Pickett's Charge was an infantry assault during the American Civil War. It was ordered by Confederate General Robert E. Lee against Major General George Meade's Union positions on Cemetery Ridge on July 3, 1863, the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg. The assault, led by three generals including George Pickett, was ultimately futile; the Confederate forces were repulsed and suffered a 50% casualty rate. The furthest point reached during the charge has been termed the high-water mark of the Confederacy.Illustration: Thure de Thulstrup; restoration: Adam Cuerden