Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter/Gods and Generals.
March 12th, 1862
Near the capital of the state of Kentucky over the river that touches the city, there was a battle going on that would determine which side the state will be in. either Kentucky will stay in the Union or leave and joined Confederate States. Many citizens were hoping for the Confederates to win the battle, so that they can become proud Citizen's of the Confederate States of America; but only time will tell as the sound of gunfire can be heard from all the way from Versailles.
While at this ensuing battle, on a hilltop looking over the battle , James Lee (who was wearing an all gray uniform and Kepi) watched as regiments of gray were fighting regiments of blue that were beginning to break as they were being riddled by Southern bullets and cannonballs. James even saw a regiment of blue retreating of blue dropping the Stars & Stripes that it once held. Laying on the ground was massive amounts of bodies of blue and gray. James looked away, as he felt sick at his stomach for knowing the horrors of war and the pain it brings for fighting against people of the blue that he would call his fellow countrymen. Now he is faced with the reality of fighting against them to achieve victory for his home state of Virginia and the Confederate States of America.
He knew that in order to protect Virginia now, he must ensure that the state of Kentucky is a state of the Confederacy. The only problem now was that the Union has reformed in the high ground now and which also is blocking his way to Frankfort and the general in charge of the weaken Army of the Ohio will not simply retreat and let James liberate Kentucky from Federal hands. Not when the Yankee press was heavily criticizing the defeats that the Union had in the past; which was what forced the newly promoted Gen. Ambrose Burnside of the Union Army of the Ohio to attack James's Confederate Army of the Mississippi the day before.
James didn't know much Burnside, only that he was once at the Battle of Manassas and served during the Mexican-American War, he could tell that Burnside was a little arrogant, when yesterday Burnside attacked him believing that his army wasn't fully concentrated at the small town of Versailles while coming from the Troy Pike; instead it was quite the opposite as Jams was concentrated outside of Versailles to the North-East. James had Burnside exactly where he wanted him and at his own terms. To say the least, Burnside has most likely lost about 6,500 men that were killed, missing, or wounded of his 42,000 troops; James only lost 2,500 men of his 70,000 men in just the first day of the battle.
Now on the second day, James decided push Burnside back as James only lost a little bit of ground on the first day; but not enough to force James to retreat. James ordered the attack at first light ,taking Burnside off guard as his men were still sleeping and recovering from the first day; but some managed to form up ranks and tried to stop the Confederate advance. While that made James smile a little knowing that he was increasing his chances of Liberating the great state of Kentucky from Federal hands. But as he knew that this battle will not be a victory unless he can force Burnside to Surrender and he already had that being take care of.
"General Lee?" James heard a voice call out in a Louisianan accent. James turned to where the voice was, and saw that it was Gen. Beauregard.
James saluted Beauregard, as he did as well. Gen. Beauregard was dressed in a uniform just like James is wearing; he had along thick brown mustache, brown eyes, and brown hair that were curly at the sides.
"Sir, the Yankees are broken and are running towards the ridge straight ahead. They are running like chickens with their heads cut off.", Gen. Beauregard informed with a grin.
James nodded and said," very well, any news on General Tonks? Has he managed to reach the Yankees rear end?"
"No sir, but I will find him and have him inform you." Gen. Beauregard replied.
James nodded as he watched Gen. Beauregard run to his horse and ride off to find General Tonks. James sighed, as he remembered when he was given the promotion of Maj. Gen. and Commander of the Army of Mississippi.
It was a few days after the Battle of Manassas; the Confederate Senate had called for him to be in Richmond. James was surprised as he was curious of why the Confederate Senate wanted to see him; his answer came when he was at the capitol of the Confederacy (which is also where the Virginian legislature would usually be). He was sat down next to his father at the conference room of the Confederate Congress.
As the Confederate President Pro tempore of the Senate, Robert M. T. Hunter, stand up and said," Members of this Congressional Senate, I have called upon you by the President of the Confederate States of America to address the results of the selection for who shall be in charge of the future formation of the Army of Mississippi that you have voted for or against based on his qualifications and recommendations by Generals Robert E Lee and Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson. Let us hope that this man that you have voted for will defend the Confederacy and its people; and also help achieve our southern rights."
