I own James Longstreet's book. He fascinates me. For me , he's one of the most interesting and compelling historical figures in this country. Flawed perhaps, but so are all of us.
@@colacurciolaw7745 HI brother...have you come across toms version of teddy roosevelt in the rough riders....i challenge you to say they are the same actor its oscar winning stuff😄
Longstreet was a great general, as was Grant. I've read other things about this pair. It is a great injustice to call Longstreet, "Lee's War Horse & Grant's Lap Dog." I truly believe Longstreet was much, much more.
Ironically, the CSA sympathizing revisionists _should_ be grateful for Grant, as many other post-war political leaders of the time wanted greatly to much more viciously punish Confederate soldiers and the rebel states. Grant's presidency, in fact, held those politicians in check. Longstreet himself understood that, which is why he supported Grant.
This IS astounding! I too, independently came to same conclusion about General Longstreet as strangely outstanding, the finest example of CSA military nobility as too, personified by General Lee and all the similar biographies of the CSA generals. But also these titans had Union counterparts with USA manner and style that contrast and compare to make this history infinitely more interesting, unique, arresting, human and peculiar. General Longstreet's magnificence is lifelong, and stunningly exemplary and virtuous, even after the war too, all things considered.
donna stackhouse the North had 22million men South had only 5million men&the North men had more schooling&smarter and all the real 💰 money they whipass bland foilded with one hand🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎
They were opposites. But, became friends for life. Through soldiering in war and peace until by fate put them on opposite sides. That bond of soldiers, the attraction of opposites was unbreakable and indefatigable. Bravo, boys! The Corps is proud!
Excellent interview and great insight from Nick. If not mistaken, General Longstreet was [maybe] the lead pallbearer at President Grant’s funeral. This aspect of friendships and foeships (invented word, sorry) is fascinating. Thanks.
This was absolutely brilliant. This man has taught us so much fascinating history about these great men that has been unknown for a very long time. Thankyou both for this fantastic history lesson!!
At Gettysburg General Lee was suffering from Angina Attacks. His health was failing him. Some think he even suffered a series of heart attacks. He was off in his thinking. Even General Longstreet and Hood knew this. His personal physician wanted him to retire from the field but Lee insisted his Army needed him. Thus the result, a loss for the South.
There's no doubt he was also suffering from diarrhea d/t both stress and a suddenly rich diet of Northern food. Some think that he, like Napoleon at Waterloo, also was suffering from hemorrhoids. I seriously think he wanted to resign after Gettysburg, but duty (and Davis) wouldn't allow it.
His use of "intersections" is truly poignant in that we are what we are (for better or worse) because two men formed a simple bond with one another and ended up in key positions of history to affect the course of a nation. One can look at Adams and Jefferson before that for similar, nationally important friendships. It makes one wonder at the random chance of luck in these "intersections" happening, and the great things that came from them. Thanks for the posting of this thoughtful interview.
Just an excellent insight into the lives of the men who held vital positions of leadership before and during the Civil War. For those of us who hold a lasting interest in the tragic war between the states, and the background of the two societies of the times that contain an endless array of subjects for inquiry. The insights offered by those who have devoted life times of scholarship to the study of all facets of the great event give us more and more ways to further understand and be fascinated by the most important event in our nation’s history.
MrGtsouth Hi, exactly! That is the most fascinating and interesting time of history! The soldiers should always be honored and remembered. If I were AA I would hero worship them!!❤️
People who have never been soldiers, or never fought in a boxing match or martial arts tournament are often never able to understand how you can fight with a man and not only not harbour a grudge against him, you can respect and even like him.
Alexander Hunter, on the preface page to his "Johnny Reb and Billy Yank", wrote "It is amazing how much we like a man after fighting him." It should be noted that Hunter was a veteran.
Al M it should be common knowledge that oft times pickets and opposing federal and confederate troops would engage in barter during lulls in the fighting. the rebels had quality tobacco and the feds real coffee. and perhaps you could enlighten me. perhaps near the end, but not quite a baseball game broke out until sometime into the game the word was passed the war wasn't quite over. as a vet I heard many very derogatory terms given Charlie (VC) but I never met a marine or soldier who didn't have some respect for their toughness and fighting abilities. I was a 91C30.
Even in Vietnam, there are many American veterans who have gone on battlefield tours and have spoken with veterans who were on the other side, and enjoyed hearing the different perspective.
Building the perfect civil war army: Longstreet for defense, Sherman for offense, McClellan for supply Sargent😂, Jeb Stuart for cavalry, Lawrence chamberlain for inspirational speeches, Alexander for artillery commander, and the iron brigade for the vanguard...that's an unbeatable squad imo lol
Sentinel creed I would pick. Commander in chief: Grant Offense: Jackson Defense: Longstreet Supply/logistics, training: McClellan Cavalry: Forrest or Sheridan Light infantry/brigadier commander Chamberlain (for five forks too), William Mahone Artillery - Henry Hunt. Instrumental at Pickett’s charge and Alexander’s adversary. He made the decision to not fire back until later. Support - Winfield Scott Hancock second corps
@@carolbell8008 What about him? He was good but he had a horrible habit of taking massive casualties. He lost the most men of any general in the war (120,000 killed or wounded). Honestly I do not think Jackson really belongs on the crème-de-la-crème list either. He was good at dramatic charges but really he was sort of a one trick pony. Sherman is a much better choice since he was agressive but also good at manoeuvring things to his favour to achieve his objective. For cavalry I would choose Brigadier General Benjamin Grierson, and on defence I would want either Major Longstreet or Major General George Thomas.
Acdragonrider Videos, LTG James Longstreet is buried in Gainesville, GA. I found his gravesite, quite easily, when I stopped for that very purpose on the way to Helen, GA, for the town’s Octoberfest. The Cemetary is on the Southeast side of Gainesville, as I recall. Merely look for the flagpole inside the grounds. It is very sobering to stand before his final campground. Posted on early Monday morning, June 8, 2020, Honolulu, HI.
Excellent Interview! So much information that I've never heard. Plus it shows of how hard it was for the two Generals and their families worked behind the scenes to maybe change the path of the war that was tearing every hopes for our Union to not be. So Thanks so much for the information!!!
I had no idea! Read "The Killer Angels" as a class assignment by a Marine Corps major. Was captivated by the elder Shaara's delving into thoughts, aims, emotions of principal characters. Have viewed "Gettysburg " at length twice. Been enthralled and repulsed by the Civil War since grade school. But that's not been enough. It's so shallow on my part. Then, I stumble on this video and learn that the man Lee leaned on after Stonewall Jackson's demise was a close friend of the enemy who would lead Union forces to final victory. "Quiet men of destiny?" - that's an understatement! Last thought: if they ever make a movie (stage play, musical - whatever) of your work for popular consumption, hold their feet to the fire! I've been disillusioned with works that purport to be "based on a true story " like "The Social Network, " Moneyball, " and even "The King And I. " I know the producers exercise dramatic license freely and it's their prerogative, but when you choose to dig deeper and find out more, it can be disappointing. Oh, I forgot about "The Crucible. " OK, so I'm a little slow: I should know better by now. We want a happy ending, and we prefer the sanitized version - me too. But can't we somehow tell the whole truth as objectively and engagingly as possible? I don't believe they're mutually exclusive. The Bible proves it - but then, we're not God....
