f the administration. On the twenty eighth of July Meade replaced Hooker Meade had been one of Hookers corp. commanders. (North with Lee and Jackson).
             Next, Lee argued that an invasion of the wealthiest urban area of the north would probably lessen the pressure on confederate forces in Tennessee and at Vicksburg. Perhaps most important the fertile Cumberland Valley would provide food and clothing for less ragged and hungry army. On the third of July Lee began to move his army of northern Virginia across the Rappahannock. After that Lee sent Major General George Pickett and his troops on an infamous charge at the center on union defenses. More than three quarters of Pickett's force suffered causalities and the charge was repelled, effectually ending the battle on the night of July the Fourth the confederate army retreated to Virginia. (North with Lee and Jackson).
             Then, Generals Longstreet and Hood, held the high ground at the peach orchard and little round top. But by night the federals held up key positions. The most dramatic action of the battle came on the third day, when General George Pickett led a great but hopeless charge against the union. Pickett's drive tried to charge across an open field at Cemetery Ridge, but the union line stopped him. The battle was a divisive union victory but both armies suffered heavy losses. Meads casualties were 23,000 and lees 25,000. Lee began his retreat on the fourth of July to the great disappointment of president Lincoln; Meade did not pursue the confederate army and make Lee stay and fight. By the fourteenth of July to the confederate commander had brought the rest of his army back to the safety of Virginia. Gettysburg had been a sure defeat for the south, both in terms of men lost and the army's morale. (North with Lee and Jackson).
             Next, the aftermath of the battle cost the city 15 million d
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