Mike,
I'm of the same mind as you that this WAS NOT Lee's first offensive campaign. His campaign into Maryland in 1862 certainly wasn't a defensive campaign (although it did relieve Virginia of the yoke of war for the harvest). I do know his objective was Harrisburg. I'm not positive as to why he did not continue north. Perhaps the absence of his cavalry and good intellgence forced him to alter his strategy. Obviously it's time for me to pull out the books and start reading up on the campaign! BTW, a fairly good book about the battle, especially if you're planning a visit, is "Guide to the Battle of Gettysburg" from the U.S. Army War College Guides to Civil War Battles series. It a really in depth guide to the battle that follows the auto tour and give a great deal of information. | 
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