And so it was that the war started to turn
At Gettysburg when General Lee hoped to move forward
He and his men were permanently pushed back
It was the worst battle in our history, that’s what we all learn.

In full retreat, Lee’s men needed an escape
July 6th the wounded reached Williamsport
But they did not do so along and unharmed
For fighting followed them always across the landscape.

Lee’s army went further, going to Falling Waters to cross
And on July 7th they reached the canal
But found that not only was the waterway swollen
The Federalist had destroyed their best way across.

The only option they had was to make new pontoons
Using whatever was available
From wreckage and supplies.
On the 10th they began crossing, and none too soon.

The bulk of the men crossed between the 13th and 14th at night.
Their final act was to destroy what they’d made
Hoping to thwart pursuit, that the North would be stayed.
So started the end of the war as across the canal the South took flight.

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