Jubal A. Early – Confederate Officer
Jubal Anderson Early, a figure etched in the annals of American history, stands as a testament to the complexities and contradictions of the Civil War era. Born a Virginian lawyer and politician, he ultimately donned the gray uniform of the Confederacy, rising to become a prominent general in the Confederate army. His life, marked by military prowess, political conviction, and unwavering dedication to the "Lost Cause," offers a compelling glimpse into the heart of a nation divided.
Born on November 3, 1816, in Franklin County, Virginia, Jubal A. Early‘s lineage was steeped in the traditions of the South. He was the son of Joab and Ruth Hairston Early, part of a well-connected family that afforded him the advantages of a privileged upbringing. His early education was entrusted to private schools, nurturing his intellect and preparing him for the rigors of higher learning. This foundation paved the way for his acceptance into the esteemed United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he would hone his military skills and forge the path that would lead him to the battlefields of the Civil War.
In 1837, Early graduated from West Point, embarking on a career in the United States Army. His initial military service saw him deployed to Florida to participate in the Seminole Wars, a series of conflicts against the Seminole Native American tribe. This experience provided him with valuable firsthand exposure to the realities of warfare, shaping his understanding of military strategy and tactics. However, his ambitions extended beyond the confines of military life.
Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, Jubal A. Early transitioned into the realm of law and politics, establishing a legal practice and aligning himself with the Whig party. The Whig party, known for its moderate stance on the issue of slavery and its emphasis on national unity, did not strongly support secession. However, the escalating tensions between the North and South, culminating in President Abraham Lincoln’s call for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion in 1861, proved to be a turning point in Early’s life. Moved by a sense of loyalty to his native Virginia and the Southern cause, he made the fateful decision to resign his commission in the U.S. Army and join the Confederate forces.
Early’s rise through the ranks of the Confederate army was swift and impressive. Starting as a colonel of the 24th Virginia Infantry, he quickly distinguished himself as a capable and courageous leader. His battlefield successes and tactical acumen earned him promotions to brigadier general, major general, and ultimately, lieutenant general. He proved to be a valuable asset to the Confederacy, commanding troops in numerous key battles and demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Southern cause.
Throughout much of the war, Jubal A. Early served under the command of two of the Confederacy’s most revered military figures: Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. He developed a close working relationship with both men, learning from their strategic brilliance and tactical expertise. As a lieutenant general, he commanded an infantry corps in the Army of Northern Virginia, playing a crucial role in many of the war’s most significant engagements.
Early’s military record is replete with instances of bravery and tactical skill. He participated in the Seven Days Battles, a series of intense clashes near Richmond in 1862; the Second Battle of Manassas, a decisive Confederate victory; the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single-day battle in American history; the Battle of Fredericksburg, another Confederate triumph; and the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal turning point in the war. In the 1864 Overland Campaign, he fought at the Wilderness, assumed temporary command of the II Corps at Spotsylvania, and was named commander of the III Corps at the Battle of Cold Harbor, further demonstrating his versatility and leadership abilities.
Perhaps one of Jubal A. Early‘s most daring and consequential campaigns was the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864. With the Union armies tightening their grip on Petersburg, Robert E. Lee dispatched Early and his corps north, hoping to divert Union forces and relieve the pressure on the besieged city. Early’s campaign saw him mount the Confederacy’s last invasion of the North, driving Union forces westward and even threatening Washington, D.C. However, his advance was ultimately checked at the Battle of Fort Stevens, and he was forced to retreat back to the Shenandoah Valley.
Despite his initial successes in the Shenandoah Valley, Early’s fortunes began to wane in the latter months of the war. He suffered a series of defeats, including the Battle of Winchester, the Battle of Fisher’s Hill, and the Battle of Cedar Creek. These setbacks, coupled with the Confederacy’s increasingly dire situation, led to his eventual removal from command by Lee in March 1865, following a disastrous defeat at Waynesboro. Despite these later setbacks, his initial successes earned him the nickname "Old Jube" among his troops.
Following the South’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865, Early faced an uncertain future. Fearing prosecution for his role in the war, he went into hiding, seeking refuge in Mexico, Cuba, and Canada. He remained in exile until 1868, when he was finally pardoned by President Andrew Johnson, allowing him to return to the United States.
Upon his return to Virginia, Early settled in Lynchburg, where he resumed his legal career. However, his involvement in public life did not end with the war. He became a vocal proponent of the "Lost Cause" movement, a romanticized interpretation of the Confederacy and its motivations. He actively worked to preserve the memory of the Confederacy and its leaders, writing extensively on the war and defending the Southern cause.
Jubal A. Early died in Lynchburg, Virginia, on March 2, 1894, at the age of 77. He was buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery, where his grave stands as a reminder of his complex and controversial legacy. He remains a figure of intense debate, admired by some for his military prowess and unwavering loyalty to the South, and criticized by others for his role in perpetuating slavery and defending a lost cause. Regardless of one’s perspective, Jubal Anderson Early’s life and career offer a valuable insight into the tumultuous era of the Civil War and the enduring impact it continues to have on American society. His story serves as a reminder of the deep divisions that once fractured the nation and the importance of understanding the past in order to build a more united future.