Gettysburg: Day 2 July 2, 1863

Objectives Learn the strengths of both armies on July 2. Learn why James Longstreet was uneasy about attacking the Union positions. Learn what happened at the southern end of the battlefield. Learn what was the result of the second day of fighting.

July 1, 1863 Throughout the day of July first, thousands of soldiers on both sides had met near Gettysburg Pennsylvania. By the morning of July 2 nd, the Union had occupied the hills and ridges south and east of town, taking the shape of a fishhook, beginning at Culp’s Hill and extending to the Big and Little Round Tops.

James Longstreet James Longstreet’s First Corps was to attack the southern end of the Union line. Longstreet was known by Lee as “My Old War Horse.” Longstreet understood the value of high ground, defensive position, and what trained, determined men could do with a rifled musket. His troops protected Marye’s Heights at Fredericksburg.

Dan Sickles Dan Sickles, known before the war for shooting his wife’s lover, moved his men away from the protection of the high ground into the open.Soon he would pay for that error.

Hood’s Assault Longstreet ordered John Bell Hood to move forward and drive the federals from their positions. As they advanced, they fought fierce engagements at places today known as The Peach Orchard, Devil’s Den, and The Wheat Field.

Devil’s Den The Devil’s Den was a jumble of giant boulders where the gunfire exchange and hand to hand fighting took place.

The Wheat Field Before going into battle, federal troops were granted absolution. When the priest closed, he added, “And may God strike down any coward who runs!”

Sickles’ Wounding During the fighting, a Confederate cannon ball struck General Sickles in the right leg shattering the bone. He was carried from the field calmly smoking a cigar. The leg was amputated below the knee and the bones were sent to the Army Medical museum in Washington, D.C.

Little Round Top As the battle was unfolding below, General Gouverneur Kimble Warren noticed a group of confederates was moving to position themselves to attack the Union left.

G. K. Warren Immediately Warren searches for troops to strengthen the left flank. The first troops he finds is a brigade commanded by Strong Vincent.

Strong Vincent Vincent places his troops are the extreme end of the entire Union Army on Little Round Top. He has four regiments, the last is the 20 th Maine.

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Commanding the 20 th Maine was Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, former college professor. He knew the important task before his 360 men. He ordered his men to dig in, and it was just in time.

William C. Oates The 15 th Alabama regiment led by William C. Oates attacked. By strange coincidence, the Alabamians and Maine men were both 650 miles from their home towns. And if you connected the towns with a line on a map, it would intersect at Gettysburg.

Confederate’s Attack Wave after wave came at the 20 th Maine. Five times they were driven back, but they returned. The regiment had lost over 100 men.

Bayonet Charge Nine times the confederates charged. The 20 th Maine held. But they were almost out of ammunition and no hope of receiving more. Knowing the gravity of the situation, Chamberlain ordered a bayonet charge. The maneuver threw back the 15 th Alabama and secured the Union’s left flank.

Day 2 Summary Both ends of the union line had held. Both sides had suffered heavy casualties. No clear cut victor had been established. Lee knew he needed a victory so at least another day of fighting was in the offing. This would culminate in “Pickett’s Charge”.