GDG- Cavalry (again): Buford's withdrawal

[J. David Petruzzi]

Chet and Allan,

There's no evidence that it was Buford who asked to be withdrawn.  That was
an unfortunate and unsubstantiated conclusion on Longacre's part - which
he's subsequently backed off of (see his "Lincoln's Cavalrymen book, in
which he corrects this and states that it was Pleasonton's idea) and also in
private conversations with myself, Eric, and likely others.

Buried in the back of the Gettysburg ORs is a long-overlooked missive from
Butterfield which orders Buford south to Taneytown, per Pleasonton's
request.  Quite timely, Eric Wittenberg has an article appearing in the
upcoming July issue of Gettysburg Magazine, titled "The Truth About Buford's
Withdrawal on July 2" which will be of great interest of all of the readers,
and goes into great detail on this issue.

Incidentally, NOT all of the cavalry was pulled from the field.  Devin left
behind 2 undersized companies (about 100 troopers) of his 9th NY Cavalry
under Capt. Timothy Hanley, and was assigned to Sickles.  Sickles kept these
troopers at his HQ, and never used them for any type of recon.  Apparently
by then he had already made up his mind to adjust his position.  There were
also several other cavalry companies with the infantry corps HQ, as well as
with AOP HQ.  There's no way to estimate, but there could very well have
still been something like several hundred mounted cavalrymen on the field
still.

J.D.


    >>Why Buford asked to be withdrawn at such a critical time, IMHO,
remains
inexplicable. However, that Pleasanton granted the request is more
understandable. Buford was a veteran division commander and one of the most
combative officers in the army, thus when such a request came to the corps
commander it is not without reason that Pleasanton would take him at his
word and grant permission. (To the group's cavalry experts: Is there a
record of the two meeting or of Pleasanton actually inspecting the condition
of Buford's brigades to evaluate their combat worthiness?)
   However, even in granting Buford's request, Pleasanton should have
arranged for a screening force (perhaps a squadron or even a regiment) to
remain on the flank until fresh cavalry could be brought up after the rest
of Devin's and Gamble's brigades were withdrawn. That would have been a
sound and prudent military move.
  Also, does anyone know if Sickles or Hancock were formally informed of the
removal of the flank-covering cavalry or did they suddenly discover that the
horsesoldiers had vanished and, if so, what, if any, did that fact play in
Sickles'  decision to eventually move forward to the Emmittsburg Road?
   With regards,
     Chet>>