Interesting interview. I did not know of the correspondence between Julia Grant and Longstreet's wife in an effort to bring about a peace agreement. In the end I believe that only European intervention (France and Britain) might have brought about Confederate independence, and even that was no gurantee, given that Russia might well have then intervened on the side of the Union.
Harriet Beecher Stowe did neutral France and the UK with her novel. From 1857 the Consules of UK gave free of charge cotton seed for the agricultural producer in the Turkies Empire and Egypt. India and Brasil turned to cotton too so the Civil War shortage was short time and the whool and flax industry got time to develope in the industrial revolution. France became the biggest sugar producer in the world from SUGAR BEET. The German investment the sugar beet had big effect on the sugar cane slavery system.
As I recall, Sheridan's men won the first battle, chased Early's out of a position and then relaxed, so much so that Sheridan was absent, when Early counter-attacked. As you said, the Union forces were retreating until Sheridan returned. But after that, Early was not even able to save his army. Contrast that with Lee, who saved his army to the bitter end.
Some do not like LongStreet, because they judge him according to their own biases and narrow views. I am a Southern man, My Family Members fought in the 26th Miss. Infantry. I take these men as they were, and realize life is more complex than many want it to be. friends can and do remain friends, even when separated by War. Once the war was lost, carrying around bitterness or anger would be counterproductive, and ungodly. These were Americans, not foreigners, they were also family by marriage. My own faith in Christ helps me to understand how this is possible. Who better to understand how much had been suffered and lost, due to a disagreement that led to a vicious war that killed so many, that ended an institution that never should have been. Pride cometh before a fall. The South should have freed the slaves themselves. The North, shouldn't have looked the other way for decades either, trading and profiting from that trade with the South. Both bore guilt, both shed blood to settle the argument. Once done, let it go. Heal, and move on. But, it is a mistake to hate them, a mistake to forget them and the lessons learned by so much bloodshed and destruction. But that is exactly what is being done today. The Liberal socialist wants Americans to hate themselves, and forget who they are, and who they have become because of what has gone before. This conflict shaped us, and made us who we are today, for better or for worse. It is up to us to trust in God, and obey His voice, and become the best we can be in His power. Americans.
CSA Gen. John Bell Hood ended up in New Orleans, too, and I believe he was in an insurance business/cotton brokerage with Longstreet. He was also a West Point graduate.
Can’t say enough about this wonderful discussion 🙂! I very much agree that personalities DO matter, when it’s at the top level of statecraft. I knew that Longstreet had been a great voice of reason during Reconstruction, but didn’t know how close he and Grant were (other than both being at West Point, contemporaneously). I have been a Longstreet guy ever since first running across him in highschool history classes, and that impression of him has only grown over the years. Professional military man, obviously, but also a man who looked at the world with a lens and an intellect reaching far beyond his primary vocation!
When I think of a pouting Longstreet on the 2nd day at Gettysburg insisting upon Lee's plan to attack up the Emmitsburg Road in echelon; that is, from south to north across the Union front I get slightly ill. The conditions had so changed since Longstreet was ordered to move, eight hours previously, that they were obsolete. It was his duty to adjust the tactics to meet the changed conditions on the field or to check with Lee. He did neither. Then something unusual happened. Generals Hood and McClaws had one of those "are you seeing what I'm seeing" meetings. A colonel reached Hood a paper. It was a document indicating that any orders to send men against what was before them would be followed but under protest. Hood not only signed the petition, he and McLaws violated orders. They would make a frontal assault. Futile and senseless though it was, the alternative was the echelon attack Longstreet ordered, and that was insane. This way their men - or, perhaps more accurately, "boys" - will not fall having been shot in the back; they will die with the dignity they deserve, facing the enemy. Longstreet was visibly upset because Lee had hurt his feelings by not attempting to steal past Meade's left, get between Meade and Washington, and refight Fredericksburg under completely novel conditions. But that is neither here nor there. The point is this: Despite being all but begged by McLaws and JOHN BELL HOOD, of all people, THREE TIMES not to order them to witness their soldiers being murdered, Longstreet would not relent. Knowing that Lee's plan was obsolete when time came to launch his attack, Longstreet stood firm. Knowing that Sickles' salient was not contemplated in Lee's plan or orders and that adjustments were essential, Longstreet was immovable. "We will follow Lee's orders," said Longstreet, knowing that two divisions would be butchered for no gain but to assuage his bitterness and soothe his pride. Longstreet ordered them to attack and they at last went forward. Outnumbered, outgunned, but most of all, outmaneuvered, not by Meade but by Longstreet, they went, Hood's Texans, who had the worst of it, with their usual elan, their spirit, their ferociousness, their fearlessness - FORWARD, they went, too many brave, young men.
***** What if, indeed. What if Lee had listened to Longstreet and taken the defensive instead of attacking such strong positions? What if Lee had relented the evening of day 1and ordered that stronger flanking move Longstreet's way? Both of those are questions of greater consequence than Longstreet's feelings on day 2. Yes, the fateful decisions that day turned the battle against the confederates, and neither Longstreet or Lee were at their best.
Colerain Fan Assuming he could pull of a successful flank march with a train 30 to 50 miles long and had been able to deploy his force in the face of the enemy he would have run head-on into Meade's very strong defensive position at PIpe Creek. Remember, Meade didn't get Gettysburg until between midnight and 2:00 am on the second day and at that time made the decision regarding whether to bring up his army or fall back. But there's been barrels of ink devoted to this issue. I think a flank march after the first day was an impossibility but smarter people than I am disagree.with me and with each other.
Colerain Fan And remember, Lee had no cover or shield at that time and both his flanks would have been exposed. Again, I just can't see it but reasonable minds differ.
Colerain Fan i think that i appear to be picking on Longstreet more than I am. Lee deferred to Longstreet almost always. Particularly after Longstreet pulled Lee's chestnuts out of the fire at the Seven Days when Jackson was AWOL or so it would seem. Oh but had he listened to him on day three . . . .
General Lee was on the field at Gettysburg, and would he have known that Longstreet was violating a direct order, for which he could have been shot immediately He did nothing for eight hours. Also, Lee is a tactical genius, and it was his job to revise battle plans in consideration of changing conditions, not Longstreet's. Longstreet remained Lee's second in command for the remainder of the war. Lee apologized to his men because as he said, "It is all my fault." If Lee had really believed that Longstreet subverted his battle plan, it was his job to revise it or leave the field. General Lee was a tactical genius; nobody needed to tell him what time it was.
Their friendship withstood even the horrors of the Civil War. I think they had great respect for one another even though they fought on opposing sides. This can’t be said for many relationships. I have great respect for both of these warriors!
AWESOME TO WATCH & PAY CLOSE. ATTENTION TO THEIR RELATIONSHIP FROM AN EARLY FRIENDSHIP S TO THE POST WAR ETC. A VERY GOOD HISTORY LESSON FOR ANYONE WHO FOLLOW S THE CIVIL WAR; YOU FIND THIS IN BOOKS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS POST VIDEO GRANDPAWWW!!!!
Longstreet was ahead in tactics, see Chickamauga & 2nd day Wilderness, using column style formations to control units in difficult terrain. Yet he could order direct assualts as well, see Knoxville. Longstreet was senior to Jackson, as Lee desired. Jackson, master of strategic maneuver, poor on tactics, see Valley Campaign & its battles & 2d Manassas. At the moment of triumph, Chancellorsville, he deployed his divisions in a way that ensured their cohesion and control would be lost in minutes.
