The Battle of Gettysburg - Historian Reacts

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[@andywomack3414]

While watching the animation, as the battle surged around Culp's hill, I had to stop and have a good cry. I'm 72, and tend to tear up, and sentimentalize. I let this sit for a month. I think grief the appropriate emotional response, and pride at their courage, dismay at their foolishness. Powerful emotions, why I love history. Know that war is terrible, and often surrender the best option.

[@ReadmanJ]

Lee was right when he said that Meade would exploit any mistake he made.

[@Heaven_is_a_frequency6263]

Buford's men didn't have repeating rifles, they had Spencer breech loaders. They could load quicker with breech loaders, which helped, but no units had repeating rifles at Gettysburg.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Correct. I was confusing them with Custer’s men who had the repeaters.

[@Ewen6177]

I've watched Gettysburg the film many a time, but the passion you bring, plus your knowledge. This is the channel I love, maybe one day you'll come over the pond and then put your brain into say the war of the 3 kingdoms (English civil war), WWI or WWII. Would await with baited breath to hear your thoughts on those wars.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

When Covid clears up I'll definitely be there!

[@Ewen6177]

@@VloggingThroughHistory You'll be welcome any time up the North East of Scotland and maybe I will be allowed to walk a battlefield or 2 of the great Marquis of Montrose and his year of victories.

[@xJamesLaughx]

I loved watching this. I live right outside of Gettysburg PA so needless to say this topic has a special place for me as well as being a lover of history and studying it. This battle has some amazing human stories with it as well. Like the relationship between Jennie Wade and Wesley Culp a confederate who's uncle Henry Culp owned the Culp's Hill area and where Wesley played as a child. He was carrying a message meant to be delivered to her since he knew her from his time living in Gettysburg as a boy. Wesley Culp was killed on Culp's Hill with the 2nd Virginia just miles away from the house Jennie Wade was in where she too was killed.

[@2104dogface]

back in 2000 i lived right in town on Buford Ave a few blocks down from Lee's HQ. so loved living in that town running around town and messing with the tourist lol

[@TheMightyKent]

My family did a huge “history vacation” like 18 years ago that included a trip to DC (including the Smithsonian and all the monuments and memorials there), a visit to colonial Williamsburg and a day trip to Gettysburg. What I didn’t know at the time, was that my 3rd great-grandfather on my paternal grandmother’s side was actually involved in the battle. He was a private in the 25th Ohio. I’d really like to go back someday with this extra knowledge available (and the presence of mind that comes with age) and see it all again. Love these videos! The more the merrier!

[@corvanna4438]

Richard Enderlin is the man that rescued Nixon. The 24th Michigan suffered the highest casualty rate for the Union army with 84% lost on the 1st day. Culps hill was defended on the evening of the 1st, the First Corp was on Culp's Hill. There were more troops there on the 1st than when the CSA attacked on the evening of the 2nd. Sickles move in my opinion weakened the Union position by requiring more troops to form a defensive line.

[@Spartan265]

I got to visit Gettysburg back in 2010. The battlefield was massive. Much bigger than I ever realized. It was humbling. Men fought and died on ground I was walking on. Was something I won't forget. Hope to visit other battlefields at some point.

[@m1abramstankcrew467]

las time I was this early, the battle of Antietam was still going on. I also like this

[@n0us.]

5:10 Its over Anakin. Now I have the high ground!

[@loganmeyer8104]

Thank you for elaborating on the actions of the 1st Minnesota! I can't believe how often that particular story gets glossed over because it's pretty incredible.

[@Nick_Patrick]

I am so glad that his videos got picked up by the algorithm and popped up as suggested. I have been chain-watching every video the last few days. Getting the inside details on these videos makes them so much more interesting to me. Keep up the great work and I'll keep watching.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Glad you’re here, Nick!

[@PittDaddy]

Visiting Gettysburg is a must. I've taken scout troops to visit and it should be on the list for every American.

[@MomentsInTrading]

I really enjoyed this! I have watched the animated map several times. You added in some facts I didn’t know. Thanks

[@ConkerVonZap]

You knowledge of this time in history is truly impressive.

[@Rackhark]

Damn I love these videos. Hope you continue with other videos from these guys, especially for(as you say) what they do & support on old battlefields etc. (:

[@orion6251979]

I tend to not subscribe to every single channel I come across, but tend to wait to see what kinds of videos are put out over time. I've watched about 10 of your videos so far and have really enjoyed the historical inputs you provide on these vids. I wish my history teachers in high school had made history as interesting as you do. You just got yourself another subscriber! Keep up the great work.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Thank you for the endorsement by giving me a sub. Glad to have you!

[@briangambler9166]

The incredible amounts of courage these men had to march into a battle like this stuns me, and I don't think I will ever forget what they did to help make our country what it is today. I've been studying the Civil War for 5 years now and I keep coming back to Gettysburg over and over. Thanks for the great content!! Keep up the fantastic work!!

[@rjb6327]

The first time I went to Gettysburg, the museum had a a light map on the floor, where they showed the whole3 day battle. It was great. After watching the display and going out to the battle field, I could appreciate everything I was seeing. If you can go to Gettysburg, go! Well worth the trip. What a sense of history.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Yep...I remember that map at the old visitors center!

[@davidsigler9690]

Minnesota thanks you for mentioning the 1st Minnesota.....Good books on them is "Last Full Measure...." By. Richard Moe, "Pale Horse At Plum Run." By. Brian Leehan.....I only recently found your channel, enjoing it very much....Gettysburg is on my bucket list.

[@nathanieldavis1671]

Love these battle animations

[@ernestchoi4464]

It was Chancellorsville where Sickles got artillery fire where Hooker told him to move off Hazel Grove.

[@2104dogface]

If you ever get a chance this is a must visit battlefield. Back in 2017 while working on a movie (military Adviser) i got to work with Sam Elliot and got to talk to him about the Gettysburg movie and as i also had lived in Gburge and lived on Buford ave and my daughter was conceived on Buford ave Sam got a chuckle out of that.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Sam Elliot was such a perfect actor to play Buford. I loved him in that role

[@2104dogface]

@@VloggingThroughHistory on his last day on set he was signing items for the crew and the director had him sign his repro CW cavalry Saber

[@phantomtitan9792]

That was one fascinating battle.

[@davemartin4183]

Awesome video ☺️

[@Lornharding]

saw them all .... real good vids

[@ralphroshia9247]

George G Meade has to be the most underrated Commander of the Civil War I got a lot of respect for that man

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Agreed. He gets overshadowed by Grant but he was an excellent general.

[@NegiTaiMetal011]

I first got to know Gettysburg thanks to the metal band Iced Earth's Gettysburg Trilogy. Asides from Sabaton singing about history, Iced Earth sung about history in their album The Glorious Burden (and one on Incorruptible). I recommend listening to it. It is epic. It's from there I got to watch the Gettysburg movie and reading The Killer Angels novel. I'd love to go to Gettysburg one day.

[@VinceYT2408]

Very interesting video, very clear. Really shows that Lee didn't coordinate his attacks, allowing Meade to reinforce as he did. But they didn't talk about the meeting of the Corps commanders, deciding on themselves to hold the ground before the arrival of Meade during the night. I think Hancock did a great job during the whole battle.

[@legolean148]

Probably one of my favorite historical moments from the battle, during Pickets Charge, when the Confederates breached the first Union lines near the copse of trees, the brave Irishmen of the 69th Pennsylvania were the only ones who held their ground and were able to fight off the Confederate soldiers until reinforcements could arrive.

[@KelpyJee]

My boy Thomas Francis Meagher was holding down the fort like a true badass!!

[@richeybaumann1755]

General Armistead is another one who died almost certainly due to poor sanitation and cleanliness. The bullet wounds were minor, striking no bones, arteries, or even nerves. He died of "secondary bacterium" which probably means "we dug around in his leg with unwashed hands and unsterilized tools and it got infected by like 6 different types of bacteria.

[@1Nathansnell]

Great Video! I feel bad for Meade because he’s overshadowed by Grant, and I’m disappointed that Lincoln didn’t give him a break it was a hot bloody three days. Meade did something that Pope, Burnside, Hooker couldn’t do and that’s beat Lee When I studied the battle of Gettysburg I really believe that Buford should’ve told Reynolds dig at Cemetery Hill the ground was great but I would’ve been defensive if I was Reynolds I think the battle would’ve turned out differently. 9:00-9:30 with Howard I agree with that but it does make him look bad Howard should’ve taken responsibility. Honestly I think after Day 1 Lee should’ve redeployed I think it was smart. Lee should’ve been smart and Longstreet should’ve not attacked on Day 2.

[@marinewillis1202]

Lee should have followed Longstreet's advice and moved around the Union left and forced Meade to attack him. However even Longstreet said Lee's blood was up and no one could stop him once that happened. I think Meade did a very good job even though he didn't finish them off after the battle but he played his hand in the maneuvers after the battle very Shermanesque. I think the real interesting thing is that pretty much for the entire war Lee never lost a defensive battle (even Antietam while a strategic victory was tactically a draw) until the very end when he was outnumbered by more than 3 to 1. Even then he was dangerous to attack. If he stuck with what he would have won at Gettysburg as he was never really closer in numbers to the enemy than there. I've always thought if i was Jeff Davis I would have sent Lee off to the West because the East was a meat grinder and someone like Longstreet with his defensive mind could have probably held fine, and the west would have given Lee alot of room to maneuver which he loved to do

[@SantomPh]

Meade was indeed the target of Lincoln'a wrath but unlike Hooker and McClellan he was fresh off a vital victory and his men really respected him. He remained in command of the Army of the Potomac and is still spoken off well

[@pathindsley]

15:40 They talk about the 20th Maine about a minute before, but make absolutely no fanfare or mention the unit name just a simple, "a bayonet charge from Maine secured the left flank."

[@imagecaster]

Great commentary. There was a scene in the movie Gettysburg, where Buford arrives with Devin at the Chambersburg Pike and sees Heth's men pulling back. It is a small, quiet scene, but if you understand the context of what happened, I feel THAT was the point where it could have all ended. Because if they had engaged, Buford would never have had the ground to hold and the positions of the armies would have been reversed going into the 2nd day. The music of that scene is wonderfully appropriate, as is the dialog between Devin and Buford. Speaking of Gettysburg the movie, I was wondering what you thought of the acting and casting they did for it from a historical accuracy persepective? (basically want to know if Sam Elliot's awesome portrayal of Buford was accurate )

[@rs91268]

I enjoy your videos sir

[@davidknoke692]

Your presentations are excellent. I enjoy each and every one. I have a question about the concept of good ground and why the battle occurred there and the events of the first day. I realize how fluid a bottle is. My question is-when did the leaders determine that they should fight a delaying actions , to end up on high ground east of Gettysburg? I can’t imagine that Buford believed at the onset the concept of where the north would be deployed at end of first day. Or did he? Love your thoughts.

[@rcguy45]

Living near the small village of Hunterstown which is about 4 miles north of Gettysburg there is a confederate hospital that still stands to this day

[@benjamincretsinger1198]

about the 1st Minnesota they took the highest casualties of any US force in a single battle ever

[@edwardkehl7015]

also i had the chance to go to gettysburg this past weekend

[@edwardkehl7015]

according to the tour guide i got to meet it was winfield scott that told them to do it

[@edwardkehl7015]

and that meade was actually about to go with his officers in a head on charge

[@mikemahr3496]

I am a Gettysburg College student and every time I bring up the 1st Minnesota being more important than the 20th Maine (personal opinion), I get called crazy by people who have only seen the film and haven't actually studied the battle.

[@Bentastic197]

Exactly. Then after suffering an 82% casualty rate the remaining 47 men and the two companies that got sent away to support other regiments had to endure more hand to hand combat the next day.

[@SantomPh]

The movie follows Chamberlain all the way from Maryland, so switching to a previously unknown regiment getting torn apart is perhaps bad cinema.

[@JohnReedy07163]

Watching this back 3 years later and after the 160th anniversary. In this video you said the order to Ewell was to take Culp's Hill "if practicable". But that wasn't the order. The order was to take Cemetery Hill "If practicable". The LBG that I had said that he always has to correct people about that. The Union didn't have anyone on Culp's Hill and Ewell and Lee didn't know if the Union had men to defend there, but the Order was for Cemetery Hill and Ewell asked for reinforcements from Heath but was told they weren't in a position to advance. Ewell, Heath and Allegheny Johnson then all jointly told Lee an attack would be impossible to coordinate before the loss of daylight and that they could take the hill in the morning....Not realizing that Sickles was going to be on the Union Left, Hancock in the Center and the 1st, 5th,11th and 12th corp on the right/Rear Center. I think that exonerates Ewell quite a bit knowing that he had 10,000 men in front of him fortifying Cemetery Hill and no reinforcing troops to help him take the hill.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Yes, you're 100% right about it being Cemetery Hill, and there being no chance Ewell could take it,.

[@samiam619]

Subbed after watching this. I like your style/knowledge and use of the animated maps. Another vid I watched today, the guy read Hancock’s view of Pickett’s charge, but no maps. Very detailed but you couldn’t follow what Hancock was saying. Was just too complicated to follow…

[@nei1mchugh]

fishhook reminds me of the pusan perimeter during the Korean war.... Because of the shape they could easily get reinforcements from other front lines

[@mitchcumstein4521]

The brigade commander Kemper is related to Ellie Kemper who was on the office

[@BrandonSmith84]

Had 2 cousins who served in the 7th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. They fought on the 2nd day at Culp's Hill They were brothers Belteshazzar and his younger brother John Dragoo Belteshazzar was killed on May 25, 1864 during the Battle of North Anna in Virginia. Died in his brother's arms and was buried by the North Ann River Bank by a farm. Later his body was moved to the Fredericksburg National Cemetery

[@jeffburnham6611]

I think more credit should be given to Hancock. On the evening of July 2nd, Meade orders Hancock to ride ahead and take control of the Army until he arrived later in the evening. By this time Reynold's had already been killed and Buford's units pushed back to the flanks. Even though Hooker was the Senior Officer on location, Meade gave the command of the entire Army to Hancock. It was the correct assessment of Buford, Reynold's and Hancock that led to the decision to fight defensively from the grounds chosen. It was also Hancock that ordered the 1st Minnesota to charge those two Confederate brigades, which prevented the breakthrough of the Union lines.

[@airhead5758]

You should react to panzer battalion , the lost battalion, the last stand,and panzerkampf

[@Lornharding]

when covid is done i would really likle you to make a vid on Arlington cemetary

[@williamsteele1409]

`there was a bayonet charge also by a patrick o rorke an irishman colonel from new york first in his class of 61 the last in that same class CUSTER

[@SantomPh]

Armistead's wound was a flesh wound that went through. However his wound festered and he died, possibly due to lax battlefield medical treatment. Hancock survived as his wound mostly healed and did not fester as badly

[@Krzysztof.l.Polak.84]

In defence of XI Corps it should be noted, that it had only between 8500 to 10500 troops for duty, from which 1/3 has been left on Cemetery Hill (von Steinwehr`s Division), and the rest went to fight in totally open field, with right flank exposed and the whole line thinly streched from McPhersons Ridge to Blocher`s Knoll Personally brave Barlow made here big mistake, although based on reasonable idea to stuck his right on more-less advantageous terrain, but this caused opening of right flank to assault from full Early`s Div. In contrast, although pretty battered, 1st Coprs was defending much stronger position on wooded hills and ridges and apart from losses of 1st. Div, was there in full strenght of three divisions. So, I`d say, that again, as in Chancellorsville, it wasn`t fault of soldiers from XI Corps, but their higher command (corps and divisional level, brigades were commanded competently). About Culp`s Hill on first day, my colleague who is historian and specializes in ACW, argues that maybe it was not Ewell to balme, but Lee who didn`t give precize order - not only because famous "if practicable", but also because not pointing to Ewell, which hill had to be attacked, which hje had in mind. Most of popular understanding, that Ewell didn`t storm Culps Hill comes after memories of Trimble, who... let`s say it mildly, was ambitious and din`t like Ewell at all. There are arguments, that from the position he had, Ewell could understood, orders were about stroming Cemetery Hill - and there he could clearly see Union position "fortified" by Steinwehr, with many guns and fresh troops, while his two divisions were already pretty tired and bloodied. And finally - apart from idea of frontal assault in 3rd day... Lee made great blunder with allocation of troops, supporting Pickett with shattered remanants of Ist Corps, instead of Anderson`s Division, being in much better shape.

