Suppose the Battle of Gettysburg is a Confederate victory somehow, but the Army of the Potomac has withdrawn intact. Union casualties are about 23,000 (fighting strength after the battle of 70,000) and Confederate casualties are about 14,000 (fighting strength after the battle of about 57,000; not nearly as many wounded and very few missing). Gettysburg was not decisive and although considered a Confederate "victory" it is not the knockout blow or show of strength Lee had hoped for. It is now July 4th, 1863 and most of the Confederate officers think they have the strength to continue fighting...for a while. Does Lee decide to retreat into Virginia or push for a follow-up battle? Where is the most likely location for a next battle, when will it occur, and what do you think the conditions will be?
Personally I think Lee will either retreat (if he thinks the supply lines are unstable) or try to surround DC and Baltimore with an eye to destroy all rail connections leading into the Capital. A follow-up battle at the Susquehanna River near its delta at one of the key railroads would be an all-or-nothing gamble. It would put Philadelphia and Baltimore in striking range but would be a massive gamble if their supply lines are cut.
Personally I think Lee will either retreat (if he thinks the supply lines are unstable) or try to surround DC and Baltimore with an eye to destroy all rail connections leading into the Capital. A follow-up battle at the Susquehanna River near its delta at one of the key railroads would be an all-or-nothing gamble. It would put Philadelphia and Baltimore in striking range but would be a massive gamble if their supply lines are cut.