Uesugi Kenshin  | 04 May 2013 4:53 p.m. PST |
Im working up a BP scenario for the morning of July 1 at Gettysburg.
I've got a question about Devon's actions that morning. From the maps I have, Devin is positioned to the East and North of the rest of Bufords cavalry. My question is, did Devon's cavalry ever engage Heth's division that morning or did they stay to the East of the Action, screening Bufords right flank. I'm trying to decide if I should include Devon's cavalry or just Buford and Gambles in the morning action. Cheers. |
| John Thomas8 | 04 May 2013 5:37 p.m. PST |
Devin's troopers weren't initially involved, but sparred with Davis' infantry later in the morning. |
| Uesugi Kenshin | 04 May 2013 5:42 p.m. PST |
Thanks John. Do you happen to know what time (approximately) they had contact with Davis' Brigade? |
| John Thomas8 | 04 May 2013 6:05 p.m. PST |
The best I can do from where I'm sitting (at work) is between 0930-1130. |
| Ed Mohrmann | 04 May 2013 7:17 p.m. PST |
Looks as if John's estimate is close. See this info for a fairly detailed account, first shot
at 6 AM (Gamble's videttes), Devin's men relieved by
Robinson after being pushed back by Davis' infantry
at what seems to be 10:30 or so. link Looked for AAR's in the OR, found nothing from Devin,
Gamble or Buford. |
| Uesugi Kenshin | 04 May 2013 7:24 p.m. PST |
Perfect. Thanks Mate. I'll probably have them available as a possible reinforcement after 9am. Makes it a more balanced scenario anyway. |
| Dan Beattie | 04 May 2013 7:45 p.m. PST |
Perhaps the report of Buford and those of his subordinates are in the Supplement to the Official Records. That is where his report on Brandy Station is located. |
| Uesugi Kenshin | 04 May 2013 9:32 p.m. PST |
Found this in Pfanz "The First Day", "Gambles men on McPersons Ridge, unlike Devin to their right, could retire 300 yards…" It does not give the time but mentions the Union 1st Corps had not arrived yet. |
| Bandit | 04 May 2013 9:35 p.m. PST |
Dan, I can't find a report from Buford in the Supplement Series I, Volume 51 Part I, Serial No. 107 or in Series I, Volume 27, Serial No. 43, 44, 45 (Gettysburg) regarding either July 1st or the fight Brandy Station with the exception of a report stating that he wished to confirm all the ANV's cavalry was located at Brandy Station. Can you direct me to where you located an AAR on Brandy Station by Buford? Cheers, The Bandit |
| Phil Hall | 05 May 2013 9:14 a.m. PST |
From Maps of Gettysburg Devin's troops contributed to the skirmish line that was pushed back to the main line when Heth realized it was a larger battle than he thought. Devin's skirmishers would have engaged but Reynolds showed up and Buford withdrew before Devin's troops could become engaged. |
ScottWashburn  | 05 May 2013 3:45 p.m. PST |
One thing to keep in mind is that contrary to popular myth exemplified by books like "The Killer Angels" and movies like "Gettysburg", most of Buford's cavalry were not that hotly engaged on the 1st. There were no assaults beaten back by dismounted cavalry fighting behind fences. Buford's men fought a delaying action, falling back in front of Heth's advance. By the time Heth reached McPhereson's Ridge and deployed his men for a serious attack, Reynold's was up and the I Corps took over. That's not to take anything away from Buford and his men. They fought skillfully and bravely and bought the time needed. But they did not slug it out toe-to-toe with Heth's infantry. |
