In July of 1863 the battle of gettysberg was fought where confederate general robert E. Lee took his army of North Virginians North for the second time. The commander for the union George gordon Meade was in pursuit the battle of gettysberg was ultimately a big mistake both armed forces didn't anticipate to fight so quickly. They ended up bumping into each other in gettysberg. General Lees intentions were to use his advantage before more Union troops could arrive, Lee gave orders to attack Cemetery Hill to Ewell, who took command of the Army of Northern Virginia’s Second Corps after Lee’s most trusted general, was mortally wounded in Chancellorsville. Ewell declined to order the attack, considering the Unions position too strong his disobedience would give him an unfavorable image in General Lees mind. When he heard that the commander was pursuing him he had to make rash decisions …show more content…
On the second day of the battle General Lee decided to attack the Union it was ultimately the most bloodiest day of the battle.The Union Army had established strong positions from Culp’s Hill to Cemetery Ridge. Lee as focused his enemy’s positions and was determined against the advice of his second-in-command to attack the Federals where they stood. He ordered his second in command to lead an attack on the Union left, while Ewell’s corps would strike the right, near Culp’s Hill. On July 3rd, Lee attacked the Union center on Cemetery Ridge and what is now known as Pickett’s Charge. Lee's second invasion of the North had failed, and had resulted in heavy casualties it is to be an estimated 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured, or MIA after Gettysburg. Gettysberg was just a piece of farm land at the time the battle lasted approximately three days. The Union Army was expected to retaliate on july 4th independence day but they did not so in return General Robert E. Lee decided to retreat back to Virginia in heavy