July 1st and 2nd, 1863

[Little Powell]

Over the last few days at MHO, I have been reading eyewitness accounts (by soldiers and civilians) of the days leading to the battle of Gettysburg. Today of course marks the 146th anniversary of the 1st day of the battle. There is an interesting civilian account of the first days fighting.

July 1st 1863

http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/Fo ... 0&ID=17469

A citizen galloped up to the door in which we were sitting and called out, “For God’s sake go in the house! The Rebels are in the other end of town, and all will be killed!” We quickly ran in, and the cannonading coming nearer and becoming heavier, we went to the cellar, and in a few minutes the town was full of the filthy Rebels.

July 2nd 1863

Here's an account by the same person (Sarah) on the second days fighting:

http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/Fo ... 0&ID=17481

Note the reply from Red Baily. It's interesting how Sarah describes the cannonading at different times during the day. These times match up with the different engagements of the days battle.

[Armchair General]

And on July 1 1862 the Confederates attacked in massive waves against the Union lines at Malvern Hill. Thousands were killed and wounded, and a year and two days later, Lee would make the same mistake. May they all rest in peace.

[Little Powell]

I've updated this topic to include the account of the 2nd days fighting.

[Joshua l.Chamberlain]

I have noticed something with 3 day battles.

Day 1-Line up-The commanders astablish there possions.

Day 2-Stail Mate-Troops begin an attack to find weak points in there enemy's lines which create heavy casualties.

Day 3-We will hit them there!-A commander decides that the battle needs to end and launches a massed attack on a enemy possion.