For those who would challenge Longstreet’s as an elite Corps commander, you will have to explain the hard fighting he directed at Second Manassas, the Wilderness and Chickamauga. Personally, I would include July 2nd at Gettysburg, as his attack on the Union left was devastating and came as close as you could come to breaking the Union line without actually doing so. I do understand though that this example is more debatable than the others. He did not fare well in independent command, but I do see him as an equal as a Corps Commander to Jackson (I know that will rile some Jackson devotees but his performance was also not unblemished) while conceding that Jackson was clearly superior in independent command.
The Civil War was a terrible, traumatic time for America. There was a tremendous amount of bitterness at the end of that war, on both sides, making it very difficult for the country to become whole again. The friendship between Grant and Longstreet greatly aided the healing process.
Lots of others on both sides helped. Lee did a lot before his death. Mosby served as an ambassador. Forrest started schools for children of former slaves. Was associated with the KKK. Enticed to join by Earl van Dorn. Forrest called for its disbandment & left it. Because he was more well know his name has been associated with Klan since. Look up what he did after the war to heal the nation. In Virginia a lone black man..former slave entered the church where Lee attended. When Lee arrived * saw him up front he walked down the aisle & sat beside him. Lot of black ppl fought for the CSA. Bout 50 or so rode with General Forrest. Old photos of gatherings will bear this out. Today..history is being destroyed. Shame.
Alan Murphy - Longstreet took shots at Lee - What shots? Longstreet said he advised Lee not to do Pickett's charge. Very quickly all (including Lee) realized Longstreet was right. Jubal Early (a sleazy lawyer) tried to raise himself by attacking Longstreet, and worshipping Lee, although Early had FAR less success in the war than Longstreet . Sheridan whipped Early repeatedly.
dehdeh55 ... Longstreet had a responsibility to respectfully tell his commander, Robert E Lee, what he thought as the Battle of Gettysburg progressed. Longstreet owed that to Lee.
Robert Dawson From all* I've learned of Lee, he was not one to take advice & rarely admitted to being wrong. Perhaps Longstreet was aware of that? *I'm by NO means an expert on the Civil War or its generals.
Robert Dawson and lee respected his opinion. Unfortunately lee did not step in to help him when early and his back ofnpiranhas were hounding Longstreet
One of the greatest what-if's in American history is this: What if Lincoln had live through his second presidency, and perhaps more, with Grant's support which he surely had, and then Grant would have followed Lincoln with Lincoln's support and guidance. How, then, would be Grant be viewed today?
***** Grant's treatment of the defeated Confederate soldiers , including their generals , receives less note than the acts deserve . Grant's terms , his refusal to arrest the Confederate high command , and his word to Lee allowing individuals to keep horses and mules , went a long way towards healing the nation . Lee also deserves credit , his manner in accepting defeat both politically and militarily , set a standard that served the same end . I agree , Grant would have been well advised to steer clear of politics , as a man he was better than the mess that surrounds political favor and money . Grant was a whole lot better general than he has ever been regarded as , his accomplishments are poo-pooed without investigation . I say that knowing full well of the attacks at Cold Harbor , and Grant not asking for a cease-fire to remove his wounded troops . Every general on both sides made more than one mistake , even the ones killed at the zenith of their fame .
AII anyone cares to remember is Grant coining the phrase Unconditional Surrender and that's aII they feeI they need to know about his character, regardless of how he actually conducted himself in the field
Another good story would be the friendship between Lewis Armistead & Winfield Scott Hancock I think that's right. Lewis was CSA. Hancock USA. Friends. Met up at Gettysburg. Both wounded. Armistead died several days later. Requesting his bible be given to Almira Hancock..wife of W.S. Intresting too is Armistead breached the wall while leading his men. Mortally wounded. Made the Madonic sign of distress. 2 Federal officers dropped what they were doing in the middle of pitched battle to render aid & assistance to a fellow Masonic brother. Something else
this investigation shows . how important Longstreet was in Keeping Lee,Davis & himself from being tried as traitors, and Lonstreets friendship with Grant sped up reconstruction and the unification of America , Longstreet as Grants minister to reconstruction & Turkey was way more important in US history than the ex confederate generals liked , so in the south those men led by Jubal Early were against really jealous of Longstreet , if it werent for Longstreet, reconstruction wouldve been worse
17:30 , that's so true of Grant that's the one thing that Sherman said Grant was better than him at. And if that is, Grant did not care what enemy was doing.
Thank you. I was unaware of the depth of friendship between them. It seems to me Grant had considerably more friends that became Confederate rather than Union. His rise seems to me due to an extremely perceptive Lincoln. Had I infinitely more time I would do a genealogy of the top officers North and South and their families and relationships, based on little insights, I think it would be tremendously informative
Jackson was actually a little crazy. In mid-war, he challenged Longstreet to a duel, he humiliated good men under his leadership, and he planned to make his men charge with pikes so they would not waste time returning fire. Luckily for his soldiers, they shot him by accident.
Gen Longstreet shouldve been credit far more after the war, but Jubal Early and others ganged up on him politically , had Lee taken Longstreets advice during Gettysburg , the confederate army couldve been between Washington and Army of Potomac , and it was Longstreets corps that mowed down the Union army at Fredricksburg, Longstreets troops at Chicamauga were the ones that won that battle , the south had a great defensive Genl in Longstreet
I agree that forgiveness is a virtue. Lincoln asked his countrymen to "bind up the nation's wounds". After the war there was a reconciliation among many military people who at one point would have easily killed each other. But that doesn't mean that the Civil War never happened. Why honor the people who have been forgiven with statues and using their names for forts, etc.? I can imagine a husband and wife whose marriage was nearly broken up by the husband having an affair. After his wife discovers the affair, the husband ends it and he and his wife reconcile. It's hard to imagine him putting a picture of his mistress on the bookshelf and saying, "Yes, it's over and it was a mistake. But I loved her and want to remember and honor her. You and I have reconciled so surely this photo doesn't bother you." I think it's best to put away Confederate memorabilia and remove all honorific uses of Confederate military and political leaders.
oh no now the haters will say that longstreet because of his friendship with general grant was working inside the army of nothern virginia to destablize the army and ruin general lee...
Which is an odd accusation in light of the fact that he nearly saved the Battle of Gettysburg multiple times had Lee listened to him, and yet I have already seen several such accusations.
And yet people on both sides act like they want to re-incite the tensions of the past! As a European whose history has seen enough civil and international conflict, enough of it happened, y'all
Maybe you should consider Gotthard Heinrici. Former commander of the German 4th army and Armygroup Vistula. I think Longstreet and Heinrici had the same strategic and tactical visions about active defensive warfare
Monash was Australian, so he must have been good (Brits tend to look down on colonial leaders). He learned from his defeats by the Turks - got his men out, and then cooperated with British tanks well. But not until 1918. My point is that ALL generals on all sides should have realized that you cannot just frontal attack anymore in 1914. WHY did it take 4 years and millions of brave men to die?
I appreciate your time in trying to understand history but no one can I have learned in my lifetime that a single sentence between two people can change both lives forever so even though you can generalize we are all individuals and can only account to god as to the turns our lives have taken for better or worse and try to be a better human being as a result for those reading this I cannot say that I have become a better person or have even come close to being worth the love that god bestows upon us as individuals should we choose to receive it but you and I must try if not for people like you trying to understand history and learn from it we are most certainly doomed to repeat it thank you!
