I don't see either Gen. Gordon, Gen. Custer, Gen. Hood, Gen. Sheridan, Jeff Davis or Lincoln as perfect humans, all had their warts. Nor do I consider them as criminals, since all were fighting for a cause. I learned very early, not to accept the glorified stories of our leaders, as offered in grade school. That is primarily why I went on to study histories written by mature authors, not so inclined toward demographic prejudices. Lincoln was not the angel the north pictured him to be, nor the devil the south claimed he was. He was only human. ...Sounds a lot like the vituperation some football fans heap upon Tom Brady...after he beat their team!
Let's face it..the same schools and colleges that were giving glorified versions of our founding fathers, 50 years ago..are the same schools and colleges that today, are heaping abuse on those same founding fathers.
...Something stinks..and it is not so far away as the state of Denmark !
There are some very interesting stories, when written by folks with no "bone to pick".
A couple items..
Lee was a great tactician...Grant a great strategist.. Among all the generals on both sides.. Lee was likeliest the greatest gentleman and commanded the most respect and love from his soldiers...followed by Gen Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.
Among the most risk prone and daring, was Gen. Custer, something that didn't serve him well, just over a decade after the war. Grant was rather unkempt, and not very successful as a civilian.. Liked his alcohol a bit much. .. However,He was especially suited as a military planner for the "big picture"!
Lee met Grant at Appomattox court House, expecting to be sent immediately to prison, to await trial. Imagine his surprise, when he was not only left free, but allowed to keep his ceremonial sword.
Somewhat later, Gen Lee became the chancellor of Washington College..which is today known as Washington & Lee.. for obvious reasons. While at Washington college, Lee said he considered the day lost, if he did not lead at least one student to the Lord!
Were it me, I would have also given Lee back his plantation, rather than turn it into Arlington National Cemetery.
BTW: Bill, Lincoln has nothing to do with the "Lincoln Project"! The Lincoln Project, is just another false faced, leftist lie, abusing his name.. much the same as when they want to destroy more of our rights, they claim it is "for the children".
While I still say that none of them were perfect..as no human is... ...But perhaps Gen Lee came closest !
..But I am far from any Civil War authority..so check them out for yourself !