Potomac Rriver

A bold move

Sharp saw Meade, and Grant, who nodded. Sharp took a deep breath and turned to Meade.

"I lost the instructions for all services to prepare for the battle plan of the desert. You read to me, sir?"

Meade turned in his chair and looked at Sharp. Then he turned to Grant. "General Grant," he said immediately: "Yes ..."

Certainly fast. "Oh, come on, General Meade.You do not hear anything. It would be a way to listen. "

Meade briefly thought the challenge and then decided against it. Do not mistake that as Sharp, was the intrusion into their territory and always someone outside of their control and has gone far further down the standings. "Very well, General Grant, for you, I ..." Meade had his voice was objective tests and collected his papers. Guide to all the facilities to prepare for a battle near thesouth bank of the Rapidan. If you are 16 servings per day (4 of 12 beef and corned beef on the hoof), 14 million rounds of ammunitions for small arms problem, 10 days in the amount of grain than 56,000 animals (34,071 22,528 horses and mules) ...

After Meade Sharp was stunned. "This is a freight train, General Meade."

Meade nodded indifferently. "In general, the web has left Culpepper 4,300 heavy vehicles. It will be a line 60 miles long. The march of 86,500The men, with officers, cavalry and medical staff are still 30 miles away. However, the column extended 90 miles. "

Sharp turned and looked inquiringly Grant. "As head of security, I am entitled to ask, how in the world of Lee slowly, waiting to catch trains 90 miles long?"

Grant did not care. "You see, I see the photo of Lee Sharp train while crossing the river. But if all goes as planned, we still have a daymay well desert and fight to get open, if all goes as planned. "

Sharp surprised. "How so, sir?" Already during Chancellorsville Lee. M, you can get the time to reach the desert. "

"And 'I appreciate that their understanding of the law of Chancellorsville, Sharp said Grant." But still it would not hurt Chancellorsville. You must meet the general location near the courthouse of Orangebefore deleting the desert to thwart my plans and did not have time in which they are entitled. "

Problems in air

Sharp always wore a look of concern. "Another thing that bothers me, sir." Burnside not in the column under the leaves of Culpepper. E 'in place in the middle of the night before the first operation, that is. I am very concerned that is not made on time. "

Grant ignored his work in the office, but has thrown hisRemarks on the shoulder. "He has plenty of time for Sharp."

Sharp has been persistent. "I know you have the time, sir."

This time, sleep aids and make a face-to Sharp. "If there's something on your mind, Captain Sharp, go with it," he said bluntly. Meade had started to leave, he sat very interested in this series of discussions.

"Very good, sir broken. Some information very raw, not as official concern that the comments BurnsideThem. "

"Like what for example?" Grant asked.

Sharp shrugged his shoulders and gave me the first person in his notebook:

"Grant added in small battles and was not big enough for this command."

"Grant is the mascot of Lincoln."

"Grant will not succeed. Lee caught in the desert and destroy it."

Grant was Meade. Meade took this as a problem was.

"Yes, General Grant, I'm afraid my people have allowed these things to me."

"E 'Not as Sharp makes the captain?

"Maybe not so much sir, but I am concerned."

Grant was thoughtful for a moment. He replied in a tone of firmness. as: "Well, do not worry about me, a gentleman and a staunch defender Burnside Lot of trade union rights, can not tell me. .. It is not necessary, but not impede the implementation of contracts and performance of their duty."

Meade got up to leave. "I hope you're right, Mr. President, Burnside, I mean.It 's very bitter about how it happened, and there are very good people who disagree with you. "

"Did I break a rule of mine and put in place, Meade. Who in particular?"

Meade said tired, as if he knew that was the beginning of some very hard feelings. "General Hancock for one, sir, when he learned that Burnside in the middle of the night he was released to fill almost an attack," The son ... ... this bastard ruined everything in place .. Please waitand see. Those were his exact words to me, sir. "

Grant put his chin on his hands, his elbows on his knees and thought for a moment. Finally, he says with a hint of concern,

"Well, obviously I'm concerned, General Meade, but not enough to erase the campaign for change. I can not do something that is spasmodic, and the mass deception of the President for more than the Burnside is the presumption should not do .

Meade nodded gravely.When he left, Grant Sharp returned.

"How reliable are these reports Sharp?"

"Sir reliable."

