The Civil War Page 3

The Battle of Gettysburg  July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1863

On the morning of July 1st, a courier from Heth's division arrives at Lee's headquarters, announcing that some of the men wish to enter the town of Gettysburg to forage and reconnoiter clothing to include much needed footware. At that time, Buford commanding a lead cavalry group, rides just to the southwest of town and approaching the seminary, witnesses the movements of the oncoming Confederates.

The Battle of Gettysburg Commences

Confederate forces converged on the town from west and north, driving Union defenders back through the streets to Cemetery Hill. During the night, reinforcements arrived for both sides. On July 2, Lee attempted to envelop the Federals, first striking the Union left flank at the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Devil’s Den, and the Round Tops with Barksdale’s and Hood’s divisions, and then attacking the Union right at Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill with Ewell’s divisions. By evening, the Federals retained Little Round Top on their left, and had repulsed most of Ewell’s men on their right.

During the morning of July 3, the Confederate infantry were driven from their last toe-hold on Culp’s Hill. In the afternoon, after a preliminary artillery bombardment, Lee attacked the Union center on Cemetery Ridge. The Pickett-Pettigrew-Tremble-Armistead assault (more popularly, Pickett’s Charge) momentarily pierced the Union line but was driven back with severe casualties. Stuart’s cavalry attempted to gain the Union rear but was repulsed by Custer and his Michigan Wolverines. On July 4, Lee began withdrawing his army toward Williamsport on the Potomac River. His train of wounded stretched more than fourteen miles. Also on July 4th, General Grant forces Vicksburg to surrender and the South would never recover.