The battle begins, seen from Buford’s side. The attack comes at dawn near Seminary Ridge but is short-lived. The Rebels try again and again, but Buford’s men repel them. Buford expects his opposing commander will probe his line to define his position and strength, but that doesn’t happen. They try to flank Buford’s men by coming around through an unfinished railroad trench, but Buford’s men hold.
There is a quiet period as the Rebels regroup. Buford realizes that by the afternoon, all of the Army of Northern Virginia will be there and hit them with everything they’ve got. Buford rearranges the placement of his men to make it look like he has more men than he does, trying to buy time for Reynolds and the Union infantry to get to Gettysburg.
Finally, the attack starts. Buford stays down in the line, adjusting his men and watching. They repulse Rebel breakthroughs, though the Union line is wavering. Back in the seminary cupola, Buford sees thousands of Rebel troops coming from the west, death and destruction on the field in front of him, and to the rear — Reynolds riding alone up the road.
Reynolds assesses things, immediately sees the need for high ground and sees what Buford has achieved. Reynolds hurries his men into place, relieving Buford and his men. The enemy is unaware fresh troops are about to hit them. Reynolds sends messengers to Meade and his commanders and then warns civilians to stay clear. The attack starts, and within minutes, Reynolds is dead on the ground.
