Gods and Generals - Jeff Shaara [84]
17. LEE
April 1862
THROUGHOUT THE winter months, little had changed for Lee. He had officially been named Davis’s military adviser, which still meant that he continued to perform those duties that Davis didn’t want.
Joe Johnston was named commander of all forces in the northern Virginia area, and Beauregard, whose ego would predictably clash with Johnston’s, was transferred to command of the army of northern Mississippi. With the new movement by McClellan, the threat to Richmond had changed directions. There was a growing lack of confidence that McClellan’s huge Federal force could be stopped.
Lee was the last to enter Davis’s office, saw the men seated in a half-circle. He had grown accustomed to meetings such as this being affairs that were anything but friendly and sociable. Davis sat behind the big desk, rested his lean face sideways against one hand, appearing tired to Lee, and impatient. As Lee reached his own chair, he nodded to Joe Johnston, who sat upright, combative, glancing at Lee but not smiling. To Lee’s right sat Secretary of War Randolph, a man Lee respected for his reasonableness and his seeming lack of political ambitions. Lee felt he could freely discuss his problems and strategies with Randolph, who, like him, could not escape the stranglehold that Davis maintained on military decision-making.
There were two other men, seated behind Johnston, and both of them stood when Lee entered. Lee knew one to be General Gustavus Smith. The other was introduced by Davis.
“General Lee, General Johnston has been accompanied by two of his ranking commanders. I believe you are acquainted with General Smith.”
Lee nodded, Smith sat down, and Lee regarded the other man, much larger, a grim serious man who had been close to the fight.
“This is General James Longstreet.”
Longstreet made a brief nod, Lee returned it pleasantly. Longstreet seemed surprised, curious at Lee’s cordial greeting.
Both men sat, and Davis said, “Gentlemen, General Johnston has brought to Richmond grave concerns. He does not feel . . . well, General, I will not speak for you. Please inform us as to your need for this meeting.” There was nothing pleasant in Davis’s voice.
Johnston, who had small features and a short, pointed beard, stood and turned slightly, facing Lee and Randolph. Lee noticed the slight to Davis, saw Davis quietly move his chair to see Johnston’s face.
“We are in the midst of the greatest crisis of our rebellion, the greatest crisis of my command. General McClellan is massing his entire army on the peninsula and will very soon be able to make a broad sweep, brushing our meager forces out of the way, until he sits gloating in this very office!”
There was no reply; Lee knew Johnston would have more.
“Our army is scattered so far and wide that we cannot possibly concentrate enough manpower to stop this assault. As we speak, the forces of General McDowell are moving toward Richmond from the northwest, clearly aiming to join flanks with McClellan’s. When this happens, Richmond will be surrounded, cut off. It is clear to this command that we have but one alternative, and that is to pull forces from the southern coasts, from the Shenandoah Valley, the Carolinas, Tennessee . . . from any areas where troop positions are strong, and concentrate them for a great defense, the defense of Richmond!”
Lee looked at Davis, who did not speak. It was Secretary Randolph who broke the silence.
“General, do you propose to abandon Yorktown and Norfolk?”
“Of course. We cannot possibly hope to hold back McClellan’s forces along the coast. His