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source of infinite satisfaction to the Confederate commander; indeed, if he had not come, the three divisions of General Pleasanton would have taken complete possession of General Lee's communications, and the battle of Gettysburg would have been a still greater disaster to the Southern army.
After the defeat of the assaulting column, Meade was too cautious to risk his lines against the army that had held the heights of Fredericksburg.
He stood resolutely on the defensive throughout the 4th of July.
On that night General Lee began his masterly retreat to the Potomac, which he crossed in the face of his enemy on the morning of the 14th.
Ewell's corps forded the river at Williamsport, Generals Longstreet and Hill crossed by pontoon at Falling Waters, and by 1 p. m. of the 14th the Gettysburg campaign was over.
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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