Hessler really raises some good points . If not for sickles, Longstreets attack would’ve crested on cemetery ridge .

Dan Sickles unorthodox movement at Gettysburg blunted Longstreets attack and delayed it long enough for Fifth Corps to get into position. His personal bravery, and the courage and competence of the officers and men under his command saved the day on July 2, 1863.

The country would have been a better place had Dan Sickles not been born. This scoundrel didn't have an honorable bone in his body nor any idea what it meant to be a man. He should have been imprisoned for felonious corruption for his doings at Tammany Hall; hanged by the neck until dead for the murder of Philip Key or faced a firing squad for perjury and treason. No reasonable, sane person could excuse or condone his lifelong despicable behavior.