Lee's Shattered Army

"We gained nothing but glory, and lost our bravest men."<br>Lieut. John T. James, C.S.A.<br>11th Virginia Infantry, Pickett's Division<br><br>As the Confederates streamed back across the fields from their failed assault, Gen. Robert E. Lee rode out to meet them. "It has been all my fault" he was heard to say. The attack had cost his army nearly 6,000 casualties.<br><br>With the failure of "Pickett's Charge," Lee sensed his opportunity was gone. His men were exhausted, and the number of dead, wounded, and missing was enormous. They could no longer take the offensive. The following day, July 4, Lee's men held their position on the ridge behind you, but the Federals did not attack. That evening Lee gave the order to retreat.<br><br>The retreat began in a heavy rain that soaked the downcast Southern troops. The high spirits that had carried them into Pennsylvania were dashed on the bloody, sodden fields of Gettysburg.