GDG- Re: Correction? Not necessary

[DShultz180 at aol.com]

> <<Nevertheless it doesn't seem to make much difference as most of the 
> writers about GB merely wanted to indicate the  small stand of trees that was used 
> as the center of gravity  for the PPT assault.>>
> 
Dick,

 The "Copse of Trees" known today as the "High Water Mark of the Confederacy" 
was not as small as the majestic Oaks represented today suggest. That 
particular unkept woodlot appears to have been unused for quite some time with thick 
underbrush and saplings ranging as far north as the wall separating Cushing 
and Arnold. That brush was quite high and quite thick around the then 10-foot 
oaks. Infantry were turned into pioneers to help cut, break, a field of fire for 
Cushing. 

Your description of well kept is correct and well founded. A good example of 
an unkept woodlot is present day "McPherson Woods,"   where 
Reynold's was killed July. At the time of battle it was the "Herbst Woods."   
The Herbst farm sat about 500 yards south of his woodlot and used that lot to 
harvest fuel. Walking that particular wood today one could wonder how in fact 
a battle occurred when in fact in 1863 that wood was nearly clear cut and 
somewhat open. When I mean clear cut I mean it was harvested as you suggested. 
The lot was a lot thinner than that of today. 

As for the "Cope of Trees" being the center of gravity of the assault   ... 
well, that to is debatable, 

Thanks again,

Dave