[Old Teufel Hunden]

"The historians argue variously that Lee underestimated the Union Army’s strength, as Jeb Stuart’s division was not in position to provide reconnaissance;"

All the more reason he should have been hesitant to engage the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg. Lack of intelligence means he should have excercised more caution. It started out as just a skirmish, one of many that was going on all throughout June as Lee's forces marched north. He chose to make it something larger. I'm glad he did, because he signed the beginning of the end.

On another note, even if he had beaten the Army of the Potomac there, I believe it would have been inevitable that the south would have still lost. It just would have been longer and more painful.

[X Fretensis]

agree about the South losing in the End. Grant had just captured Vicksburg, Bragg was retreating before Rosecrans.
Heard someone liken Lee’s efforts in the East as saving the front porch while the rest of the house burnt down.