But General Lee believed his army was invincible and he also didn't have his cavalry, in which, served him as his eyes and ears. With his cavalry he could track the Unions troop movements. Cavalry leader Jev. Stuart had gone off with his troops to harass the Federals, leaving General Lee with a disadvantage.
General Lee decided to attack the Union Army's defensive position at the southern end of Cemetery Ridge, which he thought it was less defended.
Around 10 a.m., the next morning July 2, General Lonstreet was ordered by General Lee to attack. However, General Lonstreet was quite slow in getting his troops into position and didn't even attack them until 4 p.m. that afternoon. This gave the Union Army more time to strengthen their position.
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When General Longstreet attacked, some of the most bitter, horrifying fighting of the Civil War erupted at places that are now part of American military folklore, such as Little Round Top, Devil's Den, the Wheat Field and the Peach Orchard. General Longstreet took the Peach Orchard but was driven back at Little Round Top.
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Approximately 10:30 p.m., the day's fighting came to and end. The Federals had lost some ground during the Rebel's attack, but still held the strong defensive position along Cemetery Ridge. Both sides regrouped and counted their loss. .
Generals from each side gathered in war councils to plan for the upcoming day. Union Commander, General Made decided his army would remain in place and wait for Lee to attack. On the Confederate side,General Longstreet once again tried to talk General Lee out of attacking such a strong position. However, General lee thought the beaten up Union soldiers were nearly done. .
As Dawn broke on Friday July 3, about 4:30 a.m., General Lee's timetable was undermined as Union cannons pounded the Rebels to drive them away from the trenches. The Rebels did not withdraw, but instead attacked the Federals around 8 a.
