A bold move
Sharp saw Meade and then click Grant nodded. Sharp took a deep breath and looked back Meade.
"I lost the instructions for all departments to prepare for the battle plan Wilderness. You can read to me, General?"
Meade spun his chair and stared at Sharp. Then he turned to Grant. "General Grant," he said aggressively: "If ..."
Grant quickly. "Come on, now, General Meade. It is notHurt. I'd feel a bit 'of myself. "
Meade challenge thought briefly and then decided against it. Not that he despises so much, Sharp was the intrusion into its territory and constantly pressed for anyone outside of his command, and much lower in rank. "Very well, General Grant, for you I ..." Meade had his studio voice-over target and assembled his papers. "Instructions for all departments to prepare for a battle near the southernthe Rapidan. You must be 16 days rations (4 of 12 from beef and corned beef on the hoof), 14 million rounds of ammunition for small arms, 10 days "in the amount of grain to 56,000 animals (horses and mules, 34 071 22 528) Problem ...
After Meade Sharp was stunned. "This is a freight train, General Meade."
Meade nodded listlessly. "In all, the train has left Culpepper 4300 heavy vehicles. It will be a line 60 miles long. The 86 500 men on the march, along withOfficials, medical staff and riders are another 30 miles. Everything in the column stretched for 90 miles. "
Sharp turned and looked searchingly at Grant. "As head of security, I am entitled to ask, how in the world of Lee in a slow, ninety mile long train to expect a surprise?"
Grant was released. "You see, Sharp, Lee sees the train as long as I cross the river. But if all goes according to plan, we have one more day for him and be free fromthe desert and into the open for the slaughter, if all goes according to plan. "
Sharp was shocked. "What do you mean, sir? Lee at Chancellorsville begins immediately. Certainly you can with the time you reach the desert."
"I think your estimate is to know about his right Chancellorsville, Sharp," Grant said. "But it's always Chancellorsville not hurt me. He needs to get in position usually in the vicinity of Orange Court House, before clearing theWilderness to foil my plans, and that he will make a very short time, if we understand it. "
Trouble in the Air
Sharp was still worried. "Another thing that bothers me, is Sir. Burnside not in force leaves the column with Culpepper. And 'the square in the middle of the night before the first operation. I am very concerned that will not make it in time."
Grant did not stop his work at the desk, but threw his commentary on the shoulder. "Heenough time, Sharp. "
Sharp has been persecuted. "I know you have the time, sir."
This time, Grant was stopped and back to tackle Sharp. "If there is something from the heart, Captain Sharp, go with it," he said bluntly. Meade, who started had left, sat very interested in this round of discussion.
"All right, sir ago. Some very raw intelligence, non-official-like Burnside and disturbing comments made about you."
"Like what for example?" Grantis required.
Sharp shrugged and began first-person quotes from his notebook:
"Grant is only in small fights and is not big enough for this command."
"Grant of Lincoln pet."
"Grant will not be successful. Lee to take him into the desert and destroy it."
Grant saw Meade. Meade took it as an issue that was.
"Yes, General Grant, I'm afraid that my men have brought these things to me."
"This is not bothering you as much as the captainSharp?
"Maybe not so much, sir, but I am concerned."
Grant was thoughtful for a moment. Then he replied in a tone of finality. . "Well, I do not mind, Mr. Burnside, a weld end and a faithful defender of marriage is that I do not like; .. This is not necessary, but will not let that stand in the way of its execution of orders and fulfill his duty ".
Meade rose to leave. "I hope you're right, sir, to Burnside, I mean. It 'very upset about the way in whichhappened to him, and there are some very good people who do not agree with you. "
"I broke a rule of mine and put in place, Meade. Who in particular?"
Meade replied wearily, as if he knew that was the beginning of some very hard feelings. .. "General Hancock, for one, sir, when he heard that Burnside in half during the night, when he launched an attack almost" was to fill this son ... the son ... that son of a bitch will screw around and wait and see. "Those were his exactWords to me, sir. "
Grant rested his chin in his hands, his elbows on his knees and I thought for a while '. Finally he said with a hint of concern,
"Well, that obviously concerns me, General Meade, but not enough to undo a change and this campaign. I can not do something that is spasmodic, so big, and disappointing for the president on something other than the assumption has Burnside failing to do his duty. "
Meade nodded seriously. When he was gone, shot by GrantSharp.
"How reliable are these reports Sharp?"
"Very reliable, sir."
