The great events of the war continually modified the relations between him and his men; as they came to know him better and better, he steadily rose in their admiration and regard.

At this time--the autumn of 1862--it may be said that the troops had already begun to love their leader, and had bestowed upon him as an army commander their implicit confidence.
Without this confidence on the part of his men, a general can effect little; with it, he may accomplish almost any thing.

The common soldier is a child, and feels that the directing authority is above him; that he should look upon that authority with respect and confidence is the first necessity of effecting military organization.
Lee had already inspired the troops with this sentiment, and it was mainly the secret of his often astounding successes afterward.

The men universally felt that their commander was equal to any and every emergency.

Such a repute cannot be usurped.