The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

GETTYSBURG

The Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was a memorable and bloody battle of the American Civil War, considered the turning point of the struggle between the Confederates and Federals. The Confederates numbering 80,000, under Robert E Lee, were defeated by about an equal number of National soldiers, led by Meade.

The battle occurred between July the 1st and 3rd, 1863. Robert E Lee, having pushed thus far in his great invasion of the North, lay at Chambersburg awaiting the results of disturbances among the 'Copperhead' faction in the Northern cities. Ewell was posted between York and Carlisle with a strong Confederate force. James Longstreet's columns and Stuart's cavalry were also separated from the main Confederate command. Meade had just taken command of the National troops, vice Joseph Hooker, resigned, had ordered the evacuation of Harper's Ferry, and contemplated a concentration of his forces at Pipe Creek, fifteen miles from Gettysburg, hoping to offer battle to Robert E Lee at that place. The absence of Stuart's cavalry prevented Robert E Lee from ascertaining the strength of the Nationals. Meade's plans of battle at Pipe Creek were frustrated on July the 1st, by an attack by the Confederates upon Reynolds' division at Gettysburg.

Reynolds, though supported by Buford's cavalry, was routed and killed. The fighting became general. Swell's and James Longstreet's columns had arrived, and Meade sent Howard to assume command of the National field. Howard placed his forces upon the right, extending his line beyond the town to the north. This line was broken in the centre by Robert E Lee's repeated charges, but not without severe losses to the Confederates. Hancock arrived and rallied the Federals, placing his line along Round Top and Little Round Top, two strong positions.

The National line now was, beginning with the right: Slocum's, Howard's, Hancock's and Sykes', with Sedgwick in reserve. The bloodiest fighting of the day, on July the 2nd, was between Vincent's and Hood's men on Little Round Top. The battles of the first two days were indecisive. Meade began the attack on July the 3rd, by driving Ewell from his position on Rock Creek. Then followed Pickett's disastrous charge upon Cemetery Ridge, in which nearly 14,000 Confederates were killed. Robert E Lee was obliged to retreat. The Nationals lost 23,190, the Confederates nearly 30,000 and 7000 Confederates were left unburied. Many generals were killed on both sides.
Research Gettysburg