Albert Sidney Johnston – Respected Confederate Commander
Albert Sidney Johnston stands as a compelling figure in American military history, a man who served with distinction in three different armies: the Texian Army, the United States Army, and the Confederate States Army. His career, spanning 34 years, saw him engaged in a wide array of conflicts, from the Black Hawk War to the Texas-Indian Wars, the Mexican-American War, the Utah War, and ultimately, the Civil War, where he met his end on the battlefield. This article delves into the life and career of Albert Sidney Johnston, a man whose military prowess was both admired and, in the context of the Civil War, deeply divisive.
Born on February 2, 1803, in Washington, Kentucky, Albert Sidney Johnston was the youngest son of Dr. John and Abigail Harris Johnston. His father, a physician hailing from Salisbury, Connecticut, enjoyed a thriving practice in the area. Young Albert received his early education at private schools before enrolling at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, at the age of 15. Initially, his path seemed to lead towards medicine, following in his father’s footsteps.
However, in 1821-22, Johnston made a pivotal decision to pursue a military career. He secured an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, a prestigious institution that would shape his future. There, he formed a significant friendship with Jefferson Davis, who would later become the President of the Confederacy. Johnston excelled in his studies at West Point, graduating eighth in a class of 41 cadets in 1826. He received a commission as a brevet second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Infantry, marking the official commencement of his military service.
His early assignments included postings in New York and Missouri. In August 1827, Johnston participated in the expedition to capture Red Bird, a Winnebago chief who had led a rebellion. During this time, Johnston reportedly said, "I must confess that I consider Red Bird one of the noblest and most dignified men I ever saw… I have offended. I sacrifice myself to save my country.” This quote provides a glimpse into Johnston’s character and his sense of justice and honor.
In 1829, Johnston married Henrietta Preston, the sister of Kentucky politician and future Civil War general William Preston. The couple had three children, two of whom survived to adulthood. Their son, William Preston Johnston, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a colonel in the Confederate States Army, further cementing the family’s legacy in the Civil War.
Johnston’s military career continued with service as chief of staff to Brevet Brigadier General Henry Atkinson during the Black Hawk War of 1832. General Atkinson recognized Johnston’s potential, praising him as possessing "a talent of the first order, a gallant soldier by profession and education, and a gentleman of high standing and integrity." These words speak volumes about the early impressions Johnston made on his superiors.
Tragedy struck in 1834 when Johnston resigned his commission to care for his wife, Henrietta, who was suffering from tuberculosis. She passed away two years later, leaving Johnston a widower. This personal loss significantly impacted his life and led him to make a life-altering decision.
In 1836, following the outbreak of the Texas War for Independence, Johnston moved to Texas, seeking a new beginning and a chance to contribute to the Texian cause. He enlisted as a private in the Texian Army, demonstrating his commitment to the fight for Texan independence. His rise through the ranks was swift. On August 5, 1836, he was appointed Adjutant General and a Colonel in the Republic of Texas Army. By January 31, 1837, he had become the senior brigadier general in command of the Texas Army, a testament to his leadership and military abilities.
However, his tenure in Texas was not without its challenges. On February 5, 1837, Johnston engaged in a duel with Texas Brigadier General Felix Huston. Huston, who had previously served as the acting commander of the Army, felt slighted by Johnston’s promotion, perceiving it as a rebuke from the Texas government. The duel resulted in Johnston being shot through the hip and severely wounded. The injury forced him to relinquish his post while he recovered, marking a setback in his early career.
Despite this setback, Johnston continued to serve the Republic of Texas. On December 22, 1838, Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas, appointed him Secretary of War. In this role, Johnston was responsible for defending the Texas border against Mexican attempts to reclaim the territory. He also played a key role in the Cherokee War of 1838-39, campaigning against Native Americans in northern Texas. At the Battle of the Neches, both Johnston and Vice President David G. Burnet were commended for their "active exertions on the field" and for behaving "in such a manner as reflects great credit upon themselves." In February 1840, he resigned from his position and returned to Kentucky.
In 1843, Johnston remarried, this time to Eliza Griffin, his late wife’s first cousin. The couple relocated to Texas, settling on a large plantation in Brazoria County, which Johnston named "China Grove." There, they raised Johnston’s two children from his first marriage, as well as their first three children together. The family later moved to Los Angeles, California, where their sixth child was born.
When the United States declared war on Mexico in May 1846, Johnston once again answered the call to duty. He rode 400 miles from his home in Galveston to Port Isabel to volunteer for service in Brigadier General Zachary Taylor’s Army of Occupation. He was elected as colonel of the 1st Texas Rifle Volunteers. When the enlistments of his soldiers expired just before the Army’s advance on Monterrey, Taylor appointed him as the inspector general of Brigadier General William O. Butler’s division of volunteers. Johnston managed to convince some of his former regiment to remain and fight.
During the Battle of Monterrey, Butler was wounded, and Johnston assumed an active leadership role in the division. Future U.S. general Joseph Hooker, who was present at Monterrey, later wrote that "It was mainly through [Johnston’s] agency that our division was saved from a cruel slaughter… The coolness and magnificent presence [that he] displayed on this field left an impression on my mind that I will never forget." General Taylor himself considered Albert Sidney Johnston "the best soldier he had ever commanded."
