[593] the bridge of Rock Creek, thus forming a reserve which, while supporting the right, could, by means of direct paths, hasten with equal rapidity to the assistance of the left or the centre of the line. Finally, the reserve artillery, which arrived at the same time, was parked, by Meade's orders, in a position not less central between the Taneytown and the Baltimore roads.
By nine o'clock in the morning the Federal line was therefore rectified. All the corps save one had arrived, and, notwithstanding their exhausted condition, each had taken the positions assigned by the general-in-chief. Through the one which he had designated for the Fifth corps he was already prepared to take great advantage of the very form of this line, the two extremities of which had fallen to the rear. The enemy had not, during these first five important hours of the day, fired a single cannon-shot to annoy the Federals or to interrupt their preparations. Astonished at this inexplicable silence on the part of an adversary ordinarily so active, Meade concluded that Lee had not finished his concentration, and had only the forces engaged the previous day about him. He at once conceived the idea of taking the offensive in his turn, and of anticipating him by attacking the positions of Ewell on Benner's Hill with the Twelfth and Fifth corps. This bold project was justified by appearances, and the point of attack well chosen: the Confederate Second corps was, in fact, the easiest of approach, the open country extending between the rest of the Southern army and the Federal positions being an obstacle in the way of such an attack, the importance of which Lee was soon to experience in turn. But appearances alone were favorable; for Longstreet's two divisions, being at that moment within reach of Gettysburg along the Cashtown road, could have formed a junction with Hill in order to defend Ewell. Fortunately for Meade, Generals Slocum and Warren having deemed the country very difficult to be traversed, he decided to wait for the arrival of the Sixth corps. The enemy did not allow him to resume his project.
Lee, in fact, has the greatest interest in striking quickly and heavily. We must now see how he is employing the morning of the 2d of July, during which the Federals are preparing to
