This is the story of how Robert E. Lee came to command the Army of Northern Virginia, and then used it to save Richmond while almost crushing McClellan in the Seven Days Battles. It is a story of early war debacles and embarrassments, prudent decision-making behind the scenes that led to Confederate successes, and then immense risk-taking and courage in the face of seemingly certain defeat. It is a tale of Stuart’s dashing ride around McClellan, the near-total victory in the Seven Days Battles.
This time, I have chosen to publish the full script, written as a story, for paid subscribers. I think that will be easier for you to read than the transcript, though it does differ in some minor ways from the actual recording. Let me know if you like this more! I think it will be easier for you to read as a story, if you prefer to read rather than listen. As always, you can listen for free on YouTube or Spotify.
From “Granny Lee” to the Savior of Richmond: Robert E. Lee’s Trial by Fire, 1861–1862
I. INTRODUCTION: THE UNLIKELY HERO
“In strategy mighty, in battle terrible, in adversity as in prosperity a hero indeed, with the simple devotion to duty and the rare purity of a Christian knight, he joined all the kingly qualities of a leader of men.” Such is what Colonel Charles Cornwallis Cheaney, a distinguished British military critic, said of Lee.
Similarly, another highly respected British general, Lord Wolseley, said of Lee, “He was the ablest general, and to me seemed the greatest man I ever conversed with; and yet I have had the privilege of meeting Von Moltke and Prince Bismarck…General Lee was one of the few men who ever seriously impressed and awed me with their natural, their inherent greatness.”
This is how General Lee was remembered after the war.
