Divine influence and power play a large role in Lee's life. In this chapter, Lee ponders whether God is sending an omen for battle since tomorrow is Independence Day. He makes his decisions after praying, knows the outcome is out of his hands, and releases it all to God.
Lee feels his only power is over men's spirits. He has manipulated his men throughout the book. He understands what makes his men tick. By providing what each man needs emotionally, Lee can draw out the response he needs for victory.
Lee's sole allegiance has always been Virginia and his decision to join the Confederacy stems from that. He fights, not for the land because land is not worth war, but for his people and family. In this regard, he is similar to Chamberlain, who feels that home is wherever you are, and people don't fight for dirt. They only fight for something that means something to them. But still, Lee is aware he's breaking an oath by invading the North. He knows he will pay in some way for that breach of honor, and he accepts that.
