Chapter 13
July 3, 1863, 11:40 a.m.
In front of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
'Infantry, Kilpatrick? Is that confirmed?' Daniel Sickles blinked away single drops of sweat that had curdled in his eyes.
'Yes, sir, we're assuming a single division, but obviously not at full strength. They're standing outside the town of Waynesboro with several artillery batteries as backup. The cavalry we pushed back has split and regrouped on the flanks.'
'We would not be in this unsatisfactory position if your brigades had made short work of the rebels in the hills. So don't think that the fact that it's just a small division is cause for celebration.'
Judson Kilpatrick cleared his throat in embarrassment and slowly took a step back.
'Gentlemen,' Sickles began again, addressing his two division commanders who were also present. "What do you think we should do about this situation?'
'Meade's prime directive remains that we should not engage in significant combat,' David Birney began cautiously and with restraint.
'Meade can go to hell. No plan survives first contact with the enemy and the situation has changed. We still have the element of surprise on our side, don't we? What do you say, Humphreys?' Sickles spat directly.
'I agree with you, sir, that the situation has changed. We seem to be outnumbering the enemy in both branches by about two to one. The rebels are also isolated here. If we could force them to retreat, it would allow our cavalry to overrun them piecemeal,' Andrew Humphreys replied.
'I see it this way' that was Sickles again. 'We have marched too far to turn back now. Besides, the pass we have just conquered might turn into a bottleneck on the way back. We're going in. Both divisions at once, no delays, no attack en echelon. A solid push with everything we have. We're standing on home soil and the men have never let me down. We'll rub them down and let the cavalry do the rest. That should scare Lee, anyway. After that, we go back to our primary objective.'
He looked around the group of men and continued talking.
'Birney, Humphreys, line up your men. Randolph and our artillery brigade will provide you with cover fire. Do not engage in long-range skirmishes. Our numerical superiority is best utilized in close combat. And if necessary, we will give the rebels the bayonet.'
View attachment 577165
Sickles and his officers evaluate the situation.