Civil War History - Gettysburg ForumGettysburg! It's not just a National Park. It's a Civil War Battlefield. For some it's historic and storied past are almost an obsession! All related discussions are welcome here!
As always, thank you for the information. I don't have a bike but I do have a horse and you are now allowed to tour the battlefield via horseback, which to me makes it even more special. I know that you can rent horses close by and there is a stable that will also accomodate your horse so my plan, thus far, is to trailer my horse in and spend a week doing everything that I want to do, mostly by horseback. This is a life's dream.
Lack of coordination of the various corps of the AoNV is the root cause of Lee's problems.
Any of his plans from the evening of the 1st day until Pickett's charge would, probably have gained the victory, if he could have gotten his general's to executed his plans as he wanted.
After the 1st day Lee (for whatever reason) had rejected the idea of a battle of movement. Settling on a set-piece battle with limited maneuvering and more straight ahead fire power and shock tactics. Lee did not do the one vital act that such a battle required, calling his corps commanders together in one spot and make sure each and every one of them knew what his plan was, what their part in it was, and make sure their watches were coordinated.
It seems Lee did not have a coherent battle plan, only a series of improvised plans responding to events on the fronts of the individual corps.
From his actions and orders, it would seem Lee was misinformed as to the location of the extreme left of the AoP.
Cemetery Ridge subsides as it approaches Little Round Top, making the ground where the Peach Orchard was located, further West, higher. That's why Gen. Sickles didn't like his assigned location and preferred the ground, further West, around the Peach Orchard. Could it be that since it was the higher ground, Lee (possibly Longstreet)assumed the Peach Orchard was the extreme Left of the AoP? If so, it makes more understandable why Lee insisted on attacking Along the Emmitsburg Pike, that would then bring Hood into the rear of the AoP left. Was that Lee's plan on the Morning of the 2d day?
Just speculation, but I have always been puzzled by Lee's stubborn insistence on attacking too far West of the AoP main line of resistance.
Still speculating, but it is very likely that Lee was more unwell than most have assumed. I would not be surprised to find out that Lee was fighting off the symptoms of 1 or more light heart attacks during the battle.
I would appreciate it if someone could explain "refusing the flank," and was this the maneuver that Colonel Chamberlain executed on Little Round Top?
I've read that General Longstreet had a hearing impairment and I'm wondering if this affliction could have caused him, at times, to misinterpret orders etc.?
Refusing the Flank is when a portion of a body of Troops changes fronts. It is was Chamberlain did.
Lets use a Regiment as an example. A regiment is made up of Companies.
Lets say a regiment has an enemy in their front and on their left, advancing perpindicular (spelling? sorry) to the regiment. The commander of the regiment would order say 3 companies to refuse the line. They would then change front (change the way they are facing) towards the enemy advancing on their flank ( the men advanceing perpindicular to them)
I tried to make a diagrame...but it wouldnt stay in formate when i posted it.
Thanks Ben. I wish I could sit in a classroom with a very large blackboard and have someone show/explain these maneuveurs to me and battle strategies. I try to study small maps of battlefields, especially Gettysburg, but I can't seem to get a good grasp on what actually took place.
When you go to gettysburg, you might think about getting a guided tour. Its a good learning experience if you dont think you have a good handle on the battle.
I just received a brochure on Gettysburg that I'd sent away for and they highly recommend the guided tours so I will definitely include that in my visit. I watched "Gettysburg" this weekend and I thought it was amazing...I loved Jeff Daniels as Colonel Chamberlain. I'm assuming that you've seen "Gettysburg" and if so, what did you think of it?
Just wanted to Note that Today is the day Jackson held his own against Pope on the old Manassas Battlefield.
Dawna, I have seen Gettysburg many times. I would have to say that it probably was one of the reasons I took such an intrest in the War. I'm 15, and I think the first time I saw it, I was Probably 7 or 8, and I have studied the war ever since.
I think it does an ok Job portraying the battle, but if Focuses on certain aspects of the battle and forgets about alot others. It gives all the credit for the defense of Little Round top to Chamberlain. It leaves out the rest of Vincent's brigade and the story of O'Rorke and the 140th New York. It also Leaves out important parts of Pickett's charge, and im my opinion gives viewers the strong impression that Longstreet was right and that Lee was being Stupid. Nope. Lee had a solid Plan and Longstreet was being...well I dont know how to say it, but I dont give him much praise for the third. The movie makes him look good. But in fact, he did not implement Lee's Full plan, and that part is lost in the movie.
But other than these little things (which probably would have made the movie another 5 hours longer) I love it. I watch every now and then just for fun.
I agree with Aphillbilly...you are a joy to read and I am blown away by your knowledge of the Battle of Gettysburg. I also appreciate your willingness to help me visualize and better understand battle formations and maneuvers etc.
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