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| General Lee | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Mon Jul 24th, 2006 05:57 am |
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1st Post |
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burnsideshot Member 
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I understand that General Lee had helped to design and set up fortifications with the US military as well as various other assignments. I have read the majority of his biography, yet I fail to understand from all of this why he was offered command of the North. As far as I have heard, he didn't even experience combat until he was near 40 years old (I like Lee, I'm not knocking him.) What set him aside from any of the others originally? I have mentioned I'm fairly new to the study of the Civil War, but I have heard that even the South was hesitant after his performance in West Virginia. From what I have read, he let others make too many calls even when he knew it may be disasterous during that campaign. I'm not questioning the military, strategic and tactical genius of the man. He proved to be excellent though many believe that the only reason he was offered command of the Southern forces was because of his relationship with Jefferson Davis. The question then is: Why was RE Lee offered command of the North over many other (perhaps more qualified) individuals of the time?...unless there were no more qualified, and then, what made him so qualified? Continues to perplex me... waiting for enlightenment, once again. Promise I'll get this stuff sooner or later as long as you continue to pardon my gross ignorance  Thanks - Jessie
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| Posted: Mon Jul 24th, 2006 10:21 am |
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2nd Post |
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Shadowrebel Member 
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Greetings Jessie, You are not ignorant,not seeking knowledge is the only way to have "gross ignorance". Here is a short answer during the Mexican War Lee servered under Winfield Scott and impressed him. Scott rose by the time of the war to command of the entire U.S. army. Try this site http://www.carpenoctem.tv/military/lee.html Lee was serving with General Wool at the beginning of the Mexican War, but was reassigned to General Winfield Scott’s staff at his special request. In that capacity he had opportunity to demonstrate such brilliance and heroism that General Scott was prompted to write that Lee was "the very best soldier I ever saw in the field." source (http://www.swcivilwar.com/lee.html) Have fun learning about the war. Regards Shadowrebel (John) Last edited on Mon Jul 24th, 2006 10:22 am by Shadowrebel |
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| Posted: Mon Jul 24th, 2006 11:27 am |
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3rd Post |
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burnsideshot Member
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Thanks John, I knew he served under Scott, but I had no idea that Scott saying he was the best soldier he had ever seen in the field would have been enough to earn him the right to command such vital forces. Could you imagine today if someone was given such a high rank just on the word of Gen. Peter Pace alone after serving relatively little in combat situations? I guess times were just that different!  Thanks - Jessie
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| Posted: Mon Jul 24th, 2006 03:16 pm |
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4th Post |
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connyankee Member 
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I seemed to have read someplace that Albert S. Johnston, who was serving the US Army in California when the Civil War broke out, was offered a position second only in rank to Winfield Scott. If true, was this before or after R.E. Lee was offered command of Union forces? I think A.S. Johnson resigned on April 9th, 1861. Can anyone help me out on this one? ConnYankee
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| Posted: Sun Aug 6th, 2006 06:15 am |
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5th Post |
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BobbyLee Member
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connyankee wrote: I seemed to have read someplace that Albert S. Johnston, who was serving the US Army in California when the Civil War broke out, was offered a position second only in rank to Winfield Scott. If true, was this before or after R.E. Lee was offered command of Union forces? I think A.S. Johnson resigned on April 9th, 1861. Lee met with Blair and then Scott on April 18 where he was offered command of all Union armies, second only to Scott. It is true that Scott's high regard for Lee prompted this offer. Johnston was offered the same position after Lee turned it down. One note on Johnston...after he resigned he remained in place until his replacement could reach California. Though he had the fullest of intentions to side with the Confederacy, his sense of duty compelled him to remain at his post until he could be relieved.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 6th, 2006 10:46 am |
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6th Post |
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connyankee Member
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Thanks & welcome to the board 
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| Posted: Mon Aug 7th, 2006 05:47 pm |
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7th Post |
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CountyGrey Member 
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Anywyas... as being from Virginina myself... the Union military offered to give Robert E. Lee a promotion to serve the U.S. because of how he was affiliated with being the son of Light horse Harry Lee, knowing extensive knowledge of fortifications such as Fort Monroe and military strategies, he served during the Mexican War, and also they tried to get him so he wouldn't join forces of the Confederacy...
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| Posted: Tue Aug 8th, 2006 06:36 am |
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8th Post |
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BobbyLee Member
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Thanks. I am a long-time Civil War buff, but just started to look for discussion boards. I participate in several boards relating to my profession, but it just dawned on me that there should be some good Civil War conversation out there.
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| Posted: Wed Aug 9th, 2006 12:58 pm |
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9th Post |
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burnsideshot Member
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Interesting county... thanks for your post. This board is a great supplement to my civil war studies. Gives me new things to look up all the time... I find it rather addictive... Maybe for right now I should get back to work. Cancer doesn't cure itself you know and I have some prostate patient samples I need to analyze Godspeed - Jessie
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| Posted: Fri Aug 11th, 2006 03:08 am |
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10th Post |
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James Longstreet Member 
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Last edited on Sun Sep 24th, 2006 02:02 am by James Longstreet |
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| Posted: Fri Aug 11th, 2006 11:25 am |
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11th Post |
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javal1 Grumpy Geezer 
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If Ken Burns said that, then Ken Burns is an idiot. Let's leave aside the ridiculous proposition of comparing what is a deity to some with a sometimes competent Civil War general. Greater than Socrates? Aristotle? The greatest thinkers, philosophers, humanitarians and leaders of all time? The word hogwash keeps popping into my head. I'm not a "Lee-hater" but I certainly am not one that believes he walked on water. Not only don't I believe he was the best Civil War general, I don't even think he was the best Southern general. He was great at rare times; competent most times; imprudent, rash and a rather poor leader at other times. Last edited on Fri Aug 11th, 2006 11:26 am by javal1 |
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| Posted: Sat Aug 12th, 2006 03:02 am |
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12th Post |
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James Longstreet Member
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Whoa now, it was just a joke. Sorry to offend.
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| Posted: Sat Aug 12th, 2006 03:09 am |
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13th Post |
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javal1 Grumpy Geezer
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LOL - no offense taken or meant James. I don't take these things seriously. As far as I know Burns did say it (I'm not a big fan of his). I was expressing hostility towards him (if he said it), not you. BTW, welcome to the board - I see you've met many of us already! 
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| Posted: Sat Aug 12th, 2006 03:15 am |
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14th Post |
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James Longstreet Member
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Oh, thanks for the welcoming. And I'm not too big of a fan of Ken burns either. --Casey
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| Posted: Sun Sep 24th, 2006 01:58 am |
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15th Post |
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Malemute9 Member
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It is an interesting question, but I think there are several reasons Lee was offered the job. First, of course, was Scott's impression of him. Second was Lee's impressive performance at West Point. As a military officer, I can tell you that Honor Graduates and those who distinquish themselves at a Military Academy get known. Lee had certainly done that. Further, Lee's standing at West Point got him a post in the Corps of Engineers, which was considered the pre-eminent posting for an officer. Lee did the right service, before the right set of eyes, during the Mexican War. He performed acceptably at Harper's Ferry in the John Brown incident. Finally, he was from Virginia, which made him a good political choice. There was probably some hope that by picking the most prominent Virginian in the US Army to lead it, they might be able to split Virginia in the days following secession.
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