>That reluctance is a serious flaw in a general. Agreed. But regarding your other point, it was actually the official position of the federal government (Union

>That reluctance is a serious flaw in a general. Agreed. But regarding your other point, it was actually the official position of the federal government (Union) that the South was still a part of the union, and that the confederate government was illegitimate and in rebellion. So, still fellow countrymen. And I imagine he still admired Lee greatly, many did.