General Meade was making his way toward his right flank. It was quiet, VERY quiet. The Rebs were gone. He had won. He had the figures, 19404 Union Infantry casualties to the Rebs 18,594. 2099 Union Cavalry to the Rebs 1024. 9 union Brigade leaders casualtys to 15 Rebs. One Divison commander gone-General Wadsworth. Golly, he had died with valor!!! This cannon loss report had to be incorrect 133 to 8?? Then he came upon a sight. Cannon, Reb cannon lined up on the Baltimore Pike. As far as he could see back towards Gettysburg, It was a mess. A Major was trying to get horses and crews to move the guns somewhere but it was hopless, just too many.
"Whats going on here Major?" he barked where did all these guns come from?
The harried Major stammered a reply " captured, sir. all captured"
Now General Meade was confused" but, but how?" "It was Directive 7 sir," the Major replied as he went back to his impossible task.
Directive 7- All commanders will assault any and all unlimbered Reb Artillary!!
Meade mused, aha, that explained all the attacking by Sickles and Slocum. Lee must have ordered all his cannon to the front!! The Yanks had a field day!! 133 cannon to 8. Directive 7 had won the Battle!!! Lee would NEVER be able to replace that many guns. the war was over.
Colonel Tony Best
Army of Georgia
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