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Lafayette McLawsConfederate Army General
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Lafayette McLaws: Confederate Army General
- Resignation and Confederate Service
- Antietam and Sharpsburg
- Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville
- Gettysburg and Later Campaigns
- Post-War Life and Legacy
Lafayette McLaws: Confederate Army General
Early Life and Military CareerLafayette McLaws was born in Georgia in 1821. He graduated from West Point in 1842, ranking near the bottom of his class. McLaws served on the frontier and participated in the Mexican War and the "Mormon Expedition."
Resignation and Confederate Service
When the Civil War broke out, the 41-year-old McLaws resigned from the US Army as a major. He assumed command of a division during the Peninsula Campaign.
Antietam and Sharpsburg
As part of General James Longstreet's First Corps, McLaws captured Maryland Heights at Harper's Ferry during the Maryland Campaign. He then led his men to Sharpsburg, where he played a pivotal role in defending West Woods during the Battle of Antietam.
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville
At Fredericksburg, McLaws' division held off the Union crossing of the Rappahannock River. At Marye's Heights, his artillery devastated Union soldiers attempting to assault the impregnable position. During the first two days of Chancellorsville, McLaws fought on General Robert E. Lee's flank. On the third day, Lee sent McLaws' division to halt the Union advance from behind the Confederate lines. This mission was one of McLaws' greatest accomplishments.
Gettysburg and Later Campaigns
McLaws performed well on the second day of Gettysburg. After the battle, he joined Longstreet's corps on an expedition to Tennessee. Longstreet later accused McLaws of failing to attack Fort Sanders. McLaws was assigned to defend Savannah, Georgia, after being absolved of the charge. He surrendered with General Joseph Johnston at Durham Station, North Carolina, on April 26, 1865.
Post-War Life and Legacy
After the war, McLaws served as a postmaster in Savannah and was an active member of veterans' organizations. Despite wartime disputes with Longstreet, McLaws steadfastly defended him from postwar attempts to tarnish his reputation. He passed away in 1897.
