Deaths on January 25

Richard S. Ewell, American general (b. 1817)

Richard Stoddert Ewell (February 8, 1817 – January 25, 1872) was a prominent figure in American military history, serving initially as a career United States Army officer before becoming a distinguished Confederate general during the tumultuous American Civil War. His military journey, marked by both strategic brilliance and significant controversy, encapsulates the complexities of command during the 19th century's most defining conflict.

Born in Georgetown, District of Columbia, Ewell embarked on a military career after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1840. His antebellum service included active participation in the Mexican-American War and extensive frontier duty, where he honed his skills as an officer, developing a reputation for bravery and an unconventional, sometimes eccentric, personality. This period laid the groundwork for his future command roles, albeit in an army he would eventually fight against.

Richard S. Ewell: Rise to Prominence in the Confederacy

Upon Virginia's secession from the Union in 1861, Ewell resigned his U.S. Army commission to join the Confederate cause, quickly rising through the ranks. He achieved significant fame and respect as a senior commander, serving directly under two of the Confederacy's most revered generals: Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Robert E. Lee. Ewell's tactical acumen and aggressive leadership were evident in numerous engagements, particularly during Jackson's famed 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign, where his division played a crucial role. He also fought effectively in the Seven Days Battles and at Second Manassas (Second Bull Run), where he suffered a severe wound, losing a leg, a physical impairment that would profoundly impact his later command decisions.

Despite his debilitating injury, Ewell returned to active duty in May 1863, just before the Battle of Chancellorsville. He was appointed to command the Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, a position previously held by the recently deceased Stonewall Jackson. This appointment thrust him into a pivotal role, leading a vital component of Lee's army.

Controversies Clouding Ewell's Legacy

While Ewell demonstrated considerable skill and bravery throughout much of the war, his enduring legacy has been significantly clouded by critical controversies surrounding his actions at two of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War: Gettysburg and Spotsylvania Court House. These events sparked intense debate among contemporaries and historians alike, questioning his judgment and decisiveness at crucial moments.

The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863)

At Gettysburg, Ewell's command was instrumental in the Confederate victory on the first day, pushing Union forces through the town. However, the most significant controversy arose from his failure to seize the undefended Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill on the evening of July 1st. These elevated positions, offering commanding views of the battlefield, were left vacant by retreating Union troops. Lee had issued a discretionary order to Ewell to take the hills "if practicable." Ewell, citing concerns about the exhaustion of his troops, potential flanking attacks, and the formidable nature of the terrain, did not press the attack. Many historians and even some of Ewell's fellow generals, like James Longstreet, have argued that taking these heights could have drastically altered the outcome of the battle, potentially leading to an earlier Confederate victory. This decision remains one of the most debated "what ifs" of the Civil War.

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (May 8-21, 1864)

Another major point of contention arose during the intense fighting at Spotsylvania Court House. During the brutal "Mule Shoe" salient fighting on May 12, 1864, Ewell's corps was heavily engaged in one of the most desperate and prolonged close-quarters combats of the war. Critics point to his perceived indecisiveness and alleged emotional instability during this particular day. Reports from other officers, including General Lee himself, suggested Ewell became erratic, shouting at retreating soldiers and appearing disoriented. Lee, deeply concerned, eventually had to personally intervene to manage the situation, reportedly asking Ewell if he intended to command his corps or continue his agitated behavior. While Ewell remained in command, this episode further fueled doubts about his ability to perform under extreme pressure, especially given his physical condition and the trauma he had endured.

Richard Ewell's Enduring Historical Significance

Despite these controversies, it is crucial to recognize that Ewell was a highly respected officer for much of his career. His early successes under Jackson and Lee attest to his capabilities as a corps commander. The challenges he faced, including a debilitating injury and the immense pressure of high command, particularly after Jackson's death, offer a nuanced perspective on his actions. His legacy, therefore, is not simply one of failure but rather a complex tapestry of courage, effectiveness, and human fallibility under extraordinary circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions about Richard S. Ewell

When and where was Richard S. Ewell born?

Richard Stoddert Ewell was born on February 8, 1817, in Georgetown, District of Columbia (now part of Washington, D.C.).

What was Richard Ewell's role before the Civil War?

Before the Civil War, Ewell was a career officer in the United States Army, graduating from West Point in 1840. He served in the Mexican-American War and performed extensive frontier duty, gaining valuable experience.

Which major battles were Richard Ewell's actions controversial in?

Ewell's actions sparked significant controversy at the Battle of Gettysburg, particularly his failure to seize Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill on July 1, 1863. Further questions arose regarding his conduct during the intense fighting at the "Mule Shoe" salient during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in May 1864.

What was the impact of his injury on his command?

Richard Ewell lost a leg at the Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862. While he returned to command a corps, many historians suggest his physical pain and psychological trauma from this injury may have affected his judgment and decisiveness in later crucial battles, contributing to the controversies surrounding his performance.

Under which famous Confederate generals did Ewell serve?

Richard S. Ewell served as a senior commander under two of the most renowned Confederate generals: Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, particularly during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, and later Robert E. Lee, commanding a corps in the Army of Northern Virginia.