Hays attributes his defeat to the fact that Gordon was not up in time to support him.
The failure to carry the hill isolated Johnson's division on our extreme right.

As it could only be reached by a long circuit it was not easy for Lee to maintain it there, without unduly weakening other parts of his line.

That Rodes' division did not reach Cemetery Hill in time to co-operate with Early's attack was not owing to any lack of zeal or activity on the part of that energetic officer.
He was obliged to move out of Gettysburg by the flank, then change front and advance double the distance Early had to traverse, and by the time he had done so Early had made the attack and had been repulsed.
The day closed with the rebels defeated on our left, but victorious on our right.

Fortunately for us, this incited Lee to continue his efforts.

He could not bear to retreat after his heavy losses, and acknowledge that he was beaten.