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To: PzLdr
Lee's purpose in going to Pennsylvania was to short circuit the operational concept bandied about in Richmond of sending Lee, and two Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, to Tennessee to help Bragg

That was discussed in the article as well. Longstreet suggested he take Hood's and Pickett's divisions to reinforce Bragg, which Lee strongly opposed. The article states that Lee won over Jefferson Davis and convinced Longstreet. A Longstreet letter stated that Lee assured him they would fight only on the tactical defensive in Pennsylvania. A goal that was not accomplished, was the destruction of rail lines in Harrisburg. Other rail lines were cut, but Harrisburg was a big prize. It didn't happen because the Army of the Potomac was closer than Lee thought.

The purpose of the raid was to influence the fall elections. That was evidenced in the letter to Jefferson Davis.

29 posted on 02/25/2007 8:36:40 AM PST by OrioleFan (Republicans believe every day is July 4th, but DemocRATs believe every day is April 15th. - Reagan)
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To: OrioleFan
I think that after the war, Longstreet, embittered, old, and trying to restore his name writes many things about Gettysburg that are simply not true. Why would Lee make any guarantee to Longstreet? He is not Lee's equal. Why would Lee box himself in to fight Longstreet's way? Longstreet knows Lee is offensively minded. No, the revision of history happens but much later.

Harrisburg was lost due to Ewell's slow movements giving the militia time to burn the bridge over the Susquehanna. Ewell had plenty of time to get to Harrisburg, but moved slow due to the gathering of supplies.

Again, I would argue that Lee was not caught by surprise as popular and contemporary history and culture would lead us to believe.

63 posted on 02/25/2007 11:20:33 AM PST by James Ewell Brown Stuart (I support the President and the war on terror!)
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