Having read Killer Angels previously, I always like to reread books to get more out of what the author is saying-thus being the case in this text. I think of all the "what ifs" in this story and the possible outcomes: JEB Stuart not bringing his calvary in a timely manner; Chamberlain not learning tactics to do the "swinging gate" manuever, Lee listening to Longstreet about the futility of a frontal assault "up the middle". I guess fate leaves us to wonder.
I was also intrigued about the englishman, Freemantle, and his comments, day 2, p. 173, how "bloody George (Washington) was a bloody fool. Give them 50 years and all the equality rot is gone-back to the "class"(caste) system" . This observer from across the pond was trying to get in the good graces of the Confederate staff, but it seems in Longstreets vision, he was a royal pain during a time of peril.
I think Longstreets intuition exceeded Lee's. Lee was held in concept,though respected it seems, by Pickett and Longstreet.
Fine reading.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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