GDG- Re: Gettysburg Digest, Vol 32, Issue 4

[DShultz180 at aol.com]

> <<Dave, do I understand you as concluding that Wright was stopped short of 
> the wall?>>
> 
You are correct. 

<<The Georgians described being under shell fire from the moment they came 
into the open field. Who do you suppose it to be if not Cushing and Arnold? They 
had a clear field of fire. >>

 You are correct again in that every battery along that sector, Arnold, 
Cushing and Brown, all had clear fields of fire once Wright's Georgians stepped 
into the open south of the Bliss Orchard. As on July 3rd each and every swale 
they dipped into sheltered them as they closed. They, however, were exposed at 
every step to a withering arty fire while crossing the rises. To understand 
Cushing's field of fire one must recall that the "Copse of Trees" was larger then 
that today with underbrush and saplings spreading as far north at the wall at 
the Angle. Contrary to what you suggest Cushing did not have a clear field of 
fire once Wright's left neared the Rough Ground. At no time have we ever come 
across any counter-fire from Cushing into Brown's overrun guns as we have 
Thomas engaging Wilcox after overrunning Turnbull. It did not happen. Besides, had 
Cushing engaged as you suggest he would have not only blasted the right of 
the 69th Pa but that of the 71st when that regiment countercharged through and 
across the front of said battery. Although Cushing without doubt engaged Wright 
it was Brown's Napoleons that caused the damage once that brigade cleared 
Emmitsburg Road.

<< I get the impression from Hazard and others that artillery fire in that 
sector was at best intermittent until about 4:00 PM, not that they were 
continually engaged. I can't imagine Hunt allowing them to fire throughout the day 
without certain and proper targets.>>

Let's take a quick look at Cushing from beginning. He arrived on the ridge 
around 8:00 a.m. via Peter Frey Farm Lane, the last of the three batteries 
(Woodruff, Arnold and Cushing) escorted to the crest by Col. Warner. Warner turned 
said column over to Hays who personally placed each. It must be noted that 
when Cushing topped the ridge his position was already under fire from enemy 
(Lane and Pegram-24 guns) batteries along Seminary Ridge having seen Hay's 
division. Cushing immediately opened in counter battery fire. Yes, you are correct in 
that his fire was intermediate on and off all day. He had a spirited duel 
before the noon lull in which he expanded over100 rounds. His fire throughout the 
morning supporting Hays is well documented, more so then his opening on 
Wright later that day.
By the way. Brown's initial position was 200 yards south of the Copse of 
Trees due to the enemy counter-battery fire intended for Cushing at Copse of 
Trees. Brown did not move north until that fire slackened. He did not move forward 
until later.

Hunt and hazard did their best to control that corps' attached batteries fire 
but alas Hancock had the last and superior word when it came to his front. 
Mind you, it was Hancock who sent Rorty south to fetch Sheldon (1st NY Batt B) 
and bring it north. Hancock was the controlling figure that day along that 
sector not Hunt.

Hope this helps sorting through everything cause I am outa here ... no sense 
going on.

Regards,
Dave