July 3rd, 1863: Day 3

July 3rd

On the Morning of July the 3rd, Lee and his advisors were plotting. Though his advisors wanted to attack the flanks again, Lee had other plans. He would concentrate nearly 15,000 men to the senter of the Union line, thinking they were weakest there. These 15,000 men consisted of two divisions of A.P. Hill's Corps, and Longstreet's only remaining fresh division, George Picket. At the same time, General Ewell would attack Culps Hill, giving the Union troops from Cemetary Ridge no place to retreat to. His suboordinates did not like this idea, but Lee went ahead and puy it in motion. On the Union side, they were again anticipating an attack from the sides, and had reinforced Culps Hill and the round tops. At around 10:00 AM, the crispy silence was broken by a single cannon shot by Confederate artillary. This single shot signaled the bombardment on Cemetary Ridge. Cannon after cannon shot rounds at the hill, all in a line. This was effective because it gave the Union no time to get up and move around. By the time the last cannon had fired, the first was loaded and ready to fire again. However, Colonal Alexander, the Confederate Artillary Commander, misjudged the distance of Cemetary Hill, resulting in each shell exploding past the Union line. Finally after two hours of bombardment, Colonal Alexander sent telegram to Longstreet saying "For Christ sake, get moving or the Artillary cannot help you." Longstreet, knowing that this attack would fail and his best division be destroyed, gave the order for Pickett to begin his attack. At approximatly 12:30, the 15,000 Confederate troops emerged from the forrest line and began to form ranks. With nearly a mile to walk and fresh, unbattered Union troops waiting for them, they began their long march. The unscathed Union artillary began opening fire as soon as the troops emerged. They marched over the fields and hit the road with the fence. By the time they hit the fence, they were in musket range. With canister fire and musket balls heading for them in every spot, the Confederate troops were doomed. Even against all odds, the Confederate troops were able to reach the famous stone wall. General Armisted, commander of one of Picket's brigades, while shouting "Come on, boys!" fell to a Union musketball. During this fight, Culps Hill was taken by General Ewell's forces, but then lost again as the Union troops advanced back to it. Within a half hour of the charge's birth, the charge was over. Crippled Confederate troops limped back to the main Confederate line. Seeing as how his troops hd been defeated, Confederate General Robert E. Lee road out and said "Its all my fault." Upon this triumphant hold by the federals, George Meade opted not to engage, giving up the federal advanced positioning on the field. This decision is one of the most controversial issues of the Civil War, and still today many criticise Meade's decision to stay. The rest of the day would be given to rest and packing, and the next day Lee would retreat to cross the Potomac River, never again to invade northern soil.