This battle was began on July 1, 1864, and ended on July 3. It was caused by Lee's men accidental running into some Northerners. However, this battle was like no other. There was complete and utter chaos. No strategy was used. Soldiers simply ran and fought. A total of 150,000 soldiers did this. Lee tried desperately to gain control, but this didn't happen. A bystander reported that the battle was "largely unplanned and uncontrollable...(springing) from decisions that men under pressure made in the light of imperfect knowledge."
Lee's generals contained Pettigrew, Trimble, Ewell, Heth, A.P. Hill, Pickett, and Longstreet. The Yankees incorporated Meade, Hancock, Buford, and Birney. There were so many commanders and so many people, nothing could be controlled.
On the first day, Meade gained ground, which was taken away. Later, they gained it back. On the first two days, we were trying to take over the dominating hills, Cemetary Hill, Culp's Hill, Little Round Top, Round Top, Oak Hill, and Seminary Ridge.
The third day, Lee was so desperate, he made a wrong move. He sent 15,000 men under the command of Gen. Pickett to charge. Nevertheless, The men fell back against fatal Union fire. This major mistake became known as "Pickett's Charge."
This was the only battle that our hero lost. The final causalities were 40,000 dead and wounded. That this be a test, that Lee will become strong again. Let this be a learning experience. Now, with knowledge and experience behind us, we can go on and claim our victory.