The entire Senate along with James's father clapped at Hunter's speech. While James wished that man (who would be in charge of the new Army) luck, but he was still wondering why the Confederate Senate wanted to see him. Maybe they just invite him, because he is Robert E Lee's son. That was probably most likely. Just as he was about to ask his father if it was true, Hunter began to speak again.
"As such I am proud to announce that based on the voting by the Confederate Senate that Harry James Lee, son of Robert E Lee and grandson of Light-Horse Harry Lee, is now to be promoted to Maj. Gen. and Cmdr. of the Army of Mississippi."
The entire Senate and James's father clapped again, as James went into shock. Him? A General? This can't be! He was too young and inexperienced for that kind of position, but he knew he must accept this position for everyone in Virginia and the whole Confederacy was dependent on his actions. He would fight to the very end to make sure that he doesn't make the Confederate Senate regret the decision.
Every senator was staring at him like as if they were expecting him to say something.
"Don't just sit there, stand up and say something?" His father whispered to him.
James nodded as he took a deep breath and slowly standup to look at everyone in the room. His mouth does not want to open at first for his nerves were kicking into him. He gained strength and talk to the Confederate Senate, as he slowly stood up.
"Thank you, Mr. Hunter and the great Senators of this Confederacy for making this choice; of which I would have wished you had chosen someone more experience and older than myself. However, I will accept the choice you have made and defend the Confederacy until my last breath; but I feel I must address some issues that worry me and I feel that must be bought to your attention. The first thing I would address is the fact that in order for us to win the war against the Yankees, the Armies of this Confederacy need more men being held by the governors that are too concerned for their state than the whole Confederacy. In order for the armies of Confederacy to win against the Union, we must have armies larger than our enemies.
And also for us to achieve victory, we must have an industry that can match the Union's; and finally we must prove to the European nations that we are not fighting to preserve the institution of slavery, only to fight for our Southern independence. If we do not prove to the world that we are only fighting for our liberty against a Tyranny, then if we are defeated; we will be known as a nation that was fighting for the preservation of Slavery."
The room could not have gone any louder with the sound of clapping and cheering, while nobody noticed the Golden twinkle in James's emerald green eyes.
James was surprise by the effect his speech made, which was heard by every Confederate citizen by newspapers. Industries (although not as much as the Yankee's) were popping up that was worked by women and children that joined willingly. The Confederate Congress even made a law that demanded for slave-owners to give at least half of their male slaves to the Confederate Army, if they had more than one. Though compensation would be given for a Three-fifths of their value. That may James happy a little, because by the end of the war the slaves would be free and be made equal Confederate citizens.
After he was made General of the Army of Mississippi, he quickly began to form the structure of the Army. He built four Corps and a Scout Brigade that each had at least three divisions. He then chooses who he wanted in charge of each Corp and the Scout Brigade. Gen. Beauregard was in charge of the 1st Corps, Albert Johnston of the 2nd Corps, and Braxton Bragg of 3rd Corps, and Jacob Tonks of the 4th Corps, and Nathaniel Forrest of the Scout Division. The Scout Division does exactly what its name is, but also still does its role as a Cavalry unit. It basically comprised the Army's Cavalry units.
Though James did feel a little lonely, as he was the only Virginia in the whole Army, as the Army was comprised of men mostly from states like Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. He thought about asking his father, if he can transfer a Virginian Division in exchange for Kentuckian Division a few months after the battle. He still couldn't believe that his father recommended him for this position, after the conference he asked his father why he recommended him. His father replied that it would not only be safer for him, but also because he knew that James can win the war correctly.
