Posted on 07/30/2023 6:28:05 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
We continue our extracts from Richmond papers of July 27:
A correspondent of the Richmond Sentinel writes from the camp of ALEXANDER's battery of light artillery, near Hagerstown, Md., under date of July 10:
"There is no doubt about the fact that our repulse here has, at least for a time, changed the whole plan of this campaign. Almost every one feels that we attempted almost impossibilities. I think we were too confident. I intimated this in my letter to you from Chambersburgh. Every man felt we could whip HOOKER wherever we might meet him. We had forgotten the power of the spade, and the immense advantage which position may give. We had lost sight of the sinking history of the siege of Vicksburgh, even while in progress; there 20,000 men successfully resisting and slaughtering a besieging army of 75,000 men, though surrounded and cut off from all succor.
I am in LONGSTREET's corps, who commanded the centre on the right of Gettysburgh. Gen. HOOD was on our right. Just to our front and right was a very rocky spur, on which the enemy had a battery, supported, of course, by infantry. Gen. HOOD sent word on Thursday afternoon to Gen. LEE, that he had met with an unexpected obstacle in this mountain, and that he could not advance. Both on Wednesday and Thursday we had driven the enemy without difficulty, but when we had fallen back to this spur or mountain and the connecting range of hills, our advance was checked. Thursday was a glorious day in our front. The men were in splendid spirits. It would have done your heart good (for it filled my eyes with tears) to see Gen. WOFFORD's brigade charge the enemy, who was strongly posted in a large peach orchard about
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From the Rebel States: More About the Rebel Defeat at Gettysburgh – 2-3
The Rebels in Kentucky: The Force Reported to be under Command of Col. Pegram – 3
From Gen. Meade’s Army: The Line of the Rappahannock Again Occupied – 3-4
The Rear Guard of Lee’s Army: The First New-York Cavalry in Pursuit – 4-5
Operations Against Charleston: Seabrook Island Evacuated by Our Troops – 5
Important from Washington: Gen. Gillmore’s Operations Against Charleston – 5
Editorial: The Strategy of Gen. Meade-Military Programme for the Future – 5-6
Editorial: The Two Armies – 6
Editorial: Shipbuilding in the West – 6-7
Warning to Parents – 7
Editorial: Labors of the Sanitary Commission – 7
Editorial: Brig.-Gen. Strong Vincent – 7
From Boston: Letter from Dr. King Regarding the Civil War in Greece, Etc. – 7
Just visited Gettysburg. Stood on both sides of that field across which Pickett charged. It is so open, such a free fire zone, that i could only conclude it was insane to attempt that attack up the middle.
I wish I could visit some of the Civil War sites. The closest I have come is Gen. Sherman’s duty station during the Mexican War. At nearby Monterey, CA. It also happens to the place my father was inducted into the army in 1942.
It is interesting to read how a Rebel Correspondant covered Gettysburg.
Loving EVERY article you post
Thank you
I am glad you enjoy them. I believe we can learn a lot by reading how events were perceived by people who lacked our historical perspective but had to deal with the reality of the time.
It’s about 7 hours from home in s. Ohio, so we made it a vacation this year. Gettysburg, the town, is a very nice, clean burg. Plenty of hotels and restaurants. We drove, but i imagine Harrisburg would be the best place to fly into.
The visitor center has a free car app you can download that will take you around the battlefield at a self-paced speed.
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