The Killer Angels : The Stratagem That Never Was

The first day of battle was the most decisive conflict; it determined who would control the high lands. General Buford of the Union Calvary was intelligent enough to see that elevated terrain is a key factor in winning the battle. He decided what terrain he wanted to fight on, knowing he must defend the high ground at all costs. Buford already knew of the advantages of choosing the high lands as a battlefield. He says, “‘The whole damn Reb army’s going to be here in the morning. They’ll move right through town and occupy those damned hills-’ Buford po

When an attack to the left flank had failed, General Lee decided that the left was too reinforced; he decided to send in Longstreet’s Corps to the right and flank the Union line. There were two hills to the right, Devil’s Den and Little Round Top, both under heavy guard. One of Longstreet’s Generals said the hill could not be taken and asked to move to the right of the hill. “‘Sam, the Commanding general will not approve a move to the right. I argued it yesterday. I argued it all morning. Hell, I’ve been arguing against any attack at all. How can I call this one off? We have our orders. Go on in’” (201). Longstreet's strategy of staying on the defensive was challenged by the authority of Lee. Lee pitted his army against the odds and ordered the charge up the hill, but it only ended in disaster. Longstreet blindly led half of his men to their deaths, he not only lost irreplaceable soldiers but he lost their confidence as well. “‘You may hear of it, General. I had to hit this fella. They all aid the attack was your fault and if General Lee knowed he wouldn’t have ordered it…’” (240).

The Union had set up a defensive position shaped like a fishhook. “Meade had put troops along the ridge so that his position was shaped like the fishhook, but there were no troops yet on the rocky hills” (181). The Union was playing it smart and had taken the high ground; they forced Lee into an uncomfortable position of taking the offensive.

General Lee knows that his army is not effective unless they are concentrated. Lee is left in the dark as to the whereabouts of the enemy; the Confederate cavalry had run off, leaving the army blind as a bat. “‘There should have been something from Stuart. There should have been. Stuart would not have left us bli

Some topics in this essay:
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