The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863, is considered the turning point of the American Civil War. Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was defeated by Union General George G. Meade’s Army of the Potomac in the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the third day of the battle, Lee ordered a massive frontal assault known as Pickett’s Charge, which failed and resulted in heavy losses for the Confederates. There has been much debate among historians about whether Lee’s top lieutenant, General James Longstreet, disagreed with Lee’s tactics and the assault on the final day.
Longstreet’s Reputation as the “Old War Horse”
James Longstreet was one of Robert E. Lee’s most experienced and dependable corps commanders. He earned a reputation as Lee’s “Old War Horse” for his solid and reliable service. Longstreet had a good tactical mind and grasped the value of defensive fighting and using terrain to advantage. However, after the war, Longstreet became a controversial figure. As former Confederates sought explanations for their defeat, Longstreet was made a scapegoat by some. The postwar debate shaped perceptions of Longstreet’s role at Gettysburg.
Longstreet’s Delay in Attacking on July 2
On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee ordered Longstreet to attack the Union left flank. Longstreet disagreed with the plan and delayed his attack until about 4 pm. His troops made some progress against the Union lines in the Wheatfield and Peach Orchard but failed to break through. After the war, Longstreet was blamed by some for the delays on July 2, which prevented the Confederates from achieving decisive success.
Longstreet Advocated a “Defensive” Strategy
Before Pickett’s Charge on July 3, Longstreet lobbied Lee to abandon the offensive and take up defensive positions around Gettysburg instead. Longstreet argued that the Confederates had done well on July 2 and that it would be better to force Meade to attack them. However, Lee was intent on renewing the offensive to destroy the Army of the Potomac. Longstreet didn’t openly contest Lee’s orders, but his disagreement highlighted a difference in their military philosophies.
Longstreet Conducted Pickett’s Charge Reluctantly
Despite his objections, Longstreet oversaw Pickett’s Charge as ordered by Lee. He arranged the massive frontal assault, which involved marching three divisions of troops across open ground under heavy Union fire. However, Longstreet was overcome with emotion during the charge as he realized the attack would end in disaster. Some observers said he wept at the sight of the slaughter. Longstreet’s conduct during the charge demonstrated that he had serious doubts about its chances for success.
Aftermath – Who Was Responsible for Defeat at Gettysburg?
In the years after Gettysburg, a bitter debate raged over who was to blame for the Southern defeat. While Lee’s reputation remained intact in the postwar South, Longstreet became a target of Lost Cause writers who shifted blame to him. Longstreet’s critics charged that he had disobeyed Lee on July 2 and conducted Pickett’s Charge halfheartedly. However, most modern historians agree that Lee bore the overall responsibility as army commander while Longstreet voiced reasonable objections.
Longstreet’s Defense of His Gettysburg Record
Longstreet refuted the charges against his Gettysburg record in his memoirs and public statements. He argued that Lee was too offensive-minded at Gettysburg and should have listened to Longstreet’s advice to take up defensive positions. Longstreet believed the attacks on July 2 and 3 were ill-advised. While he complied with Lee’s orders, Longstreet maintained he had expressed well-founded reservations. Modern scholars tend to agree with Longstreet’s position.
The Personal rivalry between Lee and Longstreet
Some historians believe personal rivalry and tensions between Lee and Longstreet also factored into their disagreements at Gettysburg. Before the battle, Longstreet had lobbied for an independent command. Lee refused this request, straining their relationship. Longstreet was also criticized after the war for becoming a Republican and accepting federal office during Reconstruction, further angering white Southerners.
Conclusion
While nuances surround Longstreet’s role, the evidence strongly suggests he disagreed with Lee’s main decisions at Gettysburg. On July 2, he delayed attacking as ordered, hoping Lee would reconsider. Before Pickett’s Charge, Longstreet openly advocated a defensive posture but Lee was fixed on the offensive. Longstreet carried out the doomed charge with reluctance. His actions indicate he had serious doubts about Lee’s plans. Longstreet offered reasoned advice, not disobedience. The blame for Gettysburg’s defeat rests ultimately with Lee, not his subordinate.
Key Facts about Longstreet’s Role at Gettysburg
- Longstreet delayed his attack on July 2 until late afternoon, irritating Lee
- Longstreet lobbied Lee to abandon the offensive and take up defensive positions
- Longstreet objected to Pickett’s Charge but conducted it as ordered by Lee
- Longstreet wept as Pickett’s Charge unfolded, realizing the likely outcome
- After the war, Longstreet became a scapegoat and critics blamed him for the defeat
- Longstreet argued in his memoirs that Lee was too aggressive and should have listened to him
- Most modern historians agree that Longstreet gave reasonable advice that Lee ignored
Timeline of Longstreet’s Key Actions at Gettysburg
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| July 1 | Longstreet’s corps arrives late in the evening as the first day of battle ends |
| July 2 – Morning | Lee orders Longstreet to attack the Union left |
| July 2 – Afternoon | Longstreet launches a delayed attack at 4 pm, achieving mixed results |
| July 3 – Morning | Longstreet lobbies Lee to abandon offensive plans and take up defensive positions |
| July 3 – Afternoon | Longstreet reluctantly oversees Pickett’s Charge as ordered by Lee |
| July 3 – Aftermath | Longstreet weeps viewing the destruction of Pickett’s division |
Was Longstreet Right to Oppose Lee’s Tactics at Gettysburg?
The question of whether Longstreet was justified in his opposition to Lee’s tactics remains controversial. Here are some key perspectives to consider:
- Longstreet’s preference for the defensive aligned with trends in military tactics at the time. Offensive charges were increasingly costly against improved rifles and artillery.
- The delays on July 2 were not solely Longstreet’s fault, and his units achieved some successes that day.
- Longstreet was reasonable in advocating that Lee shift to a defensive stance and force Meade to attack on poor terrain.
- However, as a subordinate, Longstreet should have obeyed orders once Lee rejected his advice, rather than drag his feet.
- Longstreet carried out Pickett’s Charge loyally despite his reservations.
- Lee, not Longstreet, must bear the ultimate responsibility as army commander.
In summary, while Longstreet was not insubordinate, his advice may have been sounder than Lee’s determined offensive strategy at Gettysburg. However, Lee failed to heed the counsel of his trusted “Old War Horse.”
Conclusion
The evidence shows Longstreet repeatedly disagreed with Lee’s tactics and tried to change Lee’s mind at key junctures during the Battle of Gettysburg. However, Lee remained wedded to the offensive. While Longstreet loyally carried out Lee’s orders once given, his actions and writings make clear his objections. Modern analysis supports Longstreet’s skepticism about the frontal assaults on July 2 and 3. Longstreet gave reasonable advice that Lee dismissed, contributing to the Confederate defeat. However, as army commander, the ultimate responsibility still rested with Lee.