Grant shook his head in disgust. "Contrary to what I said Meade, I would campaign if I thought it would happen. But I can not see just to prove a general relax his men and his country, just one point."
Sharp turned his face in her lap and looked up, looking around Grant. "There are those who knew him and served with him, who believe that not only he, butit is not. "
They sat in silence for about five minuets. Grant has twice started writing something and then stopped. Finally he spoke. "No, No. .. Sharp Burnside a trade unionist and a loyal soldier, will do his duty."
Sharp rose to leave. He slowly walked to the door of late, several times. He reached the door and opened it. Before he turned to Grant. "This is good, charitable, thought of honor, General Grant, but with Burnside, you can make a mistake." Hewent out and closed the door behind him. Grant sat motionless for a while ', staring at nothing in particular. Who has returned after what he did before Sharp was
A fateful decision
After the wheel and turn right into the desert, as the cavalry of Lee and Grant began the baggage column meets in different places, shooting horses and putting cars out of service. A cavalry man scurrying to Meade.
"Lee's cavalryFight to the neck, while a lot of damage, sir. "
Meade has led to a point where it might seem. He turned towards the driver. "Go at once and say, General Sheridan's cavalry to return for his protection." The man drove to the front. Meade returned to see what he could have some kind of protection, without stopping the train, it is clear that Lee design had to be done. In about two hours, the driver is back. He greeted and led Meade. Meade was angry in advance byThe man was alone. "Well, soldier?"
The man looked positively ill. "Sheridan will not, sir"
Meade, who was known for his temperament, it is almost purple. "What, what did he say?"
"He said ... he said to tell you, that he had orders to protect the right flank, and could not walk."
"But what exactly did he say?"
"He said ... he said to tell you to go to hell, sir."
Without further address for the Meade driver spun his horse and began a race to see Sheridan. Hefinally found him sitting under an oak tree and eating beef jerky. Meade ran over him, almost with his horse. "General Sheridan," he exclaimed, "You said this man back to me ..."
Sheridan jumped up and grabbed the horse's bridle Meade. It 'was the toughest, meanest general in the Union Army. Usually took orders, but has never taken Guff. Sheridan has been linked directly to General Grant, and he resented the imposition of Meade between him and Grant. "NowJust hold your horses, Meade! "
Meade was not as difficult as Sheridan, but his temper was worse, and he was just as stubborn. He wiped the words Sheridan. "Can I ask you a question, general, and I want an answer. Now! Did you know that sending the cavalry to tell me to go to hell?"
Sheridan did not expect to Meade this anger and this persistent and put us a little 'back. "I did not say exactly Meade."
"The title is General Meade, commander of thePotomac, General Sheridan. And what did you say? If this man has lied to me, I ... "
"Do not lie to you, General Meade."
"What the hell ..."
"I said, 'if you Meade gave the order to make room for me, then you can tell him to go to hell I could not believe that is the order of you, Meade; .. I thought the man was wrong "
"Well, he came to me, and ..."
"General Meade, I have personally from General Grant orders to protect the right flank.If I go away and leave without protection, it is first and Lee will be done throughout this campaign is a wreck. "
Meade has been softened a bit '. "I do not give a damn what you said Grant, I am the captain and I'll give you a direct order. We train is destroyed by Lee's cavalry.'re Back at once and protect them."
Sheridan Crimson face began to turn. "So I think General Meade, I'm going to tell you personally go to hell. I'mhere and I do not need to leave completely exposed in front of battle. Do not you remember what happens when Hooker Custer was his right and left unprotected? "
Meade began to calm down 'and I tried valiantly to get his temper under control. "General Sheridan, we have an emergency on our hands and the cavalry can not do with it. If our offer train is destroyed, there is no point in fighting on the front of success. Within one day of ammunition will beand nutrition. "
Sheridan gave way to weakness Meade change. She started to scream. "Grant was sent to replace you, because you do not know what the hell you're doing. This proves it. Do you want my horse to go out and fight the police? Not leave unless I grant the same, this contribution comes in and tells I just. "
Meade had his temper under control and had some hours' time to think, as Sheridan said. "General Sheridan. If you do not know what to sayHave set the field again to stop and Culpepper. If our power train is destroyed and we lose this battle, I'll shoot for insubordination under fire on the battlefield. Are you taking your group and return to the ruck. You are not to leave the train, not protected until they stopped in the desert and attack the Confederates. They will do what I say and do now! "
Sheridan was not too angry to think. He said unacceptable thingsMeade thinks he can bluff him off. Now given that Meade could not be bluffed. He was one of two options. Meade shoot, or, as he was told. You might consider to shoot him, but too many men were only the comparison. "Very well, sir," he said, "but if you lose the right and Grant ..."
