Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-12-10
CONFEDERATE HISTORY.

CONFEDERATE HISTORY.
General Joe Johnston has written an
elaborate history OF the late war from
the standpoint he occupied in directing
the operations of armies, which will be
published by the Appleton's early in
January. The work will be eagerly
sought both in the North and the South,
and will no doubt he Of great value TO
the future historian Generals Sherman
and Hooker, who encountered his line of
hattie on the memorable retreat all the
wav from Dalton TO Atlanta, have both
EXPRESSED a desire TO see the book out
at an early day, and have taken occa-
sion 10 compliment General Johnston
for military skill and sagacity in the
highest terms. There are many ex-
Confederate soldiers in the South
who believe that General Johnston
as an organizer, tactician and strategist
was the equal if not the peer Of General
Robert L. Lee. He was not favored
with such large commands or advanta.
geous positions as the latter, nor was
he favorite with the Richmond Gov
ernmept, but considering his limited
facilities and the disadvantages of stu
alton, confronted with magnificent ar
mics and menaced By demagogues,
grr .blers, deserters and cowardssin the
rear, he accomplished woHders. We
have no doubt but his narrative is writ
ten in true military style, as much to
the point as his characteristic orders
issued in the field. We are glad that
General Johnston has lived towrite such
a book. 1t will be an invaluable contri
button to the current history of the
times, and will be received with
favor on both sides, especially by those
who participated in the closing scenes
OF the war, running through 1864 and
dragging into the early months of 1863
General Sherman admits that Johnston
was foeman worthy Cf his steel, and
says of him in letter to the Appletons;
He is most favorably known to the |
military world, and is regarded by
many as the most skillful General on
the Southern side. he is also
ready with his pen, and whatever
be records will receive the closest
attention by students Of the art of war
on this continent, and will enter largely
into the future military history Of the
civil war" Perhaps General Johnston
will explaiR the cause of his removal
from the command of the army Of Ten
nessee at Atlanta, an event which
cast a gloom over his men, de-
lighted the Federals and FASTENED
the downfall of the Confederacy.
The true history Of that event has never
been made public; it remains unex-
planned, and we believe indefeusible.
General Hood was chivalrous young
Hotspur, who knew how to execute
orders. He went to Franklin and Nash
vile, and came back with a shattered,
dsheartened little army which soon had
to surrender. Joe Johnston was placed
back in command, but it was too late.
He made the best terms he could with
General Sherman in behalf OF his de-
voted followers, and that was the end OF
the Confederaey. He played grand role
in the great drama Of the civil war and
ranks with the leading military spirits Of
the age and commands almost equal re-
spect North and South, such being the
intelligence and sense Of justice OF the
American people that prejudice or DIFF
ference Of opinion cannot long come
between them and true worth or great
ness. We have no doubt that some
Yankee will yet write the best general
histories of the war and do full justice
to Southern motives, valor and char.
acter.