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Little Round Top - Chamberlain VS Spear March 7, 2006 I have always taken for granted the popular belief of the 20th Maine's story of the Battle of Little Round Top, until I came across an article in the August 2005 issue of the Civil War Times. The author (Jeffrey Denman) of the article (What Really Happened on Little Round Top?) points out there are two very different stories on what transpired during the battle most specifically how the charge was executed. The two who seem to be at odds with each other are Joshua Chamberlain and Ellis Spear. The first inconsistency between the two is in regards to the Confederates' first flanking movement. Chamberlain seems to change his story in his many writing and speaking engagements. In his account from Through Blood & Fire At Gettysburg he states, "In the thick and smoke, Lieutenant Nichols, a bright officer near our center, ran up to tell me something queer was going on in his front, behind those engaging us." (1, pg 23) In the Civil War Times article Denman states, "In a second report, similarly dated July 6, there is no mention of an officer from the center," and quoted Chamberlain as saying he himself saw the flanking movement. (2, pg 37) In Spear's version it was he that went to Chamberlain with the information about the flanking movement, and he was the one who suggested bending the line in order to protect the left of the line. "Chamberlain was on the right, and not visible from my position, but I went quickly over to him and advised him of the situation, suggesting that it seemed best to bend back two companies to meet the threat upon the flank. He assented and I did so. (3, pg 34)The second inconsistency relates to the actual events and orders that lead to the regimental charge down Little Round Top. In all of Chamberlain's accounts he says that he ordered the "right wheel" movement but Denman in his article says that the "right wheel" order had not be corroborated. (2 pg 37) Ellis Spear goes even further in his writings stating he doesn't believe a "right wheel" order or for that matter any order to charge was ever given. (3, pg 315-316) Spear believes that that Company K wanted to move the line forward so to protect the wounded and dead men laying in front of them, and when they were giving the forward order it spread through the whole regiment and was misinterpret as an order to charge. (3, pg 315-316) Chamberlain's account in Through Blood & Fire At Gettysburg does state that a Company wanted to move forward to collect their men before the enemy did, and Chamberlain replied "Yes, Sir, in a moment! I am about to order a charge!" (1, pg 33) Denman thinks that Chamberlain probably ordered the charge, but due to the nature of war few heard the order and messages may not have gotten to various commanders. (2, pg 40) This is defiantly and interesting subject that I would like to do more research on. See if I cannot find some more accounts from others in the 20th Maine.(1) "Bayonet! Forward"; Through Blood & Fire At Gettysburg; Chamberlain, Joshua. |