James proved him right, after a few months of form and the Army of Mississippi. He managed to defeat Union Gen. Ulysses S Grant at the Battle of Fort Henry, where he managed to take General Grant by his rear end as he was trying to capture the Fort. After losing about more than 14,000 men (along with General Don Buell being captured), he was forced to retreat back in Kentucky and Loses his position as General of the Army of Tennessee and be replaced by Gen. Ambrose Burnside from the Union Army of the Potomac. President Lincoln would then order for the Army of Tennessee to merge with the Army of the Ohio, where Gen. Burnside would still be in charge.
James knew that President Lincoln now sees how much of a problem James can be, as the merge was made a few days after James decided to march into Kentucky (which was also about a few days after the Battle of Fort Henry) and head straight for Frankfort; forcing Gen. Burnside to follow him and tried to get after have him and ahead. To which he did, only because James and let him. He knew if he made Gen. Burnside a little cocky, then he might be able to win the coming battle.
On March 10, James decided to have his Army concentrated at the small town of Versailles and entrench at the hilltops surrounding the town. James even had units marching ahead of Versailles, to convince Burnside that he was still having is on the march to Frankfort. This would have Burnside attacked James, next day. In that decision, Burnside would probably regret it till his dying day.
The next day, James attacked Burnside; he had managed to force Burnside to pull in his reserves that was protecting his rear. It will become a grave mistake that he will never make up. The whole point of James attacking the next was to have General Tonks have his 2nd Corps (a.k.a. The African Corps) march around and surround Burnside at his rear end. The only thing is the plan won't work, unless General Tonks completes his orders. While the battle ensues, he had General Forrest and his Scout Brigade completes a special mission that James has set up for them.
"General Lee?" Said a familiar voice.
James turned around and smiled as he saw who it was.
"General Tonks, have you completed the task I have set for you?" James asked.
"Yes sir, we have control of the Yankees rear ends." General Tonks replied, proudly.
Jacob Tonks had a brown mustache, brown eyes, brown hair, a square bone chin, and was about 25 years old. He was born in the great state of South Carolina (who was the first state to secede from the Union) and a relative of the great Southern philosopher: Mary Chestnut. When the firing of Fort Sumter begun, Jacob Tonks fired one of the first shots of the war. James had become quite fond of General Tonks for volunteering for the command of the 25,000 man African Corps. James had to choose Tonks, because he was the only one who volunteered for the position.
Tonks managed to prove the worth of his salt at the Battle of Fort Henry; where he led his African Corps to attack Gen. Grant's Calvary units that were trying to change the course of the battle and beaten them back successfully. For that James sent a recommendation to the Confederate Congress for a Southern Cross medal to be given to General Tonks.
"Good, have your men entrenched in case the Yankees try to attack tomorrow morning." James ordered, with a grin.
Jacob Tonks nodded and saluting as he ran back to his horse to complete the order that he was given. James watched as the sun go down as the sound of warfare became silent and the bodies of the dead disappeared in the abyss of darkness.
Washington, D.C.
In the telegraph office of the War Department building, Abraham Lincoln was having a nervous breakdown. He just heard from Gen. Burnside of the Army of the Ohio that Confederate General Harry James Lee of the Army of Mississippi; has just beaten Burnside back took all, but one of the high ground decisions. He knew if Burnside retreats from the battle, then Kentucky will leave the Union for the rebelling Southern slave states; but if James Lee was forced to retreat, then not only would the union have possibility to win the war, but to also free the slaves held in the Southern States.
But right now, it does not look like that would happen as James Lee was winning the battle, he turned to his Secretary of War and asked," what should I do, Stanton? If Burnside retreats, then Kentucky falls to the Confederates."
Stanton was an old man that had a long white beard, said," Mr. President, from the message that Burnside has sent it looks like he is still good to fight, and James Lee has not surrounded him. So I say we attacked James Lee at his flanks it is no doubt that James's men are tired from today's actions. Tomorrow, Burnside will attack and force James back to Tennessee."
Abraham nodded and agreed to the plan and said," very well, have a message sent as soon as possible."
Stanton nodded as he left to have the message sent, if only they knew that they weren't given the full situation and that the message was sent from Burnside, only from the very enemy that they wished to be defeated.
