[LS]

I won't blame ol' Jeff entirely: it was a fait d'accompli. NO REBEL LEADER could sacrifice Virginia or Texas, even for the cause of victory, because it would have been so devastating psychologically. I don't think the rest of the Confederacy psychologically would have recovered, though militarily it would have been the smart thing to do---virtually what Czar Alexander did to Napoleon in 1812.

[carton253]

I don't know that much about battles because I have a hard time, when reading, picturing the movements, etc. But, I love to listen or read about them. Battle strategy and especially the "what ifs" of Monday morning quarterbacking are fascinating to consider.

I will say this... After Fredricksburg, Lee should have known that Pickett would never make it.