Twelfth Corps - Gettysburg
July 1-3, 1863
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, v. 27, part 1, 1889.
T H E
WAR OF THE REBELLION:
A COMPILATION OF THE
O F F I C I A L R E C O R D S
OF THE
UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES.
_________
PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OP THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY
The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery,
PURSUANT TO ACTS OP CONGRESS.
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SERIES I—VOLUME XXVII—IN THREE PARTS.
PART I—REPORTS.
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W A S H I N G T O N :
G O V E R N M E N T P R I N T I N G O F F I C E,
1889.
PREFACE.
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By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriation “to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confederate Armies,” and directed him “to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not heretofore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order.”
Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided “for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year”; and that “of said number, 7.000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments.”*
This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value.
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* Volumes I to V distributed under act approved June 16, 1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that— “The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distributed as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now provided by. law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall he sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as maybe designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceeding twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to he published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication with ten per cent, added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent.
The publication will present the records in the following order of arrangement:
The 1st Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Confederate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the correspondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed is to be accompanied by an Atlas.
In this series the reports will be arranged according to the campaigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be immediately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspondence, &c., not embraced in the “reports” proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order.
The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners.
The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments $ the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the national and the several State authorities.
The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the correspondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series.
ROBERT N. SCOTT,
Major Third Art., and Bvt. Lieut. Col.
War Department, August 23, 1880.
Approved:
ALEX. RAMSEY,
Secretary of War.
CONTENTS.
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CHAPTER XXXIX.
Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 8-August 3, 1863 ............................... Page. 1-1059 (V)
THE
WAR OF THE REBELLION:
A COMPILATION OF THE
O F F I C I A L R E C O R D S
OF THE
UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES.
_________
ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS
TO
SERIES I—VOLUME XXVII.
(To be inserted in the volume. For explanation see General
Index volume, Serial No. 130, page XXVIII.)
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PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War,
BY
BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTH,
Chief of the Record and Pension Office, War Department,
and
MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY.
________
Mr. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer.
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W A S H I N G T O N :
GOVERMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1902.
CHAPTER XXXIX,
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OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, AND DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST.
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June 3-August 3, 1863.
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P A R T I .
The Gettysburg Campaign*
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SUMMARY OF THE PRICIPAL EVENTS
June 3-Aug. 1, 1863. —The Gettysburg Campaign.
4, 1863. —Skirmish on the Lawyers’ road, near Fairfax Court-House, Va. Skirmish at Frying Pan, Va.
4-5, 1863. —Expedition from Yorktown to Walkerton and Aylett’s, Va.
5- 7, 1863. —Reconnaissance through Gates County, N. C., and down the Chowan River. 6, 1863. —Skirmish near Berryville, Va.
7- 8, 1863. —Expedition from Gainesville, Va.
8, 1863. —Scout from Suffolk, Va., to South Mills, N. C.
9,1863. —The Departments of the Monongahela and the Susquehanna constituted.
10, 1863. —Capture of the steamer Maple Leaf off Cape Henry, Va.
10,1863. —Skirmish at Seneca Mills, Md,
Maj. Gen. W. T. H. Brooks, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the Monongahela.
Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, U. S. Army, assumes command of the department of the Susquehanna.
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* Part I embraces the reports from the Army of the Potomac and Department of Washington relating to the Gettysburg Campaign. Part II embraces the reports relating to that campaign from the Middle Department, Departments of the Susquehanna and West Virginia, and Army of Northern Virginia, together with all reports relating to the other events noted in the Summary.
Of some of the minor conflicts noted, no circumstantial reports are on file.
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June 11, 1863.—Skirmish at Diascund Bridge, Va. Skirmish near Suffolk, Va.
11- 13, 1863.—Expedition from Brightwood, D. C., via Seneca Mills and Poolesville, Md., to Leesburg, Aldie, and Chantilly, Va.
12- 18, 1863.—Expedition from Suffolk to the Blackwater, Va.
14, 1863.—Skirmish at Nine-Mile Ordinary, Va.
17- 18, 1863.—Scout from Rocky Run to Dover and Core Creek, N. C.
18, 1863.—Scout on the Peninsula, Va.
18- 19, 1863.—Scout from Camp Piatt, on the Big and Little Coal Rivers, W. Va. 20, 1863.—Skirmish at Diascund Bridge, Va.
