American87
Sergeant
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2016
- Location
- PENNSYLVANIA
Yes, this was a defeat. The interesting part is what Grant did following this try at Lee? He followed Lee ,he bleed Lee of men he did not have to lose. He did not give the Confederate army any breathing space as McClellan or others had done. He had more men and military supplies than Lee, The destruction of the ANV was his objective. As he stated that it would come to an end if he pressed Lee, Lincoln ordered him to Press. All generals previous had allowed Lee an opportunity to rest and prepare his army. Grant shortened the war by his continuous actions of remaining in Lee's front or side . With Mc/ the gates of Richmond was the Confedercery .To Grant it was the army of Lee that was the Confederacy. Between his actions against Lee and Sherman against the heartland of the South .,the Confedercery would not last and the war was shorten with less losses on both sides. Jefferson Davis could have kept Richmond but with no army it would meant nothing Remember that after every victory of Grant's there was only one surrender ,unconditional/total capitulation.
Yes, Grant was able to convince Lee to a conditional surrender, after Lee had defied him against 4-1 odds, and barely enough horses to carry some wagons and cannon, and scarcely any food.
Grant was fortunate he had such a big war machine to back him up.
Other than that I tend to agree with your post.