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To: thiscouldbemoreconfusing
Had the 20th Maine run, the outcome of the war could have been considerably different.

I don't think so. They would have retreated back to the ridge, where the Union guns were firing effectively down the draw. They could have held up the advance there, with a combination of entrenched musket and cannon fire, if the Union guns were diverted to the flank. That would have bought enough time for the boys in blue to beat a hasty retreat and avoid being captured or decimated by the Confederates. They could have retreated across the river the same way Lee did, and lived to fight another day.

the peace would have been much more equitable.

At the risk of igniting the war all over again, what was so inequitable about the peace? The destruction of the South came as a byproduct of the war, not the armistice.

24 posted on 12/27/2006 4:26:29 PM PST by IronJack (=)
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To: IronJack
I believe there were three other brigades on the right of the 20th Maine. They were all heavily engaged by attacks coming uphill. Had the 20th been outflanked and rolled up, the 15th Al. would have rolled up the rest of the position, as the left flank of the other brigades became untenable. The 15th could pour fire into the side of the remaining brigades, and with them engaged to their front, would not be able to return effective counter-fire. They would have been forced to abandon their position.

The tree line was much different in 1863. Not positive, but due to farming, I believe there were not nearly as many trees in and around the battlefield as there are today. The Cornfeds may have been able to fire cannon directly down the rest of the Union line, while they were similarly engaged to the front, and attacking down the flank once again. Lee's ultimate goal was to take Washington and sue for peace. Had he won at Gettysburg, and routed the Union army once again, as he did at Chancellorsville a month earlier, well, who knows. A Twilight Zone episode?

Speculation on my part or course.

29 posted on 12/27/2006 4:44:30 PM PST by muleskinner
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To: IronJack

Have read that book by Newt Gingrich? I herd it was good book


30 posted on 12/27/2006 4:48:13 PM PST by StoneWall Brigade (HAPPY 200TH BRITHDAY R.E. LEE.)
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