- Joined
- Sep 4, 2014
- Location
- Lexington, SC
History would portray Alfred Pleasonton as a poor Cavalry commander which lead to his removal from that role. At the battle of Gettysburg Maj, Gen George Meade named Alfred Pleasonton his temporary Chief of Staff after the wounding of Dan Butterfield on July 3rd. Now Alfred Pleasonton had two very large responsibilities on his hands. He was never a really good cavalry commander to begin with. It appears to me after reading about the cavalry actions at the battle of Gettysburg that Pleasonton made at least three major blunders.
1. He did not replace Buford's forces when he ordered them to Westminster, MD to refit. This blunder left the Third Corps front and left flank completely exposed. [Edit], Pleasonton was not acting as Chief of staff at this point. This ones all on him as Cavalry commander.
2. He ordered Judson Kilpatrick to attack the Confederates right flank following the repulse of Pickett's Charge.
This ill-fated maneuver resulted in the untimely death of newly appointed Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth.
3. During the retreat Pleasonton all but forgot about Brigadier General's David M. Gregg's cavalry forces allowing them to sit idol outside of Chambersburg. Virtually unused in the pursuit of the Confederate army following the Union victory at Gettysburg.
Hind sight being 20/20 it is my opinion Alfred Pleasonton Had more than he could handle in the performance of his duties as cavalry commander. Adding the responsibility of Temporary Chief of Staff was inviting the inevitable. Incompetence in the performance of both roles.
At least that's my take on it
Stay tuned for more controversial and speculative topics from War Horse World Headquarters in Lexington, SC
1. He did not replace Buford's forces when he ordered them to Westminster, MD to refit. This blunder left the Third Corps front and left flank completely exposed. [Edit], Pleasonton was not acting as Chief of staff at this point. This ones all on him as Cavalry commander.
2. He ordered Judson Kilpatrick to attack the Confederates right flank following the repulse of Pickett's Charge.
This ill-fated maneuver resulted in the untimely death of newly appointed Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth.
3. During the retreat Pleasonton all but forgot about Brigadier General's David M. Gregg's cavalry forces allowing them to sit idol outside of Chambersburg. Virtually unused in the pursuit of the Confederate army following the Union victory at Gettysburg.
Hind sight being 20/20 it is my opinion Alfred Pleasonton Had more than he could handle in the performance of his duties as cavalry commander. Adding the responsibility of Temporary Chief of Staff was inviting the inevitable. Incompetence in the performance of both roles.
At least that's my take on it
Stay tuned for more controversial and speculative topics from War Horse World Headquarters in Lexington, SC
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