GDG- Winter Stomp

[Chuck Teague]

>
> >> You must consider ALL the evidence that can be found. You cannot
> 'cherry pick' the data and either ignore selective parts or only quote
> pieces of longer statements where the rest of the statement
> changes the meaning of the piece quoted. This is simply sound historical
> method. Laurie


I fully agree. That is an important point. Surprisingly, most modern
histories of this part of the action seem not to consider the Conferate
accounts.

 >> it is very dangerous to make an assumption that something concrete
> happened because there is no
> evidence that it didn't.


Also a good point. In the sector on question, between the Copse and the
Brien homestead, there is an unfortunate lack of accounts from those
positioned there (Cushing and Arnold's Batteries) that clarify what
happened. But, as I have mentioned, references from Carroll's, Rowley's, and
Stannard's Brigades (all of which were moving in the direction of that
position, are revealing that something was indeed going on.

>> it is far more likely that nothing of significance happened north of the
copse, thus accounting for the
paucity of accounts.

There I disagree. The accounts we do have from that sector do reference five
regiments moving under musketry fire and two other regiments rushing to save
batteries. Thomas Reichart of Arnold's Battery wrote in his diary *"one time
it seemed as if we were all surrounded."*

>>  Even more to the point, if there are alternate theories... a credible
historian MUST address these and show why his/her theory is a better/more
valid case

That is a crucial point. There appear to be three alternate theories
swirling. The first is that Wright's Brigade was stopped short of the main
Federal line. I find this unlikely because there are so many Rebel and
Yankee accounts to the contrary. The second is that Wright's Brigade did
indeed penetrate the line somewhere south of the Copse. I find this unlikely
because there are so many Yankee accounts to the contrary.

I would appreciate hearing anyone make the case for alternatives one or two.


The third alternative (that Wright penetrated north of the Copse)  is the
one I espouse, partly because it accepts the essence of most of the
first-person accounts.

BTW, I'll pass at the moment on revisiting the action for July 3, despite
the disparaging remarks.