“For my part, when the time comes to cross the river like the others, I shall be found asking at the gates above: Where is the Army of Northern Virginia? For there I make my camp.” General Gilbert Moxley Sorrel

On September 11, 1861, Sorrel received his commission as captain, and was assigned as General Longstreet's chief of staff. He was promoted to major on June 24, 1862, and lieutenant colonel on June 18, 1863. He served under Longstreet until October 1864 when he was appointed brigadier general. Sorrel then commanded Sorrel's Brigade of Maj. Gen. William Mahone's division at Petersburg and Hatcher's Run, being wounded in both battles."