Buford & His Boys - Page 4

samgrant · #31 03-07-2006, 10:42 PM

In contrast to the hesitancy of Meade to follow up on the ANV, John Buford pursued the enemy relentlessly. This to Colonel A. J. Alexander, Chief of staff of the Cavalry Corps:

"Boonsboroughh, July 8, 1863,

I have had a very rough day of it. Early this morning the enemy advanced upon me in a pretty strong force (cavalry, infantry, artillery). During the first part of the day they pressed me severely, and came near across the Antietam, toward Hagerstown and Williamsport. You never saw the division behave better. My loss is not heavy. The artillery fire was very hot. All of my fighting had to be on foot. The river is 5 feet higher than before, and rising. I have drawn in close to this place, to sleep. My train has been interfered with by the Eleventh Corps. I hope it may arrive in the night. There are no rebs this side of Antietam; none on the old battleground, and none at Sharpsburg. Plenty of them, however, can be found between Greencastle and Williamsport and between Hagerstown and Williamsport. Hurrah for Vicksburg.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Jno. Buford

Would that Meade had the confidence and spirit of John Buford!

And:

Buford's one sentence report of July 9:

"July 9, attacked the enemy at 4:00 P.M. and drove him handsomely about two miles."

There is a warrior!

ole · #32 03-07-2006, 11:16 PM

Sam:
You seem to be faulting Meade for not following Lee. If I might offer a token defense....
Although cavalry may be able to mount a pursuit (pun intended), it is extremely difficult for an army, or even a corps, to organize a pursuit. While I'll agree that Meade should have done something, a destructive pursuit is a difficult undertaking. You might consider listing battles after which a pursuit was successfully prosecuted.

You'll also note that Buford was wondering when he'd get his supplies.

Just a thought.
Ole

whitworth · #33 03-12-2006, 12:27 PM

I think Buford was sent to Gettysburg to attempt to put a cork in the bottle. The AoP knew Lee was in Chambersburg. That the ANV was attempting to cross at least two corps, through a narrow gap in the South Mountain. Cork the bottle on the Chambersburg-Gettysburg Pike and that starts the delaying and wearing down of the ANV.

Buford knew that Early had gathered up all the horseshoes that he could find in Gettysburg. I would think Buford also knew the water supply situation in Gettysburg, which made it a great place to start delaying any Confederate advance.