GDG- war councils

[rbrinton at charter.net]

 Hello Tom,
     You posted (in part) :
  <<  It is interesting to compare McClellan and George Meade's use of war 
councils at Gettysburg.  McClellan  used them to maneuver around political 
issues that were not in his favor.  At Gettysburg and during the retreat, 
Meade called war councils to get opinions from his generals, and accepted 
their decisions in each case.  McClellan manipulated the councils, while 
Meade simply deferred to their judgment.  Neither method was ideal in my 
opinion. >>
 
Regards, Tom Ryan 
 
   I'm inclined to disagree with the characterization that at Gettysburg ( at least) Meade deferred to his generals judgement in staying and fighting it out. I think  that his generals oppinions conformed to his own conclusions and merely provided a concensus. I've never come across anything, especially how Sickles attempted to show Meades' reluctance, that persuaded me that Meade didn't appreciate the tactical position (albiet, tenuous at times) the AOP enjoyed at Gettysburg.
  
        Best Regards, Rich Brinton