Confederate Commanders After the War: The Long Road to Redemption

The American Civil War was a brutal conflict that tore the nation apart. When the war finally ended in 1865, the United States faced the daunting task of rebuilding itself. For the Confederate commanders who had fought against the Union, the road to redemption would be long and difficult.

Rebels in Repose: Confederate Commanders After the War (Civil War Series)

by Allie Stuart Povall

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2112 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Some Confederate commanders were able to rebuild their lives and careers after the war. Robert E. Lee, the legendary commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, became president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia. Stonewall Jackson, Lee's most trusted lieutenant, was killed in action at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863, but his reputation as a brilliant military strategist lived on.

Other Confederate commanders were not as fortunate. Nathan Bedford Forrest, a cavalry general known for his ruthlessness, was accused of war crimes and was never able to fully rehabilitate his reputation. James Longstreet, one of Lee's most capable generals, was ostracized by his former comrades after he surrendered to the Union army at Appomattox Court House. Jubal Early, another Confederate general, spent the rest of his life in poverty and obscurity.

The experiences of Confederate commanders after the war were as varied as the men themselves. Some were able to find redemption and rebuild their lives, while others struggled with poverty, obscurity, and the lingering resentment of their former enemies. The stories of these men offer a glimpse into the complex and often tragic aftermath of the Civil War.

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee was one of the most respected and admired Confederate commanders. After the war, he became president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia. He served in this position until his death in 1870. Lee was a gifted educator and administrator, and he helped to rebuild the college after the war. He also worked to promote reconciliation between the North and the South.

Stonewall Jackson

Stonewall Jackson was one of Lee's most trusted lieutenants. He was killed in action at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863, but his reputation as a brilliant military strategist lived on. Jackson was a devout Christian, and he was known for his strict discipline and his insistence on obedience. He was also a gifted tactician, and he was often able to outmaneuver his opponents.

Nathan Bedford Forrest

Nathan Bedford Forrest was a cavalry general known for his ruthlessness. He was accused of war crimes, and he was never able to fully rehabilitate his reputation. After the war, Forrest became a planter and a businessman. He also served as the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Forrest died in 1877.

James Longstreet

James Longstreet was one of Lee's most capable generals. He was ostracized by his former comrades after he surrendered to the Union army at Appomattox Court House. After the war, Longstreet moved to New Orleans, where he worked as a lawyer and a businessman. He also served as a U.S. marshal during the Reconstruction era. Longstreet died in 1904.

Jubal Early

Jubal Early was another Confederate general who spent the rest of his life in poverty and obscurity. After the war, Early moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he worked as a lawyer and a newspaper editor. He also served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Early died in 1894.

The experiences of Confederate commanders after the war were as varied as the men themselves. Some were able to find redemption and rebuild their lives, while others struggled with poverty, obscurity, and the lingering resentment of their former enemies. The stories of these men offer a glimpse into the complex and often tragic aftermath of the Civil War.

Rebels in Repose: Confederate Commanders After the War (Civil War Series)

by Allie Stuart Povall

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2112 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE