Killer Angels Summary

Part 1 takes place on Monday, June 29th, 1863 and covers the events leading up to the battle. James Longstreet’s hired spy, Harrison, reports that not only are Union forces are pursuing the Confederates into Pennsylvania, but that President Lincoln has recently fired General Hooker and replaced him with General Meade. This news is invaluable to the Lee’s forces, because Jeb Stuart’s cavalry scouts have left the infantry blind to the enemy’s movements. When Longstreet reports

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Part two takes place on Wednesday, July 1st, 1863, and describes the first day of battle. The rains come that evening, and the following day is Independence Day. Longstreet receives word that Hill plans to move on Gettysburg, even though there is Union cavalry presence in the town. Longstreet argues that the attack will fail, but Lee insists. Their conversation is interrupted with no resolution, as they hear gunshots that signify that Hill has marched on Buford’s defenses in Gettysburg. After the Southern forces retreat, Lee comes to Longstreet and admits the Longstreet was right all along. Lee, Lee decides to move his forces to Gettysburg in hope of destroying Union forces. Lee orders Longstreet to attack the center line of the Union position. Longstreet and Lee still disagree on the course of action to take with Meade’s troops. Fremantle describes his theory on the cause of the Civil War. Buford writes to Reynolds to request reinforcements, but is worried that the Confederates will take Gettysburg before they arrive. He then gives orders for the Confederate retreat to Maryland. He delivers a powerful speech, which convinces most of the unruly soldiers to fight with him, and nearly doubles the number of troops under his command. Ewell and Early fail to take the southern portion of the town, as ordered, due to over-cautiousness, and Lee decides that his final decision in regard to Meade will be based on whether or not Stuart shows up. Chamberlain’s Union forces reach Gettysburg just past midnight, after an extensive a grueling march.

Common topics in this essay:
Lee Longstreet, Queen Elizabeth, Gettysburg Heths, Joshua Chamberlain, Top Longstreet, War Shaaras, Lee Ewell, Battle Gettysburg, Lee Lee, Chamberlains Union, union forces, lee decides, battle gettysburg, union cavalry, events leading, artillery fire, union line, forces retreat, civil war, confederate retreat,

Approximate Word count = 871
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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