At the Confederate camps of the battle, James listen to the message that was to be sent to Burnside; the thing was that James would be delivering the message. But a few little changes would be made to the message, before the message was to be sent to Burnside; Gen. Forrest and his Scout Brigade managed to cut off all of Burnside's communication lines, and set up a 'special line' that connects between him and Burnside. James smiled as he listened to the message.
Gen. Burnside
You're ordered by the president to attack James Lee's flanks with your whole army in order to have James Lee's tired men retreat back to Mississippi or surrendered. This move must be made tomorrow at first light.
Signed,
Secretary of War: Stanton
James grinned as he knew that he managed to fool Lincoln into thinking that Burnside is still good to fight, but in reality almost all of his divisions are having low morale and possible starvation due to being surrounded. The reason James did this was because once the papers in the north hear about Burnside's surrender and how James fool both him and Lincoln. When Happens the people in the north will have little trust in the government in believing that they were complement enough to end the war in victory. Now James plans to have Burnside do him a favor.
Meanwhile at the union camps, Gen. Ambrose Burnside Union Army of the Ohio was drowning his fears in Alcohol of the Rebel Forces that had surrounded him, he knew that if he doesn't come up with a way to escape now then the rebel forces will destroy his army as he got the message from Washington that reinforcements will arrive to support James and. Burnside felt like an idiot for having not realizing that Lee's intentions of surrounding them and now it look like that the Confederates are winning the battle in that there was no hope for victory.
"Sir?" He heard.
He turned and saw one of his telegraph operators and asked with a sad voice," what is it?"
"A message from Washington." The operator replied, handing Burnside a piece of paper.
The operator saluting and Burnside dismissed him as he led the message from 'Washington'.
Gen. Burnside
You're ordered by the president to attack James Lee's part of the Army that has just attacked you. It is believed that the reinforcements that will come to support James Lee will support the part that is surrounding your rear. This order must be carried out by the afternoon.
Signed,
Secretary of War: Stanton
Burnside sighed in relief. Tomorrow afternoon, he would have Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman attack James Lee's center. He knew that tomorrow will determine the fate of this Army.
The next day on March 13th, when first day light came Burnside began to order for all Artillery to be sent to the South- East as soon as possible and for General Sherman to see him as soon as possible. Time was of the essence, for the existence of this army depends on it. Every second is precious, This Army has to flee to Ohio or else This Army falls and the Union will be endangered by the possibility that James could march into Ohio and into Pennsylvania unopposed. He can't let that happen, if he does than his reputation will be damaged more than it is right now.
He watched as he saw that Jamie (a name that he would hear the men call James as a joke) Lee's men were in their tents asleep, resting from yesterday's attack. Burnside could smile a little, feeling that maybe that there is a chance to escape to Ohio and protect the Union. But this attack has to be done correctly in order for the Army to escape.
"You wanted to see me, Sir?" spoke a familiar deep voice behind him.
Burnside replied knowing who it was, "Yes, General Sherman. I want your men to be in the forest behind the Artillery. The artillery will be bombarding James's Center in order to destroy the defenses there. A Feu d' enfer as Napoleon would call it. When the Guns destroy the defenses there, your division will march out of the forest and continue towards the center. Then Jaime Lee's center will break and rout. Giving this Army a chance to flee to Ohio."
Sherman looked at the Rebel occupied hilltop that Burnside is referring to and said in shock, "General Burnside, what you are asking is impossible. The Rebels are without a doubt wanting us to attack; I bet that they are just waiting with just 2 divisions and loads of cannons. There is no way than any 10,000 men ever made can take that hill in such open ground in a little more than a mile; the cannons on that hill will destroy about at least half of my division and then the infantry that's behind the Stonewall will cause the men to rout. What's more, as the charge begins; how do we coordinate? How do we lead the attack? "
"Nonsense, General. Take a look with these Binoculars and you'll see that it is not as hard as you think." The Commanding General replied.
