Awesome descriptions of Buford. You can feel his deep concern, he knows his troops are in trouble if the infantry doesn't arrive soon. It all depends on how fast Reynolds comes. He even repositions a squad to the North, so he has time to pull his troops back if enemy troops approach from that direction is well, so they don't get surrounded/trapped. He's thinking of everything, and employing all of his resources to best advantage.

Reynolds and Buford, all heck is about to break loose, and Reynolds first action is to say, "Good morning, John." Wonder if that is what happened, if so, . With Reynolds' arrival on the field, you can feel his confidence with the words he speaks.

Reynolds must have had some "life force," sad when he's killed.

 

Rob, could be, though I believe Lee/Jackson think they are instruments of God, doing God's will. Just as John Brown thought he was doing God's will.

Here's an interesting clip from GODS AND GENERALS:

Jackson (pressing the attack, at night, against a scared and retreating (running away) Union Army at Chancellorsville, minutes before he is shot):

He rode farther, listening, looked up into the black, wanted to ask God to please let them keep on...but he did not, thought, You have given us much today. .....He looked up (saw the moon, and moonlight), said another prayer, Thank You for our success......Yes, he thought, God is still showing us the way!

Lee is described as believing absolutely in God. Jackson surely did. Jackson had absolutely no fear in battle, none whatsoever, because of his faith in God and a hereafter.

What I find fascinating is that many of the Southern generals believe firmly that God is on their side, showing them the way. Surely they read about EXODUS, bondage, etc. How could they think that a God that did battle for the ancient Hebrews, to release them from bitter bondage, could be for the South and the institution of slavery?

 

Two very interesting points. Worth thinking about.

It seems to me that everyone involved in a war thinks that God is on their side. Not just this war, all wars.

 

[QUOTE=Vitito,Sep 1 2006, 08:51 PM] What I find fascinating is that many of the Southern generals believe firmly that God is on their side, showing them the way.

 

Thanks for the links, interesting, never came across such information before. Hard for me to believe. But then again, in today's world, are we not considered infidels?

Rob has a good point, many opposing factions both think God is on their side.

 

What chapter are we on?

 

What chapter are we on?

 

It's more common than not. Today's Islamist terrorists are convinced they are doing God's will as are many of their western targets. The Crusades a thousand years ago had these same foes on the battlefields from Spain to Jerusalem. The Greman's in WWII had GOTT MIT UNS on their belt buckles. The Troubles in Ireland pitted Catholics and Protestants against each other. And on and on throughout history most wars have been either in the name of God or sold as having His blessing.

 

sad but true.

I finished the book. I think I'm going to read it again before PA.

 

Day 1, Chapter 3, Lee

He starts his ride to the front with concerns of retreat. What is Lee's role on this morning? By the end of the day? What do you think of how the battle is orchestrated and commanded on the Confederate side?

Hill is sick and Heth is in over his head. He has not listened to the reports of Union cavalry and has committed troops a little at a time until the entire division is involved in what he thought was going to be a "brush off" of a few militia with shotguns.

Yet the pieces fall together for the Confederacy as General Early and Rodes, acting without orders attack the Union flanks. Heth, who started what could have been a disaster, is eager to redeem himself. Lee has little to do but order Heth and Pender to rejoin the attack. Finally, the Union breaks. But to what end? Lee is immediately concerned that the Union is reforming on the high ground. He knows this cannot be allowed. He orders his generals to pursue if at all possible.

Why won't Lee's generals pursue?

Longstreet arrives on the scene after the battle is over. He is pleased but does not kid himself that the success is the result of planning and again recommends the defensive strategy. Read Lee's reaction carefully. Note Lee's thoughts about numerical strength on page 119.

Why does Lee want to take the fight to the Union? Moments ago he has expressed concern over the Union reforming in the hills. Now he doesn't want to hear Longstreet's advice to move away from those same hills. Isn't Longstreet simply echoing Lee's own observation??? Yet, it seems, when he his presented with his own concerns, Lee goes in another direction.