What were the problems with the Battle of the Crater?

Answer 1

Burnside's battle plan was sound. A division of 4,000 blacks was to charge into the breach in the Confederate lines and then divide into two groups. One group was to face to the right to prevent flanking fire from that direction and the other group was to face to the left to do the same. At the last minute Burnside's superior, Gen. George Meade, changed the plan. He ordered Burnside to replace the black division with a division of whites. The morale of all three of Burnside's white divisions was shaky because of the heavy casualties they had suffered. Perhaps even more important Meade changed Burnside's tactics. Instead of using the lead division to prevent flank fire, Meade ordered Burnside to charge directly to the crest of the hill. The result was rebel flank fire caused the lead division to take cover in the Crater where regiments became intermingled and the officers lost all control. Two other divisions followed but were likewise disorganized by flank fire. Finally the black division was allowed to attack and nearly took the objective. However,by this time the Confederates had rushed reinforcements to the scene and drove the blacks back. Burnside was blamed for failing to clear away obstacles in his front and it was alleged that this prevented his men from passing rapidly to the front. Some brigade and division commanders were blamed for not being at the front to lead their men. Burnside was relieved of the command of the IX Corps and other officers were also punished. It's my belief that even the presence of brigade and division commanders could not have sorted out the chaos in the Crater, so that explanation is bogus. Also a number of officers testified at two hearings that the obstructions did not impede the advance. Meade's interference with a good plan caused the problem. Bryce A. Suderow streetstories@juno.com