The retreat of the Confederate Army from Gettysburg began in the early hours following the climactic three-day battle that occurred in Pennsylvania. General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia suffered significant casualties, with approximately 28,000 men lost, while Union forces under General George Meade incurred around 23,000 casualties in their attempt to repel the Confederate invasion. The aftermath of the battle left the Confederate army diminished in strength and morale. On July 4, Lee commenced the challenging task of withdrawing his troops, aiming to return southward across the Potomac River to safety. Lee’s strategy hinged on regrouping and resupplying, as well as seeking to avoid further confrontation with the Union army in its victorious state. The retreat was not executed without difficulties. Union cavalry, commanded by General Judson Kilpatrick, harassed the retreating Confederate forces, although ultimately, they could not decisively engage and disperse Lee’s retreating army. The complication of terrain and the need for strategic maneuvering weighed heavily on both commanders as they navigated the aftermath of such a costly engagement. This evacuation coincided with the national celebration of Independence Day, creating a stark contrast in sentiments between the Union’s pride and the Confederate’s struggle. The retreat culminated as the Confederate forces crossed the Potomac River, effectively ending the offensive campaign into the North, and marking the beginning of a defensive approach by Lee's army for the remainder of the war.