Anonymous Poster7393
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Posted - January 19 2005 : 06:32:16 AM
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Has anyone read "Into the Fight:Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg" by J Michael Priest? The author states that many of the men involved in Longstreet's Grand Assault during the afternoon of the third day actually broke and returned back to Seminary Ridge during the movement over the fields.He cites the"Southern Bivouack" (which I believe was the publication of UCV)as sources.BY the time the line reached Emmitsburg Road he states that the attacking force was reduced by 40% on its front line, a lot being due to men turning back.Further,that it was the 1 and 7th Tennessee regiments that were over the angle before Armistead? Any thoughts on this?
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Sgtmajor109th
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Posted - November 26 2007 : 9:38:48 PM
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I have studied the battle a great deal and have read everything you can read on Gettysburg. And have made several trips to Gettysburg. What you have read is true. One you have to consider the distance that Pickett's force had to attack over. The fence became a problem for Picketts forces. The Union artil- lery zeroed in on that fence. Many of the Confederate forces began to turn and go back, as the canister fire was so great and many began to fall.
When they had Crossed the Emmitsburg there was a ditch, once past the ditch you were going up a slight rise. Once on top of the rise the Union forces fired over whelming rifle fire. Many of the Confederate forces stayed in the ditch during the attack and then moved back to their own lines. From what I have read, the 1st and the 7th TN regiments were the first to breech the Union lines. |
Sgtmajor |
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