ACWGC Forums

In the middle of watching a video through my Amazon Prime Account called the Retreat From Gettysburg. Pretty fascinating so far in explanations of the enormous logistic challenge it presented for Lee. The author of the book by the same name is the producer/narrator. You may have also heard him on Civil War Talk Radio the other day.

_________________
General Mark Nelms

6/2/XIV/AoC "Blackhawk Brigade"

Union Military Academy Instructor

I heard his interview on CWTR as well. Not sure if I bought his argument that Lee was able to gain supplies and materiel and therefore "won" the Gettysburg campaign.

My thought is that Lee should have invaded Pennsylvania, created havoc, but avoided any engagement beyond the Cumberland Valley. He could have guarded the passes and just sat around until the fall when he could have moved back to Virginia after the crops were harvested.

But who am I!

_________________
BG Justin Kowal
5th Brigade, Hindman’s Division (3rd Division)
Stewart's Corps (2nd Corps)
Army of the West (AotW)

I agree. No matter how much booty Lee took out of Pennsylvania and Western Maryland it couldn't make up for the loss of so many of the veterans of the ANV.

_________________
General Mark Nelms

6/2/XIV/AoC "Blackhawk Brigade"

Union Military Academy Instructor

I always contend too that Lee could have doubled back from Pennsylvania and threatened Washington. While Lee didn't know where JEB Stuart was, the Union Army didn't know where Lee was either!

Early's division nearly got cut off from the rest of the ANV in their expedition to York and Wrightsville (they encamped in what is now my subdivision) but they were fortunate to get to Gettysburg before the AoP cut them off.

There was no comprehensive strategy about what to do when the ANV got to Pennsylvania, in my opinion.

Men were the scarcest resources for the entire Confederate army. Vicksburg and Gettysburg were complete wastes. Better to have them not engaged than surrendering or fighting a battle that need not need be fought.

_________________
BG Justin Kowal
5th Brigade, Hindman’s Division (3rd Division)
Stewart's Corps (2nd Corps)
Army of the West (AotW)