GDG- Earthworks South of Copse of Trees

[zfry at kent.edu]

Mr. Imhof:

Bechtel is a great source for a host of topics - his letters about
Antietam are mesmerizing; he wrote about his best friend being killed at
Second Fredericksburg; he described Gettysburg; and he talks about the
1864 election, just to name a few subjects.

Bechtel does indeed mean July 2 in my estimation.  That is, he means the
breastwork was useful in repulsing Wright's assault.  Certainly, though,
that same breastwork was  important for the stand of the 59th on July 3.
 The sources I have come across do indicate that many men of Hall's
front line, including the 59th, basically hunkered down low behind their
breastworks and returned fire on Kemper's men through the second half of
the PPT Assault.  Fortunately for the 59th, they had that slashing in
their front, and it did subject them to less small arms fire than the
more exposed 69th PA to their right, which was across the gap at Brown's
Gate.  It's fascinating in the summer to stand out by the "knoll"
outcropping where Kemper's men were and see how obscured much of Hall's
right flank is by that slash.

My compliments,
Zack Fry