Contradictory orders were given, it was claimed later, by the generals, but Lee, with the grandeur of soul that places him so high among the immortals, said afterward: "The attack was not pressed that afternoon, because the enemy's force was unknown, and it was considered advisable to await the rest of our troops." When failure occurred he never blamed anyone but himself.

Yet Harry always thought that his genius paled a little that afternoon.

He did not show the amazing vigor and penetration that were associated with the name of Lee both before and afterwards.

Perhaps it was an excess of caution, due to his isolated position in the enemy's country, and perhaps it was the loss of Jackson.

Whatever it was, the precious hours passed, the enemy, small in numbers, was not driven from his refuge on Cemetery Hill, and the battle died.
The Southern leaders themselves did not know the smallness of the Northern force that had taken shelter on the hill.