1978: NOAA announces gender-neutral hurricane naming system
Federal News Network presents a daily update of important moments in the history of the U.S. government.
In the aftermath of his defeat at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee sent a letter of resignation as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Lee’s intent had been to drive the Union army from Virginia, which he did, and the Army of the Potomac suffered over 28,000 casualties, thus temporarily disabling the Union army’s offensive capabilities. But the Army of Northern Virginia absorbed 23,000 casualties, nearly one-third of its total. As the weeks rolled by and the Union army reentered Virginia, it became clear that the Confederacy had suffered a serious defeat at Gettysburg. As the press began to openly speculate about Lee’s leadership, the great general reflected on the campaign at his headquarters in Orange Courthouse, Virginia. Lee not only seriously questioned his ability to lead his army, he was also experiencing significant physical fatigue. Regardless, Davis refused the request.
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