As the Confederates held the interior line, the whole force could be rapidly concentrated, and was thoroughly in hand, both for offensive or defensive movements.
The army thus held in Lee's grasp, and about to assail its great Federal adversary, was composed of the best portion of the Southern population.

The rank and file was largely made up of men of education and high social position.

And this resulted from the character of the struggle.

The war was a war of invasion on the part of the North; and the ardent and high-spirited youth of the entire South threw themselves into it with enthusiasm.

The heirs of ancient families and great wealth served as privates.