Robert Lee likewise disagreed with Richard Delafield's ideas. Being on the front lines, he understood both sides' strengths and weaknesses even more clearly, so he strongly agreed with Stonewall Jackson.
"Our men truly aren't as skilled at storming fortified positions, while the British have been waiting all along for a chance to fight us in a decisive battle.
Right now, there is no worse choice than taking the initiative to attack."
Stuart's rank and seniority could not compare to those of the first two, but his view was much the same.
"I agree. I think attacking all along the line is more sensible than concentrating our forces and sending them to their deaths. Is there no way to stop him?"
Having just turned twenty-five that year, Stuart had clearly never dealt with Delafield before. The other generals who had returned from overseas beside him, however, all shook their heads vigorously.
"Getting that old stubborn mule to change his mind is simply impossible."
"Then what do we do? Watch the soldiers march to their deaths with our eyes open?"
Stonewall Jackson said indignantly.
"What else? Have the soldiers shoot him from the shadows?"
Stuart actually thought that was a decent suggestion. He knew quite a few men who did not fear death. Mainly because mounted rangers were often companions to death, and many of them had long since grown numb to killing and being killed.
"Enough. Stop talking. Delafield has assembled more than a hundred and fifty regiments this time; it won't be so easy for the British to swallow them whole.
Those of us who returned from overseas have already been excluded by him. Even if we wanted to help now, we couldn't. We might as well do what lies within our power."
Robert Lee wanted to ease the atmosphere