Did you know then, the entire United States of America still exists today and slavery is not the law of the land and the south didn't win the Civil War because of two words, "if practicable." It's true. On night one at Gettysburg, a good day for the confederate army, Robert E. Lee ordered his General Ewell to take Culp's Hill. Now if Ewell takes his decided numbers advantage and takes Culp's Hill, the south wins Gettysburg and there's not much standing between Robert E. Lee and Washington D.C. England and France would now start to take the confederacy seriously with such a win and marching on the enemy capital. Trades routes would open. Banking and loans may be made available.
So why didn't Ewell just go take Culp's Hill and win the battle? Lee left the orders with the words, "If practicable" dangling at the end, ie take the hill, if practicable. Right or wrong if Ewell isn't left to interpret the order and NOT send his forces forward until morning when the Army of the Potomac had been reinforced and dug in, it's most likely game over.
Remember that one day if you have to give concise directions or instructions vital to your day, clarity is your friend.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
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