Major General George Brinton McClellan, Union

Before the Civil War: He graduated from West Point second in his class of 59 during 1846. During the Mexican War he served as an officer of an engineer corps, where he first displayed his ability to get things done. In the years following he would study the armies of Europe, invent a new saddle for cavarly (which was the standard untill mechanized armor appeared in 1942) and become president of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad.

During the Civil War: After rejoining the army, McClellan was soon placed in charge of the entire Union field army. He again showed his ability for organization and turned raw recruits into a well-trained army. The job was just to big to handle, McClellan keep overestimating the number and strength of his enemy. This lack of execution was apparent in Antietam. He was soon relieved of command and replaced with General Burnside.

After the Civil War: He returned to his home in New Jersey to await new orders from President Lincoln. None ever came.

Brigadier General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, Confederacy

Before the Civil War: Jackson grew up in poverty and barely made into West Point. Living off the phrase, "you can be whatever you resolve to be", he managed to work from the bottom of his class. He graduated in 1846 seventeenth among 59 graduates. Quickly jumping into the Mexican War, Jackson served with distinction in the artillery division. In the years leading up to the Civil War he would resign from the army and teach at West Point

During the Civil War: When he joined the Confederacy after Virginia seceded, Jackson was appointed to organizing troops at Harper's Ferry. After earning his nickname "Stonewall" at 1st Manassas, he fought brilliantly in the Shendoah Valley of Virginia. During the battle of Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, Jackson was mistakenly shot by a Confederate sentry. He died a few days later, long before he should of.