Meade may have been only competent, but that was enough. John Reynolds might have been a better choice, but he did choose the scene of the battle and to take the high ground before he was killed, and Meade was smart enough toe send Hancock, who was brilliant, and even more ordinary men like Warren did more than their share. Still, on the second day, the South came close enough, and with a few good breaks would have won, except that the Yankees time and again filled the gaps in the nick of time. Glory enough for both sides.
reynolds was asked to take command of the army and declined.