I think Longstreet would have been a better general than lee. He should have been in charge of the army of northern Virginia. Im not saying that lee was a bad general. I had relatives fought under his command in Tennessee Walkers division and the 63rd Tennessee infantry.
ehhhh, the one time Longstreet was independent was at the siege and battle of Knoxville, and he made a very suicidal charge at Ft. Sanders and suffered 829 casulties against the Union's 13. Ironically the Union commander was Ambrose Burnside, who got some level of revenge after the numbers were reversed when the two opposed one another at Marye's Heights a year before.
Something that fascinates me about the Knoxville battle is that Burnside (or one of his generals) had telegraph wire strung out in high grass and weeds in front of his line which caused the Rebels all kind of problems. Early barbed wire, lol.
man if the CSA never had lost Jackson to friendly fire when they had the Union retreating then Longstreet again when they had the Union flanked... Damn... Ya know the Union got really lucky despite their superior manpower!
But thats when Lee took over the armies of Virginia when Richmond was basically surrounded early on in the war... Lee basically destroyed every army with in about 2 weeks after taking command that they had surrounding Richmond! Im just stating how great commanders really played a huge role... Early on the Union commanders were really costing them the war! While the CSA had Lee, Longstreet, Jackson, Hood, Early, Ewell, etc! As the war went the CSA lost their best commanders while the Union found better Generals! Sherman & Grant did the Union a great service! Once Lee lost Jackson their army was never the same! Then once Longstreet got shot in the neck Lee was really having a hard time stopping Grant from moving toward Richmond!
For sure. You know some history. Same does for east tennessee, west carolina and north alabama. Actually eastern tennessee considered and basically threatened separating from west tennessee to stay in the union that entire Appalachian high country had almost no slavery or plantations.
No general is ever perfect, in war or in peace. Look at WW2 with Ike, Bradley, Patton, Montgomery. Every one a winner, but each with flaws. Go back to ACW and it's the same. I'm a big fan of Longstreet but he was far from perfect. Longstreet's Assualt (60%+ from Hill's Corps, Hill being worthless) could have been better supported, responsibility: Lee and Longstreet. Both too detached for whatever reason. Several Union regt did break! Some artillery and even depleted bgds to follow on?
Like the rest of the Brits and French, Monash failed to take Gallipoli - this was supposed to be an offensive, not a defense! True, Monash did a good hold and then sneaked off with the Turks not noticing his absence. But - how could the Brits and French and Germans not realize after the first few hundred thousand deaths that they could not just send men into machine guns? I admit that I really cannot understand this.
Civil War enthusiasts love to argue with one another and cite (sometimes faulty) sources to buttress their respective opinions. But it seems indisputable to me, a modestly interested onlooker that Lee was a fine general on the defensive but a poor one on the offensive and, regardless of the numbers of their respective armies, was swinging above his weight vis-a-vis Grant. Longstreet was a capable lieutenant, particularly in comparison to some of Lee's other commanders but the American Civil War was by and large not the conflict to look to for military leadership of the highest order.
Yes. and also, those numbers on G are probably before WP - when G was still an adolescent kid. ddin't he start WP at like 16? With nutrition and illness of the day, people weren't done with puberty as early as we are nowadays.
We need historians to be honest about america at this time, because the the 'north' and the 'south' was never a black and white reality. There were enormous swaths of the south that was pro union, like eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. (Over 100,000 men joined ed the union army) on fact western Tennessee wanted to become another state like west Virginia except it was geographically isolated. Entire geographic portions of the south had no slaves, like appalachia. Ulysses grant BEST brigade during the siege of vicksburg that covered his ass literally during the process was a Alabama calvary brigade. He mentions it himself in his memoirs. Their were also MANY confederated sympathizers in the north Mainly in big cities like NEW york, who were the CARPET BAGGERS that grant himself so despised!!!!! Grant loved the south, and these politicans by no means separated themselves from a geographic location, they simply presented themselves in a different light. Grant and longstreet both understood this, like Johnston, Hancock, several others north, south, ......zionism, evangelical zionism, had it roots in this era.
Longstreet also broke his oath to the US. He was a great general, the first to realize NOT to charge entrenched troops in good shape unless you outnumber the enemy at least 3x1 and expect to lose half your force. Grant only learned this after his assult on Cold Harbor during his overland campaign to pin Lee in trenches. I am not sure Lee ever learned it. In 1914-18, wiith rapid firing guns available, ALL the European generals failed to learn, causing great useless slaughter.
“Those who are forgiven love the most.” -James Longstreet
Great quote
"Those who are forgiven MOST love the MOST."
Good quote from Longstreet's memoir.
I own James Longstreet's book. He fascinates me.
For me , he's one of the most interesting and compelling historical figures in this country. Flawed perhaps, but so are all of us.
I must admit my view of general longstreet is influenced by the brilliant tom berenger performance in gettysberg
@@flashgordon1262 I'm the same. Isn't it odd, the things that influence us.
@@colacurciolaw7745 HI brother...have you come across toms version of teddy roosevelt in the rough riders....i challenge you to say they are the same actor its oscar winning stuff😄
Slow.
I suspect Tom Berenger deserves a lot of credit for making James Longstreet a much more sympathetic figure to modern generations.
Longstreet was a great general, as was Grant. I've read other things about this pair. It is a great injustice to call Longstreet, "Lee's War Horse & Grant's Lap Dog." I truly believe Longstreet was much, much more.
You seem like a grumpy old fart
Lee actually called Longstreet his "War Horse". It was a compliment not an insult!
That characterization derives entirely from 'Lost Cause' revisionists, i.e. deluded liars.
Ironically, the CSA sympathizing revisionists _should_ be grateful for Grant, as many other post-war political leaders of the time wanted greatly to much more viciously punish Confederate soldiers and the rebel states. Grant's presidency, in fact, held those politicians in check. Longstreet himself understood that, which is why he supported Grant.
Grant and Longstreet: Dumb and Dumber
This IS astounding! I too, independently came to same conclusion about General Longstreet as strangely outstanding, the finest example of CSA military nobility as too, personified by General Lee and all the similar biographies of the CSA generals. But also these titans had Union counterparts with USA manner and style that contrast and compare to make this history infinitely more interesting, unique, arresting, human and peculiar. General Longstreet's magnificence is lifelong, and stunningly exemplary and virtuous, even after the war too, all things considered.
Hollis is Amazing in his knowledge of the subjects ... Experts like this are so hard to find. Thankyou for posting
This is very interesting. I had no idea there was such a connection between Grant and Longstreet.
I agree, Grant and Longstreet are great Generals and deserve better credits than to be known as just a butcher or lost cause. Great documentary.
donna stackhouse the North had 22million men South had only 5million men&the North men had more schooling&smarter and all the real 💰 money they whipass bland foilded with one hand🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎
They are both s----!😅
Excellent job, Mr. Hollis. Thanks to Mr. Porteus for bringing us this fine video presentation.
One of the most fascinating and illuminating discussions on the ACW and Reconstruction I've heard.
Currenty reading "From Manassas To Appomattox" by Gen James Longstreet written in 1896. Excellent book for insight of the battles and the men.
F---. Em
This is a great commentary. I had no heard about this friendship.
Longstreet became the U.S. ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul.
This information is golden...we must learn the lessons of this war still.
They were opposites. But, became friends for life. Through soldiering in war and peace until by fate put them on opposite sides. That bond of soldiers, the attraction of opposites was unbreakable and indefatigable. Bravo, boys! The Corps is proud!
