292 Southern Historical /Society Papers. j
The direct result of Chancellorsville was the second invasion of the Northern States by Lee, which culminated in the defeat of the Army of Northern Virginia, two months later, on the hills of Gettysburg.
Tried by the rule of brilliant success against vast odds, Lee's work in this campaign is scarcely open to criticism.
The hero of the campaign is Thomas J. Jackson, the most able lieutenant of our civil war.
While historical accuracy obliges us to place the otms of this lost campaign upon Hooker, and, while his own bitter perverseness to- ward his lieutenants may lend some asperity to our criticism, it will not do to forget Hooker's excellent services to the country. As a brigade, division and corps commander, previous to Chancellorsville, he had earned an enviable record in the Army of the Potomac. Sub- sequently, in lieu of retiring in dudgeon, he went to Chattanooga with the Eleventh and Twelfth corps, and there did worthy service. Hooker's efficiency was always weakened by his peculiar desire to work for the public eye, and by his characteristic shortcomings. But Hooker was a brave soldier, a true patriot, and, within his limita- tions, a reliable general officer. He did not, however, possess that rare combination of self-reliance, intellectual vigor and military com- mon sense which enable a man to bear the strain laid upon him by the command of an army opposed to such a captain as Robert E. Lee.
Here, for the hundredth time, American manhood graved with steel its name upon the brazen shield of Fame. The Army of Northern Virginia, led as its valor deserved to be led, showed that resolution which can accomplish the all but impossible. The Army of the Potomac, held in the leash by blunders which bowed its head in shame, but which it could not repair, illustrated that fidelity which always shone forth from disaster with a refulgence which even a vic- tory scarce could lend it. Every virtue which crowns the brow of the soldier was typified in the ranks of either army. The ability of the conqueror to-day elicits our admiration; the errors of the conquered leader have long since been forgiven. We hold the laurel wreath above the heads of those who fought here and still live; we lay it tenderly upon the graves of those from whose devo tion to either cause has sprung that brotherly respect and love which best insures the perpetuity of the Union. Rest to their ashes ! Peace to that nobler part, which dieth not !