Grant shook his head in disgust. "Contrary to what I said Meade, I campaign if I thought it would happen. But I do not see a general turn to prove to his men and his country, to a certain extent."

Sharp showed his face in his lap and looked up to see Grant. "There are those who have known and served with him,I think it's fair. "

They sat in silence for about five minuets. Twice Grant began to write something and then stops. Finally he spoke. "No, not Sharp. Burnside a trade unionist and a loyal soldier will do his duty .."

Sharp rose to go. Slowly to the door late on several occasions. Came to the door and opened. First through, he turned to Grant. "It 's a good thing, the thought of compassion, honesty, General Grant, but with the side burnscan make a mistake. Then he went out and closed the door behind him. Grant stood motionless for a moment and looked at nothing in particular. He turned to what he did before his entry Sharp

Fatal Decision

After turning right on the wheel and in the desert, he saw the column of cavalry of Grant and Lee began to hit the power train in different places, shooting and sharing horses and car service. Cavalryjust came to Meade.

"Cavalleria Lee complete our tail, taking much damage, sir."

Meade mounted at a point where it might seem. He turned toward the driver. "Go and tell the time and the cavalry of General Sheridan made of protection." The man stepped forward. Meade turned to see what he could on the provision of some kind of protection, without stopping the train's design was obvious to Lee. In about two hours, the pilot is back. RodeMeade hello. Meade was angry in advance that the man was alone. "Now, soldier?"

The man looked positively ill. "Sheridan will not come, Lord"

Meade, who was known for his temper, turned almost purple. "What?" Say what? "

"He said ... to say that he had orders to protect the right flank and could not leave."

"But what did he say?"

"He said ... he says hell tell you, sir."

Without going into the pilot on duty Meadehis horse and began a race to see Sheridan. Finally found him sitting under an oak, and eat a couple of dried meat. Meade almost ran over with his horse. "General Sheridan, he said," You said this man back to me ... "

Sheridan got up and grabbed the horse by the bridle Meade. E 'was more difficult, more vile in general in the Union Army. Usually he took orders, but has never had a shit. Sheridan was connected directly to General Grant, and was frustrated byMeade introduction between him and Grant. "Now they have their horses, Meade!"

Meade was not as difficult as Sheridan, but his mood was worse, and he was so stubborn. He wiped the words of Sheridan. "I can do one, sir question, and I want an answer. Now send! Did you know that the pilot must say that I'm going to hell?"

Sheridan does not expect Meade is angry and went away and it took a little 'back. "I did not say exactly Meade."

"The title isGeneral Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac, General Sheridan. Which is exactly what you're saying? If this man has lied to me, I ... "

"Do not lie, General Meade."

"What the hell ..."

"I said, 'If Meade has given me a contract, then you can say go to hell, I could not believe that is around you, Meade; .. I thought the man had made a mistake"

"Well, I left, and ..."

"General Meade,General Grant personally to protect the right flank. If I go and leave him without protection, take the first place and this season, Lee will be in an accident. "

Meade slightly softened. "I do not care what Grant said, I am the captain and I'll give you a direct order. We train is destroyed by the cavalry of Lee.'re Back to a time and protect."

Sheridan's face began to turn to the Crimson. "Well, I suppose, GeneralMeade, I must say that personally, go to hell. I am here and I did not leave the battlefield without protection. Remember, do not know what happens when Hooker Custer was their right and left unprotected? "

Meade began to calm down a bit 'and I tried valiantly to get his temper under control. "General Sheridan, we have an emergency on our hands and can only deal with the cavalry. If your baggage is destroyed, there are disadvantages to fight in the front lineSuccess. In a day of food and ammunition. "

Sheridan Meade confused modified form of weakness. He began to cry. "Grant was sent to replace it, and I do not know what the hell he was doing. This proves it. Want to leave my horse, fighting and a police officer?" I will not stop if you do not give this same message comes and tells me and enough. "

Meade had his character under control and now has a little 'time to think whileSheridan was concerned. "General Sheridan. If, like me, I stopped in the area and returned Culpepper said. If our convoy and we do not lose this battle, I turned to disobey orders to fire on the battlefield. You're taking your group and return per bag. If you are not left unprotected in the train until it is in the desert and the Confederates stopped the attacks.'re like me and I'll tell you now! "

SheridanI thought not too bad. Meade said unacceptable things he thought he could bluff. Now, I saw that Meade could be wrong. It was one of two options. Meade shoot, or do what he said. Might consider the fire, but there were many men, only the clash. "Very well, sir," he said, "but if the right is lost, and Grant ... "

Meade stopped. "I tell everyone the story of General Grant, Sheridan. If there is a good sequenceThe exhibition, which will come to me. Now go away, or too late. "Meade has turned and left Sheridan was cursed.

