Just checking to see whether something in 1993 film is inaccurate?

[William]

In the scene where General Longstreet is talking with General Lee about the events of the 2nd day it is mentioned that "Lo took the peach field and wheat field" or something along those lines.

Am I correct that it was Hood and McClaws divisions who were attacking that flank (established in another scene, which makes it confusing) and that "Lo" as part of Pickett's division did not fight on the 2nd day of the battle, which is the reason why they were part of the fateful July 3rd attack on the Union Centre.

[J_Man0507]

Don't remember that line, so I will have to go back and check on it. But you would be correct to assume that it was McClaws division that attacked that part of the field on the second day. Pickett's division did not come up until late in the second day, hence the reason they went unused until the third day. I do tend to find another historical inaccuracy each time I watch that movie. I love it, but it can be somewhat lacking in accuracy.

[M E Wolf]

Dear William,

I've played Gettysburg the 1993 DVD movie an awful lot--still think it is beautifully done and I am also looking at the background activities by the re-enactors (can pick up a lot from them too).

I believe the scene you speak of, is when Longstreet rides up, the band is playing "Rock of Ages" and General Stuart rides up the road with staff; and Longstreet softly mentions the prodical son returns--

When General Longstreet follows Lee into the little headquarters, Longstreet patiently waited for Lee to express himself, which Lee (Sheen) thought the troops had taken the hill-could see the flags and Union nearly breaking and mentioned the lack of coordination.

Longstreet then softly said to Lee, that no--the troops were not successful in taking the heights-- The conversation continues where Longstreet advises that Hood's troops took Devil's Den but couldn't take the heights and McLaws captured the field.

Lee asked how General Hood was, to which Longstreet replied--might loose an arm but he will live.

Longstreet suggests taking the right, as he and Hood had desired but, Lee dismisses him gently--Longstreet advises they have enough artillery to make one good fight--just one. Lee shuts down the conversation by saying he'll think about it.

I don't recall Longstreet connecting Lo aka Lewis Armistead to the action, as they had not come up yet and was the last in line in the route march, thus the freshest troops for the 3rd day's fight.

McLaws and Hoods troops were spent and thus, two of A P Hill's regiments were re-assigned/detailed to Longstreet along with Pickett. (Pettigrew and Trimble)--Pickett would then dress off their right-- Garnett then Kemper; Armistead in Reserve.

Although Longstreet had appealed to Lee, to let AP Hill lead the charge as it was a hunk of his division in the proposed 3rd day's strategy; Lee declined and insisted his 'Old War Horse' lead the charge.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[William]

M E Wolf;

That is the correct scene. The part I am wondering about occurs right after General Lee questions General Longstreet as to the condition of General Hood. General Lee further comments that "so many good men were lost that day." It is then that General Longstreet says "Lo did take the peach orchard and wheat field."

EDIT: It turns out it is a complete screwup with the subtitles. General Longstreet says "McClaws did take the peach orchard and wheat field." However, on my DVD the subtitles says "Lo" instead of "McClaws."

[whitworth]

I recall the map of Lee's movement into Pennsylvania did not include Ewell's and Early's movement near the Susquehanna River.
It struck me as odd when the older soldier stopped the Confederate spy looking for Longstreet. That "soldier" by his weight couldn't have walked from Virginia.

[ole]

It's a forgivable sin, Whitworth, that we don't have that many teeners with the inclination or the wherewithal to have youthful reenactors.

It is possible, however, that some fat, gray-haired men did serve in the AoNV. Yes, it strains reality a bit, but I tossed it off as possible.

What I did choke at was "We're fightin for our rats." Had I been a screenwriter, I'd have held out for "rahts."

ole

[M E Wolf]

Dear William;

General Longstreet says, that McLaws took the wheat field and peach orchard and Hood took Devils Dens but not the rocky heights.

I have three DVD's of Gettysburg (Have a S-O-N-Y-Home Theater, 5 CD Changer so two are in as not to get up and flop DVDs, same with Gods and Generals and the third is in a portable DVD player - none have "Lo" -perhaps you are mistaking 'though' for 'Lo.'

I'd also wash the DVD with plain tap water, VISA papertowel wipe hole to edge, not swooping around the disk and air dry; might be finger prints are obstructing the 'closed caption' reader. Paw prints have also made the DVD skip scenes and do odd things. Thought it was the machine but it was dirt on the DVD.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[William]

My subtitle when Longstreet says "McClaws did take the peach orchard and wheatfield" definitely says "Lo did take the peach orchard and wheatfield." However, you definitely here Tom Berenger say McClaws.

I will clean the disk however. It is smudged with fingerprints.