Meade stopped him. "I would say, the whole history of General Grant, Sheridan. If no protected right as a result, will be for me. Go now, immediately, orit's too late. "Meade turned left there and went Sheridan curse.
One of his brigade led. "If we're not gunna go ', are general, then I need to know. If we are, then we had to put the best way. I feel there are real problems here again."
Sheridan turned and shouted his lieutenant. "If they are so anxious to go, then, damn it!" The sergeant gave the signal and the cavalry led to the provision of crisis. After a while, 'Sheridanbelow.
A mental lapse that cost almost lost a battle and a war
Meade reached Grant's command tent some hours later. It 'was to say his opinion, providing the whole story. But when he entered Grant taught him. "Meade, I really worried Burnside. Scouts report that they had traveled 15 miles back and I saw no trace of him. When he was far behind, will not make it.
"Well General, I do not know what we can do about it, if we keepProgression. "
Grant shook his head with finality. "This is out, George, do not do it."
Just then a scout, "We contacted Burnside, sir. It 'on a different path, not he, sir, and he is only about 8 miles."
Giving a sigh of relief visible. He turned to Meade. "Well, that's good news. George, why not go get in a position to see the other side, and I'll keep an eye on things here. We have this thing in ourto see if we are in a good state of five in the morning. "
Meade left without saying give Sheridan on the right and into the air. It was miles away, and it was almost dark before he remembered. He should go back? What could he do scholarship, like any? They had to send the cavalry to the right and the power train must be protected. If there are no fights, he would be back tomorrow afternoon and tell him personally.
An unforgivable mistake in court
Meade hada serious error the verdict. Work so that Sheridan had Grant's plan to protect his face on the right side to right side. Meade is the concern that the supply train was destroyed would have been justified, but his actions were not. Some of the pilots could have protected the train, but some should have been left to protect the right. The order that the men as soon as possible to leave the guard on the train and return to the front. This was not for Meade and the tension was solarge that Sheridan would not have the responsibility to change, however, as the best general of Union cavalry, Grant knew what he meant. It 'been a big change in battle plan and was not the knowledge or consent of Grant. Meade and the decision not to immediately go back and say Grant was also a bad one.
Jeb Stewat Save the Confederation
Grant had two nights before moving Culpepper, Stuart proliferated in the field with information on the Grant. Lee sentStuart found off the road long and immediately called in the Hills, Gordon and Picket.
"Gentlemen, we have information from more serious nature, lively and happy. Give Culpepper leave in two days with a force of 120,000 soldiers and a large freight train. He headed for the desert."
Ambrose Hill speech. "One hundred and 20,000, my goodness. We can keep them if they attack us at Chancellorsville, prepared with the struggle for a long period of stayTime? "
Lee shook his head negatively. "I do not think that we, General Hill, and so I decided to Orange Court House on the field and attack them in the desert."
General Gordon almost fell off my chair. "But, sir, a strike force, the size and nature, where we can see what's going on? 'This wise?"
Lee continued, before answering. Finally he turned to Gordon. "General, this war has changed. The man we are fighting out there, it isnot like the others. This is not Joe Hooker. If he is ever that will benefit us without hesitation to destroy us. And it is another thing that is important here, I thought. Our men are fighting a lot better in the woods, where the average small and medium formations individual instincts and great cunning. I believe that the capture of Grant in the desert, with an attack, he certainly is not expected, perhaps our only chance. It can be reached at Chancellorsville, we canfrom. "
General Pickett interjected "But Lee, Longstreet and Ewell we have not. We are less than half its size."
Lee nodded. "This is exactly what General Pickett, and that a further reason for dealing with them in the desert. You do not know how many men we have to ask them. Grant is smart. He will come at a time that we were blown. Then one wonders how long we will be already known. He must know that we in this place for some time, while movinghas. "
Pickett expressed his concerns. "Long Street in Shenandoah. It may be here in time for any help in this fight?"
"We have to wait up to determine the General does Pickett. We can only hope that we are dealing with."
Pickett seemed satisfied, but A does not have P. Hill. "I do not like the General Lee. I do not like it one bit."
Lee was an understanding, but firm. "I do not know, General Hill, so if you have a better idea, let us now." Hill was quiet. Sothe rest were.