23-28, 1863.—Expedition from Yorktown to the South Anna Bridge, Va., and skirmish. 24, 1863.—The Department of West Virginia constituted. 26, 1863.—Skirmish on Loup Creek, W. Va.
26-27, 1863.—Descent on Portland Harbor, Me. 28, 1863.—Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of West Virginia. Reconnaissance from Plymouth to Nichol’s Mills, N. C.
29-July 4, 1863.—Confederate expedition to Beverly, W. Va. July 1, 1863.—Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill, C. S. Army, assigned temporarily to command of troops in the Department of Richmond.
July
1- 7, 1863.—Expeditions from White House to South Anna River and Bottom’s Bridge, Va.
3, 1863.—Suffolk, Va., evacuated by the Union forces.*
3- 7, 1863.—Raid on the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, N. C. 4, 1863.—Skirmish at Fayetteville, W. Va.
5- 7, 1863,—Expedition from Plymouth to Gardner’s Bridge and Williamston, N. C. •
8, 1863.—Maj. Gen. Andrew A. Humphreys, U. S. Army, announced as Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac.
9, 1863.—Explosion at Fort Lyon, Va. —, 1863.
—Expedition from Richmond to Mathias Point, Va.
13- 16, 1863.—Reconnaissance from Newport Barracks to Cedar Point and White Oak River, N. C. Draft riots in New York City, Troy, and Boston.
13-25, 1863.—Expedition from Fayetteville, W. Va., to Wytheville, Va.
14, 1863.—Maj. Gen. William H. C. Whiting, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Department of North Carolina.
15, 1863.—The Departments of North Carolina and of Virginia consolidated.
17- 20, 1863.—Expedition from New Berne to Swift Creek Village, N. C., and skirmish.
18, 1863.—Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S, Army, assumes command of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the East.
18- 24, 1863.—Expedition from New Berne to Tarborough and Rocky Mount, N. C.
20, 1863.—Brig. Gen. George W. Getty, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Seventh Army Corps, Department of Virginia and North Carolina.
21, 1863.—Brig. Gen. John D. Imboden C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Valley District, Va. 25, 1863.—Expedition to Gloucester Court-House, Va.
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*For orders, etc., in relation to, see Series I, Vol. XVIII, pp. 711, 712, 717, 718.
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July 25-27, 1863.—Scout to Goose Creek, Va.
25-31, 1863.—Expedition from New Berne to Winton, and skirmish at Potecasi Creek, N. C.
25- Aug. 3,1863.—Expedition from Portsmouth, Va., to Jackson, N. C.
26- 29, 1863.—Expedition from Plymouth to Foster’s Mills, N. C.
28, 1863.—Skirmish at Fayetteville, W. Va.
28-Aug. 3, 1863.—Mosby’s operations about Fairfax Court-House, and skirmish near Aldie, Va.
29, 1863.—Brig. Gen. Tunis N. Palmer, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Eighteenth Army Corps, Department of Virginia and North Carolina.
31, 1863.—Skirmish at Morris’ Mills, W. Va.
August
1, 1863.—The Fourth and Seventh Army Corps discontinued.
1- 8,1863.—Expedition from Warrenton Junction toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, Va.
2, 1863.—Skirmish at Newtown, Va.
JUNE 3-AUGUST 1, 1863. —The Gettysburg Campaign.
SUMMARY OF THE PRICIPLE EVENTS.
June
3, 1863.—Skirmish near Fayetteville, Va.
5-13, 1863.—Skirmishes at Franklin’s Crossing (or Deep Run), on the Rappahannock, Va.
9, 1863.—Engagements at Brandy Station (or Fleetwood) and Beverly Ford, Va. Skirmish at Stevensburg, Va.
12, 1863.—Skirmishes at Newtown, Cedarville, and Middletown, Va.
13, 1863.—Skirmish at White Post, Va. Skirmish at Berryville, Va. Skirmish at Opequon Creek, near Winchester, Va. Skirmish at Bunker Hill, W. Va.
13-15, 1863.—Engagement at Winchester, Va.
14, 1863.—Skirmish at Berryville, Va. Skirmish at Martinsburg, W. Va.
15, 1863.—Skirmish near Williamsport, Md.
17, 1863.—Skirmishes at Catoctin Creek and Point of Rocks, Md. Skirmish at Thoroughfare Gap, Va. Action at Aldie, Va.
