This paper is an historical analysis of the effectiveness of General Lee's command during the .Battle of Gettysburg: The argument is made and defended that General Lee's effectiveness of command during the Battle of Gettysburg was reduced because of the absence of two of his trusted subordinates and his interaction with other senior leaders in the Army of North.em Virginia. This paper examines the period from the Battle of Chancellorsviile to the BattlE? of Gettysburg, 186 . The life of General Lee is discussed briefly' up t111 the Battle of Gettysburg, along with t e topics: Lee's Trusted Subordinates, 'Chancellorsville, Lee's reorganization of the Army of Northern Virginia, Gettysburg, lee's Effectiveness at Gettysburg, and finally the Conclusion. The Conclusion provides a summary as well as discussing lessons to be learned.