After General Robert E. Lee's original plan for July 3rd was spoiled he and General James Longstreet prepare an infantry assault, involving some 12,500 soldiers, on the center of the Union line (Pickett's Charge). A pre-attack cannonade was led in part by Col. Edward Porter Alexander. Around 160 Confederate guns bombarded the Union Second Corps along Cemetery Ridge for around an hour in the hopes of demoralizing and driving them off. Meanwhile, General George Meade correctly anticipated the Confederate assault and made preparations to defend against it. Union soldiers try to relax and eat until the afternoon silence is broken by the rebel artillery. https://www.facebook.com/EMHistory?mibextid=LQQJ4d