Plausibility check.

Ok, i've been working on a narrative about a surviving Stonewall Jackson and what happens at Gettysburg if he lived. A year ago or so i posted the beginnings of that story here:

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=197036

So with Jackson alive, albeit one armed and still sort of sick, Gettysburg is going to go different. but since Jackson still alive that means(because i control this world) that John Reynolds commanding the Union I Corps will live past 10:30am on July 1st.

My question then is this. after a brief but bloody fight near McPherson's Ridge, there is a lull. Reynolds and Buford have a quick discussion about the quality of ground south of town as apposed to that to the north and Reynolds decides to move to the south, there by securing Cemetery and Culps Hill. this way the XI Corps under Howard can move right into position on Culps hill and be prepared when Jackson's lead elements arrive.

What is the plausibility of Reynolds giving up the town? even though it has no military value it is still a Northern town and more importantly a Pennsylvania town. your thoughts, comments and criticisms are very welcomed!!

thanks in advance!
 
I think part of the issue is going to be extracting his corps from the situation in good order.

Giving up the town in this context is a tactical decision, and I think he'd be willing to make it - although something that should be noted:

" Moving towards Gettysburg with I and XI Corps, Reynolds informed Meade that he would defend “inch by inch, and if driven into the town I will barricade the streets and hold him back as long as possible.”"

http://militaryhistory.about.com/od...n-Civil-War-Major-General-John-F-Reynolds.htm

Now, how much that was actually a plan and how much that was to make a point that he would fight I don't know.

For your timeline's sake, though, it suggests that Reynolds would yield ground only to the extent he has to - and you should remember that he has little idea of what exactly he's coming up against.

I suspect asking Buford to confirm that is going to be his first priority given a lull.

And sending a messenger to Slocum that marching to the sound of the guns would be Greatly Appreciated.


How badly has First Corps suffered compared to OTL? About the same?

Reynolds does only have so many men with First and Eleventh Corps, if he suspects he's going to be flanked from the north, I think he's going to go for avoiding that - Eleventh Corps even if they fight is too small to face Jackson.
 
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