Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/132

124 with local and other troops. A battle, had therefore, become in a measure, unavoidable, and the success already gained gave hope of a favorable issue." The report continues, "that to carry out this purpose, it was determined to make the principal attack upon the enemy's left, and Longstreet was directed to place McLaws and Hood's divisions on the right of Hill, partially enveloping the enemy's left, which he was to drive in. Ewell and Hill were expected to make demonstrations and co-operate with Longstreet, when he made the real attack."

The ground occupied by the Federal forces during the 2d and 3d days fight may be thus described: The high well defined ridge, which begins at the Cemetery on the southern outskirts of the town, runs in a southerly course, about three miles, and terminates in a high rocky and wooded peak called Round Top, which was regarded as the key of the position, because it enfiladed and commanded the line north of it. The less elevated portion near where the crest rises onto Round Top, is called Little Round Top, being a spur of the former. The crest of the ridge has a general slope to the east, while to the west it falls off in a cultivated and undulatory valley which it commands.

The ridge at its northern extremity at the Cemetery, turns eastward a short distance, and then southward, terminating in a bold promontory called Culps Hill.

The Federal line on its right wing, thus faced northward to the town, with a bend to the east. Its extension along Cemetery Heights and Round Top faced to the west. The Confederate forces occupying the outer line, were spread over a greater distance, and from the Cashtown road southward, occupied what is known as Seminary Ridge, a little less than a mile distant from and generally parallel to the Cemetery Ridge. Longstreet faced Round Top, and part of Cemetery Ridge; Hill continued the line from the left of Longstreet, and Ewell held the town, sweeping round the base of Cemetery Hill, and ending on the left in front of Culps Hill.

There is a mass of concurring testimony from a number of officers of high standing in the army, and some of whom participated in a conference, held by General Lee during the night of the 1st, that the attack should be made by Longstreet at