On July 2, 1863, Army of the Potomac commander Maj. Gen.
George G. Meade replaced Doubleday with Major General
John Newton, a more junior officer from another corps. The ostensible reason was a false report by
XI Corps commander Major General
Oliver O. Howard that Doubleday's corps broke first, causing the entire Union line to collapse, but Meade also had a long history of disdain for Doubleday's combat effectiveness, dating back to South Mountain. Doubleday was humiliated by this snub and held a lasting grudge against Meade, but he returned to division command and fought well for the remainder of the battle.
[3] He was wounded in the neck on the second day of Gettysburg and received a brevet promotion to colonel in the regular army for his service.
[4] He formally requested reinstatement as I Corps commander, but Meade refused, and Doubleday left Gettysburg on July 7 for Washington.
[8]
Doubleday's indecision as a commander in the war resulted in his uncomplimentary nickname "Forty-Eight Hours."
[4]
-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abner_Doubleday