Finest Hour General Lee
If the wild animals of the desert began to pay, Lee knew that Grant was close. He put his men and sent them forward. For a good part was the battle ground. Then he began to stagger. Finally, the Union has started to go south. Lee men threw away their arms and started to run. Lee could be seen flashing across the war against him. He plunged into active flight, drew his sword and began fleeing the whiprange of it.
"Stop, stop! For the love of God, is Southern! If you do not stop your passion and your houses will be lost! Go back and fight! Is to fight back! Go back and fight the men!" The inspiring presence of Lee was able to stop the run and its lines have been restored. Lee was charged in the attack Yankees. "Come, friend, come on. Follow me run. Coats blue when I print them!" As people gathered, a cry was heard over the entire board.
"Get Leeout! Get the General Lee from the field! Get the General Lee from the line of fire! "Finally, a brigadier general has taken the reins from his horse, and Lee has taken him from the danger zone. But the brave, desperate, fanatical display was the great general to be objective. Was The Rebels stayed and fought with the huge loss and fighting continued until sunset the night.
A Traitor in the ranks
In the morning a messenger came to Meade. "Something happens to Burnside, sir. He did not want to pay. The center is stillto open. "
Meade swore softly. "How far is it?" The courier shook his head.
"I do not know, sir. I only know that he's not activated." Meade thanked the messenger and began to Grant's headquarters tent. Then he paused. He could not leave the camp now. He stretched his forces to try to cover at least half thinly.
Hancock's premonition comes true
Hancock has led AP Hill. About 11:00 clock, went to General Lyman Hancock, who was all smiles. "WeTake it beautifully, "said Hancock.
Lyman has brought the bad news. "Burnside is not."
Hancock was angry. "I knew it," he shouted angrily: "Exactly what I expected when the attack now, you could break into pieces of AP Hill .."
Longstreet Saves The Day
Shortly after, a messenger ran into the tent south of Lee's headquarters. "Longstreet arrived, sir."
Lee ran out and stopped Longstreet and his men in motion. There was no time for conferences. The fight wasbalance. "In the middle, Jim," he said, "in the middle!" Longstreet put his hand to his ear, he nodded and waved his men forward at double time. And 'no doubt that Lee knew the vessel was opened, but Longstreet continued until no resistance was not far behind the lines Grant. Panic set in the Union lines, and men began to run backward.
Meade Confession
A messenger rushed into the tent Grants. "The men are led, sir," he said. Grant ran and jumped on hisHorse. Grant, from the dark side had taken personal charge of the field and order was restored. Longstreet was shot and seriously wounded.
At about 18.00 clock this evening attacked the right flank against Shaler and Seymour Gordon Meade. It was in the air. Gordon has met with little resistance. Darkness broken only substantially.
"What the hell happened, George?" Funding requested by General Meade. "Where is Sheridan? I told him he did well to protect."
Meade beforeScholarship with a red head.
"I sent him back to protect the supply train, sir. Will be destroyed."
Grant was incredulous. "This has been an integral part of the battle plan. Could not exist without the Labour Sheridan."
"But the power train, sir," said Meade, a defense just pathetic, "Stuart had been with his way with him. Horse cart and dropping like flies."
"Why do not I have been asked?" Grant asked angrily.
"I never thought it was time to General Grant. It wouldtook two hours for me to come here. "
Grant was not satisfied. "But you were here tonight, George. Why do not you tell me then?"
Meade bowed his head. "I. .. I forgot, the general."
Grant has struggled to control himself. "You forget something so important like this?"
"Yeah, well, sir, when I arrived, Burnside began to argue with me, and I'm missing. Many things were happening quickly."
Grant was weary frustration and changed the subject."I think you heard that Burnside does not get up in time."
"Yes, sir, what happened there," Meade ask?
"He says he took the wrong road, if it came to the desert," said Grant.
"But how could Grant? Were clearly marked."
Grant nodded wearily. "I know, I know."
"Do you think that ...."
Grant him off. "I think ... I think it will be a charge and a court martial can not be release I trust that man ... but George and the other on this thing, if ..He just said to me. "
To the question "What would you have done differently, sir," Meade. "We needed to protect the power train."
Meade grant stared for a long moment and then looked. "Well, General Meade, what I did was to keep sending back half of the men and the other half." Meade continued to respond and then stopped. The right decision was so clear, it was stupid. How can a general who had once commanded the entire army, did not do it? He lowered his head and he woke upremoved.
