Personal pride, love of country, indignation at the thought that a hostile section had sent an army to reduce them to submission, combined to draw into the Confederate ranks the flower of the Southern youth, and all the best fighting material.
Deficient in discipline, and "hard to manage," this force was yet of the most efficient character.

It could be counted on for hard work, and especially for offensive operations.

And the officers placed over it shared its character.
Among these, General A.P.Hill, a Virginian by birth, was soon to be conspicuous as commander of the "Light Division," and representative of the spirit and dash and enthusiasm of the army.

Under forty years of age, with a slender figure, a heavily-bearded face, dark eyes, a composed and unassuming bearing, characterized when off duty by a quiet cordiality, he was personally popular with all who approached him, and greatly beloved, both as man and commander.

His chief merit as a soldier was his dash and impetus in the charge.