General George Meade's leadership played a crucial role during the seminal Battle of Gettysburg, which turned the tide in favor of the Union. This pivotal engagement, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, marked a turning point in the American Civil War, showcasing Meade's strategic acumen and tactical soundness. In this article, we delve into the key decisions Meade made, from the initial movements of his troops to the final push during the third day of the battle.
Initial Strategic Decisions
Meade's decision to avoid a long, vulnerable column in his army was one of his first strategic choices that proved to be pivotal. Upon realizing that the Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee were moving north with a smaller but more concentrated army, Meade wisely opted to divide his army into three groups, each under the command of a senior corps commander. This division allowed each unit to march swiftly on parallel roads, ensuring that they could respond effectively to any developments on the battlefield.
First Day of Engagement
The first day of the battle at Gettysburg was marked by a brief meeting engagement. Meade, being at a strategic distance, did not play an immediate role in this engagement, which was managed by Union General John Reynolds and later, by Gouverneur K. Warren. The absence of Meade did not diminish the strategic decisions he made that night.
Night Decision-Making
During the night of the first day, Meade convened a meeting with his corps commanders. In this meeting, the decision was made to stay at Gettysburg rather than retreat to a more southern position. Despite considering Pipes Creek, the commanders unanimously voted to remain, a decision that Meade accepted without hesitation.
Preparations for the Second Day
Getting ready for the second day was relatively straightforward. New units arrived and were deployed along Cemetery Ridge. Meade ensured that the Twelfth Corps was positioned on the northeast flank, and that cavalry was stationed on both flanks. It is worth noting that he left the details of the artillery deployment to his competent artillery commander.
The Second Day and the 12th Corps
The night and early morning of the second day brought a critical situation when General Daniel E. Sickles, operating without Meade's explicit authorization, moved his corps down the slope to a position believed to be more favorable. Meade was angry but recognizing the urgency, he decided to leave the corps in place rather than risk a disjointed front line.
The Confederate attack on the second day was directly aimed at the Twelfth Corps, which was subsequently decimated. However, Meade, along with his corps commanders and General Warren, made numerous last-minute decisions, combined with their troops' tenacious defense, salvaging the battle from a near-disastrous event.
The Third Day: A Continuing Defensive Stance
On the third day, the decision to remain in place as long as Lee remained was the general command strategy. The artillery was well positioned, and there were ample reserves that could be moved as needed. The Confederate attack that afternoon, known as Pickett's Charge, was a severe miscalculation by Lee, but the Union lines were reinforced, providing reserves that were strong and sufficient to repel the Confederate advance.
Final Day and the Pursuit
On the fourth day, Lee opted to remain in place, hoping for an offensive by Meade. Meade, however, did not initiate an attack. Lee consequently withdrew towards the Potomac River, heading back to Virginia. Meade pursued the Confederate forces, resulting in several minor engagements. Despite prolonged and intense fighting, Lee managed to retreat, leaving a depleted and exhausted army in his wake.
The pursuit, although not extensive, was significant. Historians have debated Meade's performance in this final engagement. While some critics argue that Meade could have more vigorously pursued Lee, others claim that he conducted his operations admirably given the state of his exhausted and somewhat depleted troops.
Despite these critiques, it remains evident that General Meade, through his strategic decisions and the unwavering resolve of his troops, played a crucial role in ensuring a Union victory at Gettysburg. His leadership, marked by tactical brilliance and an unwavering commitment to the Union, was a defining feature of this critical battle in the American Civil War.