Comte de Paris, History of the Civil War in America. Vol. 3.
Henry Coppee , LL.D., Ed.

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[670] Wheaton on the left and Wright on the right are formed several lines deep. On their right Caldwell's division, by order of Hancock, holds itself ready to take the offensive. Among the troops that have suffered, like it, on the previous day, there are many which, encouraged by the success they have just witnessed, might renew the combat against an enemy that has been still worse punished. The soldiers, although fatigued by long marches, are yet able to make a vigorous effort. Against which point of the enemy's line should this effort be directed? An English officer, Colonel Freemantle, who was with Longstreet, and could form a cool judgment of passing events, has declared that, despite the disorder of the infantry, the artillery would have sufficed, in his opinion, to put a stop to any direct attack. But it was feasible to manoeuvre offensively without repeating the error committed by the enemy, who had only succeeded in the attacks made under cover of the woods and ravines adjoining Plum Run: it was expedient to operate in this direction. The forces arranged in front formed a vast semicircle, the two extremities of which rested on the Emmettsburg road, and whose summit touched the slopes of the Great Round Top: from this height one could perceive the six or seven brigades ranged along this long line and isolated from the rest of the army by the disorganization of the centre. It is Hood and McLaws, therefore, who must be surprised, struck, and destroyed.

Such is, no doubt, Meade's idea as he is proceeding to the left. But he dares not hazard a great movement, which alone could prove effective. Being but recently placed in command, he does not possess self-reliance enough to risk a great deal in order to gain a great deal. Where are the old colleagues whose advice might have inspired him with a bold determination? Reynolds was the first and most illustrious victim of this great conflict; Hancock, the master-spirit of the defence, is wounded: he has indeed been able to dictate from his couch a note imploring his chief to take the offensive, but he is not on the spot to execute what he suggests; Gibbon has received a serious wound in return for the glory he has acquired; Sickles, who on the previous day committed an error which may well be pardoned, but whose clear judgment, coolness, and irresistible ardor have so frequently fired