In this what-if, Lee decides not to invade North and continue to stay on the defensive. With the expiry of the Union enlistments, the ANV has very good relative numerical parity with the AoP, at least compared to the last few prior campaigns. On the defensive, and with relative strength being much more favorable, perhaps he can bog Hooker/Meade down in Virginia.
In this scenario, Davis and Lee decide that Lee can spare 2 divisions for other purposes. 15,000 men are available.
The question is - could 15,000 men redeployed in May 1863 make a difference anywhere in the Confederacy? Or is it too little? Or would those troops not be able to arrive in time. The obvious place everyone always asks about is Vicksburg. Is there any way 15,000 men could have saved it? If not Vicksburg, are there any other significant fronts these men could make a difference to the Confederate war effort? What were Bragg and Rosecrans up to at this point in the war?
mike
In this scenario, Davis and Lee decide that Lee can spare 2 divisions for other purposes. 15,000 men are available.
The question is - could 15,000 men redeployed in May 1863 make a difference anywhere in the Confederacy? Or is it too little? Or would those troops not be able to arrive in time. The obvious place everyone always asks about is Vicksburg. Is there any way 15,000 men could have saved it? If not Vicksburg, are there any other significant fronts these men could make a difference to the Confederate war effort? What were Bragg and Rosecrans up to at this point in the war?
mike