General Lee, in company with General Hill, had, during the battle, occupied his former position on Seminary Ridge, near the centre of his line—­quietly seated, for the greater portion of the time, upon the stump of a tree, and looking thoughtfully toward the opposite heights which Longstreet was endeavoring to storm.  His demeanor was entirely calm and composed.  An observer would not have concluded that he was the commander-in-chief.  From time to time he raised his field-glass to his eyes, and rising said a few words to General Hill or General Long, of his staff.  After this brief colloquy, he would return to his seat on the stump, and continue to direct his glass toward the wooded heights held by the enemy.  A notable circumstance, and one often observed upon other occasions, was that, during the entire action, he scarcely sent an order.  During the time Longstreet was engaged—­from about half-past four until night—­he sent but one message, and received but one report.  Having given full directions to his able lieutenants, and informed them of the objects which he desired to attain, he, on this occasion as upon others, left the execution of his orders to them, relying upon their judgment and ability.

A singular incident occurred at this moment, which must have diverted Lee, temporarily, from his abstracted mood.  In the midst of the most furious part of the cannonade, when the air was filled with exploding shell, a Confederate band of music, between the opposing lines, just below General Lee’s position, began defiantly playing polkas and waltzes on their instruments.  The incident was strange in the midst of such a hurly-burly.  The bloody battle-field seemed turned into a ballroom.

With nightfall the firing sunk to silence.  The moon had risen, and the pale light now lit up the faces of the dead and wounded of both sides.

Lee’s first great assault had failed to secure the full results which he had anticipated from it.

XVIII.

THE LAST CHARGE AT GETTYSBURG.

The weird hours of the moonlit night succeeding the “second day at Gettysburg” witnessed a consultation between Lee and his principal officers, as to the propriety of renewing the attack on the Federal position, or falling back in the direction of the Potomac.  In favor of the latter course there seemed to be many good reasons.  The supplies, both of provisions and ammunition, were running short.  The army, although unshaken, had lost heavily in the obstinately-disputed attack.  In the event of defeat now, its situation might become perilous, and the destruction of the Army of Northern Virginia was likely to prove that of the Southern cause.  On the other hand, the results of the day’s fighting, if not decisive, had been highly encouraging.  On both the Federal wings the Confederates had gained ground, which they still held.  Longstreet’s line was in advance of the Peach Orchard, held by the enemy on the morning