Who Was The Best Confederate General?

Question

I saw who you'all said was the worse, so lets be well rounded.

Answer 1

Hello Mr. Spaulding. For God sakes this will probably bring the evil genie and I have to get for classes to start. As much as, I love Lee, and Jackson the critics are right Lee should have fought defensively and the yankees would probably sued for peace. Jackson, bless his soul was great but too inflexible. I might be flippant and say Hooker or Burnside but I will cast my lot with John Gordon. For reasons too many to start, may-be you can tell the class what you think?

"I was at the centre of that line when General Lee rode to it. With uncovered head, he turned his face toward Hancock's advancing column. Instantly I spurred my horse across Old Traveller's front, and grasping his bridle in my hand, I checked him. Then, in a voice which I hoped might reach the ears of my men and command their attention, I called out, "General Lee, you shall not lead my men in a charge. No man can do that, sir. Another is here for that purpose. These men behind you are


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Georgians, Virginians, and Carolinians. They have never failed you on any field. They will not fail you here. Will you, boys?” The response came like a mighty anthem that must have stirred his emotions as no other music could have done. Although the answer to those three words, "Will you, boys?" came in the monosyllables, "No, no, no; we 'll not fail him," yet they were doubtless to him more eloquent because of their simplicity and momentous meaning. But his great heart was destined to be quickly cheered by a still sublimer testimony of their deathless devotion. As this first thrilling response died away, I uttered the words for which they were now fully prepared. I shouted to General Lee, "You must go to rear.” The echo, "General Lee to the rear, General Lee to the rear!" rolled back with tremendous emphasis from the throats of my men; and they gathered around him, turned his horse in the opposite direction, some clutching his bridle, some his stirrups, while others pressed close to Old Traveller's hips, ready to shove him by main force to the rear. I verily believe that, had it been necessary or possible, they would have carried on their shoulders both horse and rider to a place of safety".

I am glad you had a good break and have returned healthy and ready for your studies.

God Bless You and the Southern People.

Answer 2

Whycare had better learn his history as Jackson was a General in the Confederate States Army. Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States of America. This being said my vote for best General would be Robert E. Lee for the reason he cared about his men.

Answer 3

I was born in the middle of the largest National Military Park in the country. I was raised on two different battlefields, actually living in the battlefields. I have studied civil war history until I am blue in the face and I am so damned tired of it you can't imagine. I grew up with the grandson of General George Thomas and also General Gustavus Adolphus Woods, but I can take that and a buck fifty and get coffee in the Waffle House. In addition to that, I had a GGG Uncle who got Florida out of the Union and a G Grandfather who was an adjutant to Gen. Sherman, and had kith and kin fighting each other in what became my front yard and I don't give a tinker's damn who was the best general. If you are interested in wars, join up and get involved in one of your own.

Answer 4

General Lee

Answer 5

That's easy, Jackson's Shenandoah Campaign and exploits at Chanclorsville earns him the top pick, but i'd have to say the close second is a tie with Forest and John Bell Hood (at least prior to his promotion to Corps commander where he was abysmal). Bobby Lee didn't make the top 5 mainly for his blunder in sending 12,000 Virginians over 1 1/2 miles of open ground against massed artillery and entrenched musketry fire.

Answer 6

General Robert E. Lee

Answer 7

Jackson

Answer 8

Some pretty amazingly wrong answers here, like Jackson was president or a Cavalry General...

Lee in my opinion was best, as to his failings after Jacksons death, times changed and he had different enemies to deal with.

.Jackson was great yes, but it is Lee's tactics that are still studied at West Point

Answer 9

Lee. Anyone who could keep people like Stonewall Jackson, Longstreet, Stuart and others working well in tandem had real talent. It's hard to say if Jackson could've made the leap from corps commander to army. Given the odds against him Lee did incredibly well. (Someone mentioned Jackson as a cavalry commander--never heard that one before!)

Answer 10

Of course Stonewall Jackson while he was alive qualifies for the running, but for the entirety of the war I'd say Nathan Bedford Forrest.