As much of an admirer I am of Lee.........

[Tamaroa]

I believe he bears the lion share of the blame for that battle. It has been pretty well documented that he was ill with heart trouble at the time. I put the fact that his illness probably clouded his thoughts with the fact that he should have listened to Longstreet regarding a defensive posture PLUS he was supremely over confident about what his troops accomplished the last 6 months.

Continuing other thoughts on this thread, I think Gettysburg was not the turning point that most people see. I agree that Grant's philosphy was the thing that did in the South. However, I believe the turning point in the war was not Gettysburg but earlier in 1862 when Grant captured forts Henry and Donelson.

In my opinion, the capture of those two forts was the turning point of the war because it opened the way for another attack through the heart of the Confederacy thus giving Scott's Anaconda plan the recognition and legitimacy that it deserved.

Bill

OOPS!! I just realized, I hit the wrong button. this was supposed to be a reply under the IF thread. sorry!!