GDG- East Cemetery Hill: How Close?

[Alan D. Brunelle]

Gettysburg Engineering wrote:
> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
>
>
> Tim,
>
> The attack did successfully advance up the eastern slope of East Cemetery
> Hill. It was the closest that the Confederates came to taking the hill.
>
>  Gordon, who was brought in from guarding the York Pike,  was to follow in
> support of Hays and Avery, but did not. Hays and Avery's troops kept
> expecting Gordon to come up in support  and were told he would.  It never
> happen. By the time Gordon was  to advance, the Confederate line had broken
> and falling back an he was  told not to advance.  Rhode's was to coordinate
> an attack on the west side of Cemetery Hill.  His division was scattered
> from West Middle Street out toward Oak Hill. Early's brigades had been
> waiting most of the day along Winebrenner Run  and moved out as soon as the
> order was given.  Rhode's brigades gave several reasons why they did not
> attack in support of Early. It took them too long to get in line and the
> attack had began before they were ready; the hill was to well defended by
> troops and artillery; and it was getting too dark.  They did start to
> advance, but then fell back to the Long Lane area.
>
> It was another lost opportunity for the ANV because of poor communication.
> It was almost dark, this attack and the attack on Culp's Hill was to happen
> when Longstreet advanced.  Rhode's was not in line to attack, it took him to
> long to move his men into position.  Their was very little artillery support
> as Latimore had been shot off of Benner Hill.  Gordon waited too long to
> follow in support.
>
> Dean
>   
If I recall correctly, didn't the confederates on the hill withhold 
volleys when the union counterattacked? [I /think/ there were 3 volleys 
fired by the Union before the confederates responded. I recall that they 
held back because they thought they would be running into 
Longstreet's(!) or Rodes men.] I doubt this had much to do with the 
inevitable defeat, but it was another problem caused by not working in 
concert...

Alan