eBay

Sunrise Strategy

By John Paul Strain

Generals R.E. Lee, Longstreet

A.P. Hill & Col. Alexander

Lutheran Theological Seminary

Gettysburg, PA - July 2, 1863

Signed Lithographic print
Condition: New
Edition size: 350
Image size: 19 1/2" by 25 3/4"
Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Ships flat
Handling time: 5 - 7 biz days
Ships flat via FedEx

Artist's Notes:"General Lee was up before daylight on the morning of July 2nd. He had given General Longstreet orders the previous afternoon to have the First Corps in position at daybreak for an attack on Cemetery Hill, to secure the heights, and to crush the remnants of the Federal I and XI Corps that had been defeated the previous day. A little after 4:00 AM, General Lee rode over to observe the Federal position on Cemetery Hill. To his surprise, the Federals had not yet reinforced their troops during the night at this key position. With his binoculars Lee could see that nearly all the south ridge was unoccupied. Lee then turned his binoculars in the direction where he expected to see Longstreet's Brigades forming into lines of battle. But incredibly, no one was there. It would seem the theme of the day would become, "Where was Longstreet". The Federal Army was gathering, traveling all night in haste to face Lee's Army. Precious minutes were slipping away as Lee observed brigades appearing on the heights. Riding over to the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Lee sent his adjutants to inquire after his Corp commanders Longstreet and Ewell. Soon after Major Venable had ridden off, Longstreet arrived and informed General Lee that his columns were not far behind. However, Longstreet had ordered most of his command to start towards the battlefield after sunrise, thus delaying the First Corps arrival. Longstreet continued his ongoing discussion and disagreement over battlefield strategy. General Lee listened respectfully, but was firm in his resolve to attack the Federals on Cemetery Hill. General A.P Hill was there wearing his "red battle shirt". Other division commanders arrived and were given orders for their brigades. Colonel Alexander came up to report that the artillery of the First Corps had arrived, and Longstreet gave him instructions to place the batteries where General Lee wished them. The short window of General Lee's sunrise strategy to crush the Federal Army was gone. Lee's army now faced 85,000 Federal soldiers holding the high ground. General Lee, lamenting how his first plan had not been executed, kept repeating the same words to officers he would meet throughout the day, "We did not or could not pursue our advantage."

About John Paul Strain: Mr. Strain and his paintings have been featured on the television shows of C-Span's Washington Journal, The History Channel, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Throughout his long career he has won many awards for his art. Reproductions of his work have won numerous 1st place awards and "Best of Show" honors, such as the PICA Awards, The Printing Industry of the Carolina's, and at the PIAG Awards in Georgia. Strain is also a featured artist for internationally known collector art companies the Bradford Exchange and the Franklin Mint for which he has created a Civil War Chess Set, several limited edition plate series, sculptures, and many other collectible items featuring his paintings. John Paul completed a number of commissioned works for the United States Army, which are on permanent display at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Fort McNair, Washington D.C., and the battlefield visitor's center at Normandy, France. Today, his original paintings can be found in many noted museums such as the Museum of Fredericksburg, and at Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello. In 2010 Mr. Strain won the Henry Timrod Southern Culture Award presented by the Military Order of the Stars and Bars - Descendants of Officers of the Confederacy. In 2017 Mr. Strain was unanimously chosen by the Board of Directors of the General N.B. Forrest Historical Society for the “Forrest Distinguished Artist of the Year Award” Notably his work has been collected by many US Senators, US Congressmen, State Governors, music and Hollywood celebrities. His work can be found at the United States Pentagon, and assorted United States Navy Military War Ships currently in service. Over 90,000 pieces of John Paul Strain's Limited Edition Art and original paintings have been sold and enjoyed worldwide!

Options:

350 S/N Lithographic Prints - $200 here

75 Artist's Proof Lithographic Prints - $300

Image size 19 1/2" x 25 3/4"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclées - $1200

4 A.P. Executive Canvas Giclées - $1400

Image size 30 1/8" x 40"