Chapter 11:
- The battle of the 2d and 3d of July -- the position of the Third Corps -- action on July 2 -- Participation of the Fifth and Sixth -- position of the Second and Twelfth Corps -- action on July 3 -- reminiscences
Examine now the map, ‘vicinity of Gettysburg.’ Note the position of the town. Observe the long, irregular, curved ridge south of it; the east and short arm of this curvilinear range is Culp's Hill. At the apex of the angle formed by the intersection of Culp's Hill with the longer arm of the range, is Cemetery Hill. South, along the long arm of the ridge, where the crossroad passes from the Baltimore pike to the Emmetsburg road, is Little Round Top. South of this, and the base of the map, is Round Top. The crest of this aptly termed, ‘fish-hook shaped ridge’ was the Federal position on the 2d and 3d of July. Now with the town again for the point of view, observe west of it another ridge overlooking the village and extending by it from north to south. This is Oak or Seminary Ridge. On its crest and on the plain east of it, even into the village, was fought the disastrous battle of the 1st of July. From this elevation descended the Confederate force on the 2d of July, to attempt to turn the Union left near Little Round Top. From this ridge on the same day, they made the futile attempt to storm Cemetery Hill. From this same position at one P. M. on the 3d of July, their 150 guns belched forth their awful thunder, making the air demoniacal for two hours. This concentration of artillery fire upon Cemetery Ridge was intended, doubtless, to demoralize its defenders before the grand charge of their 18,000 infantry up its side. Back upon this Seminary Hill the remnant of the Confederate force retired after their repulse upon the 3d of July, and on this ground they were attacked by Meade, late in the afternoon of that day. Finally, from this ridge they retreated to Virginia. On the 2d of July the Third Corps (Gen. Sickles), which had arrived during the previous evening, with a part of the First
