Washington—the federal government was organizing an evacuation. As defeats continued to pile up at the front, the flames of war had already reached the federal capital.
Maryland had ultimately failed to halt the Southern army's advance. There were simply too many people dragging them down from behind; beset by troubles within and without, even the federal army's greatest efforts were futile.
Besides, there were too many places the federal government had to defend. Compared to them, Washington's greatest value was political. The Great Lakes region was the true core of the federal government.
It could be said that as long as the Great Lakes industrial zone remained intact, the federal government would have the confidence to suppress the rebellion. Otherwise, this war could not be fought at all.
President Lincoln asked solemnly, "General Grant, I need a definite answer. Can Washington be held?"
Grant was a federal general who had shot to fame through the war. He had commanded the federal army to its first major victory and become the central figure in the defense of Washington.
This was no easy assignment. With the federal army at a disadvantage, defending the capital was exceedingly difficult.
If other places fell, then they fell. After all, the federal army had been collapsing all along across the broader war, and the federal government could not possibly hold anyone accountable.
So-called famed generals of history still had to bow their heads before strength. The generals later generations of the federal government had lauded were beaten senseless on the battlefield, and even an occasional victory depended on luck.
It was not that their command abilities were inadequate; the main problem was the federal army's lack of execution.
They were farmers and workers who had only just put down their tools. Many had been sent to