Civil War
Civil War
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2-3 July 1863: Preparations for Pickett's Charge.
After the failed assaults on the south end of Cemetery Ridge and Little Round Top in an effort to flank the Union position, Lee decided to put everything into a last roll of the dice by sending MG George Pickett's reinforced division in a headlong assault across the mile-wide field separating the two lines.
Hindsight is 20-20, but Lee, who had the utmost respect for and trust in his troops' capabilities, ignored the facts that they were exhausted after a day of hard marching followed by two days of hard fighting in the sweltering July heat. They were also attacking uphill against a partially entrenched foe who had the advantage of "interior lines"--meaning they had a central position that allowed them to quickly shift reinforcements to threatened areas, much as Lee had been able to do at Antietam the previous summer.
It was a recipe for disaster, and Lee managed to cook up a colossal one. Longstreet understood the situation much better and--fearing the worst after the events of the 2d--went about his duties in a morose, almost sullen manner. . . .
ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) Gen. Lee and LTG Longstreet discuss the plan of attack while MG A. P. Hill and Col. Porter Alexander watch outside the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg, on the evening of 2 July. (2) On Seminary Ridge, Gen. Lee tells LTG Longstreet, "Tomorrow, we must attack him," evening of 2 July. (3) Longstreet and Pickett at Gettysburg, the evening of 2 July--"The burden of command." (4) Gen. Lee directs Lt. Col. Porter Alexander to orchestrate a massive barrage for Pickett's Charge on the morning of 3 July. (5) BG Lew Armistead patiently awaits the order to lead his brigade in the assault on Cemetery Ridge, 3 July. (6) Longstreet and Porter Alexander form the artillery line prior to Pickett's Charge. (7) Confederate commanders get the order to prepare for the assault on Cemetery Ridge, 3 July. (8) Union commanders hold a council at dawn on Cemetery Ridge, 3 July. (9) Longstreet gives Pickett the order to charge at Gettysburg, 3 July 1863.
After the failed assaults on the south end of Cemetery Ridge and Little Round Top in an effort to flank the Union position, Lee decided to put everything into a last roll of the dice by sending MG George Pickett's reinforced division in a headlong assault across the mile-wide field separating the two lines.
Hindsight is 20-20, but Lee, who had the utmost respect for and trust in his troops' capabilities, ignored the facts that they were exhausted after a day of hard marching followed by two days of hard fighting in the sweltering July heat. They were also attacking uphill against a partially entrenched foe who had the advantage of "interior lines"--meaning they had a central position that allowed them to quickly shift reinforcements to threatened areas, much as Lee had been able to do at Antietam the previous summer.
It was a recipe for disaster, and Lee managed to cook up a colossal one. Longstreet understood the situation much better and--fearing the worst after the events of the 2d--went about his duties in a morose, almost sullen manner. . . .
ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) Gen. Lee and LTG Longstreet discuss the plan of attack while MG A. P. Hill and Col. Porter Alexander watch outside the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg, on the evening of 2 July. (2) On Seminary Ridge, Gen. Lee tells LTG Longstreet, "Tomorrow, we must attack him," evening of 2 July. (3) Longstreet and Pickett at Gettysburg, the evening of 2 July--"The burden of command." (4) Gen. Lee directs Lt. Col. Porter Alexander to orchestrate a massive barrage for Pickett's Charge on the morning of 3 July. (5) BG Lew Armistead patiently awaits the order to lead his brigade in the assault on Cemetery Ridge, 3 July. (6) Longstreet and Porter Alexander form the artillery line prior to Pickett's Charge. (7) Confederate commanders get the order to prepare for the assault on Cemetery Ridge, 3 July. (8) Union commanders hold a council at dawn on Cemetery Ridge, 3 July. (9) Longstreet gives Pickett the order to charge at Gettysburg, 3 July 1863.
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Civil War
Civil War
Edited 3 y ago
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 6
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Excellent iteration of Lee's poor planning in preparation for Picket's charge... Outstanding illustrations MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D.! Happy 4th to you!!!
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Great share brother Dale and all just 40 minutes from here my friend. As a Recruiter drove through the Battle Field on a weekly basic. Had a station commander who took us for a run through the bf and would explain key battles such as this. Thank you my friend.
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When I think of the all the mistakes made during this battle, a bit on both sides, I think Picketts Charge was the worst. I wonder if Lee had begun believing the media hupe or really thought Union forces would break as they had done many times before.
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SFC James Welch
A very good point and I agree. Lee had confidence in Longstreet but we don’t know what Longstreet’s counsel actually was. What is obvious now I’m sure wasn’t then from their knowledge of the battle field. The losses to Pickets men hurts the heart of even the most casual observer!SSG Samuel Kermon
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MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D.
SFC James Welch Longstreet spoke up early on the 2d and Lee essentially told him to shut up and do what he was told.
The rest is supposition.
The rest is supposition.
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