Sherman stroking his brown beard agreed to look through the binoculars and was surprised to see that there were about 15 Twelve Pound Napoleon Howitzers and only a few brigades of infantry to defend the hill. What was even better was that there weren't any reinforcements nearby.
"That maybe General, but James could be tricking. Remember what he did when Grant was in charge during the Battle of Fort Henry" Sherman informed.
"That maybe, But Grant didn't think about those rebels that were stationed in Corinth that lead to his defeat and me replacing him." Burnside replied.
"But General…"
"General Sherman go and have your division form up in the forest. That's an Order."
Sherman nodded and gave a salute as he left to form his division in the forest.
An Hour later, James watched as he saw the Yankees unlimber the cannons preparing for the massive bombardment that was to come at the afternoon.
"This is it, today is the day that Kentucky is liberated from federal hands. It now lies upon the actions made today." James thought as he watched as the Clarks division waited below the slope of the hill until the Yankees began to March. While many of the cannons were covered in leaves and branches to look like bushes.
"General, it's almost noon. It's best that you go behind the hill, unless you wish to get hit by cannon balls." suggested P.G.T. Beauregard in his Louisianan accent.
James laughed and said, "Your right. Of course, General. Just curious, what will you do when the war is over; after the Confederacy gains its independence?"
The Cajun General smile, saying, "Well, I really haven't decided; but I think I will go back to Louisiana and live a wonderful and peaceful life. And you, General Lee?"
"Well, when I become of the required age. I plan to become President of the Confederacy and build this country into a better nation."
"Well, I know who to put my vote in for that coming election. I believe you would be a great President as you are a great General."
"Thanks."
"Do you think that Burnside, will take the bait?"
"He has to or else his Army will either be destroyed by us or starve to death since we captured most of the food supplies they had, yesterday."
"Yes, I suppose that is…"
Then came the sound of cannon at a far distance.
"GET DOWN.", Beauregard yelled as jumped to the ground.
James did, as soon as he did came a loud explosion not far from James, probably about 20 feet. The sound was ear deafening at so close. Then came even more sounds of cannon firing at the same, the bombardment was massive, James had to assume that Burnside was probably using about 50 Cannons or more in the bombard.
"General, we must take refuge at the slope of the hill." Beauregard yelled.
"Yes, your right, but first… EXSPOSED ARTIELLRY BEGIN COUNTER-BATTERY FIRE!", James ordered.
The Order was passes around to each exposed Napoleon, until they began to return fire. Sending 9 pound projectiles at almost a mile across the open field. James watched with his binoculars, as some of the projectiles managed to hit their target, destroying a few Yankee cannons and even killing a few Yankees.
"General, you must get to safety.", informed Beauregard.
"Very well, after each few minutes have one or two of our cannons cease-fire. I want Burnside to think that he is winning.", James replied.
"Yes, sir."
James nodded as he went to slope with Clarks division to safety as the exchange of fire continued at both sides of the battlefield. The sound of his cannons began to go faint as the minutes that felt like hours passed. James began to pray for victory from God, as the sound of his cannons finally became silent. James checked his watch and saw the time is 12:45. James knew that sooner or later Burnside will order the charge. He knew that Burnside has to order the charge or his Army will be destroyed.
At the other side of the battlefield, among the Union lines, Brigadier General William Tecumseh Sherman watched as the Cannons began to send volleys at the Rebels. Probably enough to scare Jamie Lee away back to Tennessee.
"Maybe, this Charge will work after all.", Sherman thought.
He listen as the fire continued for the next 30 minutes. Then the cannons suddenly became silent at both sides. Sherman was confused, until he heard a horse near him and turned around as he saw that it was Burnside in a white horse. He looked at the arrogant general at eyes.
"You may begin the Charge, General.", Burnside ordered.