[@Brantlins]

Do you not have a video on Vicksburg?

[@zacharybollinger3318]

I live near Gettysburg and went to Gettysburg school actually help make some Virginia worm fences and clean up little and big round top (side not your a real man if you can smoke a full pack of cigarettes and go up this mountain as it seems many did lol)

[@OmegaS-117]

My 3rd great grandfather was there at Gettysburg he was part of Cobbs legion somewhere around the peach orchard according to one of his letters that we have he enlisted in March of 1862 he almost survived the civil war he was killed on Jan 25 1865

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Wow...may have been fighting against my 3rd great grandmother's brother who was with the 57th PA in the Peach Orchard.

[@williamsteele1409]

people tend to forget that meade continued as commander of the army of the Potomac after grant is given overall command of all armies in the field a position last held by Washington

[@jtc120880]

Also question on the patreon - I see you have a "History Guy Gaming & Vlogging Through History" patreon already, with different tiers. Since that patreon name indicates it covers both channels would either one qualify to vote in content on this channel? Or are you planning on breaking that one into just the gaming side and the new one into just the vlog side?

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Yes they are separate. I need to update the name on the other one.

[@rmhouser19861]

I do NOT believe that Buford'd Brigade had repeaters. They did have breech loading carbines. Still would have given an advantage.

[@richeybaumann1755]

19:50 The solider was Richard Enderlin. He was a bugler, and wasn't supposed to be engaged, but his regiment, the 73rd Ohio, was not directly engaged and so he joined the defense of Cemetery Ridge.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Yep. You’ll see that story in an upcoming video I made in Gettysburg.

[@richeybaumann1755]

I always love the random stories that you give us. It helps to remind us that these were _people_ , with friends and family and real human emotions.

[@fenner1986]

From my understanding and from what I've heard tell from other historians, George Meade was the right commander for this battle even though he might not have wanted command at all. I understand he used the signal corp to far better success than previous generals and that was one of the bigger reasons he was able to outguess Lee, is that he was better informed. Intel is half the battle after all. My personal hero of Gettysburg is definitely Buford. He took what others would have saw as a disaster waiting to happen and he saw opportunity and a chance to prepare the army he was scouting for the best chance they could have to win the fight coming up. I absolutely loved that Sam Elliot was cast as his portrayer in Gettysburg the movie. I'm sure you've had this question dozens of times and I've probably missed it, but what is your opinion of the movie Gettysburg (1993)? Did you agree with the character casting and portrayal?

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

I wasn't crazy about Sheen as Lee, but holy cow was Sam Elliott the PERFECT John Buford. I also thought Jeff Daniels was excellent as Chamberlain. Tom Berenger is a great actor and I didn't love or hate him as Longstreet. Stephen Lang was great as Pickett.

[@fenner1986]

@@VloggingThroughHistory I totally agree. I didn't mind Sheen, but he didn't steal the show like I kind of expected him to, in fact I empathized as a person and human more with Berenger's performance of Longstreet than I did of Sheen's Lee. And yes, I loved Daniels Chamberlain portrayal, he brought so much character depth to the story that you couldn't help but root for the guy. I still get shivers during the scene when he screams "Bayonets!!!!"

[@SantomPh]

Meade was only made commander 3 days prior, and Lee did not know what was in his thinking, only that Meade was a famously cautious general and a local. Thus no one, except perhaps Hood and Longstreet realized Meade would just hold those hills until the Confederates would leave. Lee came up against a rock when he thought he was fighting an attack minded general in a defensive position

[@spooky_lxix9042]

Day 1: asking @Vlogging Through History to react the last stand or seven pillars of wisdom from sabaton

[@jtc120880]

Kinda of topic but since you mentioned Vicksburg, the Alabama memorial was made by my grandfather

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

That's very cool!

