The Killer Angels: Wednesday, July 1, 1863: Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Buford sits in the seminary’s cupola and watches dawn break. Then he hears the guns of attacking Rebel infantry begin. He sends a message to Reynolds requesting relief. A while later, he hears the Rebel yell, which is swallowed by the sound of answering Union cannon. The assault dies away.

Buford talks with a commander, who informs him that, while they have only scrapped with a Rebel division, the entire Rebel army will likely have arrived by afternoon. Buford sends another message to Reynolds and strengthens his line. He knows that these brigades cannot hold off the Confederates for long, and that if the brigades and the high ground are both lost, it will be all his fault. The outcome will all depend on how quickly Reynolds arrives and how quickly Lee moves. Soon, a bigger attack begins.

Just as Buford is beginning to consider withdrawal, he looks to the south and sees Reynolds coming at a gallop, two corps of fresh infantry coming behind him. Reynolds joins Buford in the Seminary cupola, where Buford, relieved and weary, explains the brigades’ position. He sees that Reynolds shares his vision for holding the high ground. Reynolds sends messengers to all his commanders and to General Meade to join him with all haste. Buford is surprised to find that he feels relief at the appearance of higher command, rather than his usual resentment.

Buford and Reynolds ride out to place the troops. Against the Confederates’ 15,000, they can put almost 20,000 in the field within half an hour. Reynolds praises Buford’s selection of ground, and Buford feels honored by the high compliment. A short time later, Buford looks for Reynolds and sees his horse bare-backed. When Buford gets there, he finds Reynolds already dead, having been wounded in the head. Buford is grieved at the loss of a good man. The men continue to carry out Reynolds’ orders, fighting without a commander.