GDG- RE: War Councils

[Tom Ryan]

<<But look at the
other side - Longstreet is oft-criticized for intentionally disrupting Lee's
attack plan on 2 Jul, because he did not agree with Lee's decision.>>

Craig,

	While this is true, the focus should be on Lee not on Longstreet, at least
in the context of Meade's decision making.  Since Lee was Meade's
counterpart, the comparison should be made between the two of them.  In
Lee's case, he did not defer at all to Longstreet when he objected to the
operational plan.  In the one case we know of where the AoP commanders
disagreed with Meade, i.e., on July 12 at Williamsport, Meade did not assert
himself by directing them to comply.

	Lee was not one to call councils at any rate.  If he consulted at all, it
was usually one on one.  Of course, there was a large experience
differential between Lee and Meade, and that certainly was a factor in how
the two made decisions at Gettysburg.

Tom Ryan