[@andywomack3414]

This is when Lee should have quit. I grew up outside Baltimore, and Gettysburg, even in the '50's and '60's, an easy and scenic day-trip. At that time, seeing the Devil's Den, and other features of the battle, and, if memory serves a "cyclorama," I had little appreciation for the immensity of the events that made Gettysburg a memorial for those who died, and the reason why they died. American Battlefield Trust brings these events to life. Somehow they drive home the horror.

[@SantomPh]

I'm just wondering about a scene from the movie. Thomas Chamberlain meets some Tennessee POWs guarded by what looks like two Maine soldiers (red dot on the hat) who salute him with the Confederate salute (hand to waist). The two men have guns and are standing to attention, clearly guarding the prisoners. Is this an error or did the Union also do the side salute?

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

That salute was done whenever holding a rifle. It isn’t a Confederate salute.

[@kidhammer2567]

In all your visits to this battlefield and with your study of Gettysburg, have you uncovered any information suggesting it was possible that Genl. Lee ordered Genls Stuart and Hampton to ride down East Cavalry Field and attempt to punch through the rear of Genl. Meade's army behind II Corps of Genl. Hancock and work through to join up with Picket-Pettigrew and cut Meade's army in half on Day-Three?

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Yes, I have seen that idea discussed. I personally believe it's more likely Stuart was meant to keep Meade from reinforcing the center by threatening the Union supply line/rear.

[@kidhammer2567]

@@VloggingThroughHistory Thank you for answering my most recent query so timely, and I appreciated your response so very much.

[@stephennewton2223]

I think that Ewell made the right decision not to try to take Culp's Hill. He had 3 divisions. Johnson was not yet there, can't use him. Rodes had been heavily engaged, and as you say, not very effectively, and was out of position. Early was the only division available. He reported troops on his left and placed 2 or three brigades to guard his flank. That doesn't leave a lot to advance with. As the second day would show, troops can get where they are needed in a hurry.

[@SantomPh]

He would have taken the hill but lost more men trying to hold it, losing it to newly arrived Union forces. The Union held it by fortifying it and sticking armed men on the hill covered by artillery. Hill didn't have the artillery required to adequately bombard the er, hill without exposing his own troops.

[@yZack_Mills]

8:05 it looks like he was using a flintlock, was that still common despite switching to the firing cap?

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

On the Confederate side, yes.

[@nathanieldavis1671]

Lee should have listened to longstreet but hindsight

[@larrybrown1824]

Any thoughts on the idea that Lee wasn't himself, that he possibly had a mild heart attack?

[@heirofrohan7865]

The video link is unavailable for viewing. Is it region restricted?

[@theroachden6195]

Meade not attacking on July 4th was smart but he should've tried getting his Army or st least part of it, out in front of Lee's retreating Army so they could cut them off.

[@SantomPh]

His own cavalry was pulverized by a crazy attack on the southern flank of the Confederate line which led to Col. Kilpatrick unfortunately gaining the name Kill Patrick. His men were not fit for marching; Pickett's division was literally the only fresh , fully deployed division on either side on Day 3.

[@jejeakle]

I think Gettysburg is considered by many to be the largest of the war due to its massive impact on the conflict.

[@williamsteele1409]

chamberlain sold him self well after the war and been in the 5th core was a help seeing as meade was that core commander until june 28 when he was given command of the army

[@Bullrider33Outdoors]

Tried To Watch The Video You Mentioned But It's No Longer Available

[@N2Dressage001]

I believe you also have to mention Johnson not being present to assist, for reasons another video is needed, in driving Howard off cemetery hill. I think that was key; if done, the battle might have had a decidedly different outcome.

[@howardclegg6497]

You bet. Johnson could have cut across the Pigeon Hills east of Shippensburg on the furnace road or followed Rhodes around it. Instead, he got all jammed up on the pike with Anderson. Ewell was getting some mixed orders from Lee on where to concentrate though. Had Johnson been in position, Ewell would have almost certainly carried the key terrain.

[@N2Dressage001]

@@howardclegg6497 Exactly! I've always wondered why he didn't take that route. From what I've learned, there is nothing in the reports or war records on this.