17-18,1863.—Skirmishes at and near Middleburg, Va.
18, 1863.—Skirmish near Aldie, Va.
19, 1863.—Action at Middleburg, Va.
20, 1863.—Skirmish at Middletown, Md.
21, 1863.—Skirmish near Gainesville, Va. Skirmish at Frederick, Md. Engagement at Upperville, Va.
21-25,1863.—Skirmishes at and about Thoroughfare Gap and Hay Market, Va.
22, 1863.—Skirmish near Dover, Va. Skirmish at Greencastle, Pa. Skirmish near Aldie, Va.
24, 1863.—Skirmish at Sharpsburg, Md.
25, 1863.—Skirmish near McConnellsburg, Pa.
26, 1863.—Skirmish near Gettysburg, Pa.
27, 1863.—Skirmish near Fairfax Court-House, Va.
28, 1863.—Maj. Gen. George G. Meade relieves Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker in command of the Army of the Potomac.
Skirmish between Offutt’s Cross-Roads and Seneca, Md.
Skirmish near Rockville, Md.
Skirmish at Fountain Dale, Pa. Skirmish at Wrightsville, Pa.
28-29, 1863.—Skirmish near Oyster Point, Pa. Affair on the Little River Turnpike, Va.
29, 1863.—Skirmish at McConnellsburg, Pa.
Affairs at Lisbon and Poplar Springs, Md.
Skirmish at Westminster, Md.
Skirmish at Muddy Branch, Md.
30, 1863.—Skirmish at Sporting Hill, near Harrisburg, Pa.
Skirmish at Fairfield, Pa.
Skirmish at Westminster, Md.
Action at Hanover, Pa.
Evacuation of Maryland Heights, Md.
July 1,1863.—Skirmish at Carlisle, Pa.
1-3, 1863.—Battle of Gettysburg, Pa.
2, 1863.—Skirmish near Chambersburg, Pa.
Skirmish at Hunterstown, Pa.
3, 1863.—Action at Fairfield, Pa.
4, 1863.—Action at Monterey Gap, Pa.
Skirmish at Fairfield Gap, Pa.
Skirmish near Emmitsburg, Md.
5, 1863.—Skirmish at Smithsburg, Md.
Skirmish near Green Oak, Pa.
Skirmish near Mercersburg, Pa.
Skirmish near Fairfield, Pa. Skirmish near Greencastle, Pa.
Skirmish at Cunningham’s Cross-Roads, Pa.
Skirmish at Stevens’ Furnace (or Caledonia Iron Works), Pa.
6, 1863.—Action at Hagerstown, Md.
Action at Williamsport; Md.
7, 1863.—Skirmish at Downsville, Md.
Skirmish at Harper’s Ferry, W. Va.
Reoccupation of Maryland Heights, Md.
Skirmish at Funkstown, Md.
8, 1863.—Action at Boonsborough, Md.
Skirmish near Williamsport, Md.
9, 1863.—Skirmish at Benevola (or Beaver Creek), Md.
10, 1863.—Skirmish at Old Antietam Forge, near Leitersburg, Md.
Skirmish near
Clear Spring, Md.
10- 13, 1863.—Skirmishes at and near Hagerstown, Md.
Skirmishes at Jones’ Cross-Roads, near Williamsport, Md.
Skirmishes at and near Funkstown, Md.
11- 14, 1863.—Reconnaissance to, and skirmish (12th) at, Ashby’s Gap, Va.
14, 1863.—Skirmish near Williamsport, Md.
Skirmish near Harper’s Ferry, W. Va. Action at Falling Waters, Md.
15, 1863.—Skirmish at Halltown, W. Va.
Skirmish at Shepherdstown, W. Va. 16, 1863,—
Skirmish at Shanghai, W. Va.
July 16, 1863.—Action at Shepherdstown, W. Va.
17, 1863.—Skirmish near North Mountain Station, W. Va.
Skirmish at Snicker’s Gap, Va.
18-19,1863.—Skirmishes at and near Hedgesville and Martinsburg, W. Va.
20,1863.—Skirmish near Berry’s Ferry, Va. Skirmish at Ashby’s Gap, Va.
21-22, 1863.—Skirmishes at Manassas Gap, Va.
Skirmishes at Chester Gap, Va.
23 1863.—Action at Wapping Heights, Manassas Gap, Va.
