Lee's Army of Northern Virginia: Faith in Lee's army

» Ulysses - Faith in Lee's army

I kinda missed the point I was trying to make in my previous post, Melissa. Sorry.
I think so much "faith" was put in Lee's army was because of Lee himself. He proved himself a capable commander in the 7 Days battles and led an army that had proven it's worth in countless battles right up to the end of the conflict. He was an old-line Virginian, of impecible character who even knew how to get along with the difficult Jefferson Davis, all the while exuding an aura of humanity and kindness that transended both the war and the times in which he lived. Even now, this great gentleman is regarded highly among both the decendants of his enemies and students of military history and tactics.
Such was his fame and status that, even on the retreat to Appomattox, in questioning the need for surrender, one of his commanders replied to him and said "...country be damned. There hasn't been a country for a year or more. You are the country to these men." That, to me, sums up just why so much faith was put in him. I hope that makes some sense.

Ulysses (Steven).

-- posted by Ulysses