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The uppermost brass simply cannot stay out of operational decisions. Look at LBJ, or at Carter during the "Iranian hostage rescue". The stoppage of pursuit in Gulf War One. The haberdasher's relief of General MacArthur. Yalta. The Imperial General Staff (Imperial Japanese Army guys) overriding Admiral Yamamoto and attacking the USA.

How about Wallenstein, so close to ending the Thirty Years War by diplomacy? Out he went, mostly by French conspiracy, and Eastern Europe was ground to dust, and any rapprochement between Catholic and Lutheran impossible.

Lee asked Davis to negotiate after the Seven Days, saying the British would mediate (they would have, at that time), and go for a status quo antebellum. Could have happened. The Northern public would have gone for it.

Anybody have other examples?

I remember another letter from Lee to Davis, written earlier in the year, the letter discribed above. Whether this is a fault of memory, I don't know.

This letter is better known, and on the same subject.

HEADQUARTERS,
Near Fredericktown, Md., September 8, 1862.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President of the Confederate States,
Richmond, Va.:

Mr. President: The present position of affairs, in my opinion, places it in the power of the Government of the Confederate States to propose with propriety to that of the United States the recognition of our independence. For more than a year both sections of the country have been devastated by hostilities which have brought sorrow and suffering upon thousands of homes, without advancing the objects which our enemies proposed to themselves in beginning the contest. Such a proposition, coming from us at this time, could in no way be regarded as suing for peace; but, being made when it is in our power to inflict injury upon our adversary, would show conclusively to the world that our sole object is the establishment of our independence and the attainment of an honorable peace. The rejection of this offer would prove to the country that the responsibility of the continuance of the war does not rest upon us, but that the party in power in the United States elect to prosecute it for purposes of their own. The proposal of peace would enable the people of the United States to determine at their coming elections whether they will support those who favor a prolongation of the war, or those who wish to bring it to a termination, which can but be productive of good to both parties without affecting the honor of either.

I have the honor to be, with high respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,
General.

The other examples that come readily to mind all involve Hitler, who turned himself into an Allied secret weapon. Driving southeast into Russia before securing Moscow. Refusing to evacuate Stalingrad. Refusing to release the armor reserve during the Normandy invasion. This is a little vague, but I think he also refused to release a reserve in East Prussia that could have helped defend Germany proper from the last Russian offensive.