'The enemy attacked me about 4pm this day, and, after one of the severest contests of the war, was repulsed at all points … I shall remain in my present position tomorrow, but am not prepared to say, until better advised of the condition of the army, whether my operations will be of an offensive or defensive character.' General Meade's July 2nd dispatch to General-in-Chief Halleck indicated the need to assess the Federal predicament: to this end he called a council of war. The thinking of his commanders was best expressed by General Slocum of XII Corps: 'Stay and fight it out.' As the meeting broke up, Meade turned to General John Gibbon whose division held the centre of the Federal line. 'If Lee attacks tomorrow,' he said 'it will be on your front … he has made attacks on both our flanks and failed, and if he concludes to try again, it will be on our center.' His judgment was to be proved correct as the Confederates began to advance.

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