GDG- Paine's map of AoP positions

[James Cameron]

<< Related to the discussion of Sickles' position on July 2 is the question
whether he received a copy of the map Capt. William Paine, Meade's engineer,
drew of where Meade wanted his various corps placed, and whether the Third
Corps position was on that map?

Did the subject of this map come up at all in the aftermath of Gettysburg
when Sickles was hurling charges at Meade, and taking credit for winning the
battle of Gettysburg?

It would seem that such a map would be hard evidence in Meade's favor, and
damning evidence against Sickles and his decision to move forward to the
Emmitsburg Road.

Tom Ryan  >>

As far as I'm aware, neither Sickles nor any of the other Corps commanders 
made any mention of receiving their copies of the map.  Given when the map 
was sketched, and statements that it was then copied and distributed, I have 
no particular reason to believe they wouldn't have, aside, perhaps, for 
Sedgwick, given his later arrival.  My guess is that the map was seen simply 
as an aid, or elaboration of verbal or written deployment orders, and may 
just not have warranted mention one way or another.  Absent specific 
comment, all we can do is assume they got it.

One thing to keep in mind is that no copy of this early morning sketch map 
is know to have survived.  The "Paine Map" printed in a Gettysburg Magazine 
article some years back, and often discussed here and elsewhere, has never 
been proven to be "the" early morning sketch map, and in fact, contains 
enough contrary detail that is is almost certainly NOT that map.  Drawing 
any particular conclusions about the original deployment Meade intended, 
based in this map, is highly questionable.


Jim Cameron