By late afternoon, on the 2nd July, 1863, after fierce hand to hand fighting, Major General John B. Hood’s 3rd Division’s flanking attack on Big Round Top had been successful. Meade realising the lack of troops on the Round Tops had rushed the 1st Maine to try to thwart Jackson who having let Hood bypass Sickles force in the Peach Orchard caught way out in front of the main Union lines and seize the …showed first 75 words of 793 total…

…showed last 75 words of 793 total…achieved. Jackson had ordered Longstreet to organise the army with the intention of following the Union hordes into Washington. Lee was attempting to advise caution but Jackson smelled blood and would not be swayed. By midday the Army of Northern Virginia was ready to march on Washington, Jackson in his battered faray cap and threadbare uniform looking like any of his ragtag, starving, weary army at their head began the march on the Federal Capital.