Avoid Quote by James Longstreet
“General Grant had no fixed plan of campaign beyond the general idea to avoid the strong defensive line occupied by General Lee behind Mine Run, and find a way to draw him out to open battle.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Document: Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, 1880
Grant’s strategy was opportunistic, aiming to lure Lee out of a strong position rather than confronting a fortified line directly.
In simple terms: Grant tried to force Lee into battle by avoiding his defenses.
Key Takeaway
Seek flexible tactics when facing entrenched opponents.
Themes
military strategy
flexibility
leadership
war tactics
Mood
strategic
analytical
Type
historical
military
When to use this quote
- civil war campaigns
- modern military planning
- business competition
Key Concepts
maneuver warfare
risk assessment
enemy psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify when to avoid a strong position?
- What risks arise from forcing an opponent’s move?
A Different Perspective
Assumes the enemy will take the bait, which may not happen.
![“[Mark] Twain was a publisher. He published General Grant's Memoirs (a big success) and had a hand in the publishing of many of his own books. He would, I think, be very keen about the question of how a book would sell.” quote by Hal Holbrook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/087/hal-holbrook-17109_bigs_mark-twain-was-a-publisher-he-published_1197578.jpg)
