The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-01-16
General ssorpgstreet.

The sketches Of Generals Lee and Johnston
by "P. W. A." the army correspondent OF
the Savannah Republican, are followed up by
the subioined notice Of Lieut.. Gen. Long
street:
Gen. Longstreet is, I believe, a native OF
South Carolina, and locks to be about forty
years of age He is at least SIX feet high,
weighs about two hundred and twenty pounds,
wears a heavy brown beard and IS wlthal
one of the finest locking men IN the army
He is a man of simple habits and modest de-
pertinent: seems anxious to do his duty with
out stopping to consider what the pu5ilc Will
think of him; and never does or says any
thing to catch the popular applause or cut
figure in the. newspapers. Thus far he has
never been entrusted with separate com
mand, as Jackson. was in the Valley OF the
Shenandoah last spring, and consequently,
he has never had an opportunity to display
his ability as commander. Il is only as
fighter that he is knuwn, and eyenln this re-
spect less is known Of him by the people than
any other officer who has rendered the same
important services Whether this ignorance
is Justly ascrihable to the singular retlcence
of the Press towards so mer,orlous an officer,
or to- his own modest behavior. am unable
to decide This much, however, may be as
serted with absolute certainty: lie is salts
fed, like Cen Lee, to discharge his duty, and
leave the public to Judge of his performances
as they please, believing their final Jugdment
will be just and truthful.
As fighter, Gen. Lnngstreet stands second
to no man in the army. Indeed, have heard
that Gen. Lee considers him s'the best tighter
in the world" The latter reposes the most
unlimited confidence in his GOODNESS, skill and
courage, and leans upon his broad shoulders
and clear, strong Judgment, with sense OF
the utmost security. This feeling is shared
by his entire corps, and by the whole army.
It is but just toadd. that Longstreet combines,
in an eminent degree, the qualities OF great
soldier, viz the spirit and dash to storm
formidable position; the stubborn courage
and cool Judgment to maintain his ground
against superior numbers. and make the best
disposition of his own forces; and the skill
and ability to control and direct an army
Gen. Longstreet has been attached to the
Army of the Potomac, or of. Northern VIZ
ginia, as it is sometimes called, ever since the
war commenced He first commanded bril-
gade under Beauregard, was subsequently
made Major General under Johnston; and
now holds the position of lieutenant General
=
under Lee-all of them masters ct the art OF
war, though in different degrees. This adj
mirble schooling has been Of great advantage
to him, and of equal importance to the coun-
try, since it has prepared and fitted him to
take command of the army, should anything
occur to deprive it Of its present unrisalled
leader.
It is said that Longstreet was willing to
cross the Potomac and march upon Baltimore
with an army of 10000 men. Gen. Lee
found it necessary, owing to the rapidity of
his march, the intensity of the heat, and the
unfavorable condition Of the troops, to cross
with smaller number and to fight the battle
of Sharpsburg with less than 40, 900 men. If
he had had the 10000 required by his able
Lieutenant, he might have driven Mcclellan
back upon Washington, and maintained his
ground in Maryland