June 12, 1863, The New York Herald
Ever since there have been military schools at which generals are professedly made there have been discussions as to whether generals could be made anywhere else. Against the fact that there were great generals before there were military academies the believers in the latter do not deign to argue. They invoke the name of Vegetius, hold up the diagrams of Jomini and talk of twelve orders of battle, and meanwhile the academies go on and busy themselves principally in teaching things invented by men who never went to military academies. When the war began this discussion was very lively, and is not dead yet, though as many West Pointers have proved failures as have proved successes and though the number of those taken from civil life who have proved good commanders is by no means small. We speak particularly of our own army; for in the rebel army there is no man now in the field of distinction or recognized ability who is not a West Pointer.
In the case of General Banks a man who had already shown decided ability and enemy in civil life, and who was believed to have the eye, cool head and stout heart “which some have thought do more to make a good general than all the diagrams”– there was a promise that for once in our own time this question would have a fair and favorable trial. Unfortunately, General Banks has not had exactly the opportunity we could desire. Appointed to the command in Baltimore when it seethed with faction, he exhibited the best qualities of a military governor; he took the initiative against the plotters – was prompt, fearless and firm, and for the time settled the fate of that city. Given a command in the field upon the retirement of General Patterson, he was unlucky in it; for, though it was upon the theatre where Stonewall Jackson’s reputation was in great part made, and though Banks’ command encountered Jackson three times and virtually defeated him three times, yet Jackson acquired the fame of a great soldier and Banks scarcely acquired any fame at all. Although one of Banks’ divisions decisively defeated Jackson in the first battle at Winchester, it was not Banks’ battle.
Banks’ first chance in the field came on the 24th of May, 1862, and he then exhibited the readiness of perception, resolution and activity sufficient to justify all that was hoped from him. By different detachments his force had been reduced to four thousand eight hundred infantry, nine hundred cavalry and sixteen cannon. Jackson suddenly appeared at Front Royal with at least twenty-five thousand men. Front Royal, held by Col. Kenly, was taken at once, and Banks’ only escape with this small force was by way of Winchester. Winchester, Front Royal and the position occupied by Banks form the extremities of an isosceles triangle, and Jackson was as near to Winchester as Banks was. But the latter moved immediately. Already some of Jackson’s cavalry had been thrown forward and held the road by which Banks had to pass. This force he beat back and got to Winchester safely. There he took up a line of battle, and, while his train went on, fought the enemy and held him in check five hours. Becoming thus reassured of Jackson numbers he continued his retreat by way of Martinsburg to the Potomac, which he crossed safely, having in forty-eight hours fought five hours and marched fifty-three miles, burdened with a most unaccountable wagon train, all in the face of a very active enemy.
He next fought the battle of Cedar Mountain, where he encountered Jackson again. This was in Pope’s campaign. Banks was merely ordered to hold a position against the rebel advance, and held it so well that after a severe fight of between two and three hours Stonewall Jackson, with all his impetuosity, relinquished the attempt to take it.
General Banks, in command of the national forces in Louisiana, has demonstrated his ability to operate with success on a more extended theatre than the Shenandoah valley. Without the opportunity to perform brilliant service in great battles, he has by a few well arranged movement done all that occasion required to drive the rebel forces from that State, and now holds it, with all its immense resources. He has invested Port Hudson, and will probably take it, and thus add its prestige to a good reputation for ability, made without a single great success.