Something to Ponder and Debate?

[AussieMick]

I'd agree that Antietam gave the impetus for the Proclamation, but that was always going to be made sooner or later. Gettysburg caused such enormous losses to the South that it marked the end.
But I'd highlight Chancellorsville where Stonewall Jackson died as a result of wounds.
Its difficult to assess any Commanding Officer in wartime. There are always so many factors, especially 'luck', influencing the result of a battle. It seems that during some of Jackson's battles he made mistakes ... but then show me a General who was perfect (Washington? No. Grant? No. Lee? No).
There is no doubt in my mind that Jackson was a great General. Had he lived and fought at Gettysburg then I think the result would have been different ... perhaps with the war lasting 6 months or so longer than it did. Perhaps not impacting on Lincoln's re-election ... but maybe making his assassination less warranted in the minds of Booth et al. ...