One of his fighters on horseback. "If we're not gunna, sir, I would have known. If yes, then we had to put the best way. I hear back problems."

Sheridan turned round and shouted to his lieutenant. "I'm so eager to go, go, damn it!" The Brigade was given the signal and the cavalry returnedoffers a warm place. After a certain time, followed by Sheridan.

A bit 'of mental decline that cost him a fight and almost lost a war

Meade arrived at Grant's shop a few hours after the order. He was the chief to tell the complete story of the grant. But when he walked, Grant has taught him. "Meade,'m Burnside. Report for the scouts that are 15 miles down the road were and saw no sign of him. When he went much further, it will not.

"WellIn general, I do not know what we can do about it if there is progress. "

Grant shook his head firmly. "Sure, George, we will not do."

At that time, entered into a search engine: "We Burnside, sir, is approached from a different location, not really, Lord, and has only eight miles .."

The granting of a visible sigh of relief. He turned to Meade. "Well, that's good news. George, why not in the position of a party, and Ian eye on things to stop here. We have this thing within our reach if we are in good condition for five in the morning. "

Meade has created without consulting Sheridan and Grant on the right in the air. It 'been improved and it was almost dark before he could remember. If you go back? What could Grant, anyway? They had no cavalry on the right and send the material necessary for the protection. If there are no fights, which again tomorrow morning and say:personally.

An unforgivable error in the verdict

Meade was a serious error in the decision. Thus, the work of Grant Sheridan had to plan ahead to protect the right of the right. Meade concern that the provision of railway lines were destroyed was justified, but their actions are not. Some of the cavalry could protect the train, but some have failed to protect the right. The order should be that as soon as possible, men should have beenSleep Station and return to the front. Meade was not, and the tension was so great that Sheridan did not take themselves to change, though, as the best cavalry general of the Union, Grant knew what he meant. It 'was a big change in battle plan and to grant without the knowledge or consent. Meade and the decision not to resume immediately and that Grant was also poor.

Confederate Jeb Stewat Save

Two nightsbefore being transferred to grant Culpepper, Stuart had proliferated in the field of information in terms of Grant. Lee left off Long Street Stuart and immediately found in the mountains, and Gordon called the spike.

"Gentlemen, we have information on more serious nature, lively and happy. Grant Culpepper leaves in two days with a force of 120,000 men and a huge freight train. E 'managed for wildlife."

Ambrosio said Hill. "One hundred and twenty thousand! It is possible, my God. Wekeep fit, if we remain ready to attack in the fight for a long period of Chancellorsville? "

Lee shook his head. "I do not think that General Hill, and I decided to attack the camp of Orange Court House and in the desert."

General Gordon almost fell off the chair. "But, sir, a strike force, size, and in the desert, where we can see what's going on? E 'wise?"

Lee spoke before answering.Finally, he turned to Gordon. "Overall, this war has changed. The man who does not fight like the others. It is not Joe Hooker. If anything, the advantage of us, destroy us without hesitation. And this is another thing that I think about it. I Our men are fighting a lot better in the woods, where individual training and a little instinct and cunning ways much more important. I think that the capture of the subsidy in the desert, with an attackis certainly not expected, perhaps our only chance. We arrive here at Chancellorsville. "

General Pickett interrupted "But Lee, Longstreet, and Ewell. We are less than half its size."

Lee nodded knowingly. "Exactly, General Pickett, and one more reason to deal with them in nature. I do not know how many men we face. Grant is intelligent. Come to him, so we have a point. It 'then mustwonder how long we've known. He knows that we moved here more than you. "

Pickett expressed concern. Long Street in Shenandoah. If he can get there in time for any help in this fight? "

"We need to keep them until they do, General Pickett. We can only hope to do."

Pickett was satisfied, but not P. Hill. "I do not like the General Lee. I hate the least."

