The Effects Of Logistical Factors On The Union Pursuit Of The Confederate Army: During The Final Phase Of The Gettysburg Campaign

By: Colonel Donald J. Wetekam

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Synopsis: For ten days after the Battle of Gettysburg, the Army of Northern Virginia, under command of Robert E. Lee, remained trapped on the Union side of the flooded Potomac River. During that time, the Army of the Potomac, commanded by George G. Meade, pursued the Confederate forces as they retreated across Pennsylvania and Maryland, attempting but never quite succeeding in bringing about another general engagement. This paper examines the extent to which logistical factors on the Union side of the line hampered the effort to destroy the Confederate army. Specifically, it will seek to show that the resource limitations experienced by the Union army were a decisive factor in their inability to destroy Lee's forces while they remained trapped on Union soil.