A âfascinating illumination of little-known accounts and personalitiesâ by two experts on the Battle of Gettysburg (Civil War News).  The historiography of Gettysburgâs second day is usually dominated by the Unionâs successful defense of Little Round Topâbut the dayâs most influential action occurred nearly one mile west along the Emmitsburg Road, in farmer Joseph Sherfyâs peach orchard. This is the first full-length study of this pivotal action.  On July 2, 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered skeptical subordinate Lt. Gen. James Longstreet to launch a massive assault against the Union left flank. The offensive was intended to seize the Peach Orchard and surrounding ground for use as an artillery position to support the ongoing attack. However, Union Maj. Gen. Daniel Sickles, a scheming former congressman from New York, misinterpreted his orders and occupied the orchard first.  What followed was some of Gettysburgâs bloodiest and most controversial fighting. General Sicklesâs questionable advance forced Longstreetâs artillery and infantry to fight for every inch of ground to Cemetery Ridge. The Confederate attack crushed the Peach Orchard salient and other parts of the Union line, threatening the left flank of Maj. Gen. George Meadeâs army. The command decisions made in and around the Sherfy property influenced actions on every part of the battlefield. The occupation of the high ground at the Peach Orchard helped General Lee rationalize ordering the tragic July 3 assault known as Pickettâs Charge.  This richly detailed study is based on scores of primary accounts and a deep understanding of the terrain. The authors, both Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guides, combine the military aspects of the fighting with human interest stories, in a balanced treatment of the bloody attack and defense of Gettysburgâs Peach Orchard.
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