Lee was understanding, but firm. "Do not Knowor, in general Hill; .. So, if you leave a better idea, we have now, Hill said nothing for the rest were.

General Lee's best time

If wild animals have started arriving in the desert, Lee knew that Grant was in the neighborhood. He used his men and sent them forward. For a while, 'the battle of the bottom. Then he began to waver. Finally, the Union has begun to the south. Lee's men threw their weapons and ran. Lee could point to warbefore him. Fell into the current flight, drew his sword and began to whip across the fugitives.

"Stop! For God's sake, you're southern! If you do not stop their activities and their homes are lost," go and fight, "Go back and fight! Please come back and fight the men!" The presence of inspiration for Lee managed to stop the exodus and its lines have been restored. Lee has been accused in attacks against the United States. "Go, man, come on. Me This is the Blue JacketsIf the print! "While the men were meeting, a note was heard throughout the region.

"Down Lee! Get the General Lee on the field! Get the General Lee from the line of fire!" Finally, a Brigadier General Lee took a horse and took him out of danger. But the screen brave, desperate and fanatic of the great general has had its effect. The rebels stayed behind and fought with great loss and the struggle continues until sunset.

A traitor in the ranks

InIn the morning a messenger came to Meade. "Something in Mr. Burnside." He did not come. The center is open. "

Meade cursed quietly. "How far is it?" I shook my head.

"I do not know, sir. All I know is not on." Meade thanked the messenger and went to the headquarters of the Bank Grant. Then he stopped. I could not stop buying the land. He had set his troops to try to cover at least half thin.

premonition comes HancockTrue

Hancock has led AP Hill. Approximately 11:00 am, General Lyman Hancock came to the face. "We are good in handling it," said Hancock.

Lyman then brought the bad news. "Burnside is not."

Hancock was furious. "I knew it, he shouted angrily:" Exactly what I expected when they attack now, we could AP Hill broke into pieces .. "

Long Street, saves the day

Shortly after, a messenger ran to the headquarters of South LeeTent. "Longstreet arrived, sir."

Lee came out and gave Longstreet and his men in motion. There was no time for conferences. The fight was in the balance. "At the center, Jim," he said, "in the middle!" Longstreet took his hand to his ear, nodded and motioned his men to less than twice as long. It is not clear that Lee knew the center was open, but Longstreet advanced unopposed until that is far behind the lines of grant. Panic seized the Union lines, and the men ranreturn.

Meade confession

A messenger rushed into the shop of Grant. "The men are sent, sir," he said. Grant ran and jumped on his horse. Grant from the dark field staff and took restored. Longstreet had been killed and was seriously injured.

At night, at 18.00 watch Gordon Meade attacked the right flank against Shaler and Seymore. It was in the air. Gordon met with little resistance. Only darkness halted a significantRoad.

"What happened, George?" Grant asked General Meade. "When I said the law was to protect Sheridan."

Meade was red-faced in front of Grant.

"I'm back to protect the convoy, sir. It was destroyed."

Grant was incredulous. "It 's been an integral part of the battle plan. I could not work without Sheridan in the city."

"But the supply train, sir," said Meade was something pathetic defense, "Stuart and his way with him.Horses and cars were dropping like flies. "

"Why not?" Grant asked angrily.

"I thought it was time. General Grant, which would be two hours for me to come here has done."

Grant was not satisfied. "But you were here tonight, George." Why do not you tell me then? "

Meade lowered his head. "I. .. I forgot, sir."

Grant was difficult to control yourself. "You forget something important like this?"

"Yeah, well, 'me' Lord, when I arrivedBurnside has started talking to me and I escaped. Many things were happening quickly. "

Grant was tired of the frustration and changed the subject. "I think the reason is that Burnside was not in time."

"Yes, sir, what happened there," Meade ask?

"He says he took the wrong road when you're in the desert," said Grant.

"But how can you, Grant?" They are clearly marked. "

Grant shook his head wearily. "I know, I know."

"Do you think that ...."

Grantinterrupted. . "I think ... I think it will be a burden and a council of war can not let this trust that man ... but George and those on .. someone had told me only"

What can we do otherwise, sir, "said Meade. "We had to protect the baggage."

Meade Grant stared a long moment, then looked away. "Well, General Meade was what I did was to send back half men and half forward." Meade began to respond, then paused.The right decision was very clear, it was stupid. How can a general who once commanded the whole army, who did? He lowered his head and woke deleted.

