We might also question the strategy usually pursued by Jefferson Davis despite evidence (over four years) that it led to one defeat after another. Wouldn't it have been better to defer military decisions to his military leaders? For that matter, why not allow the Secretary of War do his job rather than the President doing it for him?

As for that dim-wit law passed in March 1865, ever noticed that congressmen aren't always the brightest bulbs in the box? I'm not questioning anyone's patriotism or good intentions; just the wisdom of many measures presented to presidents for their signature.