General Robert E. Lee:
General Ewell, I had hoped that after moving through the town, you would've taken that hill.
Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell:
I didn't think it was practical. Well, for many reasons. We'd marched all day, and we'd fought. And your orders were to caution against bringing on a general engagement.
Maj. Gen. Jubal Early:
There were reports of Federal troops in the north, sir. We couldn't bring sufficient artillery to bear on that hill. We decided it was best to wait for another of our divisions, Johnson's.
Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell:
Yes, sir. Johnson didn't arrive till after dark, just a while ago. He's out there now, looking over the terrain.
General Robert E. Lee:
General Early, do you think you can attack on your flank in the morning?
Maj. Gen. Jubal Early:
[sighs] That hill will be a very strong position once it's fortified, which is what they're doing right now, sir.
General Robert E. Lee:
I am very much aware of that, General.
Maj. Gen. Jubal Early:
Have you looked over the ground yourself, sir?
General Robert E. Lee:
From a distance only.
Maj. Gen. Jubal Early:
I do not think we should attack this point. This will be the strong point. Our troops have marched hard and fought hard toady. I suggest we hold here while the rest of the army attacks the other flank.
General Robert E. Lee:
Do you think an attack on your flank will succeed?
Maj. Gen. Jubal Early:
I think it would be very costly.
Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell:
Very costly, sir.
General Robert E. Lee:
General Rodes?
Maj. Gen. Robert Rodes:
We, uh, could attack of course, General, but the boys have had a good fight and that will be a strong position. General, I am sorry we didn't take that hill today.
General Robert E. Lee:
Well, this day is done. You know, General Longstreet proposes that we move our army around to the right, and flank the Federal army, and interpose between Meade and Washington.
Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell:
And to vacate this position? To leave this town we've just captured, sir?
General Robert E. Lee:
This town is of no military significance whatsoever, General.
Maj. Gen. Jubal Early:
To move this entire corps in the face of a fortified enemy?
General Robert E. Lee:
And yet you tell me that you cannot attack in the morning? Gentlemen, if we do not withdraw and if we do not move in the face the enemy then we must attack. Is there any alternative? General Hill?
Lt. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill:
No, sir.
General Robert E. Lee:
Very well. I do thank you, gentlemen.
[Generals Early, Rodes, and Hill salute and leave. General Ewell remains to speak to Lee.]
Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell:
[clears throat] General... I believe I may have been too slow today. I regret that very much. I was trying to be careful. May have been too careful.
General Robert E. Lee:
You won a victory this day, General. It was not a large victory. It could have been larger. Perhaps we could have pushed harder. But it was a victory nonetheless. And your people fought valiantly. This was your first campaign commanding a corps. Now you know it's not always as simple as it sometimes appears. Go and rest now for tomorrow.
