Prologue

Dedicated to my Greco pals, Amedeo and Manuel

I have been prompted by these reflections more than once since my return from
Pennsylvania to propose to Your Excellency the propriety of selecting another
commander for this army… No one is more aware than myself of my inability
for the duties of my position. I cannot even accomplish what I myself desire… I,
therefore, in all sincerity, request your Excellency to take measure to supply my place.

Robert E. Lee letter to Jefferson Davis in August 1863 after Gettysburg

On July 1, 1863 Robert E. Lee’s Army of North Virginia runs into Union troops at the crossroads town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This initiates the pivotal battle of the Civil War, lasting over three days and ending all hope for a Confederate victory. This book provides an abbreviated overview of the struggle.