, where his timely arrival and decisive actions helped secure a Confederate victory.
Longstreet's Civil War actions were marked by his unwavering dedication, his strategic mind, and his deep empathy for his soldiers. Through victories and defeats, he remained a pillar of strength for the Confederate army, a leader whose legacy would be studied and remembered for generations to come.
The Overland Campaign of 1864 marked a pivotal series of battles between General Ulysses S. Grant's Union forces and General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. General James Longstreet, Lee’s stalwart lieutenant, played a crucial role in these engagements despite facing immense challenges.
Setting the Stage
By the spring of 1864, the Civil War had entered its fourth year. General Ulysses S. Grant, now commanding all Union armies, sought to bring relentless pressure on Confederate forces through coordinated offensives. Grant's strategy aimed to engage Lee's army directly, understanding that defeating Lee was essential for Union victory.
In early May, Grant's forces crossed the Rapidan River, initiating the Overland Campaign. Longstreet, leading the First Corps, was prepared to meet the Union advance. Despite his recent return from the Western Theater, where he had distinguished himself at Chickamauga in Georgia, Longstreet was determined to make a decisive impact in Virginia.
The Battle of the Wilderness
On May 5, 1864, the dense thickets and tangled underbrush of the Wilderness provided the backdrop for the first major clash of the campaign. The terrain negated the Union’s numerical advantage and led to chaotic, close-quarters fighting. Longstreet’s corps, still en route from Gordonsville, marched swiftly to join the fray.
On May 6, Longstreet’s men arrived on the battlefield. Understanding the tactical situation, Longstreet orchestrated a counterattack against Union forces that had pushed back Lieutenant General A.P. Hill’s troops. Longstreet’s flanking maneuver, known as the "Longstreet Counterattack," was devastatingly effective, driving the Union forces back and creating confusion within their ranks.
Tragically, in the midst of the successful assault, Longstreet was seriously wounded by friendly fire. A bullet struck him in the neck and shoulder, leaving him incapacitated and forcing his removal from the battlefield. Command passed to Major General Charles Field, and although the Confederate counterattack had achieved significant gains, Longstreet's absence was keenly felt.
Spotsylvania Court House
As Longstreet recovered from his wounds, the Overland Campaign continued. The next major confrontation occurred at Spotsylvania Court House. From May 8 to May 21, Union and Confederate forces engaged in brutal combat. The infamous "Mule Shoe" salient saw some of the most intense fighting, including the horrific 22-hour battle at the "Bloody Angle," where the lines were so close that soldiers fought hand-to-hand.
Although Longstreet was unable to participate directly, his influence was evident in the tactics employed by the Confederate commanders. His emphasis on entrenchments and defensive preparations helped the Confederates withstand the Union assaults, though at a terrible cost in lives.
Return to Duty: The Siege of Petersburg
By late summer, Longstreet had sufficiently recovered to return to duty. His reappearance bolstered Confederate morale, but the situation had grown dire. Grant’s forces had maneuvered around Lee’s army and were now besieging Petersburg, a critical supply hub for the Confederate capital of Richmond.
Longstreet resumed command of his corps during the Siege of Petersburg. The protracted siege, lasting from June 1864 to April 1865, tested the endurance and resilience of both armies. Longstreet’s experience and tactical acumen were vital in organizing the Confederate defenses and conducting counterattacks to disrupt Union operations.
Despite their efforts, the Confederate forces were increasingly outmatched. Grant’s relentless pressure and superior resources gradually wore down Lee’s army. By the spring of 1865, the situation had become untenable.
The Overland Campaign and the subsequent Siege of Petersburg exemplified the grueling and relentless nature of the Civil War’s final year. For Longstreet, the campaign was a testament to his enduring commitment to the Confederate cause and his unwavering dedication to his men. His tactical brilliance, even in the face of severe injury, demonstrated his resilience and strategic mind.
As the war drew to a close, Longstreet reflected on the years of conflict. The losses, the battles, and the camaraderie of his soldiers weighed heavily on him. The Overland Campaign had been one of the most challenging periods of his military career, marked by both triumph and tragedy.
In the aftermath of the war, Longstreet’s legacy as one of the Confederacy’s most capable and loyal generals remained intact with his men, but not for the leaders of the Lost Cause Theory. His actions during the Overland Campaign, particularly his critical role at the Battle of the Wilderness, highlighted his importance to the Confederate war effort and his enduring place in American military history.
As the war drew to a close, Longstreet reflected on the years of conflict. The losses, the battles, and the camaraderie of his soldiers weighed heavily on him. The Overland Campaign had been one of the most challenging periods of his military career, marked by both triumph and tragedy.
After the Civil War, James Longstreet's life took several unexpected turns. Known as one of Robert E. Lee's most trusted generals, Longstreet faced a complex and often contentious post-war period. His actions and decisions during this time reflected a profound transformation from Confederate commander to a controversial yet influential figure in the Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction eras.
Longstreet's post-war life began with a significant departure from the Confederate cause. He accepted the Union's victory and supported Reconstruction policies. He even joined the Republican Party, a move that was highly controversial in the South. His friendship with Ulysses S. Grant, whom he had known from West Point and the Mexican-American War, facilitated his entry into Republican politics.
In 1867, Longstreet received a presidential pardon from Andrew Johnson, allowing him to participate in public life fully. He was appointed Surveyor of Customs in New Orleans, a significant federal position. Longstreet's support for civil rights and cooperation with the Reconstruction government alienated many former Confederates, who viewed him as a traitor to their cause.
Longstreet's military experience continued to influence his post-war career. He served as the Adjutant General of the state militia in Louisiana, where he faced the challenge of maintaining order during the turbulent Reconstruction era. In 1874, he led the state militia in the Battle of Liberty Place, a confrontation with the White League, a white supremacist organization. Although his forces were defeated, Longstreet's commitment to upholding the Reconstruction government was evident.
Later, Longstreet held various federal positions, including U.S. Marshal for Georgia, Minister to the Ottoman Empire, and Commissioner of Pacific Railways. These roles reflected his adaptability and willingness to serve the country in diverse capacities, even as his reputation among Southerners remained controversial.
In his later years, Longstreet focused on preserving his legacy and defending his wartime record. He published his memoirs, "From Manassas to Appomattox," in 1896, offering a detailed account of his Civil War experiences. His writings aimed to counter criticisms, particularly those from the Lost Cause movement, which blamed him for the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg.
Longstreet's memoirs and public statements often placed him at odds with other Confederate veterans and historians. He openly criticized Robert E. Lee's strategies, challenging the near-mythical status Lee held in Southern memory. This critical stance further marginalized Longstreet within the post-war Southern community.
Despite the public controversies, Longstreet's personal life was marked by resilience and dedication to his family. He married Louise Garland in 1848, and the couple had ten children. After Louise's death in 1889, Longstreet remarried Helen Dortch in 1897. Helen became an ardent defender of Longstreet's legacy, continuing to advocate for him long after his death.
James Longstreet died on January 2, 1904, in Gainesville, Georgia. His funeral was a significant event, attended by many prominent figures from both the North and the South, reflecting the complex legacy of a man who had bridged deep post-war divides.
In the years following his death, Longstreet's legacy underwent reevaluation. Historians began to recognize his contributions to both the Civil War and the Reconstruction era. Monuments and memorials have been erected in his honor, and his role as a military leader and public servant has been reassessed, leading to a more balanced understanding of his life and actions.
Fascinating and well done!
Great piece of history... thanks for posting it!