Author Topic: Your favorite officer or enlisted man. (Read 1694 times)

FireStrut · « **on:** February 17, 2009, 03:06:16 PM »

My favorite officer is General Patrick R. Cleburne, this is a picture of him below.

I got to go to his resting place at Helena, Arkansas and this is his headstone.

My favorite enlisted man is John Boley Lewis. He is my GG Grandfather, he was in the 42nd Alabama Infantry, Company K "Bull Mountain Invincibles".

squirrellluck · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2009, 05:06:01 PM »

my GG grandfather Jessie Young. Joined the confederacy to look after his sons that had joined!

SouthernByGrace · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2009, 06:58:12 PM »

Good stuff their, guys.

My Favorite Officer is General Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson.

My favorite enlisted man is my Great Grandfather, Thomas Ephraim Peebles, along with his seven brothers, who served with him in the Georgia Infantry. With all eight of them surviving the war, they returned home to combine their plantations into one single operation, farming over 8,000 acres in three counties, with 96% of their former slaves remaining on the farm for the remainder of their lives, by choice. Some of their descendants still live on part of that land to this day. When asked why they never decided to live anywhere else, they answered simply, "This is Home. Why would we leave?"

SBG

DEO VINDICE

Skunk · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2009, 07:26:23 AM »

If you're looking for the ultimate fearless leader, a Glorious Field Marshall, a warrior that gives new meaning to the phrase, "I had a bad day," then, look no further than the brilliant, General William Tecumseh Sherman(1). General Sherman is by far my favorite officer of the Civil War. While growing up, I was taught that if you have to fight, fight to win at all costs. General Sherman fits that bill.

Note the black ribbon around his left arm. Sherman was in mourning over the death of a man whom he dearly loved: The Honorable, President Abraham Lincoln.

Here the Master Tactician is depicted on his famous March To The Sea(2).

Sherman was also a great coach. He went with what got him there and used his modern fighting techniques to their fullest advantage. It's been said that Sherman is the most hated and despised man in the history of Georgia. Here, the brilliant Field Marshall confers with his staff right before taking Atlanta(3):

1. Portrait by Mathew Brady.

2. William Tecumseh Sherman und sein Stab außerhalb von Atlanta, 1864. Fotografiert von einem Fotografen der US-Armee. Quelle: Library of Congress

3. REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-DIG-ppmsca-09326 (digital file from original print) LC-USZ62-7333 (b&w film copy neg.) TITLE: [Sherman's march to the sea] / F.O.C. Darley fecit. Ritchie, Alexander Hay, 1822-1895, engraver. Date: c. 1868

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2009, 07:49:55 AM »

officer Gen. Mosby
enlisted George Foster

Ga.windbreak · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2009, 06:35:51 PM »

R.E. Lee, there was none better!

A fact you may not know about this man.

http://www.civilwarhome.com/leeancestors.htm

Ga.windbreak · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2009, 11:43:23 AM »

Quote from: Skunk on February 18, 2009, 07:26:23 AM

If you're looking for the ultimate fearless leader, a Glorious Field Marshall, a warrior that gives new meaning to the phrase, "I had a bad day," then, look no further than the brilliant, General William Tecumseh Sherman(1). General Sherman is by far my favorite officer of the Civil War. While growing up, I was taught that if you have to fight, fight to win at all costs. General Sherman fits that bill.

Note the black ribbon around his left arm. Sherman was in mourning over the death of a man whom he dearly loved: The Honorable, President Abraham Lincoln.

Dang he is one ugly dude. Looks like his mama used that switch on his face and not his legs. No wonder he was a mean SOB.

Here is someone who he should stand next to:

Skunk · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2009, 12:52:38 PM »

Quote from: Ga.windbreak on February 19, 2009, 11:43:23 AM

Dang he is one ugly dude. Looks like his mama used that switch on his face and not his legs. No wonder he was a mean SOB.

I agree Windbreak, he is as ugly as sin, but much better to intimidate the enemy, hey? Nope, if I were to place the Honorable General Sherman next to any man, it would be another grand field Marshall and General: The Warrior, Ulysses S. Grant.

Now Grant as you remember from history, took Forts Henry and Donelson in 1862. These were the Union's first victories of the Civil War, with many more dominating performances yet to come. In 1863, Grant ended his celebrated campaign by thrashing and taking Vicksburg to gain control of the Mississippi. I can only imagine how humbled Robert E. Lee must have felt to be in the presence of such a great man when Lee surrendered the South to Grant at the Appomattox Court House.

