Richard S. Ewell, American general (d. 1872)

Richard Stoddert Ewell: A Formidable Yet Controversial Confederate General

Richard Stoddert Ewell (February 8, 1817 – January 25, 1872) embarked upon a distinguished career as a United States Army officer before becoming one of the most prominent, and ultimately complex, Confederate generals during the American Civil War. Rising through the ranks, he earned considerable acclaim as a senior commander, serving with effectiveness and distinction under the legendary figures of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Robert E. Lee for much of the conflict. However, his enduring legacy has been significantly overshadowed and debated due to highly controversial actions and decisions made at pivotal moments, most notably during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 and the brutal Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in May 1864.

Early Life and Pre-War Military Service

A native of Georgetown, District of Columbia, Ewell's military path began with his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1840, where he ranked thirteenth in a class of forty-two. Commissioned into the dragoons, he gained valuable experience during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), participating in campaigns such as those under General Winfield Scott. Following this, his service primarily involved frontier duty in the American Southwest, engaging in skirmishes against Native American tribes and honing his skills as a cavalry officer until the outbreak of the Civil War.

Ascension within the Confederacy

Upon the secession of Virginia, his home state, Ewell resigned his U.S. Army commission in May 1861 to join the Confederacy. His early Confederate service quickly distinguished him; known for his aggressive demeanor, sharp strategic mind, and keen eye for terrain, he rose rapidly through the ranks. Initially a brigadier general, he commanded a division during "Stonewall" Jackson's celebrated Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862, where his unit's disciplined and rapid movements significantly contributed to Confederate successes against superior Union forces. Ewell lost a leg to a wound at the Battle of Gainesville (Second Manassas) in August 1862, a severe injury that fundamentally impacted his physical well-being. Despite this, his proven capability led to his promotion to Lieutenant General in May 1863, when he was given command of the Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia following Jackson's untimely death. This appointment placed him at the heart of Lee's strategic operations.

The Shadow of Controversy: Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg remains the most prominent source of contention surrounding Ewell's military career. On July 1, 1863, following a decisive Confederate victory that drove Union forces through the town, Ewell's Second Corps found itself positioned at the base of two critically important strategic locations: Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill. General Robert E. Lee had issued a discretionary order to Ewell to seize these heights "if practicable." Ewell, however, chose not to press the attack that evening. His decision was influenced by the exhaustion of his troops, the daunting terrain, and the uncertainty of further Union reinforcements. Historians have debated extensively whether a more aggressive commander, perhaps like Jackson, would have seized the opportunity regardless of the obstacles. This perceived hesitation or lack of initiative on Ewell's part is widely cited as a lost opportunity that allowed the Union Army to solidify its defensive line on the high ground, ultimately shaping the unfavorable Confederate position for the remaining two days of the battle and potentially altering its outcome.

Further Scrutiny: Spotsylvania Court House

Ewell's performance came under renewed and intense scrutiny during the Overland Campaign of 1864, particularly at the brutal Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in May. At the "Mule Shoe" salient, a critical point in the Confederate lines, a massive Union assault led to a breakthrough that threatened to unravel the entire Confederate defense. During this chaotic and ferocious engagement, Ewell's leadership was widely questioned. Witnesses, including General Lee himself, observed Ewell appearing distressed, confused, and seemingly unable to effectively rally his command and restore order amidst the crisis. Some accounts describe him shouting incoherently or appearing detached from the immediate command needs. While the exact reasons for his behavior are debated, it is often attributed to the lingering physical and psychological effects of his amputated leg, combined with chronic illness (such as dyspepsia), which may have severely impacted his decision-making capabilities and mental fortitude under extreme pressure. Following this engagement and continued concerns about his health and effectiveness, Ewell was eventually relieved of field command by General Lee, though officially for health reasons, marking the effective end of his active role in major combat operations.

Legacy and Reassessment

Richard Stoddert Ewell's legacy is a testament to the complex realities of wartime command and the profound impact of health on leadership. He remains a figure whose early brilliance and courage as an aggressive and capable commander are acknowledged, especially during his service under Jackson. Yet, his later actions, particularly at Gettysburg and Spotsylvania, have indelibly stained his historical reputation, leading to enduring debate among historians and military strategists about his contributions and shortcomings. While some argue that his physical ailments and the immense pressure of command after Jackson's death contributed to his perceived failures, others maintain that his decisions at critical junctures significantly harmed the Confederate cause. His story serves as a compelling case study in military history, highlighting the fine line between tactical success and strategic miscalculation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who was Richard Stoddert Ewell?

Richard Stoddert Ewell was a distinguished career United States Army officer and a prominent Confederate Lieutenant General during the American Civil War, known for his early effectiveness as a commander but also for controversial decisions at key battles like Gettysburg and Spotsylvania Court House.

What was Richard S. Ewell's military background before the Civil War?

Before the Civil War, Ewell graduated from West Point in 1840, serving as a career officer in the U.S. Army's dragoons. He gained combat experience in the Mexican-American War and performed frontier duty, engaging Native American tribes.

Why is Richard Ewell considered controversial at Gettysburg?

At Gettysburg, Ewell's most significant controversy stems from his failure on July 1, 1863, to press the attack and seize Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill, strategically vital high ground, following General Robert E. Lee's discretionary order. This missed opportunity is widely believed to have allowed the Union Army to establish a strong defensive position, critically influencing the battle's subsequent course.

What happened to Ewell at Spotsylvania Court House?

During the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in May 1864, Ewell's leadership was heavily criticized during the Union breakthrough at the "Mule Shoe" salient. His perceived inability to effectively command and rally his troops amidst the chaos, often attributed to declining health from his amputated leg and chronic illness, ultimately led to his removal from field command by General Lee.