Gettysburg by Newt Gingrich

Author:Newt Gingrich
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group
Published: 2003-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

“That splits my command to pieces,” Pete said. “McLaws on the right flank, Hood here in the center, and Pickett still twenty or more miles away.”

“I know, but it can’t be helped. I’m passing Hill’s corps up to you. You will take direct command. I’ve already sent an order to that effect. Hill is too sick to continue.”

“The entire corps?”

“Yes, that will give you at least four divisions to secure the right. I think Meade will make his main thrust coming down the road to Baltimore. It’s the shortest route back to their lines around Washington. They will look to turn our flank there, then slip around and into position. We must not allow that to happen.

“Ewell will file in here by midday, though his men will not be in shape to fight until rested, having marched all night. If possible, I will forward up additional troops from him as well. I’ll be in direct control here for now.”

Pete looked back down at the map. Things were getting a little unorthodox. All three corps were jumbled up and split apart. The last time they had tried a maneuver of this scale was Second Manassas, and both corps had remained intact.

What Lee was suggesting here was an ad hoc division of command, Lee directly controlling the center and left, and Longstreet the right.

“A long front, ten miles or more between Taneytown and Westminster,” Longstreet offered.

“I know. Their response will be toward one flank or the other. If aggressive, they’ll try and cut us in half here. If more concerned about regaining their base of supplies and protecting Washington, it will be toward Westminster. I suspect it will be the latter. Take that town; get Hill’s men in position; see if that civilian’s report is accurate.

“While you attend to that, I’ll have people out surveying the land in between along the south side of this creek.

“If all is secure here, I’ll pass Ewell’s command down to you as well, or at least give you Pickett by the end of the day. If their main assault comes in this direction, I want you to hold Westminster nevertheless, and I’ll send down what I can.”

Pete said nothing for a moment and just studied the map. The first hard stage of marching was over. Now it was time to secure the base and then find a good place to hold. If Warren and Hunt had been out exploring this ground, they had found it and would know it. He had to get it first.

Saluting, Pete left the room and then paused to look back. Lee was still leaning over the map. He caught Taylor’s eye. “Get him to sleep,” Pete whispered, almost mouthing the words, and Taylor nodded.

Alexander was out in the corridor, holding Pete’s boots and a cup of coffee. “Let me help you get these on, sir.”

Pete nodded his thanks and sat down, cradling the china cup filled to the brim with the warm brew as Alexander knelt to help him.

“Guess I’m coming with you?” Alexander asked hopefully.

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