Major grant decision

If Meade had left, Grant went to his tent and threw himself on the bed. The men said they heard sobbing. In discussion with Meade was so excited seemed to be collapsed. Ramos, who was with Grant from the outset, I had never seen so much angerand frustrated that I was on one of his own generals to start. His perfect plan would work, but Burnside had or not Meade ruined the thing with Sheridan. How to protect yourself against the spirit of infidelity and testing firm that light? The enemy had fought bravely and brilliantly and avoid destruction, while his men fell, bumbled and fumbled away another chance. I had a hair and destroy Leebelow. But then there was the same in the first desert campaign, and was Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Union soldiers had done their homework and the rebels agreed to retaliate. The division was with the controls again, as always. Lee had risked his life, the race to the battlefield, bullets in the head, in a show of personal courage of a general at any time without Meade and Sheridan are cursing each other under an oak tree and tried to Burnside is smalland bittersweet revenge. It is not surprising that the Union had not broken the insurgency for a long time. How could such an incompetent leader?

At night, he thought. A Rawlins in question has had a coffee and a snack. Grant sat down and drank a bit 'of coffee.

"Rawlins, I made my decision."

Ramos was not sure what Grant has spoken. "Let us then?"

Grant got up and down the shoulder Rawlins. "No, myDear Friend, We return. We just have to go elsewhere. "

"But where General Grant?

Grant sat down and began his shoes. "I'm tired, Rawlins, and Don go through this twice, I need to rest if I can get Go into the morning, when Meade and you know the first time Oh, and remember waking up at 6 ...: 00, which happen when I sleep.

At 6:30 the next morning, Meade was at the meeting that Grant had calledhim.

"General Sheridan and ..."

Grant was arrested. "General Meade, now all the preparations for the night in March.. Tonight we go from here." Meade looked at him and said nothing: "Do not worry, George will not be returned;. If you move south and fight in a better place I hope we can steal a march and he and Lee, before you can not choose our place I like this place. ".

Meade watched with a smile cracking his face grim. "Well,U.S. Grant, "he said with enthusiasm.

From darkness to glory

About an hour after sunset, the Army of the Potomac West turned and went into the desert. There was anger and frustration in the hearts and the votes of men ... "What the hell are we going now Lee has enjoyed more, there is a rush why not stay and fight tomorrow, so that if the troops of Longstreet? There are three men, two of them!" In the West BasinDesert and Orange Plank Road Cycling expect men to Hermann Ford left. Instead, he turned to the right. Then the mood is completely changed the design began the solution. A joy when, as he had never heard of the grant. He ran through the ranks. "General Grant, General Grant, U.S. Grant, grant unconditional surrender," they shouted while throwing their hats into the air.

Horace Porter was mounted on the side of Rawlins. "This started a funeral march andbecame an instant triumph. "

Ramos nodded and said nothing. E 'Rawlins was strange. Porter saw, it was clear that his eyes filled with tears.

The men sang "John Brown's Body is a" rotting in his grave. "" We hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree. "

Porter continued his commentary. "These men sing Grant, Rawlins." Rawlins was finally able to respond.

And for him,Porter. "

Porter nodded. And, General Ramos. But it is the culmination of the life of Ulysses S. Grant. If I were in the opposite direction to McClellan, Pope, Burnside, McDowell, Hooker, and Meade, which would have caused the death of a nation.

Lincoln's man in the past

asked to return to Washington, Henry Wing, a reporter for the New York Tribune, for an audience with the President. Lincoln met with some members of his cabinet. Like allWing journalist was not so. "Mr. President," he said boldly, "I have a personal word to you."

The company was new, and only with the Lincoln wing. "They wanted to see me?" Lincoln asked.

"Yes, Mr. President, I have a message for you, a message from General Grant. He told me he would give when they were alone. "

"Some of the grant for me?" The President proposed to Wing. He had never understood that the president has been so great. Lincoln leaned over andAla looked into his eyes with a look of almost savage. What is this? "I asked hoarsely.

Ala was nervous and emotional. His voice began to waver. "General Grant told me to tell him that, whatever happens, there is no way to be." What happened next, if the wing of the title for a future book, when Lincoln gave me a kiss.

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