Best Generals in US History?

[Christine]

I find it interesting that so many have mentioned Stonewall Jackson. One of my choices would have to be Frederick W Lander who gave Jackson one of his few defeats (some writers have said his only defeat). Early in 1862 Jackson tried to take Hancock, West Virginia and sent an ultimatum to General Lander to give up the town or face bombardment. Lander replied in typical fashion, "Bombard and be damned." Jackson did, and finally gave up the fight and withdrew his men.

I wonder what the early war would have been like had Lander not died a few weeks later. In my opinion, one of the great unsung heros of the Civil War.

My other choice - Joshua Chamberlain.