Give important decision
If Meade had left, Grant went into his tent and threw himself on the cot. The men said they heard him sobbing. In discussion with Meade was so emotional he looked as if he wanted to break down. Rawlins, who was with Grant from the outset, he had never seen him so angry and frustrated that it was one of his own generals throttle. His perfect plan would work if one or Burnside had come Meade did not have screwed the questionwith Sheridan. As it was against infidelity and stubborn temperament, for the protection that the judgments clouded? The enemy had fought bravely and brilliantly, and avoided the certain destruction while his men had stumbled, bumbled and fumbled away a great opportunity. He came in a flash of destruction of Lee then and there. But then there was the same at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg campaign was first Wilderness. The union is fighting men had done their job and had acceptedThe rebels wrong. The division was re-education-as always. Lee had risked their lives on the battlefield, no whizzing the ball around his head, in a solo show of courage by a general always railed while Meade and Sheridan together under an oak, and Burnside had his revenge after the petty and sweet- bitter. It was no wonder that the Union has this rebellion down long ago. How could they, with this kind of incompetenceLeadership?
At night, he thought. A concerned Rawlins brought a cup of coffee and a snack. Grant sat down and drank a little 'coffee.
"Rawlins, I made my decision."
Rawlins was not sure what he was talking to Grant. "We're going next?"
Grant stood up and patted her on the shoulder Rawlins disconsolately. "No, my friend, we're back. We are just in another place."
"But where, General Grant?"
Grant sat down and began his slippers."I'm tired, Rawlins, and I do not wear to go through this twice. I need some rest if I can get. Be there in the morning, when it comes Meade and be among the first to know. Oh, and be sure to wake up at 6 : 00, if I happen to sleep.
At 6:30 the next morning, Meade was at the meeting that Grant had called him.
"General Sheridan and beyond ..."
Grant stopped him. "General Meade, now all the preparations to march for a night. Tonight we are always. out of here. "Meade looked at him and said nothing," Come on, George, we're back, we want to move south and fight a better place. I hope we can steal a march on Lee before him, and so we can choose our place. I do not know how this place. "
Meade looked up with a big smile cracked his face sad. "That's right, U.S. Grant," he said with enthusiasm.
From Gloom to Glory
About an hour after sunset, he turned to the Army of the Potomac, and moved westthrough the desert. There was anger and frustration in the hearts and votes of the men: "What the hell are leavin 'now, Lee has licked there is at best a push to go Why not stay and fight tomorrow then ... what if? Longstreet troops? We have three men two of them! "On the western edge of the desert, and the Orange Plank Road, the men behind the wheel to the left Germann Ford expected. Instead, they turned to the right. Then the atmosphere changed as the design began to beclearly. A cheer when the likes of which Grant had never heard of. He led the standings. "General Grant, General Grant, U.S. Grant, Unconditional Surrender Grant," they shouted as they threw their hats into the air.
Horace Porter was driving on the side of Rawlins. "It 'started a funeral march, and has suddenly become a triumph."
Rawlins nodded and said nothing. It 'was strange to Rawlins. Porter looked exactly as he saw that his eyes werefilled with tears.
The men were singing loudly: "John Brown's Body-ruined in the grave." "We hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree."
Porter began his commentary. "And 'sing for the people of Grant, Rawlins." Rawlins was finally able to respond.
"And for himself, Porter."
Porter nodded. "And you, General Rawlins. But it is the supreme moment in the life of Ulysses S. Grant. If he had been in the opposite direction, like McClellan, Pope,Burnside, McDowell, Hooker, and Meade, that would mean the death of a nation.
Lincoln has its Man at Last
Back in Washington, asked Henry Wing, the New York Tribune reporter, the audience for a president. Lincoln found with several members of his cabinet. Like all journalists, has not been bashful Ala. "Mr. President," he said boldly: "I have a personal word to you."
The members of the new cabinet and Lincoln was only with Wing. "They wanted to see me?" Lincolnhe asked.
"Yes, Mr. President, I have a message for you, have a message from General Grant. He told me that I should give to you when you were alone. "
"Some of Grant me?" The president was poised on Wing. He had never realized the president was so great. Lincoln leaned over and looked at his eye with a wing looked almost wild. "What?" He asked hoarsely.
Ala was nervous and emotionally. His voice began to falter. "General Grant told me that it is said of him that, whateverhappens, there is no going back, "What happened then, if the wing of a future book titles. Lincoln when he kissed me.
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