Existing comment:
Opportunity Lost:
"Never, before of after, did the fates put such a prize within our reach."
-- Maj. E. Porter Alexander, Confederate staff officer
The "prize" in Alexander's wistful comment was the potential destruction of the Army of the Potomac. Hard marching had placed the Confederate forces in position to slice the retreating Federals in half. Perhaps, with perfect execution among four converging forces, the Confederates could divide their foes and conquer them in pieces.
Historians have debated ever since about Jackson's role. Did he misunderstand his orders? Was he too fatigued to command his men effectively? Is there missing evidence? Stiff Union resistance played a part in the Confederate failure. But Lee certainly learned that coordinating so many separate columns placed unrealistic expectations on inexperienced generals and staff officers. Later in the war a complicated operation like Glendale/Frayser's Farm might have worked.
Falling Short:
Thomas Jackson:
"Stonewall" Jackson, who had command of more than one-third of the entire Southern army around Richmond on June 30, did not reach the crossroads near Glendale. His 30,000 men lay idle north of White Oak Swamp.
Benjamin Huger:
Gen. Benjamin Huger found his path blocked on the Charles City Road and was unable to force his way through.
Theophilus Holmes:
Union cannon on high ground prevented General Holmes from advancing down the New Market Road.
A plan that started with great promise ended in frustration. Three of the four Confederate columns failed to meet Lee's expectations. The fourth force, under generals Longstreet and A.P. Hill, did not have enough strength to succeed alone. |