What if Jackson had been there instead of Ewell on day 1
Not trying to sound like a dick, but that statement shows that the fellow making it hasn’t studied the tactical situation leading to the battle.
Stonewall would not have hesitated taking Cemetery Hill or Culp’s Hill on 1 July.
But without either bill, the federal line would have been untenable. Southern artillery on either of those hills or Little Round Top could have driven away the Union Army.
But General Meade had already prepared for that possibility by laying out a defensive position at a place called Pipe’s Creek, 12 miles or so southeast of Gettysburg.
He actually planned the battle there. Only Hancock’s study of the terrain at Gettysburg and hisassurance that those positions could be held, changed Meade’s mind.
Lee would have held the town, but the Union Army would still be between him and Baltimore & Washington. He was still in enemy territory with no easy objective and damn little hope of resupply of the ammunition spent taking those now useless Hill’s.
Destruction of the opposing army was the only objective worthwhile for Lee. Maybe following Pete’s advice would have cut off Meade’s line of supply and communication, but taking the hils wouldn’t.
7mm
