Lee and the Invasion of Maryland


Lee's masterly defense of Richmond, and his complete triumph over
McClellan and Pope had, in three months, made him the idol of the
Confederacy. In all military matters his word was law, while the
army adored him and the people of the South as a whole regarded
him with a feeling akin to reverence. This was not entirely the
result of his achievements on the field. Jackson had displayed an
equal genius for the art of war and in the opinion of many experts
he was entitled to more credit than his chief. But Jackson was
regarded with awe and curiosity rather than affection. He was
hailed as a great commander, while Lee was recognized as a great
man.

It was not by spectacular efforts or assertiveness of any kind that
Lee had gained this hold upon his countrymen. He avoided everything
that even tended toward self-display. His army reports were not
only models of modesty, but generous acknowledgements of all he
owed to his officers and men. He addressed none but respectful
words to his superiors and indulged in no criticisms or complaints.
He accepted the entire responsibility for whatever reverses occurred
to the forces under his command and never attempted to place the
blame on the shoulders of any other man. In a word, he was so
absolutely free from personal ambition that the political schemers
unconsciously stood abashed in his presence, and citizens and
soldiers alike instinctively saluted the mere mention of his name.

Never by any chance did he utter a word of abuse against the North.