[RobbyS]

Lee was the first commander of the Confederate forces but was somewhat discredited after the Confederate failures in western Virginia. His plan may have been used. He, of course, did not get his chance at active command until Joe Johnston was wounded during the Peninsula Campaign.

[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.