The Battle of Gettysburg

 
 

 

3rd Day- Pickett's Charge

On the outskirts of Gettysburg, at 1 p.m., 170 Confederate cannons open fired.  The Union was positioned in Cemetery Ridge with only a stonewall for protection.  The Union returned fire.  About 2:30 p.m. the Federally slowed there rate of fire and fooled the rebels, to believing they were out of ammunition.  Gen. Picket went to see Gen. Longstreet and asked, " General shall I advance"?  Longstreet responded with his head bowed and raised his hand.  The command was given.  " Charge the enemy and remember Old Virginia" Picket said as he lead 12,000 rebels toward the Union.  By this time the 20th Maine joined General Hanncok at the center of the ridge.  The Union first watched at the extraordinary sight.  Picket converged the line to focus on the Union position called the Angle. The Confederates neared and the Union were able to hold back the Confederates, but under the lead of General Lewis Armstead the rebels were able to break through the Angle.  Soon the rebels that reached the Angle were forced back back across the field in retreat. General Picket who was standing in the distance exclaimed, " What's happened to my boys"?  When Picket returned to General Lee, he was ordered to prepare  a  possible Union counterattack.  Picket then said, " General Lee I have no division"

Stuart's Calvary Encounters Gregg Pronsworth Near Little Round Top  July 3, 1863 12:00

Stuart with four brigades had arrived at Gettysburg area July, 2nd.  Lee charged Stuart flanking the Union and captures Cem. Ridge.  The two cavalry forces met three miles east of Gettysburg near Rummel farm about norht.  Stuart deplated his brigdesss in the woods on Cress Ridge.  The fighting then begain.  Stuart sent the 1st Virgins charging into the Union cavalry.  Stuart ordered most of Hamptons and Lees Brigades into a column attack Greggs position.  The Confederate ran headlong in to the Union.  Eventually the Confederates cut off and attacked from al sides. Both sides clamed victory.