Ewell and Cemetery Hill

I don't think Ewell was at fault. If anyone was at fault,it was Lee for not riding to the front,at the time the action started. Lee could then have assessed what action was occurring and direct Ewell to take the hill. Ewell did not obey Lee's enigmatic orders.
This is where research by the University of Virginia believes Lee was recovering from a heart attack at this time.
 
In fact, Ewell was willing to make the attempt, but, as noted by Cash, he had only 2 brigades available to do the job on his own, so he requested reinforcements, but Lee, could not, or would not.
Given Ewell's professional estimation that he was not strong enough to take the position with the forces under his command, at that time, he deferred the decision of how important taking the position, was, to Lee, by requesting reinforcements, by his witholding support, it was Lee's decision, not Ewell's, not to make the attempt.
 
Right. Ewell has been Lee's scapegoat for long enough. If Lee really wants the Hill,it's on him to ride to the front,take charge,and,personnally,look at the battle situation with Ewell. This was all Lee's fault,let's cut "Old Bald Head" some slack,for a change.
 
Right. Ewell has been Lee's scapegoat for long enough. If Lee really wants the Hill,it's on him to ride to the front,take charge,and,personnally,look at the battle situation with Ewell. This was all Lee's fault,let's cut "Old Bald Head" some slack,for a change.

Then Lee can ride to the front and get shot by his own men. Heavens to Betsy.
 
Well,Hoss,what Lee did on day 1 did not work out very well,did It? Lee should,certainly,have ridden,immediately,to Ewell on day 1. These generals are not afraid to die. Whatever,Lee's reason for not riding to the front,it was not because he was afraid of being shot.
 
Well,Hoss,what Lee did on day 1 did not work out very well,did It? Lee should,certainly,have ridden,immediately,to Ewell on day 1. These generals are not afraid to die. Whatever,Lee's reason for not riding to the front,it was not because he was afraid of being shot.

Uh....there were a couple of other things going on that day. How fast do you think Traveller could travel? And there's the little heart attack issue.....
 
Folks, it's not necessary to assign arbitrary nicknames to other members when replying to their posts. That sort of thing tends to come across as patronizing and a little condescending. For any new members who may not be aware of things in general here, we all strive to express our views in a polite, respectful, courteous, tactful manner. That creates an atmosphere that makes this particular board as popular as it is, and why folks tend to stay here, learn, and contribute. Thanks for your cooperation.



Posted as moderator
 
Folks, it's not necessary to assign arbitrary nicknames to other members when replying to their posts. That sort of thing tends to come across as patronizing and a little condescending. For any new members who may not be aware of things in general here, we all strive to express our views in a polite, respectful, courteous, tactful manner. That creates an atmosphere that makes this particular board as popular as it is, and why folks tend to stay here, learn, and contribute. Thanks for your cooperation.



Posted as moderator

Sorry,Mod.
 
Uh....there were a couple of other things going on that day. How fast do you think Traveller could travel? And there's the little heart attack issue.....
O.K. Traveller can travel 4-6 mph. So Lee can easily get to Ewell as Lee did,later on day 1. You will recall that Lee did scan the front with binoculars from the ridges west of Cemetary hill. Further, Lee receives couriers from Ewell and sends couriers to Ewell,so,to cut to the chase,Lee has plenty of time to ride to Ewell. Do you think Lee should have done so? What do others think?
 
O.K. Traveller can travel 4-6 mph. So Lee can easily get to Ewell as Lee did,later on day 1. You will recall that Lee did scan the front with binoculars from the ridges west of Cemetary hill. Further, Lee receives couriers from Ewell and sends couriers to Ewell,so,to cut to the chase,Lee has plenty of time to ride to Ewell. Do you think Lee should have done so? What do others think?

I think Ewell should have been a better communicator, then he wouldn't be in this pickle today, LOL.
 
Ewell communicated with Lee well enough. He did not have enough men to do the job, without reinforcements. Lee understood what Ewell was saying, he just did not, for whatever reasons, act, and by not acting he accepted responsibility for Ewell not acting. There was no misunderstanding.
 
O.K. Traveller can travel 4-6 mph. So Lee can easily get to Ewell as Lee did,later on day 1. You will recall that Lee did scan the front with binoculars from the ridges west of Cemetary hill. Further, Lee receives couriers from Ewell and sends couriers to Ewell,so,to cut to the chase,Lee has plenty of time to ride to Ewell. Do you think Lee should have done so? What do others think?

4-6mph would be really slow unless he moved at a walk through heavy forest. I would expect 10-12 at a minimum, and 15 if he stuck to good roads. But having a heart attack would stop Lee from doing anything. And does Lee belong on the front lines? IIRC, Ewell was shot in his wooden leg when coming through the town.
 
Back
Top