Excellent interview and great insight from Nick. If not mistaken, General Longstreet was [maybe] the lead pallbearer at President Grant’s funeral. This aspect of friendships and foeships (invented word, sorry) is fascinating. Thanks.
"foeships" Nice!
Many West Pointers had nothing against each other and were still good friends. Lee was Commadant when Grant was a cadet
This was absolutely brilliant. This man has taught us so much fascinating history about these great men that has been unknown for a very long time. Thankyou both for this fantastic history lesson!!
At Gettysburg General Lee was suffering from Angina Attacks. His health was failing him. Some think he even suffered a series of heart attacks. He was off in his thinking. Even General Longstreet and Hood knew this. His personal physician wanted him to retire from the field but Lee insisted his Army needed him. Thus the result, a loss for the South.
There's no doubt he was also suffering from diarrhea d/t both stress and a suddenly rich diet of Northern food. Some think that he, like Napoleon at Waterloo, also was suffering from hemorrhoids. I seriously think he wanted to resign after Gettysburg, but duty (and Davis) wouldn't allow it.
There’s even stories of him riding in his carriage while suffering from diarrhea, yep just like Napoleon.
@Nomad Vagabond Not True. A pathologhy reported Lee had Heart Disease not Sciatica...get your story straight.
Lee was being treated for attacks of angina by his field surgeon and personal family doctor.
His use of "intersections" is truly poignant in that we are what we are (for better or worse) because two men formed a simple bond with one another and ended up in key positions of history to affect the course of a nation. One can look at Adams and Jefferson before that for similar, nationally important friendships. It makes one wonder at the random chance of luck in these "intersections" happening, and the great things that came from them. Thanks for the posting of this thoughtful interview.
divisioneight hi, I’m convinced that God placed all of these key men together at this momentous time in History!!
Adams and Jefferson died within hours on the same day mentioning that the other had outlived the other.
Just an excellent insight into the lives of the men who held vital positions of leadership before and during the Civil War. For those of us who hold a lasting interest in the tragic war between the states, and the background of the two societies of the times that contain an endless array of subjects for inquiry. The insights offered by those who have devoted life times of scholarship to the study of all facets of the great event give us more and more ways to further understand and be fascinated by the most important event in our nation’s history.
MrGtsouth Hi, exactly! That is the most fascinating and interesting time of history! The soldiers should always be honored and remembered. If I were AA I would hero worship them!!❤️
Thank You very much for sharing. It was quite interesting and presented very well indeed.
Loved the video, the man describing the relationship was very interesting.
People who have never been soldiers, or never fought in a boxing match or martial arts tournament are often never able to understand how you can fight with a man and not only not harbour a grudge against him, you can respect and even like him.
Al M you have spoken the truth sir. not to mention all these "Monday morning quarterbacks". all the best.
Alexander Hunter, on the preface page to his "Johnny Reb and Billy Yank", wrote "It is amazing how much we like a man after fighting him." It should be noted that Hunter was a veteran.
Al M it should be common knowledge that oft times pickets and opposing federal and confederate troops would engage in barter during lulls in the fighting. the rebels had quality tobacco and the feds real coffee. and perhaps you could enlighten me. perhaps near the end, but not quite a baseball game broke out until sometime into the game the word was passed the war wasn't quite over. as a vet I heard many very derogatory terms given Charlie (VC) but I never met a marine or soldier who didn't have some respect for their toughness and fighting abilities. I was a 91C30.
Even in Vietnam, there are many American veterans who have gone on battlefield tours and have spoken with veterans who were on the other side, and enjoyed hearing the different perspective.
I think that may have been during the Stephens mission near the end, where there was a lot of scuttlebutt about a potential peace negotiation.
Building the perfect civil war army: Longstreet for defense, Sherman for offense, McClellan for supply Sargent😂, Jeb Stuart for cavalry, Lawrence chamberlain for inspirational speeches, Alexander for artillery commander, and the iron brigade for the vanguard...that's an unbeatable squad imo lol
Sentinel creed
I would pick.
Commander in chief: Grant
Offense: Jackson
Defense: Longstreet
Supply/logistics, training: McClellan
Cavalry: Forrest or Sheridan
Light infantry/brigadier commander Chamberlain (for five forks too), William Mahone
Artillery - Henry Hunt. Instrumental at Pickett’s charge and Alexander’s adversary. He made the decision to not fire back until later.
Support - Winfield Scott Hancock second corps
What about Lee?
@@carolbell8008 What about him? He was good but he had a horrible habit of taking massive casualties. He lost the most men of any general in the war (120,000 killed or wounded). Honestly I do not think Jackson really belongs on the crème-de-la-crème list either. He was good at dramatic charges but really he was sort of a one trick pony. Sherman is a much better choice since he was agressive but also good at manoeuvring things to his favour to achieve his objective. For cavalry I would choose Brigadier General Benjamin Grierson, and on defence I would want either Major Longstreet or Major General George Thomas.
I find this deeply moving.
You probably like lawyers😢!
I have been to longstreets grave.
Many officers buried near him.
Where is it? Would love to visit him one day
Acdragonrider Videos, LTG James Longstreet is buried in Gainesville, GA. I found his gravesite, quite easily, when I stopped for that very purpose on the way to Helen, GA, for the town’s Octoberfest. The Cemetary is on the Southeast side of Gainesville, as I recall. Merely look for the flagpole inside the grounds. It is very sobering to stand before his final campground. Posted on early Monday morning, June 8, 2020, Honolulu, HI.
excellant conversation. I learned a lot-thanks
Excellent Interview! So much information that I've never heard. Plus it shows of how hard it was for the two Generals and their families worked behind the scenes to maybe change the path of the war that was tearing every hopes for our Union to not be. So Thanks so much for the information!!!
I had no idea! Read "The Killer Angels" as a class assignment by a Marine Corps major. Was captivated by the elder Shaara's delving into thoughts, aims, emotions of principal characters. Have viewed "Gettysburg " at length twice. Been enthralled and repulsed by the Civil War since grade school.
But that's not been enough. It's so shallow on my part. Then, I stumble on this video and learn that the man Lee leaned on after Stonewall Jackson's demise was a close friend of the enemy who would lead Union forces to final victory. "Quiet men of destiny?" - that's an understatement!
Last thought: if they ever make a movie (stage play, musical - whatever) of your work for popular consumption, hold their feet to the fire! I've been disillusioned with works that purport to be "based on a true story " like "The Social Network, " Moneyball, " and even "The King And I. " I know the producers exercise dramatic license freely and it's their prerogative, but when you choose to dig deeper and find out more, it can be disappointing. Oh, I forgot about "The Crucible. "
OK, so I'm a little slow: I should know better by now. We want a happy ending, and we prefer the sanitized version - me too. But can't we somehow tell the whole truth as objectively and engagingly as possible? I don't believe they're mutually exclusive. The Bible proves it - but then, we're not God....
Spencer Grant 7h
Interesting interview. I did not know of the correspondence between Julia Grant and Longstreet's wife in an effort to bring about a peace agreement.
In the end I believe that only European intervention (France and Britain) might have brought about Confederate independence, and even that was no gurantee, given that Russia might well have then intervened on the side of the Union.
