Sears argues that "there is substantial evidence that in this instance Lee's memory failed him" and that the "conclusion seems inescapable that Lee learned from the Maryland civilian only that the Federal army had suddenly become active" and nothing more.
Sears hævder, at "der er betydelig beviser for at Lees hukommelse svigtede i denne sammenhæng" og at "konklusionen synes uundgåelig, at Lee kun erfarede fra en borger i Maryland, at den føderale hær pludselig var gået i aktion" og intet andet.