Edward Johnson: The Allegheny General
A detailed examination of the life and military career of Major General Edward Johnson, a pivotal figure in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
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Early Life & Pre-War Service
Origins and Education
Born on April 16, 1816, near Midlothian, Virginia, Edward Johnson's family later relocated to Kentucky. He pursued military education at the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1838. Commissioned as a brevet second lieutenant in the 6th U.S. Infantry, he rapidly advanced to first lieutenant within a year.
Frontier and Combat Experience
Johnson's early career included service in the Seminole Wars in Florida and extensive duty on the Western frontier. His combat experience was further honed during the Mexican-American War, where he distinguished himself in engagements such as Veracruz, Cerro Gordo, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, and Chapultepec. His performance earned him two brevet promotions to captain and major, along with a ceremonial sword from the state of Virginia.
Diverse Assignments
Following the Mexican-American War, Johnson continued his service across various regions of the United States. His assignments included postings in the Dakota Territory, California, Kansas, and participation in the Utah Expedition, providing him with a broad understanding of military operations in diverse environments.
Civil War Entry & Early Commands
Transition to Confederate Service
Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Johnson resigned his commission in the United States Army. He promptly received the rank of colonel and assumed command of the 12th Georgia Infantry on July 2, 1861. This marked his commitment to the Confederate cause.
Western Virginia Campaign
Johnson's initial command saw action in General Robert E. Lee's first campaign in western Virginia, notably participating in the Battle of Greenbrier River. His performance led to a promotion to brigadier general on December 13, 1861.
Defense of Allegheny Mountain
Tasked with defending Allegheny Mountain, Johnson's forces were strategically positioned to control key routes. However, his command faced a surprise attack from Union forces under Major General Robert Milroy, an encounter that would foreshadow future confrontations. This brigade-sized force was grandiosely named the "Army of the Northwest."
Valley Campaign & Personalities
Cooperation with Jackson
During the winter of 1861-1862, Johnson's Army of the Northwest collaborated with Major General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson in the initial phases of Jackson's renowned Valley Campaign. Johnson's role was crucial in defending the upper Shenandoah Valley near Staunton against potential Union incursions.
Fort Edward Johnson
Johnson's forces constructed a formidable defensive position atop Shenandoah Mountain, naming it Fort Edward Johnson. This strategic stronghold was designed to repel Union advances into the vital Shenandoah Valley region.
Battle of McDowell and Recovery
At the Battle of McDowell, Johnson sustained a severe bullet wound to his ankle, necessitating a lengthy recovery period. He spent nearly a year recuperating in Richmond, where his personal life and reputation as a ladies' man, partly due to an uncontrollable eye wink, garnered attention, even being noted in Mary Chesnut's diary.
Command of the Stonewall Division
Promotion and New Command
Following the reorganization of the Army of Northern Virginia after Stonewall Jackson's death at Chancellorsville, Johnson was promoted to Major General. He was entrusted with the command of the prestigious "Stonewall Division" within Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell's Second Corps, a testament to his perceived capabilities by General Robert E. Lee.
"Old Clubby"
Johnson, still requiring a heavy hickory stick for mobility due to his lingering injuries, earned the nickname "Old Clubby" from his men. He was known to use this stick assertively against soldiers he deemed to be shirking their duties, reflecting a stern disciplinary approach.
The Gettysburg Campaign
Advance into Pennsylvania
By May 1863, Johnson had recovered sufficiently to lead his division northward as part of the Gettysburg Campaign. His corps, under Ewell, achieved a significant victory against Union forces commanded by his old adversary, Major General Robert Milroy, at the Second Battle of Winchester.
Controversial Decisions
Johnson arrived at Gettysburg on the evening of July 1, 1863. The subsequent decision by Ewell not to immediately assault Cemetery Hill, despite Johnson's division being available, remains a subject of historical debate. Johnson himself controversially declined to attack Culp's Hill that evening, acting on a discretionary order.
Assaults on Culp's Hill
Johnson's division became the primary Confederate force engaged in assaults on Culp's Hill during the second and third days of the battle. Despite repeated and costly attacks against the well-fortified Union positions, these efforts ultimately failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough.
Mine Run Campaign
In the autumn of 1863, Johnson continued to play a notable role in the Mine Run Campaign, demonstrating his continued presence and involvement in the Army of Northern Virginia's operations.
Later War Service & Capture
Overland Campaign
During the intense Overland Campaign of 1864, Johnson fought commendably at the Battle of the Wilderness. Following Lieutenant General James Longstreet's severe wounding, General Lee reportedly considered Johnson as a potential replacement corps commander.
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
On May 12, 1864, during the fierce fighting at the "Bloody Angle" section of the Confederate defensive line at Spotsylvania Court House, Johnson was captured along with Brigadier General George H. Steuart. The majority of Johnson's division was also taken prisoner in this engagement.
Imprisonment and Exchange
Johnson endured months of imprisonment on Morris Island, off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. He was eventually exchanged on August 3, 1864, and subsequently reassigned to the Western Theater.
Army of Tennessee and Final Capture
Johnson joined Lieutenant General John Bell Hood's Army of Tennessee, commanding a division within Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee's corps. His military career concluded with his second capture during the Battle of Nashville on December 16, 1864.
Post-War Accusations
After his final capture, Johnson spent several months imprisoned on Johnson's Island in Lake Erie. He was later transferred to the Old Capitol Prison in Washington, D.C., where he faced unfounded accusations of complicity in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. No charges were filed, and he was paroled on July 22, 1865.
Postbellum Life and Legacy
Return to Virginia
Following the conclusion of the war, Edward Johnson returned to Virginia, where he engaged in farming. He remained connected to his military past through active participation in Confederate veterans' affairs, including efforts to erect a monument to Robert E. Lee in Richmond.
Final Resting Place
General Johnson died in Richmond, Virginia, on March 2, 1873. His body lay in state at the Virginia State Capitol before being interred in the historic Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, a final resting place for many prominent figures of the Confederacy.
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