You see firsthand Lee's heart problems and what he feels about his health. It is interesting to note that Shaara himself had heart problems.
Lee's basic gentleness and goodness show in how he treats his horse; his fairness in dealing with the local people's complaints; in his religiousness; in his concern about Stuart, and his faith that Stuart will not fail him. Lee's men react to those qualities with reverence, awe, and a willingness to do anything for him and excuse anything in him. Lee's gentleness even extends to irritating and condescending sorts, such as his aide, Walter Taylor.
The chapter also reveals the importance of the code of chivalry to many of the men of that time: Fremantle's eagerness for dashing saber battles and charges; Longstreet's mention of how Hill once challenged him to a duel; and Longstreet's observation that this is not an army but a gentleman's club.
The future is an element that comes up in this chapter. When Lee reflects on Stonewall Jackson's death, he also notes that they will all go, including Stuart, "like leaves from autumn trees." Lee is aware the war is coming at a high cost, and it will eventually claim all of them. Stuart will in fact be killed later in the war.