Sherman nodded as he gave a salute and ordered his brigade commanders to form the Division in double line. Sherman decided that he was going to join his boys in the charge. If his division was going to be destroyed, then he was going to be destroyed along with it. Though Burnside doubted that this charge will fail. He already had a letter wrote for his family back at Ohio incase he died in this charge. He could feel his breakdown coming back, because of this charge. He felt his nerves tingling in fear for thought of this charge failing and the reputation he will earn if he fails. Sweat was coming from ever pour from his body, he shouldn't feel nervous for he knew that this charge will succeed
"General, the men are ready." He heard one of his adjutants informed.
"Very well, then.", he said as he turned to his division.
All of the 10,000 men were waiting for him to give the order to advance.
He pulled out his sword and raised it up in the air; and said "Men, today is the day; where we managed to break these rebels. They think that they have caught us at our weak spot and our knees; but instead today they will be proven wrong. We will escape this rebel blockade and continue to protect the union. Men, forward…MARCH."
The union boys began to march as the drummers began to play the Union Battle Cry of Freedom; while the whole division sang to the song. Some of them were even cheering as they passed the cannons ; who also cheered to them. They marched across the opened field with Sherman leading them to 'Victory'.
James watched and listen as the Union boys sang as well as marched toward their target, while standing on the crest of the Hill. He couldn't help but admit that they have the courage to march across this field. Then he heard his boys play a song as well, to complete against the song that the Yankee's were playing. James recognized the song, it was written from a Northern (surprisingly). Dixie to the Confederacy is like the National Anthem in a way, but only the popular one. There are songs of the Confederacy that are anthems like "The Bonnie Blue Flag" and "God Save the South", But James could say that "Dixie" is probably the best song that represents the Confederacy best.
"Sir, shall the Artillery begin firing at the Yankee's.", asked one of the Artillery Commander's.
"Yes, you may. Have the hidden Artillery uncover and fire as well.", James answered.
The Artillery Commander saluted as he went around passing the order.
James closed his eyes as he watched as the Yankee's were being slaughtered by all of the 100 or so Confederate Cannons and Howitzers. Bodies of blue were falling like rain, the sight was unbearable to watch. He saw that even some of the Union Cannons were being destroyed as some of his Artillery were turning their attention to the Yankee Cannons.
"I guess what Dad says is true. It is well that War is so terrible, for we should grow too fond of It.", James thought, as the Artillery continued destroying the advancing Yankee's.
The sound of Artillery and smell of burnt gunpowder was distracting James as he felt sick to his stomach. He knew he should have eaten lunch before the battle, now he might regret from seeing those poor Yankee's being killed. This was different from Fort Henry, most of the men that Grant lost was only captured, not killed.
"General, Are you ok? ", he heard.
James slowly turned around as he saw it Colonel Strahl of commander of the 3rd brigade of Clarks Division. He had a black beard and hair, with brown eyes, and the same type of uniform that James is wearing, the only thing different is his rank insignia (which is 3 gold stars).
"Yes, Strahl. Just can't stand seeing the blood being spilt on this field.", James replied with a small smile.
"I understand. Sir, shall I move my brigade up to support Cheatham's Division?", Strahl asked.
"Yes, you may. You shall support Cheatham's right flank and have someone inform Colonel Russell to send 2 regiments to support Cheatham's left flank.", James ordered.
Strahl nodded as he quickly went to complete his orders.
James continued to watch as the advancing Yankee's that were being destroyed as the trail of dead bodies were left behind them. They continue sing songs like the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", "John Brown's Body", and many others as they closer and closer towards the center, the charge has already lasted for almost an hour and they have already lost almost a quarter of their division to the Confederate Artillery. He noticed the man that was leading the Yankee's. He had his sword pointed forward and was yelling orders.
James was impressed with him, here is a man that is determined to fulfill his duty, even if that means risking his life. He watched as the man showed no fear for death, as cannon balls were exploding all around him. He assumed that this man must be in charge of the 4 brigade Division that was marching like Napoleon's Old Guard at Waterloo as they were about to attack Wellington's center, before Napoleon was flanked by the Prussians.
