Most likely Lee would have won at Gettysburg but for Ewell’s inaction, but part of the fault also lies with Lee, who, in his courtly manner of speaking, told Ewell to attack Cemetery Hill “if practicable.” Jackson would understood that to be an order and attacked the hill that day, swept the hill clear of Yankees, and held the Union flank. Ewell heard it as a suggestion and decided it was more practicable to give his soldiers a hot meal and a night’s rest. By the time he attacked the next day the Union soldiers well reinforced and well dug in.
You assume that Jackson would have been the one coming in from the North. Lee had long planned on reorganizing the Army of Northern Virginia into three corps and Ewell was always slated to get the third one. Jackson could just have easily arrived from the west, as Hill did.
I’m of the same opinion. The entire Yankee line would’ve easily folded with a bold attack on Cemetary Hill, especially after heavy over 100 miles of marching for the past 5 days in the heat.
I’m also of the opinion that Lee should’ve withdrawn after the 1st further South to feint a direct assault on DC considering the failure to take that hill.
but part of the fault also lies with Lee, who, in his courtly manner of speaking, told Ewell to attack Cemetery Hill “if practicable.”
agree with you about lee. You forgot the second part of Lee’s order to Ewell. “But do not bring about a general engagement.” Lee’s thinking was if Ewell could take the hill with a brigade or two, well and good. But don’t send two divisions to take the hill. Lee didn’t want to get into major fight later on the first day.