R. E. Lee and the Confederate Army Quiz

Answer: Engineers

Rober E. Lee was a Colonel of Engineers prior to accepting a commission in the Confederate army on April 23, 1861.

Answer: Provisional Army of Virginia

Lee accepted this commission as commander of the 'Provisional Army of Northern Virginia'. The organization of this force was laid out by by the Virginia Convention on April 27, 1861 stating that it should consist of two artillery regiments, eight infantry regiments, one rifle regiment and one cavalry regiment.

Answer: 1825

Lee entered the Academy in 1825 and graduated in 1829. He finished 2nd in his class.

Answer: James P. Longstreet

It has been said that Longstreet was much to blame for the defeat at Gettysburg because he disagreed strongly with Lee taking the offensive and therefore dragged his heels and acted almost passively. When ordered to move "as early as is practicable with the portion of his command that was up", in order to gain the Emmitsburg road on the enemy's left, Longstreet, by his own confession, disobeyed preferring to wait until the last of his brigades was in place. Because of this an opportunity was lost which would have given Lee the advantage on the battlefield.

Others, however, state that Longstreet was in no way to blame and moved as fast as he was able.

Answer: Chancellorsville

Chancellorsville (May 1863) is regarded by many as Lee's masterpiece. The Army of Northern Virginia was greatly outnumbered with one entire corps too far away to be of any practical use.
The Union commander's plan of battle was a very good one but it is generally thought that a loss of nerve on his part led to the Union army's defeat. General Robert E. Lee was not recorded as having lost his nerve during the course of any engagement and was able to take full advantage of his opponent's lack of mental dexterity.

Answer: 6 March, 1861

Authorized in March 1861, the Corps of Engineers had an initial establishment of one colonel, four majors, five captains, as many lieutenants as were considered necessary, ten sergeants or master workmen, ten corporals or overseers, 39 privates of the first class or artificers, 39 privates of the second class or labourers, and two musicians.

This establisment was raised considerably as the war went on and in fact was heavily increased as early as May 1861.

Answer: Black

In most of Lee's units these chevrons were usally pieces of tape sewn on to each sleeve. Branch of service tape was very expensive and difficult to get hold of. Frequently, however, NCOs didn't wear chevrons in the field. There was no sergeants' mess nor any real privileges other than a small amount of extra pay. NCOs in the Confederate army were generally looked on by other ranks as simply another rank with a different job.

There was precious little room for the 'putting on of airs and graces'. Such things were, however, expected from commissioned officers.

Answer: Basic training

Camp Randolph trained recruits in all forms of combat arms. If a recruit brought a horse with him he would then be authorized to train as a cavalryman.

Answer: The enlisting of four cooks per company

These cooks helped morale tremendously. Issued with the same clothing as the other men they were paid between $15-$20 per month. It is said that the cooks made a dedicated effort, even when under fire, to keep their men fed.

Answer: None

Amazingly, Robert E. Lee did not receive so much as one demerit, in spite of the temptations available for such a fiery young man. As he began, so he continued. Even under the most severe pressure of seeing his plans wrecked by others and not having his wishes carried out, Robert E. Lee remained calm despite what must have been at times intense inner turmoil.