Gettysburg

[johjess]

How much different would the Battle of Gettysburg had been if General Lee would have a had a clearer understanding of troop strength and location of the Union army?

 

[bankerpapaw]

Remember Lee was operating "blind" because of Stuart's absence. I think Lee might have had a better advantage as to the where-a-bouts of Meade's army and how to respond to the threat. Good question. BTW, welcome from NW Georgia.

 

[Pat Answer]

A lot depends on how Lee is getting information, as @bankerpapaw said. Historically, when Lee finds out where Meade is, Gettysburg is the most logical place he can concentrate to meet him because of the layout of the roads in the area. If Stuart is keeping him informed before that, maybe Lee doesn't allow Ewell to go out quite so far or so spread out. At which point the whole campaign plays out differently and there may not be a battle at Gettysburg but at Pipe Creek...
"Good question."

 

[SF_Byers]

How "blind" was Lee? He still had Cavalry. The real question is, did he use it effectively? I would say no he did not. People blame Stuart, but after reading @Eric Wittenberg book, "Plenty of Blame to Go Around", I tend to place blame on a lot more people than just JEB.

 

[johncla]

I think it matters WHEN he finds out, in terms of your question. Gen Stuart showed up late afternoon on the 2nd right?
I think even as late as the evening of the 1st Lee didn't know where any union corps beyond the 1st and 11th were, true?

 

[OpnCoronet]

It depends upon how Lee gets his clearer picture. If its from Stuart, it is a game changer. If not, i.e., it comes from other sources, that Lee might not fully trust, then IMO it probably does not significantly change Lees plan for the evening of Day 1 or up to around Noon of Day 2