Title: Pokerface - The houseband of the Second American Revolution Source:
[None] URL Source:[None] Published:Oct 13, 2006 Author:Pokerface Post Date:2006-10-13 10:25:17 by Lod Keywords:Take, Back, Control Views:410 Comments:16
I like to think that the hosilities just ceased...
It was Robert E. Lee's fault. When the Army of N. Virginia could have gone into the mountains, converted into a guerrilla army and made the occupation and plunder of the free confederacy a monstrously difficult undertaking requiring decades, he chose to surrender at Appomattox instead. In his mind the "honorable discharge" upon the field of battle was the way the war had to be decided.
I guess it was the fault of the whole military tradition of the times. Neither the Vietnamese nor the Iraqis, on the other hand, are burdened with our martial traditions. They know how to run an insurgency.
I guess it was the fault of the whole military tradition of the times. Neither the Vietnamese nor the Iraqis, on the other hand, are burdened with our martial traditions. They know how to run an insurgency.
Excellent point.
But Lee knew how we fought to defeat the British...maybe he was just tired of all the death and destruction on both sides.
he was too old and sick to be the leader of a band of starving outlaws.
The prospect of resulting to highway robbery and plunder was unthinkable for him, and he was even prepared to pay for the shoes they intended to commandeer in Gettysburg.
And, after Pickett's Charge he was burdened with a heavy guilt, so much so that asking his men to starve and hide would have been the antithesis of the honor for which he believed he was fighting.
he was also well aware of the savagery that Sherman would visit on women and children had he taken to the hills and played hit and run with The GAR.
The Army Of Northern Virginia was in no shape to serve as guerillas. They didn't have the inspiration or will to serve without (even an over-extended) supply line.
Most would have followed orders of course, but, one cannot hide an army of that size, never mind feed and supply them. Hell, they'd have had to eat their horses, and that would have left them without cannons.
Even a stubby, mountain howitzer (which required no limber) was moved on the back of a horse.
I don't agree with your exact analysis because the south had no resources left at that time and what you recommend would've provided such horrible fighting. the people would've supported the geurilla fighters of the south and the northern troops would've taken it out on the people. and the south was defeated militarilly at that time when lee surrendered.
but Lee did make great mistakes at Gettysburgh. that cost them. the south did a fantastic job fighting the war, but the north had more men & resources by far - that is why they won.