THE FIRST DAY AT GETTYSBURG: July 1, 1863

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Sets the stage for the Civil War's greatest battle and covers the heroism, decisions, and mistakes made on the first day at Gettysburg. The first day of the Battle of Gettysburg is often overshadowed by fighting on the following days, but July 1 was one of the bloodiest single engagements of the entire Civil War. Many of the decisions leading to and through Gettysburg's first day remain steeped in controversy. Did Meade intend to fight on the Pipe Creek line in Maryland until subordinates such as Major General John Reynolds forced the engagement at Gettysburg? Did the absence of J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry really leave Lee blind to his opponent's movements? Was Lee's desire to avoid a general engagement ignored by his own officers? With neither commanding general on the battlefield for much of the day, crucial decisions remained in the hands of subordinates such as John Buford, John Reynolds, A. P. Hill, Richard Ewell, and Oliver Howard. Contains over 120 photographs and illustrations.