Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 33.djvu/86

 82 Southern Historical Society Papers.

with the flower and bulk of the cavalry, and did not report to the army until after the first day's fighting. The rest of the cavalry was required to guard lines of communication to the rear. Mean- while Lee, deprived of the "eyes and ears of the army," was com- pelled to grope in the dark to feel for his enemy, which was a ter- rible handicap and spoiled his programme. Yet all would have turned out well at last if Longstreet had executed Lee's orders, and attacked vigorously early in the morning of July 2. Also if Long- street had earnestly attacked and vigorously supported, as Lee ordered, on July 3, it is clear that the blow would have demolished Meade.

The author speaks in several places of divisions coming out of charges with " dripping bayonets." This must be considered only a figure of speech, for it is doubtful if on a large scale bayonets ever crossed, minie bullets doing the business.

The remarks of Captain Battine on the importance of the army compared to u sea power" are worthy of deep consideration Cap- tain Mahan to the contrary notwithstanding. We must confess to thinking "sea power" and "world-power" twin fads, which will have run their course after a time, and yield place to sensible mili- tary defence to protect our own homes, not to shell the over-sea homes of others.