GDG- July 1 recon

[Alan D. Brunelle]

Tom Ryan wrote:
> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
>
>
> In Douglas Haines' article in the latest issue of Gettysburg Magazine about
> Longstreet's advance to Gettysburg, he says that on July 1, after the Union
> First and Eleventh corps had been driven back through town onto Cemetery
> Hill, "Lee dispatched Brig. Gen. William Pendleton, Col. Armistead Long,
> Col. R. Lindsay Walker, and Capt. Samuel Jonston to reconnoiter the
> Confederate right."  Haines goes on to say that "it was Johnston's
> supposition that their mission was 'to be ready for a flank movement on the
> part of the enemy.'  This cursory reconnaissance did not extend further than
> three-quarters of a mile south of the Chambersburg Pike."
>
> Although not particularly startling, this is the first time I recall seeing
> a report of this reconnaissance on July 1.  We have seen and discussed at
> great length the recons made on the morning of July 2 by Johnston,
> Pendleton, and Long.  There is no reference to this July 1 recon in either
> Coddington or Sears' account of Gettysburg, so either the historians did not
> know about this recon or they did not consider it to be that significant.
>
> Haines cites the sources for this info an undated letter from Johnston to
> George Peterkin, and a letter from Johnston to Fitzhugh Lee dated February
> 16, 1878, both of which are at the Library of Congress.
>
> Knowledge of this recon does not seem to change our understanding of events
> that occurred  subsequent to this activity.  According to Johnston its
> purpose was defensive in nature (i.e., to protect against a flank movement
> by the enemy), rather than offensive as it was on July 2.  I suppose it is
> of interest to know that Lee relied on three of these men to conduct recon
> for him on more than one occasion, showing that he had faith in their
> judgment.
>
> Any thoughts on this July 1 recon?
>
> Tom Ryan

Hi Tom -

I seem to recall Pendleton himself talking about the afternoon recon on 
the first day - I don't recall him naming the others with him. This had 
to do with the placement of Hill's batteries south of the Seminary, 
including the controversial decision not to have them fire so as not to 
attract counter-fire.

Alan