[@howardclegg6497]

@Victoria Patton Johnson had Early's trains, which was a huge burden so he was pretty strung out. The safe call was move to the pike. The infantry could have, should have cut through via furnace road and joined Rhodes and what a force that would have been.

[@N2Dressage001]

@@howardclegg6497 Indeed!

[@howardclegg6497]

@Victoria Patton Joe Ryan does an excellent video on this very topic.

[@comusrules1244]

I get a new picture of Meade now. Did Lincoln jump the gun in replacing him? First General to defeat Lee should have gotten the benefit of the doubt, no? Thoughts anyone??

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Lincoln didn't replace him. He replaced Halleck with Grant. Grant just chose to make his "office" in the field with Meade rather than in Washington.

[@isaiahmiller3180]

Wasn’t George A Custer a Union Calvary commander during the battle?

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

yes he was. Led a charge during the cavalry battle on July 3

[@The_Rezzy]

What happened to the Longstreet's Attack vlog linked in the comments? It appears to have been deleted. :/ Edit: Looks like it was reuploaded for some reason or another. Still should probably update the link. :)

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Will do. Thanks!

[@felixp3849]

May you react to the band Civil War they are former Sabaton members

[@snapshotinhistory1367]

You said Greene was the oldest, nope that was Wool. Greene was 62 in 1863, Wool at the same time was 79. Which makes me want to ask who the oldest CSA general was

[@JohnReedy07163]

Gotta Remember how important Gettysburg was. It was the county seat and it's most well known lawyer was in Washington DC to end Slavery. That man was Thaddeus Stevens, Had the South won, the bragging rights would have been huge and the Northern peace seekers like Fernando Wood would have had a massive PR backing to point out how Stevens was so wrapped up in the "black man's issues" that he could not even save his own home. The Confederates tried to capture Stevens at his private business at Caledonia Forge but he was whisked away, the Confederates burned the forge down due to his anti-slavery views. Gettysburg was not a mistake.

[@OldManNessie]

I live about 25 minutes away from Gettysburg. Town called Hanover, which had a battle on the 30th of June. Going to Gettysburg has always been enjoyable for me and learning about the battle in my hometown is just insane.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

I know right where that is...I was just in the area last year. I spoke at a high school in New Oxford.

[@stokerboiler]

Do you subscribe to the theory that Lee was somewhat medically debilitates at Gettysburg (and Chancellorsville too for that matter)? Lee had been a remarkably physically active man his entire military career, but it 1863 he seemed more sedentary. By 1863 he was no spring chicken and at an age where southerners tended to have heart problems.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

He was definitely suffering from something, probably heart related, but I don't believe it had any impact on his judgment.

[@stokerboiler]

I don't think it impaired his judgment but prior to Fredericksburg, he rode around like a JO to get a good look at the situation - something he later dogged his subordinates about - but after Fredericksburg he took his scout word for it (in general). A bad ticker definitely slows you down.

[@plazmikpond]

12-10-2021

[@williamsteele1409]

east cavalry field come on you wolverines boy general Custer promoted from captain to brigadier just days before Gettysburg Sheridan loved him

[@richsnyder8015]

Great video. Important point that Meade was ordered to assume command of the Army of the Potomac. A no nonsense General with no political ambitions.

[@andywomack3414]

What was Joshua Chamberlain's field of study? If I had to guess, I'd say "engineering," or "classical scholar." I might already know this, but forgotten that I know. Should I wonder about my fascination with this kind of horror? My eyes kinda water as I think about this.

[@SantomPh]

He was a professor of rhetoric and revealed religion aka philosophy. His final position was as president of Boudoin College where he taught previously. He was no engineer.

[@andywomack3414]

@@SantomPh Well, the part about "classical scholar" sort of fits with philosophy. Thanks, I had seen or heard much of that info before, but could not recall his specific expertise. I think it important to know who this man was. That is why I like to watch this stuff about events and people that I know something about in some detail already. Every new detail that gets set in my memory makes the history experience richer. And I get a lot out of conversations like these.

[@nei1mchugh]

also can we get some applause for that like to dislike ratio? 636-1 right now... awesome!

