General Henry J. Hunt, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac

An accurate assessment of a man can't soley be made by what his friends have to say of him.  Included in the assessment must also be what his enemies have to say.  The following comes from Edward Longacre's book, "The Man Behind the Guns:"

     On the day following the hell of Antietam, the crew of a Confederate battery saw a group of Federal officers riding near, surveying the rebel lines through field glasses.  One was conspicuous for his pale horse.
     The range was tempting.  "Let's give them a shot!" cried one cannoneer.
     But a comrade raised his hand: "No, that's General Hunt, the chief of artillery; whenever you see him on his white horse look out for a battery.  He's a brave man and I won't fire on him."
     He paused a moment and then added, like a good artillerist:  "Wait until the battery comes and we'll fire at that!"

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

General Isaac Stevens

For as long as men such as Isaac Stevens answer the call to defend our Republic, we shall live on as a nation of free people.

-SDJ-

Union General Isaac Stevens seated on a porch in March of 1862 near Beaufort, South Carolina.  During the Battle of Chantilly, fought on September 1, 1862 to cover Pope's retreat after the disaster of 2nd Bull Run, Stevens rallied his men by picking up the fallen regimental colors of his old regiment and shouting "Hightlanders, my Highlanders, follow your General!"  Charging with his troops while carrying the banner of Saint Andrew's Cross, he was struck in the temple by a bullet and died instantly.  General Stevens was held in such high regard, that before his untimely death, there was speculation that he would soon be elevated to command the Army of the Potomac.

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.