Harriet Beecher Stowe did neutral France and the UK with her novel. From 1857 the Consules of UK gave free of charge cotton seed for the agricultural producer in the Turkies Empire and Egypt. India and Brasil turned to cotton too so the Civil War shortage was short time and the whool and flax industry got time to develope in the industrial revolution. France became the biggest sugar producer in the world from SUGAR BEET. The German investment the sugar beet had big effect on the sugar cane slavery system.
It has always occurred to me that the criticism of Longstreet in the south began after Lee’s death.
This is FASCINATING. I like how he refers to it as the point. I've never heard that before it sounds like an inner circle thing.
Thanks for great interview!
Wonderful interview - thanks!
As I recall, Sheridan's men won the first battle, chased Early's out of a position and then relaxed, so much so that Sheridan was absent, when Early counter-attacked. As you said, the Union forces were retreating until Sheridan returned. But after that, Early was not even able to save his army. Contrast that with Lee, who saved his army to the bitter end.
I crave more videos and information about Sheridan but there is just such a scant amount. Old Jubal Early. Got to love that name.
Some do not like LongStreet, because they judge him according to their own biases and narrow views. I am a Southern man, My Family Members fought in the 26th Miss. Infantry. I take these men as they were, and realize life is more complex than many want it to be. friends can and do remain friends, even when separated by War. Once the war was lost, carrying around bitterness or anger would be counterproductive, and ungodly. These were Americans, not foreigners, they were also family by marriage. My own faith in Christ helps me to understand how this is possible. Who better to understand how much had been suffered and lost, due to a disagreement that led to a vicious war that killed so many, that ended an institution that never should have been. Pride cometh before a fall. The South should have freed the slaves themselves. The North, shouldn't have looked the other way for decades either, trading and profiting from that trade with the South. Both bore guilt, both shed blood to settle the argument. Once done, let it go. Heal, and move on. But, it is a mistake to hate them, a mistake to forget them and the lessons learned by so much bloodshed and destruction. But that is exactly what is being done today. The Liberal socialist wants Americans to hate themselves, and forget who they are, and who they have become because of what has gone before. This conflict shaped us, and made us who we are today, for better or for worse. It is up to us to trust in God, and obey His voice, and become the best we can be in His power. Americans.
CSA Gen. John Bell Hood ended up in New Orleans, too, and I believe he was in an insurance business/cotton brokerage with Longstreet. He was also a West Point graduate.
Nice video giving texture to the nature of the civil strife that was between fellow Americans!
Thank you for this interview. Those 31 minutes felt too short.
Can’t say enough about this wonderful discussion 🙂! I very much agree that personalities DO matter, when it’s at the top level of statecraft.
I knew that Longstreet had been a great voice of reason during Reconstruction, but didn’t know how close he and Grant were (other than both being at West Point, contemporaneously).
I have been a Longstreet guy ever since first running across him in highschool history classes, and that impression of him has only grown over the years. Professional military man, obviously, but also a man who looked at the world with a lens and an intellect reaching far beyond his primary vocation!
When I think of a pouting Longstreet on the 2nd day at Gettysburg insisting upon Lee's plan to attack up the Emmitsburg Road in echelon; that is, from south to north across the Union front I get slightly ill. The conditions had so changed since Longstreet was ordered to move, eight hours previously, that they were obsolete. It was his duty to adjust the tactics to meet the changed conditions on the field or to check with Lee. He did neither.
Then something unusual happened. Generals Hood and McClaws had one of those "are you seeing what I'm seeing" meetings. A colonel reached Hood a paper. It was a document indicating that any orders to send men against what was before them would be followed but under protest.
Hood not only signed the petition, he and McLaws violated orders. They would make a frontal assault. Futile and senseless though it was, the alternative was the echelon attack Longstreet ordered, and that was insane. This way their men - or, perhaps more accurately, "boys" - will not fall having been shot in the back; they will die with the dignity they deserve, facing the enemy.
Longstreet was visibly upset because Lee had hurt his feelings by not attempting to steal past Meade's left, get between Meade and Washington, and refight Fredericksburg under completely novel conditions. But that is neither here nor there. The point is this: Despite being all but begged by McLaws and JOHN BELL HOOD, of all people, THREE TIMES not to order them to witness their soldiers being murdered, Longstreet would not relent. Knowing that Lee's plan was obsolete when time came to launch his attack, Longstreet stood firm. Knowing that Sickles' salient was not contemplated in Lee's plan or orders and that adjustments were essential, Longstreet was immovable.
"We will follow Lee's orders," said Longstreet, knowing that two divisions would be butchered for no gain but to assuage his bitterness and soothe his pride. Longstreet ordered them to attack and they at last went forward. Outnumbered, outgunned, but most of all, outmaneuvered, not by Meade but by Longstreet, they went, Hood's Texans, who had the worst of it, with their usual elan, their spirit, their ferociousness, their fearlessness - FORWARD, they went, too many brave, young men.
***** What if, indeed. What if Lee had listened to Longstreet and taken the defensive instead of attacking such strong positions? What if Lee had relented the evening of day 1and ordered that stronger flanking move Longstreet's way? Both of those are questions of greater consequence than Longstreet's feelings on day 2. Yes, the fateful decisions that day turned the battle against the confederates, and neither Longstreet or Lee were at their best.
Colerain Fan Assuming he could pull of a successful flank march with a train 30 to 50 miles long and had been able to deploy his force in the face of the enemy he would have run head-on into Meade's very strong defensive position at PIpe Creek. Remember, Meade didn't get Gettysburg until between midnight and 2:00 am on the second day and at that time made the decision regarding whether to bring up his army or fall back. But there's been barrels of ink devoted to this issue. I think a flank march after the first day was an impossibility but smarter people than I am disagree.with me and with each other.
Colerain Fan And remember, Lee had no cover or shield at that time and both his flanks would have been exposed. Again, I just can't see it but reasonable minds differ.
Colerain Fan i think that i appear to be picking on Longstreet more than I am. Lee deferred to Longstreet almost always. Particularly after Longstreet pulled Lee's chestnuts out of the fire at the Seven Days when Jackson was AWOL or so it would seem. Oh but had he listened to him on day three . . . .
General Lee was on the field at Gettysburg, and would he have known that Longstreet was violating a direct order, for which he could have been shot immediately He did nothing for eight hours. Also, Lee is a tactical genius, and it was his job to revise battle plans in consideration of changing conditions, not Longstreet's. Longstreet remained Lee's second in command for the remainder of the war. Lee apologized to his men because as he said, "It is all my fault." If Lee had really believed that Longstreet subverted his battle plan, it was his job to revise it or leave the field. General Lee was a tactical genius; nobody needed to tell him what time it was.
Their friendship withstood even the horrors of the Civil War. I think they had great respect for one another even though they fought on opposing sides. This can’t be said for many relationships. I have great respect for both of these warriors!
Once a soldier ducked from an artillery shell as Longstreet stood erect, and said, “ I see that you bow down to them.”
Fred Dent Julia Dent's brother was a roommate of Grant at West Point
True Officers and Gentlemen
AWESOME TO WATCH & PAY CLOSE. ATTENTION TO THEIR RELATIONSHIP FROM AN EARLY FRIENDSHIP S TO THE POST WAR ETC. A VERY GOOD HISTORY LESSON FOR ANYONE WHO FOLLOW S THE CIVIL WAR; YOU FIND THIS IN BOOKS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS POST VIDEO GRANDPAWWW!!!!
Wow, love this new, to me, info!
