alternatehistory.com

This is my first try, I also posted on Reddit. Let me know what you think, inaccuracies, or any other complaints/ feedback. I am doing this for my own enjoyment and yours, but would like to become a better writer. Alright, here we go.

After the 2nd day of Gettysburg both sides are demoralized from the bloody battle and the summer heat. After a day of intense fighting on the left and right flank of the Union, the Confederates gained almost no ground. Lee, knowing he needed a victory against the North in the North he gathered his corps commanders after the battle ceased, around 10 o' clock, to order them to a grand charge up the middle led by his trusted General James Longstreet.

"We must make an attack and win this battle, something grand, something that will give the European nations something to clamor about." Robert E. Lee said in a determined fashion.

"We've got to smash their middle to pieces" he said, "Longstreet, we need a massive assault on the middle. Can you do this for me and bring me home a victory for our proud soldiers."

Longstreet, after a long day of marching and failed assault after assault, first by John Bell Hood, who was repulsed, then by Lafayette McLaw, who was also repulsed, was visibly appalled at this suggestion.

"Sir" said Longstreet firmly, a quiet and somber looking gentleman, and continued "With all due respect, our boys have had a hell of a fight today, and they can attack for you, but I have no confidence in an attack of such manner."

Lee, looking surprised said "James, it wasn't a suggestion, we are in enemy territory, we can not play defensively here. I need you to carry out a mass assault tomorrow, Pickett will lead, give the command. Please give it confidently"

Longstreet looked about the room, only himself, Lee, Lee's staff, and the 2 other corps commanders, R.H. Anderson, and A.P. Hill were present. Not trying to be disrespectful he, seeming somewhat annoyed, said "Permission to speak freely, sir?"

"There is no time like the present" Lee said, giving Longstreet permission to speak his mind at this crossroads of the largest invasion of the North the war had seen yet.

Longstreet began "This is a war where we have less resources, men, industry, hell we even have less ships and railroads. We have been crafty, and will need to continue to be crafty. I believe if we fail an assault like this, we may have a broken army, and we can't afford to be so vulnerable this deep into enemy territory."

He continued, "However, we need to strike a blow to the Union on their territory, but this is not the way. The Union is happy to fight a defensive fight it seems, but may be planning a counter attack. What I propose is we move troops tonight. This will leave our middle vulnerable, but I suspect the Yankees arn't going to come off their high ground, I know I wouldn't"

"General Lee, Sir?", A.P. Hill said

"Permission to speak freely, General" Lee gruffly said, granting the same right to Hill as he did Longstreet

Hill excitedly begins to speak as you can see the wheels of thought pump away behind his sickly appearance"Well, sir, my boys on Culp's Hill are camped near the top already. If we pull a few regiments from Gordon and O'Neal's brigades, north of the town, we can overrun the hill and take the Feds from the back."

Lee, clearly concerned, arose from his seat where he was scratching his chin, said brashly, "A.P., this will leave us too weak in the North, who will plug this hole? And how will we get the troops there?"

"Sir" Hill said, "We can sneak those boys to the river, march down, and the Yanks won;t know what hit them. Hell, we could have those boys marching in less than 30 minutes."

"Whatever regiments you take from O'Neal and Gordon to accomplish this, I will replace them using troops from both Picket and Pettigrew, filling the gap there. The remaining troops I have will go South and try to take the Little Round Top yet again while" Longstreet confidently interjected

Lee pondered over who was available, and where they were located. After a moment he looked up with bright eyes, and said "We'll have Posey, Archer, Webb, and Wright remain in the middle. They will make and prepare an assault in the middle still, however, instead of attack, we will feign an attack, starting at day light. This show of force will distract the Yanks, while they will be none-the-wiser to our troop placements on Culp's Hill."

Lee continued "Generals, we are at a pivot point . This may be the date we look back on and say the fate of the Confederacy was secured as a New Republic! This could be out Yorktown! The beginning of the end for the Northern invaders!"

Lee continued "However, we are leaving ourselves weakened in the middle. We must strike early, and quickly. Day breaks around 5:30, A.P. I want those boys in place as soon as possible. Give them extra rations if possible. James, get your men moving in the middle and make as much noise as possible. You'll have roughly 10,000 men now, dig in as much as possible, feign your assault, and if the Yanks come at you then get to cover. We'll still have a few brigades in reserve."

R.H Anderson quietly observed this conversation and realized his role in what may be a great victory, or crushing defeat, on the following day. The old Mexican War hero rose and proudly stated, "Sir, I will present you with that Little Round Top by noon tomorrow. I will go prepare the troops for a fight tomorrow."

Lee, stopping Anderson's exit, finalized his battle plans. "Hill order O'Neal's and Gordon's regiments as you see fit to take Culp's Hill. Stay aggressive, you will receive orders to attack tomorrow from a rider from me around 6:30. Make your troops use cover and stay hidden until either attacked or you receive my command."

Longstreet, using his good relation with Lee to interject, "Sir, we still have Lane, Daniel, and Perrin at our disposal, I propose we further weaken our middle while we have the time to make sure we take Culp's Hill. Daniel is closest, I believe we should send his boys."

Lee, with excitement, said "Done. I'll have my staff bring them a message immediately. Hill, see to it those boys get extra rations as well."

Turning to Longstreet, then Hill, and finally Anderson, Lee peered over his Corps commanders, seemingly in a reflective manner.

He then said, "Well men, I think we all know the plan at this point. Give the orders you need to give, and get ready. Tomorrow is an important day in our nation's short life. Deo volente"

The stage was now set for a make or break moment in the short life of the Confederate States of America.
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