8o CONFEDERATE PORTRAITS

They are tried by a court martial, which only partially sustains the commander, and even this insufficient ver- dict is reversed by the Richmond authorities. *' The pro- ceedings, finding, and sentence of the court are disap- proved. Major-General McLaws will at once return to duty with his command." ^^ Longstreet rebels and receives an even harsher snub from Davis: General Longstreet has seriously offended against good order and military dis- cipline in re-arresting an officer who had been released by the War Department, without any new offense having been committed." ^^ Longstreet has a final word on the matter in his book, whether to his own advantage or dis- advantage, I leave to the reader's judgment. " Confi- dence in the conduct of the war was broken, and with it the tone and spirit for battle further impaired by the efforts of those in authority to damage, if not pre- vent the success of work ordered in their own vital interest." ^^

It might be supposed that, after these varied expe- riences, the general would have returned to Lee's supre- macy with a saddened and a chastened spirit. I do not find this indicated. Through the spring of 1864 and later, when he returned to duty after his Wilderness wound, he was always cheerfully ready to patronize his commander and to give abundant advice, when it was asked for and when it was not. ** I am pleased at all times to have any suggestions that you may make, and am gratified to find that you in your numerous duties

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