Late in the rainy afternoon, Lee started moving the non-fighting portion of his army back to Virginia. Cavalry under Brigadier General John D. Imboden was entrusted to escort the seventeen-mile long wagon train of supplies and wounded men, using a long route through Cashtown and Greencastle to Williamsport, Maryland. After sunset, the fighting portion of Lee's army began its retreat to Virginia using a more direct (but more mountainous) route that began on the road to Fairfield.Coddington, p. 538. Although Lee knew exactly what he needed to do, Meade's situation was different. Meade needed to remain at Gettysburg until he was certain Lee was gone. If Meade left first, he could possibly leave an opening for Lee to get to Washington or Baltimore. In addition, the army that left the battlefield first was often considered the defeated army.Coddington, p. 539.
Late in the rainy afternoon Lee started moving the non-fighting portion of his army back to Virginia Cavalry under Brigadier General John D Imboden was entrusted to escort the seventeen-mile long wagon train of supplies and wounded men using a long route through Cashtown and Greencastle to Williamsport Maryland After sunset the fighting portion of Lee's army began its retreat to Virginia using a more direct (but more mountainous) route that began on the road to FairfieldCoddington p 538 Although Lee knew exactly what he needed to do Meade's situation was different Meade needed to remain at Gettysburg until he was certain Lee was gone If Meade left first he could possibly leave an opening for Lee to get to Washington or Baltimore In addition the army that left the battlefield first was often considered the defeated armyCoddington p 539