Keyes Tries to Justify his Actions . . . and Inactions

Some final words on the July 1863 raid/diversion . . .

 . . . well I have to admit this is the first time I've heard New Kent compared to the Vendée
  
. . . but in the end his justifications did him little good.

"All testimony corroborates the correctness of our decision . . ."

-The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies: Chapter XXXIX - Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 3-August 3, 1863.

"We are also of opinion . . ."

-The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies: Chapter XXXIX - Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 3-August 3, 1863.

So Dix rather bitterly reconciles himself  to the reluctance of not only his divisional commander, Keyes, but also Keyes' brigadiers. Yet at no time apparently, does Dix remove himself from his base at White House and personally ascertain the situation of the bulk of his available forces who are less than six miles away.

On the Pamunkey January 1863, part 4- Dramatis Personae

Erasmus Darwin Keyes

Foxhall Alexander Parker