Top 10 Reasons the South Lost at Gettysburg

Here's my list (in increasing order of magnitude)... what is yours???

10. General Heth’s foray into town bringing on a battle, on day 1 (General Heth, that is why we have orders… is it possible you misunderstood them?)

9. General A.P. Hill’s ordering General Heth into town on day 1.

8. General Longstreet’s delayed attack on day 2 (“The attacks were not properly coordinated, I do not know why”)

7. Colonel Alexander’s unsuccessful artillery barrage on day 3 (“We've been firing for a good while, sir. It's apparent neither the federals nor we are going to gain a clear advantage in this business.”)

6. Stonewall Jackson, killed at Chancellorsville by his own men, absent from Gettysburg (“General Lee… we must take the war to the enemy”)

5. General Ewell’s failure to attempt to take Cemetery Hill on day 1. (“I told General Ewell, give me one REGIMENT and I will take that hill… and… he… said…. NOTHING!!!”)

4. General Stuart’s tardy arrival on day 2 (“It would appear General Stuart has arrived…. The prodigal son”)

3. Pickett’s Charge… period… nobody particular. (“General Lee…. I HAVE no Division!”)

2. General Lee’s overall command strategy… (“It is ALL my fault… I thought we were invincible!”)

1. General George Meade’s defensive schemes and the overall Union strategy, in response to Lee. (“I hope to God this is GOOD ground…”)



Frank