 Lee 's part in the Confederate defeat at Malvern Hill has been criticized by historians . Though he put rested troops on the field and accepted Longstreet 's suggestions , which did not commit him to a charge , Lee himself was not present on the battlefield to observe the fighting . Historian Stephen Sears points out that Lee 's ineffective communication with his generals and apparent failure to write his own communications to his brigadier generals ( instead leaving orders open to interpretation ) may have contributed to the defeat . Lee could also have countermanded Chilton 's orders when it became apparent they were fruitless , or verified the " success " of Armistead . Consequently , Lee must also share some blame in the repeated lack of coordination of attacks throughout the day . 