Here they are, side by side:

William Tecumseh Sherman Ulysses S. Grant

AtlLaw · « **Reply #8 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:06:52 AM »

Sumpin's gonna happen in this here thread soon... I can feel it!

Ga.windbreak · « **Reply #9 on:** February 20, 2009, 10:23:58 AM »

Quote from: Skunk on February 19, 2009, 12:52:38 PM

Quote from: Ga.windbreak on February 19, 2009, 11:43:23 AM
Dang he is one ugly dude. Looks like his mama used that switch on his face and not his legs. No wonder he was a mean SOB.

I agree Windbreak, he is as ugly as sin, but much better to intimidate the enemy, hey? Nope, if I were to place the Honorable General Sherman next to any man, it would be another grand field Marshall and General: The Warrior, Ulysses S. Grant.

Now Grant as you remember from history, took Forts Henry and Donelson in 1862. These were the Union's first victories of the Civil War, with many more dominating performances yet to come. In 1863, Grant ended his celebrated campaign by thrashing and taking Vicksburg to gain control of the Mississippi.

Well I don't know so much about thrashing!

After two days of frontal assault Grant, with Sherman under him (did they hold hands?), the losses stood at Union 5000 and CAS 500 or less. I'll give your boys one thing; they sure knew how to bleed their own men!

I should add dumb to ugly. And Grant fits right in with ToJo also.

I have to come back and add you really should read about how Grant took care of his wounded men that second night at Vicksburg. It will give you a good insight into your hero's dealings with the men under his charge. He was so afraid of appearing to be weak that he wouldn't call a truce to take care of his dieing and wounded so he left them there to die. the CSA General felt so bad for those troopers that he called the truce the next morning so that those poor souls could be taken care of. Real brave of Grant wouldn't you say.

Skunk · « **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2009, 02:26:09 PM »

Now come on Windbreak. The topic of this thread is "Your Favorite Officer or Enlisted Man." Mine just happen to be from the Union forces. You know, I did grow up in the North. Rather than argue about my favorites, maybe we should just join in song and all be friends. Now here's a good song. Let's fill those lungs up with air and shake the rafters:

ALWAYS STAND ON THE UNION SIDE By M.C. Bisbee

Always stand on the Union side,
And battle for the right.
With conscience clear, we'll laugh at fear
In the midst of the boldest fight.
Why turn against our native land,
The mother whom we love?
Who ever rules with gentle hand,
Till children recreant prove?

CHORUS:
Always stand on the Union side,
And battle for the right.
With conscience clear, we'll laugh at fear
In the midst of the boldest fight.

Always stand on the Union side,
And "keep your powder dry."
We'll soon rejoice both far and wide
To see secession die.
'Tis better in defense of truth,
To be both brave and bold,
Than side with traitors and at last
Be left out in the cold.

CHORUS

Always stand on the Union side,
'Tis better, as you see,
Heav'n will crown our gallant arms,
With Union victory!
If you would have your children learn,
To speak with holy pride,
Of this their dear beloved land!
Stand on the Union side!

CHORUS

AtlLaw · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2009, 05:22:56 PM »

Now Skunky, I been told I'm an agravating old SOB by just about every defense lawyer in the State of Jawja, but I got to admit... you'ld try the good nature of a (Southern) Saint!

Is you havin a good time there boy!?

Oldshooter · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2009, 05:47:40 PM »

Nathan Bedford Forrest

Had we had more like him, we would not be in the situation we're in today!

"Uneducated but not illiterate, Nathan Bedford Forrest was a natural tactician who earned the praise of his enemies. Both Grant and Sherman feared this man who entered the Confederate forces a private and left a general. The stories of him are legend. "

"It is stated that he was 179 times under fire in the four years, and he said, "My provost marshal's books will show that I have taken 31,000 prisoners." After the war he was president of the Selma, Marion and Memphis railroad until 1874. He died at Memphis, October 29, 1877. By European authority he is pronounced the most magnificent cavalry officer that America has produced. "

Skunk · « **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:33:57 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on February 20, 2009, 05:22:56 PM

Now Skunky, I been told I'm an agravating old SOB by just about every defense lawyer in the State of Jawja, but I got to admit... you'ld try the good nature of a (Southern) Saint! Is you havin a good time there boy!?

