Michael A. Palmer - Lee Moves North: Robert E. Lee on the Offensive

Lee Moves North reveals how the general's penchant for secrecy about his plans—a prerequisite for the political battle he waged with his superiors in Richmond—undermined the Army of Northern Virginia. Keeping his true intentions hidden from President Jefferson Davis and Secretary of War James Seddon meant also keeping the plans secret from even the army's trusted corps commanders. As a result, inadequate support, poor or nonexistent staff work, and confusion about campaign objectives all contributed to failure. In fact, Palmer's meticulously crafted account demonstrates a direct correlation between the troubled relationship of Lee and Davis and the actual outcome on the battlefield.