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James Longstreet was born
James Longstreet was born. -
Early Life
His father wanted him to have a military career, however his father felt that the local education available to him would not be adequate preparation. He had James move in with his Aunt and Uncle in Augusta, Georgia. He eventually attended the United States Military Academy. -
Mexican-American War
He fought in the Mexican-American War and was promoted up to captain for the battles of Contreas and Churubusco. He was then promoted up to a major for the battle of Molino del Rey. -
Battle of Bull Run
He was appointed as a brigaider general on the 17th of June.
Saw their first action on July 18th; Battle of Blackburn's Ford. Was then promoted up to major general. -
Second Bull Run
Longstreet launched a massive assult against the Union's army. For over four hours they, "pounded like a giant hammer". Although the Confederate army come up strong with Longstreet's help, they had to retreat like the Union Army did in the first Bull Run. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Lee and Longstreet had some disagreements as to what should be going on during the attack.
Lee wanted Longstreet to attack the left flank of the Union army on July 2nd, but he thought that was too soon for that to happen.
Longstreet was also concerned about how strong the Union's defense was. -
General-switch
In mid August he sent a letter requesting that he could serve under the command of General Joseph Johnson. -eventually his request is granted -
Battle of Chickamauga
The First Corps veterans arrived in the early stages of the Battle of Chickamauga. Bragg had already begun an unsuccessful attempt to interpose his army between Rosecrans and Chattanooga before the arrival of Longstreet's corps. When Longstreet arrived, he was placed in command of the left wing of the army.
Longstreet lined up eight brigades in a deep column against a narrow front, by chance the Union's side of the army caused a gap to appear in their line and Longstreet attacked. -
The Battle of the Wilderness
Longstreet helped save the Confederate Army from defeat where he launched a powerful flanking attack along the Orange Plank Road against the Union II Corps and nearly drove it from the field. -
Longstreet is shot
Longstreet was wounded during the assault—accidentally shot by his own men only about 4 miles away from the place where Jackson suffered the same fate a year earlier. A bullet passed through his shoulder, severing nerves, and tearing a gash in his throat. This slowed the movement of the Confederate troops. -
After the war
After the war Longstreet (and his family) lived in New Orleans and entered into a cotton brokerage partnership there and also became the president of the newly created Great Southern and Western Fire, Marine and Accident Insurance Company. He lived to be 82 years old (1904)