Skirmish near Gaines’ Cross-Roads, Va.
Skirmish near Snicker’s Gap, Va.
Skirmish near Chester Gap, Va.
24, 1863.—Skirmish at Battle Mountain, near Newby’s Cross-Roads, Va.
25, 1863.—Skirmish at Barbee’s Cross-Roads, Va.
31-Aug. 1, 1863.—Skirmishes at Kelly’s Ford, Va.
Aug. 1, 1863.—Action at Brandy Station, Va.
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
REPORTS.
GENERAL REPORTS.
No. 1.—Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army, including operations in Southeastern Virginia and West Virginia.
No. 6.—Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Potomac, of operations June 28-August 3, and correspondence with the authorities in Washington, etc.
No. 7.—Itinerary of the Army of the Potomac and co-operating forces, June 5-July 31.
No. 8.—Abstract from returns of the Army of the Potomac, June 10-July 31.
No. 9.—Organization of the Army of the Potomac at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3.
No. 13.—Return of Casualties in the Union forces at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3.
No. 15.—General Return of Casualties in the Union forces during the Gettysburg Campaign, June 3-August 1.
No. 271.—Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, commanding Twelfth Army Corps.
No. 272.—Brig. Gen. Alpheus S. Williams, U. S. Army, commanding First Division of, and Twelfth Corps.
No. 273.—Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger, U. S. Army, commanding First Division.
No. 274.—Col. Archibald L. McDougall, One hundred and twenty-third New York Infantry, commanding First Brigade.
No. 275.—Col. Warren W. Packer, Fifth Connecticut Infantry.
No. 276.—Lieut. Col. William B. Wooster, Twentieth Connecticut Infantry.
No. 277.—Col. Joseph M. Sudsburg, Third Maryland Infantry.
No. 278.—Lieut. Col. Gilbert P. Robinson, Third Maryland Infantry.
No. 279.—Lieut. Col. James C. Rogers, One hundred and twenty-third New York Infantry.
No. 280.—Col. E. Livingston Price, One hundred and forty-fifth New York Infantry.
No. 281.—Col. James L. Selfridge, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry.
No. 282.—Brig. Gen. Henry H. Lockwood, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade.
No. 283.—Col. William P. Maulsby, First Potomac Home Brigade Maryland Infantry.
No. 284.—Col. James Wallace, First Eastern Shore Maryland Infantry.
No. 285.—Col. John H. Ketcham, One hundred and fiftieth New York Infantry.
No. 286.—Col. Silas Colgrove, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry, commanding regiment and Third Brigade.
No. 287.—Lieut. Col. John R. Fesler, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry.
No. 288.—Lieut. Col. Charles F. Morse, Second Massachusetts Infantry.
No. 289.—Lieut. Col. John Grimes, Thirteenth New Jersey Infantry.
No. 290.—Col. Nirom M. Crane, One hundred and seventh New York Infantry.
No. 291.—Lieut. Col. Martin Flood, Third Wisconsin Infantry. No. 292.—Col. William Hawley, Third Wisconsin Infantry.
No. 293.—Brig. Gen. John W. Geary, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division.
No. 294.—Col. Charles Candy, Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade.
No. 295.—Col. John H. Patrick, Fifth Ohio Infantry.
No. 296.—Col. William R. Creighton, Seventh Ohio Infantry.
No. 297.—Capt. Wilbur F. Stevens, Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry.
No. 298.—Capt. Edward Hayes, Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry.
No. 299.—Lieut. Col. Eugene Powell, Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry.
No. 300.—Capt. John Flynn, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry.
No. 301.—Lieut. Col. Ario Pardee, jr., One hundred and forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry.
No. 302.—Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Kane, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade,
No. 303.—Col. George A. Cobham, jr., One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.
No. 304.—Col. William Rickards, jr., Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry.
No. 305.—Capt. Frederick L. Gimber, One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Infantry,
No. 306.—Lieut. Col. Thomas M. Walker, One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry.
No. 307.—Brig. Gen. George S. Greene, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade.
No. 308.—Col. Abel Godard, Sixtieth New York Infantry.
No. 309.—Lieut. Col. John C. O. Redington, Sixtieth New York Infantry.
No. 310.—Lieut. Col. Herbert von Hammerstein, Seventy-eighth New York Infantry.
No. 311.—Capt. Lewis R. Stegman, One hundred and second Few York Infantry.
