Why did Longstreet urge Lee not to continue the Battle of Gettysburg?
1 Answer
The advantage of being on the defensive and the overall objective of the invasion of the north.
Explanation:
The north had the superior position and high ground. The South would have to attack the entrenched positions of the North on cemetery ridge and the round tops. The attacks on these positions on the second day of the battle had come close but had failed. The North was better prepared to defend these positions on the third day.
The South could withdraw and swing toward Washington DC in a similar manner to what Grant had done in the Richmond campaign ending with the victory at Petersburg. The North would have to follow and attack the south or risk losing Washington and the War.
Attacking again on the third day risked losing the momentum and ability to threaten the North. As it turned out Longstreet was correct and Pickett's Charge failed and the south never again was able to threaten the North. Lee hoped for a tactical victory destroying the Union Army, Longstreet hoped for a strategic victory by out moving the Union Army.
