The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-08

ton or a point between these cities be-
fore Meade. He would have been caught
between the powerful works OF Washing
ton and Mcade's army, while the change
OF base would have greatly endangered
his lines OF communication. Lee could
not move around now and mauoeuNle or
acatter his lesiOns 10 gather supplies as
he had done. because his opponent was
uncomfortably near He could not march
rn masse with a host suDsisung by ph-
lage, and 10 concentrate was "a starNe.
There was no alternative-he must hght.
Many distinguished Union generals who
were at Gettysburg have told me that
Longstreets plan was impossible and not
to be considered.
WAS THE BATTLE LOST HERE?
CAS- have said. Longstreet ordered to
attack at sunrise with the divisions OF
Hood and McLaws, made no sign of
moving until II o'clock on the right the
attack had been made according 10 or
ders but failed because the scheme had
not been carried out on the left. AT last
at II o'clock, Longsueet admits that ne
had orders TO move to the right, but de-
layeI. on his own responsibility. Ills dis
obedience of orders IN falling To march
at once with his Command. then present.
many believe, lost 10 Lee the battle OF
Gettysburg. With corps commander
who knew the value Of time oheyed
orders with promptness and without ar
gument. Ices movements on Meade's left
could have commenced at Z or y. NJ,
with all the chances for success, and
there would probably have been no COM
bat on the 81. for the Fedora forces We're
then coming mp in detail
when McLaws and Hood advanced
eight or nine hours aftcrward the cOndi-
tions had changed. Meade, having re-
lnquished bis design TO attack from mis-
right. had been steadily strengthening
his LETT. and his whole army was now
concentrated on splendid defensive line,
for Lee had waited, as If he did not pur-
pose 10 take advantage Of being first pre-
pared 10 fight. Longstreet would have
secured Round Top few hours earlier
ard would have prevented Meade from
holding Little Round Top. which Meade
called the key point Of my position
LONGSTREETS VERSION.
"Longstroots two divisions made su-
perb record if late. when they began TO
Sight. examined the field over which
Longstreet's forces were 10 pass and
found that The troops could have been
moved 30 be at the objective point by
sunrise. There were no natural difficult
ties Of rough ground or long distance.
These arc the details of Lonestrcet's fall
ule to support his commander IN a cIlti-
cal time. The corps commander says
in Nat contradiction to my statement
that General Lee did not utter one word
TO him of the march Of his troops until
ne gave his orders al II O'Clock for tho
move 20 the right. Orders for the troops
TO hasten their march Of the LIST We're
sent without even a suggestion from
hut his that he
intended TO fight the next day II the
enemy was there. l have the fullest con-
ndcnco, however, in the truth Of my evil
dcncc upon this point.
Louestreet was slow and sluggish. I'M
iii be was engaged IN battle. Then ne
handled his troops we'll but he could not
move fast in an emergency. Statements
like this are wild nonsense and cruelty
unjust THAT Lee was excited and off
his balance was evident on the afternoon
OF the first day. and ne iabored under that
oppression until enough blood was shed
To appease him." Those who know the
character of Lee are amazed at the con-
dition of mind of the writer Of this. as
shown in portraying General Lee as a
bloodthirsty savage. appeased only by the
slaughter OF men The intelligent and
impartial critic must admit the offensive
dispositions OF Lee skilful He knew
clearly what he wished TO do. Had I
Storewall Jackson at Gettysburg, I would
have won great victory" he said after
the war.
PIChETTs CHARGE A BLUNDER.
"Of equal importance with me failure
OF the morning attack, In a discussion OF
this nature. is of course the responsibility
for Pickett's charge. IL Is fortunate then
OF General Lees most trusted staff Of
fcers. Taylor. Venable and Long have
recorded that the plan OF assault involved
our attack BY Longstreet's whole corps.