[Ditto]

Lee was the first commander of the Confederate forces but was somewhat discredited after the Confederate failures in western Virginia.

IIRC, in 1861, he was just one of 5 full generals with Johnston being the most senior.

[RobbyS]

But the politique Lee was favored by Davis, because Lee knew how to manage superiors. That is one reason why Scott so wanted Lee as the Union commander. One reason why Davis and Johnston never got along. Both men were as proud as peacocks, and sad to say, their personal dislike of one another was one reason for the Southern failure. Ironically, Lee and Lincoln probably would have worked together well. Lincoln was, after all, a southerner and like Lee deferential.

[0.E.O]

IIRC, in 1861, he was just one of 5 full generals with Johnston being the most senior.

Samuel Cooper was the most senior, followed by Albert Sidney Johnston, Lee, Joe Johnston, and P.G.T. Beauregard.