GDG- RE: Heth

[JIM COOKE]

Interesting observations and discussion here. Could one consider that perhaps Buford and Reynolds selected the ground, Buford based on his knowledge of the ground and the surrounding roads, and Reynolds based on Buford's recommendation, coupled with the idea that Reynolds, in all likelihood, had not seen the Pipe Creek Circular, which recommended concentration in that area? Certainly Hancock served as Meade's eyes and ears on July 1. Perhaps Howard deserves more credit for posting his reserves on Cemetery Hill, but he can also be criticized for not falling back to this line during the midday lull. Repositioning the defense on the heights would have endangered the town, and that may have been a factor in a decision to keep the battle lines north and west of the town. 
Meade did not have confidence in either Doubleday or Howard, and that is why he sent Hancock to participate in the decision to stay or fight. He could have conceivably replaced either or both corps commanders, given the authority with which he was granted, and Howard helped that decision by communicating to Meade the fact that the 1st Corps was retreating. That was enough information for Meade to remove Doubleday. Perhaps if Doubleday, instead of spending all his efforts on rallying his troops, took the time to send a similar dispatch to Meade to the effect that the 11th Corp was retreating, Howard would have been cashiered instead of Doubleday. Yeah, that's a stretch, but Meade created a lifetime enemy with this decision, and AD's testimony to the JCCW certainly harmed Meade.
Good stuff.
Happy Leap Day.
JC