bout 10:30 p.m., the day’s fighting came to and end. The Federals had lost some ground during the Rebelonslaught but still held the strong defensive position along Cemetery Ridge. Both sides regrouped and counted theircausalities.Generals from each side gathered in war councils to plan for the coming day. Union commander Meade decided hisarmy would remain in place and wait for Lee to attack. On the Confederate side, Longstreet once again tried to talkLee out of attacking such a strong position. But lee thought the beaten up Union soldiers were nearly done and fallunder one last push. As dawn broke on Friday, July 3, about 4:30 a.m., Lee’s timetable was undermined as Union cannons pounded theRebels on Culp’s Hill to drive them from the trenches. The Rebels did not withdraw, but instead attacked theFederals around 8 a.m. Thus began a vicious three hour struggle with the Rebels constantly charging up the hill onlyto be repelled back. The Federals finally counter attacked and drove the Rebels off the hill and east across the RockCreek. Around 11 a.m. the fighting on Culp’s Hill stopped. Then an eerie quiet settled over the battlefield.And again, Lee encountered arguments about his battle plan from Longstreet. Lee estimated about 15,000 menwould participate in the Rebel charge on Cemetery Ridge. Longstreet responded, “It is my opinion that no 15,000men ever arrayed for battle can take that position.”. But of course Lee did it his way.Throughout the morning and into the afternoon there was a 90 degree temperature and high humidity. Through thisthe Rebels moved into position in the woods opposite Cemetery Ridge for the coming charge. Interestingly, someUnion troops were moved away from Cemetery Ridge on Mead’s orders because he thought Lee would attack againin the south. Several hours before, Mead had correctly predicted Lee would attack the center, but now thoughtotherwise. He left o...
