Summary
The Killer Angels delves into the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, capturing the intensity and strategy from both the Confederate and Union perspectives. It begins with two powerful armies converging in June 1863, each led by renowned generals and composed of thousands of soldiers ready to clash. As the battle unfolds over several days, key figures on both sides make crucial decisions that will alter the course of American history.
Foreword: June 1863
The opening foreword paints the backdrop for the conflict, dividing into two distinct parts. It introduces the Army of Northern Virginia, 70,000 strong and under the command of General Robert E. Lee, as it crosses the Potomac River aiming to provoke and destroy the Union forces in open battle. Meanwhile, the Union's Army of the Potomac, comprising 80,000 men, races northward in pursuit, setting the stage for their fateful engagement at Gettysburg. The second part of the foreword provides a glimpse of the primary figures on both sides, including Lee, Longstreet, Pickett, and Stuart for the Confederates, and Chamberlain, Buford, Reynolds, and Meade for the Union.
Monday, June 29, 1863
The Spy
The narrative kicks off with Harrison, a spy under Longstreet's employ, who
discerns a substantial Union presence from his woodland vantage. Racing through
the night, he delivers this intelligence to Longstreet, revealing the Union
army’s unexpected proximity. Though skeptical of the spy's accuracy, Longstreet
knows the grave implications if the intelligence holds true: the Confederate
army faces imminent danger. He brings Harrison to Lee, who, albeit hesitant,
resolves to reposition swiftly to outmaneuver the Union forces, aiming to cut
them off from Washington by dawn's reach.
Chamberlain
Colonel Joshua Chamberlain of the Twentieth Maine is roused by his aide, Buster
Kilrain, with news of incoming mutineers from the Second Maine. These soldiers,
disgruntled and exhausted, have balked at extending their service. Chamberlain,
under orders from General Meade, must coerce them into combat, yet he opts for
diplomacy over force. Addressing their grievances, he delivers an impassioned
speech about the cause of freedom, swaying most to rally alongside his regiment
as they march toward Gettysburg.
Buford
From a strategic hill near Gettysburg, Union commander John Buford peers at
Confederate troops, pondering their next move. His brigades hold firm, but he
anxiously awaits reinforcements, fearing the rebels’ stronghold on the
surrounding hills. As his scouts confirm the Confederate army's advance, he
communicates his concerns to Reynolds and Meade, knowing full well the
precarious position his men occupy without immediate support.
Longstreet
In Longstreet’s camp, uncertainty looms as he awaits communication from General
Stuart, absent for days. Longstreet, uneasy about the lack of intel,
deliberates with his fellow officers over their military strategies. Despite
Pickett's eagerness for battle, Longstreet advises patience, while privately
advocating for defensive tactics amidst growing tensions. As dawn approaches,
the first shots are fired, signaling the battle’s onset.
Wednesday, July 1, 1863: The First Day
Lee
Lee rises with the dawn, burdened by health issues and the absence of word from
Stuart. Amidst conflicting reports about Union cavalry, Lee hesitates to engage
fully until his forces consolidate. As artillery fire echoes, Lee and
Longstreet deliberate strategy, torn between defensive prudence and aggressive
assault, with Lee ultimately feeling compelled to press the attack despite
Longstreet’s reservations.
Buford
As rebel forces stage a fresh attack, Buford's men stand resilient but
strained. The arrival of Reynolds bolsters their numbers, but the early triumph
turns tragic as Reynolds falls in battle. Buford grapples with a renewed rebel
offensive, questioning their ability to hold until more reinforcements
come.
Lee
Lee monitors the battle’s progression, vexed by the absence of Stuart...
(This entire section contains 1201 words.)
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and the ensuing chaos. Heth's premature engagement leads to a tactical setback, yet with Early’s report of Union forces retreating, hope flickers. Lee commands a pursuit of Cemetery Hill, intent on denying the Union the advantage of high ground, while Longstreet argues fervently for a strategic withdrawal.
Chamberlain
Chamberlain reflects on past battles and his duty as he advances toward
Gettysburg. He finds solace in the townspeople’s warmth, even as his regiment
pushes through the night towards the brewing conflict. Rumors and uncertainties
abound, but Chamberlain remains focused, leading his weary men onward.
Longstreet
Returning to camp, Longstreet dwells on the day's losses and the children he’s
lost to illness. Conversations with Fremantle and recollections of Stonewall
Jackson's legacy thread through his thoughts. As night falls, Longstreet’s
doubts about the ongoing campaign deepen, overshadowing camaraderie and
strategic discussions.
Thursday, July 2, 1863: The Second Day
Fremantle
Fremantle, an English observer, mingles with Confederate officers, drawn to
their aristocratic air. He confidently anticipates their victory, enthralled by
the unfolding drama and the similarities he perceives between the Confederates
and the English.
Chamberlain
Chamberlain encounters a wounded black man, probing racial and moral
complexities with Kilrain. As battle calls, Chamberlain contemplates the shared
humanity across racial divides. Positioned in reserve, he awaits the order to
engage fully, wrestling with the weight of his commitments and convictions.
Longstreet
Longstreet grapples with logistical nightmares as the Confederate march towards
the Union positions. Despite his tactical objections, he follows orders as his
forces navigate unseen by enemy eyes. Yet, upon reaching the front lines,
unforeseen Union resistance forces a recalibration of their planned
assault.
Chamberlain
Chamberlain’s regiment faces relentless Confederate waves as the battle
intensifies on Little Round Top. Against mounting odds and dwindling
ammunition, Chamberlain orders a bold bayonet charge, turning the tide and
capturing hundreds of enemy soldiers, a triumph shadowed by heavy
casualties.
Longstreet
Despite setbacks, Longstreet counsels wounded officers and considers the
strategic failures. With fresh troops arriving, he contemplates the viability
of further assaults. As Stuart returns, Lee acknowledges past errors, yet
optimism for renewed success pervades discussions, despite Longstreet’s
lingering doubts.
Friday, July 3, 1863
Chamberlain
At dawn, Chamberlain surveys the aftermath, his men weary and vulnerable but
holding firm. He receives orders to reposition, grappling with the emotional
and physical toll of battle as the day’s fighting resumes.
Longstreet
Longstreet disputes Lee’s aggressive plans, urging caution. Despite his
misgivings, Lee remains steadfast in his resolve to attack, setting the stage
for a climactic confrontation.
Chamberlain
Chamberlain navigates the chaos to meet with General Sykes, whose commendations
offer a brief respite from the turmoil. An artillery barrage commences, echoing
the relentless rhythm of war as Chamberlain braces for what lies ahead.
Armistead
Amid the fierce artillery exchanges, Armistead steels himself for the impending
charge, burdened by foreboding yet driven by duty. As Confederate soldiers
advance into a deadly crossfire, Armistead’s hopes dwindle amidst a hail of
destruction.
Longstreet
Watching his forces falter, Longstreet orders a retreat, his heart heavy with
futility. Post-battle, as Lee contemplates future actions, Longstreet grapples
with the day’s devastating losses and the sobering realities of war.
Chamberlain
As night descends, Chamberlain reflects on the battlefield’s grim tapestry.
Joined by his brother Tom, he contemplates the bravery of their foes,
struggling to reconcile their valor with the cause they fought for. Despite the
shadows of loss, Chamberlain senses a stirring anticipation for the struggles
yet to come.
Afterword
The closing afterword succinctly chronicles the post-battle trajectories of key characters, highlighting the enduring legacy and personal journeys that followed the conflict’s tumultuous climax.