Well OK, guess you got me on that one AtlLaw.

Just having a little fun. I really do know what kind of people Sherman and Grant were and how seriously the Southern folks take the War of Aggression, but it's always so darn serious here in this part of the forum that I just couldn't resist. Anyway, the fun is over - for now

and I'll be on my way. And thank you AtlLaw for seeing that I wasn't really being all that serious.

Ga.windbreak · « **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2009, 10:14:41 PM »

Aw, Skunk don't go away mad.

"I wasn't."

Are you a Daisy, or not?

P.S. I'll be happy to sing with you if you'll sing mine with me. Now hows that for brotherly love; southern style.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #15 on:** February 21, 2009, 03:06:37 AM »

Quote from: Skunk on February 20, 2009, 06:33:57 PM

the fun is over - for now and I'll be on my way.

Shoot! I hope the fun's NEVER over!

Stick around!

P.S.- sure is fun needle'n people who take themselves too seriously ain't it!

SouthernByGrace · « **Reply #16 on:** February 21, 2009, 03:39:38 PM »

Skunk, I'm disappointed.
I thought you understood we (Southerners) NEVER joke around about Sherman... especially in Georgia and South Carolina.
It is NOT a joke to us. It is (still) very real. Remember, in my case, it was only three generations ago. It is considered a mortal sin for a Southerner to dishonor their ancestors in such a way.

Just as a reminder to you, and everyone else, General Lee DID NOT surrender the SOUTH to General Grant at Appomattox, he only surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia, about 15% of the Confederate Army. You should read Grant's AND Lee's writings on the surrender, and you would find that General Grant was humbled at the sight of General Lee. Their exchange was in fact very honorable and cordial. There was absolutely NO presupposition that anybody had "whipped" anybody. The two discussed old times and the first time they had met. It was Lee who brought Grant's attention back to the matter at hand. General Grant and his officers actually saluted General Lee when he rose to leave, and they formed a double column outside the house and held a salute until he left. This was the respect Grant held for Lee and this scene was completely spontaneous. Grant never spoke a negative word about Lee, and vice verse. Grant ordered that 25,000 food rations be delivered to Lee's men immediately.
This was the ONLY honorable deed the Union ever bestowed on the South, and Southerners don't forget. The Union spent the next ten years finishing the job of destroying that which could not be destroyed in the war. It was not until 1969 that Georgia's economy returned to prewar levels. That just brought us back to the same level of 1861, which still made us 108 years behind. Before the war, Georgia had the 3rd largest economy in the world (1860 Census).

You do General Grant a great injustice by "pairing" him with Sherman. The two men were not friends. After the war, Grant pushed to have Sherman RE-admitted to an insane asylum in Ohio. Grant knew Sherman was mentally disturbed. He was actually taken from an insane asylum to fight in the war. Look it up.

No, it is NOT a joke to us...

SBG

DEO VINDICE

SouthernByGrace · « **Reply #17 on:** February 21, 2009, 03:43:34 PM »

Great post, Oldshooter. I couldn't agree more.

CannonKrazy · « **Reply #18 on:** February 21, 2009, 05:02:48 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on February 20, 2009, 06:06:52 AM

Sumpin's gonna happen in this here thread soon... I can feel it!

Yep I feel a storm brewing. Sherman is a fighten word down here in the south. Jawja that is.

bustedknee · « **Reply #19 on:** February 22, 2009, 01:44:33 PM »

General Jubal Early.

Never took the oath.

Ga.windbreak · « **Reply #20 on:** February 22, 2009, 06:10:03 PM »

My enlisted guy wasn't really in the military per'se but he was one hell of a shooter!!

Jack Hinson's one man war.

http://civilwarlibrarian.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-and-interesting-confederate.html

For a man who was friends with Grant/Sherman it seems that the Union troopers didn't much care and went ahead killed and decapated his sons and left their heads on his fence post. It seems that they got his attention.

More than 100 kills to his credit and never captured.

SouthernByGrace · « **Reply #21 on:** February 22, 2009, 06:18:56 PM »

How true it is...

About Jubal Early... AND Sherman being a fightin' word down here.

Most Southerners actually call him by his full name because he hated his Cherokee heritage (Tecumseh) and we know that, so we use his full name to piss him off, way down there in Hell. You know, Hell suits him... with him being a little too fond of fire and all...