GDG- Gettysburg The second day

[pennmardel at mchsi.com]

Jim,
You make a good point that Meade had better intel than Lee.  Prior to July 1, 
Meade benefited from a number of civilian groups, including one from Gettysburg 
led by David McConaughy, who were tracking Lee's army as it moved across PA.  
The BMI also had its scouts out checking on Lee's movements.
In addition, the BMI was busy interrogating prisoners taken on July 1 and early 
on July 2, and using this info to compile an an up-to-date ANV order of 
battle.  For example, when Meade was considering attacking on the right on the 
morning of July 2, the BMI responded to his request for info on the size of 
Ewell's corps.  The figures provided were 21,000 men total in Ewell's three 
divisions, a figure that could hardly have been more accurate.
This intel capability was supplemented by the Signal Corps that was providing 
communications among all the AoP units, and observing the enemy's location and 
movements.  The cavalry was also providing a steady flow of info based on their 
reconnaissance.
In contrast, Lee was hurting for info because of Stuart's absence.  He was 
relying on his staff to conduct reconnaissance of enemy positions.  He also had 
taken a large number of prisoners, and undoubtedly was gaining info from this 
source -- although not much evidence of this has turned up.
Overall, it appears Meade had a sizable intelligence advantage as of July 2.

Tom Ryan 


> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
> 
> 
> HI all, 
> 
> In Trudeaus, Sears and also Pfanz books, the Bureau of Military Affairs,
> basically the spy network of the Union was doing a great job of monitoring
> the ANV, what units were with the ANV, all through its agents and
> compilation of the recon reports coming in from the AoP cavalry recon. 
> 
> I believe the job that Buford was doing does more to help in preparation for
> the AoP win at GB , then any other military arm or even civilian agency. 
> 
> Meade is better intel then Lee does. I believe it shifts the balance from
> the ANV to the Aop. 
> 
> Well just my two cents.. 
> 
> Jim Lamason 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com [mailto:gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com]
> On Behalf Of keith mackenzie
> Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 11:13 AM
> To: GDG
> Subject: Re: GDG- Gettysburg The second day
> 
> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
> 
> 
> Meade had a much better idea of where the ANV was, including Stuarts
> cavalry, than Lee had of the whereabouts of the AoP. He seems to have been a
> tad more sensitive to any potential threat to Baltimore, which I suppose
> makes  more sense than knocking himself out trying to cover Philly and
> Washington, Washington being heavily fortified and Philly being kind of far
> away.
>   K.
> 
> James Cameron <cameron2 at optonline.net> wrote:
>   Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
> 
> 
> Chapter 1, From the Potomac to Pennsylvania, sets the stage, starting with 
> Hooker being relieved from command and replaced by Meade.
> 
> Pfanz describes Meade as capable, aggressive, and prudent. He also 
> describes the orders Meade was given, which made the AOP both the covering 
> army for Washington, and, the army of operation against Lee.
> 
> What constraints did the dual nature of these orders place upon Meade? As 
> sensitive as the Administration was to any potential threat to Washington, 
> did Meade, as a practical matter, act much differently than he would have 
> anyway, in how he was able to maneuver against Lee?
> 
> Jim Cameron
> 
> 
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