James now realized that the Yankee's were range of the Confederate Infantry and before the Yankee's had the chance to fire, the Confederates fired first as almost a whole role of Yankee's fell to the ground; many not showing any other movement. The screams of pain from those poor Yankee boys filled James ear as they were hit by Southern Bullets; he even saw a flag of Stars and Stripes that was almost ripped apart by Bullets and Cannon. He admired the Honor, Courage, and Commitment that the Yankee's were showing as they kept advancing ; while returning fire.
Then he saw the Yankee's heading to his center running at a quick pace, James realized that they were trying to press him with the whole Division at one spot. He quickly got on Traveler and rode to Clarks Division. He rode to there so fast that it didn't take long to reach the Division.
"Get Ready boys, the Yankee's are coming to try to rout us at one spot; but Today, they will be prove them wrong and I know that you will do your duty.", James informed Clarks Division.
The men cheered while chanting, "General Lee!", over and over again.
"Men, Forward.", James yelled.
Slowly the Division began to advance to the center behind Cheatham's Division, waiting for the Yankee to try to break them. To which in their minds that will never happen. They could see the Yankee's running to the 2nd and 15th Tennessee regiments, while be riddled by Bullets and Cannon Balls from Cheatham's Division. James order for the 2nd and 15th to fall back behind the division, so that they won't be mowed down by the quickly advancing Yankee's. James watched as the Enemy stepped over the Stonewall, he then saw one of the Cannons fire at the masses of Yankee's. James Looked away as the cannon went off and the ear piercing screams came. Then he heard Clarks Division open fie upon them.
He looked backed at the Enemy and saw that they were tired as they were being attack by Clarks Division, who were charging them back and fought them with their bayonets and hands. James knew that the Yankee's were being overwhelmed by them. He watched as the sight of men in blue slowly fall to the ground in a matter of minutes. James saw the man that was leading the whole division on the ground near the Stonewall with two bullet wounds to the chest, he was groaning in paining. James knew that he must save him, he did so as he watched as what remained of the Yankee Division had either had been killed, routed, or surrender out of exhaustion.
James slowly rode up to the man, he looked at the man's pale face and his hands covered in his own blood.
The man said slowly to James in pain, "Well…Never thought… that I would… be seeing Jamie Lee…In Person, face to face."
James got off of Traveler and walked up to the Man and asked, "What is your name?"
"William…William Tecumseh Sherman… Brigadier General of the 5th Division of the Army of the Ohio.", the Dying man answered.
"That was your division that just fell I assume?", James asked.
Sherman nodded slowly with tears in his eyes as he replied, "Yes, those were my boys. Soon, I will be joining them."
"No, you won't. I'm going to take you to the field Hospital. You there, help me bring this man to the Surgeon. ", James order to a soldier nearby.
The soldier nodded as he helped James carry Sherman to the Field Hospital.
"It's no good, Lee. I have already lost enough blood. Soon, I will die."
"Not on my watch.", James said with a voice of determination as he and the Soldier carried Sherman to an Ambulance where he would quickly be taken to the field hospital.
Meanwhile at the other side of the field, General Burnside was now having a breakdown. As he saw Sherman's division destroyed. He knew to expected high causalities from the battle report. He was worried about Burnside, whether he lived or not through the charge. He couldn't believe how James had all of that Artillery and destroy Sherman's Division. Lee's Artillery even managed to destroy s little more than a quarter of his Artillery, while the rest had either run of ammo, or able bodied men to man them.
What worried him that most was how James knew that he was going to order the charge; because there is no way Jamie Lee would have all of his Artillery at that one hill without knowing about the charge. He couldn't figure out, maybe Jamie Lee managed to listen to his message from Washington; but it didn't matter now. The Battle is lost, this Army is lost. Now, he will be forced to surrender to James soon or else the Army will be destroyed.
He slowly rode to his command tent to retrieve a white sheet.
Time passed as he listened to the screams of the wounded as some had to have their limbs cut off, because of their wounds. James tried to cover his ears, as he waited to hear about Sherman. Many of his man had wondered he cared for Sherman.
