Demonstration (military)
Without enemy contact, it is harder to convince an enemy the demonstration is a real attack. At Gettysburg, Lee's orders to Ewell on July 1 had been contradictory and confusing. If practicable, Ewell was to take the heights but not to bring on a general engagement. Ewell took that to mean a demonstration. On July 2, Lee made himself clearer. Ewell was to demonstrate against the Union right side to prevent General George G. Meade from transferring troops to the left side of the line, where the main Confederate attack was planned. Ewell's orders were to attack if the opportunity presented itself by the demonstration not getting results from the Union commander. Ewell apparently decided the demonstration had not worked and attacked.