[@chancewebster7953]

Meade assumed command of the Army of the Potomac on June 28, 1863.

[@Matt-ve3ql]

1ST MINNESOTA LETS GO!

[@F1lmtwit]

🎶 Away down South in the land of traitors, rattlesnakes and alligators 🎶 Right away! Come away! Right away! Right away, come away! 🎶 Where cotton’s king and men are chattels Union boys will win the battles . . .

[@loupgarou1863]

I’ve lived in Hanover and been to Gettysburg numerous times. And I also do reenacting as a Union Sharpshooter. I like videos like this and don’t at the same time. It’s great as a very general overview, but I always find myself thinking/saying “yes, but/and…” there’s a lot glossed over and I don’t think most people ever realized how much really is happening or led up to what is happening.

[@mattmuller3756]

Hancock sent the Maine unit. As I understand it. Nitpicking and I may be wrong? Your videos are awesome though. Trust videos are good too. The interior ines decided both Antietam and Gettysburg for the most part. Confederates had some chances at Gettysburg but your correct much was stacked vs them after day 1. Yes Pap Greene was the edest Union Commander. Good point with Meade he gets no credit especia. in Gettysburg movie. Confederates were not abe to coordinate there attacks and support much how a much more favored Mac did at Antietam. Where he did not engage over 20,000 troops on the 17th. Great performance by Union commanders and fighting men. When the cannonade was overshot due much to the fuses there wasn't a chance for the Pickett's charge to go in. However they were not in a spot to see due to the massive amount of smoke. Gotta respect both sides but Meade and Hancock, deserve much credit for the 3 days fighting. Thank you for your time and efforts much enjoy!

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Hancock had nothing to do with the 20th Maine. Are you confusing them with the 1st Minnesota?

[@mattmuller3756]

@@VloggingThroughHistory yeah correct sorry!

[@polarjet1833]

You should react to the movie Gettysburg, very good very accurate, I would recommend it very much

[@jameslane2326]

If the rebel army was north of town, why not go for the more important city of Harrisburg instead of turning back south, where were they initially heading? Also how do large armies likes this find each other in a time before radar and telegraph infrastructure? Do they just spread everyone out and relay a message back when they happen to meet the other side? Were the two sides aware that each other were in the area or were they surprised to see each other?

[@SantomPh]

They now had a Union cavalry brigade (2 actually) behind them and likely infantry support. An attacking army cannot have defenders behind them. Harrisburg is the state capital of Pennsylvania and would require more than Hill's Corps to take it. Ignoring enemy troops in those numbers is dangerously lethal to any army on the move. As for communication, the various Corps moved in clumps within riding distance of each other. Each commander would either ride with Lee or send riders to him from their position if they were too far ahead or behind. Marching orders are also normally written and each commander has them. Unfortunately the Union discovered Lee's marching orders, which led to the deployment of I Corps and Buford to the area.

[@kameronlittle6517]

Call me childish but I lost it at 16:27 when he said "47 Maine men were fit for doo doo"

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

I said duty and yes I meant Minnesota

[@kameronlittle6517]

@@VloggingThroughHistory i meant no disrespect, I love your videos, but I swear it sounds like you said doo doo

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

@@kameronlittle6517 haha it's all good...no offense taken :)

[@denormad]

Why do you suppose Lee is routinely blasted for his "if practicable" order to Ewell? It often seems presented as a momentary lapse of judgement or that he was making a massive communication error that he normally didn't. After reading Grant's autobiography, it appears as if he, with some regularity, gave orders that included that phrase, if not a similar sentiment. Why does Lee get killed for giving Ewell the agency to make a decision he may be more capable of making at ground level while with Grant, much less is made of it?

[@FimiliarGalaxy9]

those are pretty much my orders verbatim when i command in Hell Let Loose lol

[@ryanstebbins3102]

They had breach loaders not repeaters. Repeaters wouldn't become a thing until after 1877 siege of plevna

[@FimiliarGalaxy9]

I hate to break it to you but both Henry and Spencer repeating rifles were used extensively by both sides in the American Civil war. Spencer repeaters were issued to the 13th Pennsylvania in this battle.