alternatehistory.com

On the 1st of July, 1863. General Heth's 6000 Infantry did battle against General Bufford's 3000 Calvary (600 were tending the horses) which were better armed and supplied. The six shooters of the federal army more than made up for the numerical advantage their enemy had.

A flooded river and a burnt bridge had delayed the remainder of the Army of Northern Virginia, and precise shooting had killed a lot of the confederate couriers. Heth's men, low on rations and broken moral began to rout. Heth attempted to rally his forces, but his horse reared and he was knocked off. He was still on the ground for a couple of seconds, his subordinates thought he was shot and began to spread a message along the line. Soon more men routed.

Union General Reynolds, soon joined Bufford. He was winning but still were taking heavy losses. Reynolds men entered in full colours and fanfare to strike fear into the enemy. They decided to risk a lot of lives with a charge of the confederate lines from two sides. The manuver was sucessful at great cost, Bufford's calvary rode in before bayonettes could be fixed, horses trampled rebel bodies. However alot of soldiers were shot off thier horses. Reynold's targets were more prepared and were able to cause a high degree of casualty, before the confederates fleed.

Confederate General Archer was about to engage, he took a look at his muddied, tired, hungry men who waded across a swollen river. then he looked back at the battlefield. He decided to save the attack for another day. Instead he positioned his men to allow for a strategic retreat by the few men remaining for Heth.
Top