To which James replied saying, "the Bible says to Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
He waited patiently to hear about Sherman. Then came out the Surgeon from the Hospital tent with a cigar in his mouth .
"Well?", James asked.
"I have done everything I can do, General. All I can say is might or he might not. All we can do is wait and see. He's asleep, I had to drug him to make sure that he doesn't feel any pain.", the Surgeon replied.
James nodded and left to go to his command tent, until he heard one of the soldiers inform him that someone was waiting to see him in his tent. James thanked the soldier and quickly went to his tent. He saw who it and wasn't surprised. There sitting on a chair was General Burnside of the Army of the Ohio. James knew exactly why he is here.
"Hello, General Burnside. I can say that I'm not surprised to see you, now.", James announced.
"I figured as much. When I went through you lines, they just only told me to follow them to here. To which I was surprised. But before I get to why I'm here, I must asked if Sherman is in your hands? Because I heard that he was captured after the charge.", Burnside uttered.
"Yes, he's in the field Hospital. He suffered two shots to the chest, the Surgeon says he might live. He's asleep right now, so you can't talk to him yet.", James replied.
"Very well, then on to what matters. Since you have managed to surround my army, and the charge today was a failure. General Lee, I have come to offer the surrender of the forces under my command."
"Sir, your men have fought honorably. I will ensure that you and your men will be given honorable terms."
"Very well, I must return to Washington and informed of the developments, here…."
"Don't worry about, that I will take care of that."
Burnside raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"All of your communication lines have recently been cut and I have the only line to Washington.", James replied, although he didn't want to tell Burnside that the order he received to do the charge wasn't from Washington. James already felt bad of sending it after seeing Sherman's Charge this afternoon.
"I assume that it was Forrest's Cavalry division that cut them?", Burnside questioned.
James nodded.
"Very well, I will inform my men of the development that has been. I assume that you will be sending message to the president of my surrender?"
James nodded again.
Burnside said nothing else, he just left the tent and got back on his horse; then rode back to his lines. While James left the tent to the Communications Tent to send a message to the President of the United States and maybe even to the New York Times.
Meanwhile in the Washington War Department Telegraph office, President Lincoln was feeling like he was having a heart attack as he read the message sent from Versailles:
Mr. President
I thought that I should bring to your attention that General Burnside of the Army of the Ohio has surrender to my Army after being surround yesterday by my forces. His Charge this morning has resulted him and his Army to surrender. Unfortunately, he won't be able to send the message himself; because all of his communication lines to you have been cut by my forces. Hope you are having a nice day.
Sincerely,
C.S.A. General of the Army of Mississippi,
Harry James Lee
"My God, what will my country say?", he orated in shock.
He would find out when the New York Times received a message from a certain Confederate General telling them about Burnsides' surrender to James Lee. The next day, the following was added on the front page.
Burnside surrenders to H.J. Lee at Versailles, Kentucky
Sorry, it took so long to make this chapter. A few weeks ago my computer's mother board died out on me and so I had to rewrite the entire chapter on my new computer. Again, I apologize. Also I would to say that any questions of the story on the reviews will be answered starting on the next chapter. Last thing I would like to post a challenge, this is what is required:
Harry must be either raised by a famous person or reincarnated of a famous person.
If Harry is raised by a famous, he must return to his timeline during or before any of the school years
Harry must somehow change the Muggle World, Magical World, or both. If he is raised by a famous person, he can change the past, present, or both.
Relationships: Harry and anyone female or Harry/Harem. Absolutely no slash.
Now on things that are allowed and are your choice:
Harry can go to war against the Ministry of Magic.
Harry can have any Royal titles of any kind.
Manipulative Dumbledore
Blashing from the Weasley's
Super Harry/ Godlike Harry
If Harry is sorted at Hogwarts, he can go to any house (even new ones).
Harry can go to any magical school.
That just about it, although I would like to see a story where Harry is raised by Napoleon Bonaparte; but that is just me. You can chose whoever, except Adolf Hitler. If you have any questions or concerns just send me a private message.
