Ask A Gettysburg Guide #33- Captain Johnston's Recon

Captain Samuel Johnston was Robert E. Lee's topographical engineer. On the morning of July 2, 1863, General sent Captain Johnston and a few other men on a reconnaissance of the Union left, where Lee intended to attack. A few hours later, the information brought back to Lee would set the wheels in motion for one of the bloodiest days in American history and decades of controversy and confusion for students of the Battle of Gettysburg. LBG Chris Army joins us as we try to clear up some of the confusion and see if we can't answer the question: did Johnston get "there"?
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[@jonrettich4579]

I wish someone would do a comprehensive presentation on the Topographical Engineers. They were our best and brightest specially chosen chosen to map the U.S. and as their mission was completed during the Civil War they were folded into the regular engineers. Among them were Johnston, Hotchkiss, Meade, and Humphreys to name a few. So many seem to have played memorable rolls in the conflict that I think they should be

[@addressinggettysburg]

It’s in the works.

[@josephsmith742]

it's Friday August 26th 2022. Week from kick-off here in rocky top! Go big orange!! I discovered your channel about 3 weeks ago so I've just been listening to everything old to get caught up, and passing the word along. Great work!!

[@addressinggettysburg]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you found us and even gladder that you like it.

[@philphucas3663]

Super fascinating. Thanks!

[@N2Dressage001]

This has always fascinated me ever since Troy Harmon's video on it. Thanks for this one!

[@addressinggettysburg]

You’re welcome. Thanks for listening.

[@heynowls3058]

Good stuff. Love your pod/you tube. Thanks.

[@addressinggettysburg]

Thanks for listening!

[@jacobmasters438]

William Proctor Smith looks like Van Johnson in my opinion lol.

[@addressinggettysburg]

I kinda see that

[@timm1894]

Yes, I remember topogigio.

[@addressinggettysburg]

What is this referring to. Did we talk about topogigio in this episode?

[@sofly7634]

Ed Sullivan show

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Thank you fellas ! Great content

[@addressinggettysburg]

Our pleasure!

[@davidconnell3867]

When did Capt. Johnston ever say or write that he did not see any troops on his Recon?

[@addressinggettysburg]

I’d guess when he reported back to Lee

[@loushavkey5982]

What was the timing on Johnston sighting Sickles deployment of his troops?

[@addressinggettysburg]

I don’t think he saw sickles’ men. They hadn’t gotten into their assign position yet and Johnston was long gone by the time Sickles moved out to the Emmitsburg Road.

[@heynowls3058]

Good stuff. Love your pod/you tube. Thanks.