as a docent at Manassas Battlefield said on the recent anniversary of the battle:
president lincoln & his cabinet figured that calling up troops, "showing the flag" & perhaps one battle would COW the secessionists into "turning tail & returning to the union". as a result of this MIScalculation a MILLION Americans on both sides NEEDLESSLY died for NOTHING of REAL value. (emphasis: MINE)
fyi, i've never heard it said better.
free dixie,sw
I doubt you heard it said there at all. I've learned from past experience that it's impossible to believe anything you say.