I don't believe Thomas, even if he does an excellent job, will change the outcome of the war. This is in comparison with the POD I'd discussed earlier of Kentucky joining the CSA, where that state's men and material might help them force a stalemate and then negotiations.
A number of interesting things might happen in Virginia ITTL - maybe McClellan doesn't abandon his plans in late 1861, or the Union try amphibious ops in North Carolina?
A number of interesting things might happen in Virginia ITTL - maybe McClellan doesn't abandon his plans in late 1861, or the Union try amphibious ops in North Carolina?