Battle of Gettysburg

In The Hesperus Prophecy, the attack on Gettysburg demonstrates the Confederacy’s willingness to attack the North. Abraham Lincoln fears the foray into Pennsylvania portends a direct attack on Washington, D.C.. Thus, Lincoln has officials in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government, along with their families, take refuge in the Clypeate’s underground headquarters.

At great human cost, Union forces won the Battle of Gettysburg, marking a turning point in the American Civil War. The Confederacy took a large gamble, striking into the North. Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the war, from July 1 - 3, 1863, with more than 50,000 casualties.

Had the Confederacy won at Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee would have likely continued to Harrisburg and Philadelphia. In reality, the Confederacy knew Washington, D.C. was too heavily fortified, and a direct attack was not part of their strategy. However, President Lincoln appreciated having the Clypeate’s help, and accommodations, available to keep everyone safe while ensuring the Union government’s uninterrupted function.

The Union victory at Gettysburg squashed General Lee's northern invasion, effectively dashing the Confederacy's hopes of independence, once again the Clypeate helping maintain the balance of power in favor of freedom and equality.

Battle of Gettysburg

Map of the Troop Positions

Cannon defending Washington, D.C.