Never Call Retreat - Civil War 03 by William R. Forstchen, Newt Gingrich Read Free Book Online Page B

this day.
    Lee was silent and lowered his head. Tomorrow we shall know. By then it will be clear whether Grant has turned south, coming straight on, or not. We can refit in Baltimore then and plan our next move.
    He hated this. He wished that right now telegraph keys were clicking, telling him which way Grant was moving, either coming straight on or, as Hood suggested, swinging wide on a flanking march to the southwest.
    In-almost every battle in the past, we knew their intentions. This time it was different, and that was indeed troubling. And yet, at Chancellorsville he had been caught off guard and turned near defeat into an overwhelming victory.
    "Just one more victory, gentlemen," Lee said softly, surveying his lieutenants and the secretary of state. "Whether he comes due south or tries to flank us, all we seek is one more victory—and the war is over."
    All around him nodded in agreement.
    "Keep the troops moving, gentlemen. I want the entire army into Baltimore as quickly as possible, and then they can rest.
    "General Stuart, starting tomorrow I want a strong screen moved forward toward General Grant. Give your men time to rest this afternoon and into tomorrow. Report to me tonight for orders."
    "Sir, a problem."
    "Go ahead."
    "Many of our mounts are worn. I dare sa y half our horses need reshoein g."
    'Then find new mounts in the city."
    "Sir, city horses, well, they just aren't fit for cavalry. Draught horses, mostly. We're starting to sweep this area clean of remounts. I must have several days at least to refit after the hard ride of the last week."
    Lee nodded.
    "Rest your men today. Get them off the roads. Concentrate at a place of your choosing between here and Baltimore, then report to me as ordered. Send some of your staff back to the city to see what arrangements can be made for your refitting^" "Yes, sir."
    "Gentlemen, I want this army to make twenty-five miles today. I know it will be a hard march. But I promise you at least a day of rest tomorrow. As I said before, be liberal with those who cannot keep up. We are not an army in retreat, and those who fall out will surely rejoin the ranks. They are good men, so treat the exhausted, the ill, with respect; make that clear to your provost guards."
    All nodded in agreement.
    "We meet tomorrow in Baltimore, and there will plan our next move."
    The look in his eyes was clear indication of dismissal. The group began to break up, officers calling for their mounts, staff, and escorts.
    Lee caught General Pickett's eye and motioned for him to come over, the crestfallen division commander yielding with a certain reluctance.
    "General Longstreet, would you join us for a moment?"
    Lee stepped out from under the awning into the warm afternoon sun.
    "General Pickett, sir, I am disappointed in the report I received regarding your action at Gunpowder River."
    "Sir, our blood was up," Pickett replied defensively. "We would not run before Yankees."
    "And you destroyed your division, sir."
    Pickett looked at him, eyes wide.
    Lee looked over at Longstreet. Pickett was his old friend.
    Pete gave no indication either way of his wishes. He knew Longstreet was in a quandary.
    "I had hoped that in actions to come, General Pickett, it would be your division, which had been the heaviest division in my army, to see victory through. The honor might have been yours to lead a charge that could have won the war."
    He paused for a moment.
    "Sir, I shall not relieve you of command. But know, sir, that I shall be watching you closely henceforth."
    "General Lee," Pickett replied icily, "if you do not have confidence in my ability, sir, then accept my resignation."
    Lee flushed.
    "I have no wish or time for such a result," Lee replied sharply, controlling his anger. "I need you and what is left of your division. I need every man, every experienced field commander I can find. Just do your duty, and follow orders, next time, to the letter. That is what I expect of you now."
    Features pale, Pickett