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Joseph E. Johnston was James Longstreet's second commander.
Johnston and Longstreet formed a close association that lasted through the war. While he commanded the army that would, under Lee, become known as the Army of Northern Virginia, Johnston attempted to secure Longstreet's position as second in command. Unfortunately for both he and the army, Johnston was never able to do this because of the presence of Gustavas Smith, then Longstreet's senior officer. Johnston did not have the political pull in Richmond to remove commanders from his service that he did not want. Still, Longstreet was often charged with duties that clearly showed Johnston's faith in his abilities. Indeed, it was Johnston's willingness to work outside the bounds of protocol in giving Longstreet more responsibility than his position allowed that caused many of the problems at the debacle of Seven Pines. |
| Photo courtesy Library of Congress. |
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