GDG- Gettysburg the Second Day

[James Cameron]

<< But what I think is key to Lee's failure to insure the cooperation of his
Corp commanders was his health.  His offer of resignation to Davis states
"No one is more aware than myself of my inability for the duties of my
position.  I am becoming more incapable of exertion, and am thus prevented
from making the personal supervision of the operations in the field which I
feel to be necessary.  I am so dull that in making use of the eyes of others
I am frequently misled".

  The contrast between Meade and Lee during the fighting on Day 2 is
dramatic.  Meade is seen all over the battlefield, directing and
coordinating the movement of resources.  Lee's personal activity is much
less.   Lee acknowledged in his own words in his resignation that "personal
supervision of the operations in the field" is necessary of a commanding
officer.  He also states that "I am becoming more incapable of exertion", as
the reason for his failure to accomplish that personal supervision. >>

There's certainly evidence that Lee had some health problems, but I think 
the extent to which they impacted his handling of the battle remains 
conjectural.  If he was out and about less than Meade - and there's also 
plenty of evidence of his being well able to get about the field when he 
felt the need - was that a matter of his health preventing it, or, simply a 
sign of his accustomed command style?   As to his offer to resign, even if 
there was some truth to what he said, was he really admitting to being 
physically unable to exercise command properly, or, giving Davis a 
plausible, and politcally survivable, means of accepting his resignation? 
"General Lee has asked to be relieved due to ill health", after all, looks a 
lot better than his having to say "I have sacked General Lee for loosing the 
Battle of Gettysburg."

Jim Cameron