Armchair Dragoons Forums
The Reference Desk => History and Tall Tales => Topic started by: besilarius on November 06, 2020, 08:54:04 AM
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www.historybyzim.com/2016/08/confederate-widow-helen-longstreet-as-a-riveter/
Never had heard of her.
A very determined lady.
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How very interesting :bigthumb:
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That's interesting.
The article notes that she was young when she married General Longstreet. In fact, she was born on April 20, 1863 - about two months before Longstreet fought at Gettysburg.
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Yes, that is unusual.
But if you look closely at Longstreet, his whole life was a sort of massive surprise.
After secession, he went to Richmond to offer his services. IIRC he expected to get a job in the supply corps, due to his experience. Instead he became a brigadier of infantry.
He had a testy relationship with Joe Johnston (who didn't), and was very frustrated until Lee took command.
Then in the Seven Days, he earned Lee's great trust.
His careful preparation gave the Confederacy four of the great attacks: Second Manassas, Second day at Gettysburg, Chickamauga, and his attack in the Wilderness.
After the war he remained friends with Grant and Hancock. He worked for the Federal Government. He changed religion.
When the Confederate veterans became divided about his role in losing Gettysburg, he appeared at the convention in full uniform as a Lieutenant General, silenced his critics by force of personality and got a standing ovation.
And he won the hand of a determined young lady.