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!
For someone who has every reason for selective reasoning, you show a refreshing regard for logic.
Away from the action, Sherman was excitable, irritable and impatient -- hardly the qualities of a leader. However, give him an army and a goal and he became considerably different. Perhaps the best evidence of his excellence is the confidence of his superiors. That's a general!
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Wheather his men had repeaters or not, it was a real gutsy move to put two brigades of cavalry in front of what turned out to be two corps (Hill from the west, Ewell from the north). Even with a battery of US artillery.
__________________ F. S. Powers
Union Ancersor: Pvt Arnuah Norton, 60th Ohio. (G-G-G Grandfather) Died at Salisbury NC, November 3, 1864
Confederate Ancestors: Captain Thomas A. Morrow, 29th Texas Cavalry (G-G-G- Uncle) and 2LT George W. Morrow, 31st Texas Cavalry (G-G-G Grandfather). Both survived the war
Buford's role in the war is greatly exaggerated, I think. I have never seen any evidence to support the assertion that he somehow developed the idea of having cavalry fight dismounted. It just doesn't really make any sense.
A fine cavalryman, but not some tactical innovator.
Buford's role in the war is greatly exaggerated, I think. I have never seen any evidence to support the assertion that he somehow developed the idea of having cavalry fight dismounted. It just doesn't really make any sense.
A fine cavalryman, but not some tactical innovator.
I agree. Forrest was an innovator that had the opportunity to do so. Buford did not have that luxury. Working within the AOP was trying at best. He was a true old soldier type who recognized opportunity and made the decision to fight without the promise of support. A very gutsy move. Though I believe he felt that Reynolds would not hold out on him once Reynolds knew he was committed.
His troopers primarily used the Sharps Carbine; the early ones that used paper cartridges. They were prone to bursting in battle as they leaked small amounts of powder. As soon as the troops learned to keep them clean, they were a formidable weapon. The most accurate carbine of the war.
Rick
__________________ "We made a great mistake in the beginning of our struggle.... We appointed all our worst generals to command our armies, and all our best generals to edit the newspapers"
- Robert E. Lee
The Battle Flag of The Madison Light Artillery (Louisiana) MOODY'S BATTERY - 24 Pound Howitzers
Alexander's Battalion
Longstreets Corps
There is only one fact that stands out in this particular discussion. Buford's people held off two corps of the Confederates' best until the US First Corps arrived, led by those dammed Black Hat Fellas.
Calicoboy, here is where you get to toss your slouch hat in the air and yell something approximating huzzah!
Indeed, the first troops that arrived with Reynolds were the Iron Brigade. I do not have to tell you that I regard them as the best troops in the Army of the Potomac. Although they were greatly outnumbered and left vunerable when the Union corp on their right collapsed, they stood their ground and made one heck of a fight. I believe their sacrifice allowed the Union army to gain the high ground on Cemetary Ridge. However, the few survivors that reassembled on Culp's Ridge were pathetically few. They had paid the price for their valour. After Gettysburg, the Iron Brigade was so decimated that they literally ceased to exist as a unit. I have always been saddened by the heavy loss of the Brigade on July 1st, 1863. But they were brave lads and they were the "tip of the spear" that day. I hope you will all, Yank and Reb alike, give a big "huzzah" to the valour of the Iron Brigade>
Calicoboy
__________________ My dear mother:- I have come safely through two more terrible engagements with the enemy, that at South Mountain and the great battle of yesterday (Antietam). Our splendid regiment is almost destroyed. We have had nearly 400 men killed and wounded in the battles. Seven of our officers were shot and three killed in yesterday's battle and nearly 150 men killed and wounded. All from less than 300 engaged. The men have stood like iron....Maj. Rufus Dawes, 6th Wisconsin Volunteers
nbforrest,
Correct. Cutler's brigade was ready first when orders came for the march forward to Gettysburg, so led. The Iron Brigade followed 1 1/2 miles behind the 2nd Maine Battery, commanded by Capt. James A.Hall which was following Cutler.
Chuck in IL.
Indeed, Cutler's men were the very first to reach the outskirts of Gettysburg, The Iron Brigade was right behind them. Cutler's men fought valiantly; but they were flanked on both sides and were in grave danger. While the rest of the Iron Brigade drove Archer's men on the left ("If we can't hold it, where will you find men who can?"), the 6th, with a 100 man honor guard (20 from each regiment) were in reserve. As the 14th Brooklyn and the 95th New York attempted to stem the rebel tide, the 6th formed on their right. The battle at the unfinished railroad cut is the stuff of legends.
Calicoboy
__________________ My dear mother:- I have come safely through two more terrible engagements with the enemy, that at South Mountain and the great battle of yesterday (Antietam). Our splendid regiment is almost destroyed. We have had nearly 400 men killed and wounded in the battles. Seven of our officers were shot and three killed in yesterday's battle and nearly 150 men killed and wounded. All from less than 300 engaged. The men have stood like iron....Maj. Rufus Dawes, 6th Wisconsin Volunteers
Last edited by Calicoboy; 10-23-2005 at 08:18 PM.
Reason: mis-spelling
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