Longstreet was ahead in tactics, see Chickamauga & 2nd day Wilderness, using column style formations to control units in difficult terrain. Yet he could order direct assualts as well, see Knoxville. Longstreet was senior to Jackson, as Lee desired.
Jackson, master of strategic maneuver, poor on tactics, see Valley Campaign & its battles & 2d Manassas. At the moment of triumph, Chancellorsville, he deployed his divisions in a way that ensured their cohesion and control would be lost in minutes.
Yes he was
A lot of his tactics were employed in WW-1
Grant was from Point Pleasant, Ohio NOT Georgetown, Ohio...Historians really should get that correct
You are correct. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, raised in Georgetown. It appears Mr. Porteus confused the two....
I’m from West Union, Ohio, relatively just down the road from both. We consider Grant to be from both places in terms of his growing up.
Don't be a pedant.
For those who would challenge Longstreet’s as an elite Corps commander, you will have to explain the hard fighting he directed at Second Manassas, the Wilderness and Chickamauga. Personally, I would include July 2nd at Gettysburg, as his attack on the Union left was devastating and came as close as you could come to breaking the Union line without actually doing so. I do understand though that this example is more debatable than the others. He did not fare well in independent command, but I do see him as an equal as a Corps Commander to Jackson (I know that will rile some Jackson devotees but his performance was also not unblemished) while conceding that Jackson was clearly superior in independent command.
Friendship crosses boundaries!
People disparaging Longstreet's reputation can only dream to be half as balsy as he was
The Civil War was a terrible, traumatic time for America. There was a tremendous amount of bitterness at the end of that war, on both sides, making it very difficult for the country to become whole again. The friendship between Grant and Longstreet greatly aided the healing process.
Lots of others on both sides helped. Lee did a lot before his death. Mosby served as an ambassador. Forrest started schools for children of former slaves. Was associated with the KKK. Enticed to join by Earl van Dorn. Forrest called for its disbandment & left it. Because he was more well know his name has been associated with Klan since. Look up what he did after the war to heal the nation. In Virginia a lone black man..former slave entered the church where Lee attended. When Lee arrived * saw him up front he walked down the aisle & sat beside him. Lot of black ppl fought for the CSA. Bout 50 or so rode with General Forrest. Old photos of gatherings will bear this out. Today..history is being destroyed. Shame.
Great coverage of a difficult topic.
Wow! Great interview.
General Grant is one of America's true hero"s.
Very interesting. Thanks!
Alan Murphy - Longstreet took shots at Lee - What shots? Longstreet said he advised Lee not to do Pickett's charge. Very quickly all (including Lee) realized Longstreet was right. Jubal Early (a sleazy lawyer) tried to raise himself by attacking Longstreet, and worshipping Lee, although Early had FAR less success in the war than Longstreet . Sheridan whipped Early repeatedly.
dehdeh55 ... Longstreet had a responsibility to respectfully tell his commander, Robert E Lee, what he thought as the Battle of Gettysburg progressed. Longstreet owed that to Lee.
Robert Dawson From all* I've learned of Lee, he was not one to take advice & rarely admitted to being wrong. Perhaps Longstreet was aware of that?
*I'm by NO means an expert on the Civil War or its generals.
Early, Ewell and the other successors of Jackson were pathetic generals to be honest.
Robert Dawson and lee respected his opinion. Unfortunately lee did not step in to help him when early and his back ofnpiranhas were hounding Longstreet
One of the greatest what-if's in American history is this: What if Lincoln had live through his second presidency, and perhaps more, with Grant's support which he surely had, and then Grant would have followed Lincoln with Lincoln's support and guidance. How, then, would be Grant be viewed today?
***** you are right grant wouldn't have needed to run for president while he was a good general president not so much
***** Grant's treatment of the defeated Confederate soldiers , including their generals , receives less note than the acts deserve . Grant's terms , his refusal to arrest the Confederate high command , and his word to Lee allowing individuals to keep horses and mules , went a long way towards healing the nation . Lee also deserves credit , his manner in accepting defeat both politically and militarily , set a standard that served the same end . I agree , Grant would have been well advised to steer clear of politics , as a man he was better than the mess that surrounds political favor and money . Grant was a whole lot better general than he has ever been regarded as , his accomplishments are poo-pooed without investigation . I say that knowing full well of the attacks at Cold Harbor , and Grant not asking for a cease-fire to remove his wounded troops . Every general on both sides made more than one mistake , even the ones killed at the zenith of their fame .
AII anyone cares to remember is Grant coining the phrase Unconditional Surrender and that's aII they feeI they need to know about his character, regardless of how he actually conducted himself in the field
if ole abe had lived there would be no blacks in America he hated blacks and wanted to send them all to south America
@@33joiner wrong.
Brilliant!!!!!
Another good story would be the friendship between Lewis Armistead & Winfield Scott Hancock I think that's right. Lewis was CSA. Hancock USA. Friends. Met up at Gettysburg. Both wounded. Armistead died several days later. Requesting his bible be given to Almira Hancock..wife of W.S. Intresting too is Armistead breached the wall while leading his men. Mortally wounded. Made the Madonic sign of distress. 2 Federal officers dropped what they were doing in the middle of pitched battle to render aid & assistance to a fellow Masonic brother. Something else
Can’t take my eyes off of that epic combover
Friendships Lasts Forever
Excellent interview.
this investigation shows . how important Longstreet was in Keeping Lee,Davis & himself from being tried as traitors, and Lonstreets friendship with Grant sped up reconstruction and the unification of America , Longstreet as Grants minister to reconstruction & Turkey was way more important in US history than the ex confederate generals liked , so in the south those men led by Jubal Early were against really jealous of Longstreet , if it werent for Longstreet, reconstruction wouldve been worse
Jubal early was such a mediocre general and was late in his attack on DC 😉. Longstreet was one of the best in the confederacy. Jealous bastards
Thank You for my life
17:30 , that's so true of Grant that's the one thing that Sherman said Grant was better than him at. And if that is, Grant did not care what enemy was doing.
Thank you. I was unaware of the depth of friendship between them. It seems to me Grant had considerably more friends that became Confederate rather than Union. His rise seems to me due to an extremely perceptive Lincoln. Had I infinitely more time I would do a genealogy of the top officers North and South and their families and relationships, based on little insights, I think it would be tremendously informative
Did Longstreet attend Grant funeral? When Longstreet was wounded in 1864, When did Grant find out about his friend and what was his reaction?
This is so very interesting.
p.s. - Gordonsville is not in the Shenandoah Valley. Loved the piece though. Thank you
Jackson was actually a little crazy. In mid-war, he challenged Longstreet to a duel, he humiliated good men under his leadership, and he planned to make his men charge with pikes so they would not waste time returning fire. Luckily for his soldiers, they shot him by accident.
"Ol Pete, my war horse." R.E. Lee
general lonstreet said to general lee....he will fight us everyday!
Who did the closed caption on this? It is terrible.
Gen Longstreet shouldve been credit far more after the war, but Jubal Early and others ganged up on him politically , had Lee taken Longstreets advice during Gettysburg , the confederate army couldve been between Washington and Army of Potomac , and it was Longstreets corps that mowed down the Union army at Fredricksburg, Longstreets troops at Chicamauga were the ones that won that battle , the south had a great defensive Genl in Longstreet
he saved the day a few times...great leader
name of street named after him in The Bronx. His children went to school in Yonkers post war of course.
