Hi Alan. I had to read that post several times to get a grasp on your term "meeting engagement". I think you were describing the event where two combatants meet each other while on the march. On ground of neither's choosing. As opposed to one attacking the other. They being in offensive and defensive roles. We know that Gettysburg was not Lee's intended destination. Harrisburg was where they were headed. But Lee being the type to seize the moment went to where the enemy was concentrating. I believe the first day really decided the battle. The second day showed some great battlefield tactics until they started to break down. I believe Ewell's failure to pursue the Federals and occupy the high ground south of Gettysburg spelled doom for the ANV. Meade was recently promoted from brigadier general. An officer that understood how to move regiments and brigades quickly for maximum effectiveness. By arranging his army in an almost 270 degree arc he was assured of the ability to reinforce any part of his line quickly. While Lee had to rely on coordinated efforts from three newly formed corps spread out on the outside of this defensive arc. It was a tactical nightmare. The ANV always fought better in a defensive role. Rookie researchers like me and more scholarly folks like yourself can discuss the events forever. But the numbers told the tale. As far as The Seven Days goes.....Jackson didn't even arrive from the valley until the battle of Gaines' Mill was well involved. He took a wrong road after his march from Pole Green Road and had to retrace his steps to get online. Although his presence did instantly change the action on the field, Hood, A.P. Hill and D.H. Hill had pretty much set the stage. Jackson was really never again a big player in that campaign. He spent hours trying to rebuild the Grapevine Bridge across The Chickahominy River to pursue the Federals while the battle of Savage's Station began. He was totally unprepared for the terrain and didn't have the luxury of Hotchkiss' maps to lead him accurately. He fell behind at Glendale/Frayser's Farm and never commanded from the front, as was his forte. He was observed sleeping against a tree as the action at Malvern Hill unfolded. Exhausted and totally out of his comfort zone of The Valley and surrounding mountains he showed no real leadership at Malvern Hill. As one that thinks of Jackson as the Alexander the Great of The Confederacy, his actions on The Peninsula were less than awe inspiring. You should come visit "my" part of Virginia sometime. We could have a grand time walking the battlefields and swampy woods of the area. I live almost in the center of the action of The Seven Days. The Richmond-York River Railway crosses just below my house at Summit Station. I am within a 15 mile drive of every engagement. And have several friends that own property on some very hallowed ground. It would be a pleasure to have you as a guest should you ever want to make the trip.

Keith