October 18, 1864, 8pm The Battle Begins Early has accepted Gordons plan of a surprise attack. It will require a silent night march thru the brush along the river to flank the Union left flank. The soldiers start at 8pm, 150 years ago right now. A very gutsy and risky decision to attack a foe twice your size who has a good defensive position behind earthworks. 2014- I will sleep while they marched, and get up for their 5am arrival. From SVBA 150 YEARS AGO TODAY... Gen. Jubal Early issues his orders During the morning of the 18th the senior generals of Confederate Army of the Valley meet. Gen. John B. Gordon proposes a night march by the II Corps around the exposed Federal left flank, followed by a daylight assault by the entire army. The officers approve Gordons plan, and commanding Gen. Jubal Early issues the orders. It is a brilliantly conceived gamble, unparalleled in the war. The II Corps files off of Fishers Hill at 8 p.m. The officers and men ford the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and on to the Massanutten. Following a pigs path, they reach the mountains northern end, wade across the river again at Bowmans Ford, and angle north, halting to align into battle ranks early on the morning of the 19th. [Text referenced from the article Closing the Back Door:The Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, by Jeffry D. Wert here.] October 18, 1864
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 01:57:08 +0000
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