Johnston resigned from the Army shortly after the Battle of Monterrey in October 1846, fulfilling a promise to his wife, Eliza, to serve for only six months. He returned to his plantation until President Zachary Taylor appointed him a major in the U.S. Army. In December 1849, he was made paymaster for a district of Texas, overseeing military posts from the upper Colorado River to the upper Trinity River. He served in this capacity for over five years, making six tours and traveling more than 4,000 miles annually on the Texas frontier. He served on the Texas frontier at Fort Mason and elsewhere in the western United States.
In 1855, President Franklin Pierce appointed him colonel and commanding officer of the new 2nd U.S. Cavalry, a regiment he helped organize. This unit included several officers who would later become his compatriots in the Civil War, such as Robert E. Lee and William J. Hardee, as well as future opponents, notably George Thomas.
On March 31, 1856, Johnston was temporarily promoted to command the entire Department of Texas. He launched aggressive campaigns against the Comanche, writing to his daughter that "the Indians harass our frontiers and the 2nd Cavalry and other troops thrash them wherever they catch them." In March 1857, Brigadier General David E. Twiggs was appointed permanent department commander, and Albert Sidney Johnston returned to his position as colonel of the 2nd Cavalry.
Johnston also led U.S. forces in the Utah War of 1857-58, a nearly bloodless conflict against the Mormons. He took command of the U.S. forces dispatched to suppress the Latter-Day Saint rebellion in November 1857, with the goal of installing Alfred Cumming as governor of the Utah Territory, replacing Brigham Young, and restoring U.S. legal authority in the region.
He worked tirelessly to maintain the effectiveness of his Army during the harsh winter at Fort Bridger, Wyoming. His efforts were recognized even by the Mormons, with the Salt Lake City Deseret News reporting, "It takes a cool brain and good judgment to maintain a contented army and healthy camp through a stormy winter in the Wasatch Mountains." Major Fitz John Porter wrote that Johnston’s "presence restored confidence at all points and encouraged the weak-hearted and panic-stricken multitude."
While Johnston and his troops hoped for war, especially after learning of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a peaceful resolution was ultimately reached. In late June 1858, Johnston led the Army through Salt Lake City without incident to establish Camp Floyd, about 50 miles away.
Major General Winfield Scott praised Johnston’s performance during the campaign, recommending his promotion to brevet brigadier general, stating, "Colonel Johnston is more than a good officer – he is a God send to the country thro’ the army." The Senate confirmed Johnston’s promotion on March 24, 1858.
In late February 1860, Johnston was recalled to Washington, D.C., to prepare for a new assignment. He remained there until December 21, when he sailed for California to assume command of the Department of the Pacific.
The outbreak of the Civil War presented Johnston with a profound dilemma. Although he opposed secession, he was a slave owner and a staunch supporter of slavery. He resigned his commission on April 10, 1861, but did not leave his post until his successor arrived. The War Department accepted his resignation on May 6, 1861.
Johnston then embarked on a long journey overland to Richmond, Virginia, where he met with Confederate President Jefferson Davis. On August 30, 1861, he entered Confederate service as a full general, becoming the second-ranking officer in the Confederate Army, behind only Adjutant General and Inspector General Samuel Cooper.
He was given command of all Confederate troops west of the Allegheny Mountains, tasked with defending the Confederacy in the West. He appealed to the governors of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi for new troops and established a defensive line in Kentucky, stretching from the Mississippi River to the Appalachians.
Despite his efforts, Johnston faced significant challenges. He commanded fewer than 40,000 men spread across a vast territory. Moreover, he lacked sufficient arms and ammunition for his troops. As the Confederate government prioritized the war effort in the East, Johnston received limited reinforcements and supplies. He resorted to raids and other tactics to create the illusion of a larger force.
In September 1861, Johnston ordered Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer to occupy Cumberland Gap in Kentucky to prevent U.S. troops from entering eastern Tennessee. He also positioned Brigadier General Simon Bolivar Buckner to block the railroad route to Tennessee at Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Johnston’s tactics initially confused and annoyed U.S. Brigadier General William Tecumseh Sherman in Kentucky, contributing to Sherman’s mental instability. Sherman overestimated Johnston’s forces and was eventually relieved of command.
However, Johnston’s defensive strategy began to unravel in early 1862 with defeats at Mill Springs, Kentucky, and Forts Henry and Donelson. Facing overwhelming Union forces, Johnston was forced to retreat south into Mississippi, passing through Nashville and northern Alabama.
At Corinth, Mississippi, Johnston’s Army of 17,000 men joined with other Confederate forces, creating a combined force of approximately 40,000 to 44,669 men. On March 29, 1862, Johnston officially assumed command of this combined force, which retained the name Army of the Mississippi.
In early April 1862, Johnston launched a surprise attack on General Ulysses S. Grant’s army near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, resulting in the Battle of Shiloh. While directing operations on the front lines, Albert Sidney Johnston was wounded in the leg, likely by friendly fire. Unaware of the severity of his wound, he sent his personal physician to tend to captured Union soldiers. Tragically, he bled to death on April 6, 1862.
Johnston’s death was a significant blow to the Confederacy, as he was the highest-ranking officer of either side killed during the war. Jefferson Davis considered him the best general in the country at the time.
Johnston was initially buried in New Orleans. He was survived by his wife, Eliza, and six children. His wife and five younger children remained in Los Angeles with Eliza’s brother, Dr. John Strother Griffin.
In 1866, the Texas Legislature passed a resolution to move Johnston’s body to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, where he was reinterred in 1867. In 1980, Albert Sidney Johnston was inducted into the Texas Military Hall of Honor, recognizing his contributions to the state and the military. His legacy remains a complex and controversial one, reflecting the divisions of the era in which he lived and fought.
