Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 January 1884 — McClellan’s Opinion of Southern Generals. [ARTICLE]

McClellan’s Opinion of Southern Generals.

“Who was the greatest Southern General?” “There were two of them—Lee and Johnston. ” “Which Johnston ?” “Joe.” “Yoji have heard of Jefferson Davis’ estimate of Albert Sidney Johnston. Do you agree with him?” “Sidney Johnston died too soon. I ihad no opportunity to become acquainted with his merits as a commander. Officers of ability and judgment, however, informed me that General Johnston was an officer of commanding ability. He enjoyed the friendship and confidence of Jefferson Davis, and that enabled him to display his abilities at their best. ” “Which was the greater soldier, Joe Johnston or Robert E. Lee ?” “It would be difficult to tell. Both had genius commensurate with their opportunities, and both deserve to be ranked among the greatest Generals of the age.” “Was either greater than the other ?” “It would be had to tell. They were, doubtless, possessed of different qualities. Lee was quick to plan, and Johnston matchless in performance. Lee was superb in the defensive and Johnston was without a peer in the offensive. Lee had grand fighting qualities, and Johnston could equal Napoleon planning a campaign. “What about other Southern Generals ?” “I think Beauregard should rank next to Lee and Johnston. -He made an excellent officer, and perhaps had no equal as an engineer in the army.” “Where is Longstreet’s place'?” “He made an excellent fighter, and distinguished himself generally as an officer, but Joe Johnston and Robert E. were the soldiers of the Confederacv ™ “Of die Union Generals?” “Yoq must get some one to discuss them with you. ”