General James Longstreet summary

Early Life and Military Career

In General James Longstreet by Jeffry D. Wert, we are introduced to the life of James Longstreet, a man who would become one of the most controversial figures of the American Civil War. Born in South Carolina in 1821, Longstreet was raised in Georgia and attended West Point, where he became friends with Ulysses S. Grant and other future Civil War generals. After graduation, he served in the Mexican-American War, where he earned a reputation for bravery and leadership.

After the war, Longstreet married and served in various military posts, including a stint as a U.S. Army paymaster. When the Civil War broke out, he resigned his commission and joined the Confederacy, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his military prowess and strategic thinking.

Key Battles and Controversies

Wert then delves into Longstreet's role in some of the most significant battles of the Civil War. Longstreet fought in the First Battle of Bull Run, the Peninsula Campaign, and the Second Battle of Bull Run, where he earned the nickname 'Old Pete' for his steadfastness and reliability. He played a crucial role in the Confederate victory at Fredericksburg and the devastating loss at Gettysburg, where his decisions and actions would become the subject of intense scrutiny and controversy.

At Gettysburg, Longstreet famously clashed with General Robert E. Lee over strategy, advocating for a defensive approach rather than the aggressive assault on Union forces that Lee favored. After the war, Longstreet's criticism of Lee's decisions at Gettysburg led to a bitter and long-standing feud with many of his fellow Confederate officers and supporters.

Post-War Life and Legacy

Following the Civil War, Longstreet's life took a surprising turn. He reconciled with the Union and became a Republican, a move that further alienated him from his former Confederate comrades. He served in various political positions, including as U.S. Minister to Turkey, and was a vocal advocate for civil rights for African Americans, a stance that was deeply unpopular in the post-war South.

Despite his controversial post-war political positions, Longstreet remained proud of his Confederate service and continued to defend his actions at Gettysburg. He wrote extensively about his experiences in the war, attempting to shape his own legacy and rehabilitate his tarnished reputation. In the end, Longstreet died in 1904, a man who had fought for the Confederacy but found himself increasingly at odds with the Lost Cause mythology that emerged in the post-war South.

Reassessment of Longstreet's Legacy

In conclusion, General James Longstreet offers a nuanced and balanced assessment of a complex and controversial figure. Wert presents Longstreet as a capable and loyal soldier who made significant contributions to the Confederate war effort, but also as a man who was unafraid to challenge his superiors and stand by his convictions, even when they were deeply unpopular.

Wert's biography of Longstreet encourages readers to reevaluate their understanding of the Civil War and its participants. Longstreet's story serves as a reminder that history is rarely black and white, and that even those who fought on the losing side of a conflict can be complex, multifaceted individuals deserving of our understanding and respect.