I agree that forgiveness is a virtue. Lincoln asked his countrymen to "bind up the nation's wounds". After the war there was a reconciliation among many military people who at one point would have easily killed each other. But that doesn't mean that the Civil War never happened. Why honor the people who have been forgiven with statues and using their names for forts, etc.?
I can imagine a husband and wife whose marriage was nearly broken up by the husband having an affair. After his wife discovers the affair, the husband ends it and he and his wife reconcile. It's hard to imagine him putting a picture of his mistress on the bookshelf and saying, "Yes, it's over and it was a mistake. But I loved her and want to remember and honor her. You and I have reconciled so surely this photo doesn't bother you."
I think it's best to put away Confederate memorabilia and remove all honorific uses of Confederate military and political leaders.
oh no now the haters will say that longstreet because of his friendship with general grant was working inside the army of nothern virginia to destablize the army and ruin general lee...
LOL I know!!
Which is an odd accusation in light of the fact that he nearly saved the Battle of Gettysburg multiple times had Lee listened to him, and yet I have already seen several such accusations.
And yet people on both sides act like they want to re-incite the tensions of the past! As a European whose history has seen enough civil and international conflict, enough of it happened, y'all
I like longstreet
Maybe you should consider Gotthard Heinrici. Former commander of the German 4th army and Armygroup Vistula. I think Longstreet and Heinrici had the same strategic and tactical visions about active defensive warfare
Most of the men were not just friends they were KIN!
Exactly Correct And They Respected Each Other
Monash was Australian, so he must have been good (Brits tend to look down on colonial leaders). He learned from his defeats by the Turks - got his men out, and then cooperated with British tanks well. But not until 1918. My point is that ALL generals on all sides should have realized that you cannot just frontal attack anymore in 1914. WHY did it take 4 years and millions of brave men to die?
His parents were jew's from Poland.
Tim Smith Sir John Monash
I appreciate your time in trying to understand history but no one can I have learned in my lifetime that a single sentence between two people can change both lives forever so even though you can generalize we are all individuals and can only account to god as to the turns our lives have taken for better or worse and try to be a better human being as a result for those reading this I cannot say that I have become a better person or have even come close to being worth the love that god bestows upon us as individuals should we choose to receive it but you and I must try if not for people like you trying to understand history and learn from it we are most certainly doomed to repeat it thank you!
I think Longstreet would have been a better general than lee. He should have been in charge of the army of northern Virginia. Im not saying that lee was a bad general. I had relatives fought under his command in Tennessee Walkers division and the 63rd Tennessee infantry.
ehhhh, the one time Longstreet was independent was at the siege and battle of Knoxville, and he made a very suicidal charge at Ft. Sanders and suffered 829 casulties against the Union's 13. Ironically the Union commander was Ambrose Burnside, who got some level of revenge after the numbers were reversed when the two opposed one another at Marye's Heights a year before.
The Worm
Yep, a 20 minute battle..
....and exactly 10 days after Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address.
Something that fascinates me about the Knoxville battle is that Burnside (or one of his generals) had telegraph wire strung out in high grass and weeds in front of his line which caused the Rebels all kind of problems. Early barbed wire, lol.
Joseph Weaver I would add nathan Bedford Forrest
man if the CSA never had lost Jackson to friendly fire when they had the Union retreating then Longstreet again when they had the Union flanked... Damn... Ya know the Union got really lucky despite their superior manpower!
True, but McClellan had Richmond dead to rights early in the war, but was too chicken to attack.
But thats when Lee took over the armies of Virginia when Richmond was basically surrounded early on in the war... Lee basically destroyed every army with in about 2 weeks after taking command that they had surrounding Richmond!
Im just stating how great commanders really played a huge role... Early on the Union commanders were really costing them the war! While the CSA had Lee, Longstreet, Jackson, Hood, Early, Ewell, etc! As the war went the CSA lost their best commanders while the Union found better Generals! Sherman & Grant did the Union a great service! Once Lee lost Jackson their army was never the same! Then once Longstreet got shot in the neck Lee was really having a hard time stopping Grant from moving toward Richmond!
@Clem Cornpone shut it
@Tim Smith he sits on his fat ass all day doing nothing but ripping on the South. Total waste of oxygen.
Longstreet was from north Georgia. Not exactly a hotbed of Confederate fervor!
For sure. You know some history. Same does for east tennessee, west carolina and north alabama. Actually eastern tennessee considered and basically threatened separating from west tennessee to stay in the union that entire Appalachian high country had almost no slavery or plantations.
Longstreet was married to Grant’s first cousin.
5:24 ST. LOUIS - HUZZAH!
No general is ever perfect, in war or in peace. Look at WW2 with Ike, Bradley, Patton, Montgomery. Every one a winner, but each with flaws. Go back to ACW and it's the same. I'm a big fan of Longstreet but he was far from perfect.
Longstreet's Assualt (60%+ from Hill's Corps, Hill being worthless) could have been better supported, responsibility: Lee and Longstreet. Both too detached for whatever reason. Several Union regt did break! Some artillery and even depleted bgds to follow on?
Like the rest of the Brits and French, Monash failed to take Gallipoli - this was supposed to be an offensive, not a defense! True, Monash did a good hold and then sneaked off with the Turks not noticing his absence. But - how could the Brits and French and Germans not realize after the first few hundred thousand deaths that they could not just send men into machine guns? I admit that I really cannot understand this.
Cool story bro
Civil War enthusiasts love to argue with one another and cite (sometimes faulty) sources to buttress their respective opinions. But it seems indisputable to me, a modestly interested onlooker that Lee was a fine general on the defensive but a poor one on the offensive and, regardless of the numbers of their respective armies, was swinging above his weight vis-a-vis Grant. Longstreet was a capable lieutenant, particularly in comparison to some of Lee's other commanders but the American Civil War was by and large not the conflict to look to for military leadership of the highest order.
Clem Cornpone wow you never stop do you loser.
Grant was 5 feet 8 inches and not 5 feet 1 inches.
Yes. and also, those numbers on G are probably before WP - when G was still an adolescent kid. ddin't he start WP at like 16? With nutrition and illness of the day, people weren't done with puberty as early as we are nowadays.
We need historians to be honest about america at this time, because the the 'north' and the 'south' was never a black and white reality. There were enormous swaths of the south that was pro union, like eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. (Over 100,000 men joined ed the union army) on fact western Tennessee wanted to become another state like west Virginia except it was geographically isolated. Entire geographic portions of the south had no slaves, like appalachia. Ulysses grant BEST brigade during the siege of vicksburg that covered his ass literally during the process was a Alabama calvary brigade. He mentions it himself in his memoirs. Their were also MANY confederated sympathizers in the north Mainly in big cities like NEW york, who were the CARPET BAGGERS that grant himself so despised!!!!! Grant loved the south, and these politicans by no means separated themselves from a geographic location, they simply presented themselves in a different light. Grant and longstreet both understood this, like Johnston, Hancock, several others north, south, ......zionism, evangelical zionism, had it roots in this era.
Mr. Hollis is my cousin
Longstreet also broke his oath to the US. He was a great general, the first to realize NOT to charge entrenched troops in good shape unless you outnumber the enemy at least 3x1 and expect to lose half your force. Grant only learned this after his assult on Cold Harbor during his overland campaign to pin Lee in trenches. I am not sure Lee ever learned it. In 1914-18, wiith rapid firing guns available, ALL the European generals failed to learn, causing great useless slaughter.
Why do men fight who were born to be brothers
General James Longstreet
Confederate Army