No. 312.—Col. David Ireland, One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Infantry.
No. 313.—Col. Henry A. Barnum, One hundred and forty-ninth New York Infantry.
No. 314.—Lieut. Edward D. Muhlenberg, Fourth U. S. Artillery, commanding Artillery Brigade, Twelfth Army Corps. No. 315.—Brig. Gen. Robert O. Tyler, commanding Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac.
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
No. 1.
Report of Maj. Gen, Henry W. Halleck, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army, including operations in Southeastern Virginia and West Virginia.
Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, D. C., November 15, 1863.
Sir: In compliance with your orders I submit the following summary of military operations since my last annual report:
* * * * * * * * * * * *
In the early part of June, Lee’s army moved up the south bank of the Rappahannock, occupied the gaps of the Blue Ridge, and threatened the Valley of the Shenandoah. General Hooker followed on an interior line by Warrenton Junction, Thoroughfare Gap, and Leesburg; but the operations of both armies were so masked by the intervening mountains that neither could obtain positive information of the force and movements of the other. Winchester and Martinsburg were at this time occupied by us simply as outposts. Neither place was susceptible of a good defense.
Directions were, therefore, given on June 11 to withdraw these garrisons to Harper’s Ferry. But these orders were not obeyed, and, on the 13th, Winchester was attacked and its armament and a part of its garrison captured. Lee now crossed the Potomac near Williamsport, and directed his march upon Harrisburg. General Hooker followed upon his right flank, covering Washington and Baltimore.
On reaching Frederick, Md., June 28, he was, at his own request, relieved from the command, and Major-General Meade appointed in his place. During these movements, cavalry skirmishes took place at Beverly Ford, Brandy Station, Berryville, and Aldie, some of which were quite severe, but, in the absence of detailed reports, I am unable to give the losses on either side.
When General Meade, under the orders of the President, took command of the Army of the Potomac on June 28, it was mainly concentrated at Frederick, Md. Lee’s army was supposed to be advancing against Harrisburg, which was garrisoned by raw militia, upon which little reliance could be placed. Ewell’s corps was on the west side of the Susquehanna, between that place and Columbia. Longstreet’s corps was near Chambersburg, and Hill’s corps between that place and Cashtown. Stuart’s cavalry was making a raid between Washington and Frederick, cutting Meade’s line of supplies and capturing his trains.
Our force at Harper’s Ferry at this time was supposed to be about 11,000. It was incorrectly represented to General Meade to be destitute of provisions, and that he must immediately supply it, or order the abandonment of the place. * Accordingly, a few hours after he assumed the command, he assented to an order, drawn up by an officer of General Hooker’s staff, directing General French to send 7,000 men of the garrison to Frederick, and with the remainder, estimated at 4,000, to remove and escort the public property to Washington. This order, based on erroneous representations, was not known in Washington until too late to be countermanded. It was, however, not entirely executed when General Meade very judiciously directed the reoccupation of that important point.
On the 29th, General Meade’s army was put in motion, and at night was in position; its left at Emmitsburg, and right at New Windsor. The advance of Buford’s cavalry was at Gettysburg, and Kilpatrick’s division at Hanover, where it encountered Stuart’s cavalry, which had passed around the rear and right of our army without meeting any serious opposition.
On the 30th, the First, Third, and Eleventh Corps were concentrated at Emmitsburg, under General Reynolds, while the right wing moved up to Manchester. Buford reported the enemy in force on the Cashtown road, near Gettysburg, and Reynolds moved up to that place on July 1. He found our cavalry warmly engaged with the enemy, and holding him in check on the Cashtown road. Reynolds immediately deployed the advanced division of the First
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*See Butterfield to Meade, January 23,1864, p. 20, and Meade to Butterfield. February 4, 1864, p. 21.
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Corps, and ordered the Eleventh Corps to move promptly to its support. Wadsworth’s division had driven hack the enemy some distance and captured a large number of prisoners, when General Reynolds fell, mortally wounded. The arrival of Ewell’s corps about this time by the York and Harrisburg roads compelled General Howard, upon whom the command devolved, to withdraw his force, the First and Eleventh Corps, to the Cemetery Ridge, on the south side of Gettysburg.
About 7 p. m. Generals Sickles and Slocum arrived on the field with the Third and Twelfth Corps, which took position, one on the left and the other on the right of the new line. The battle for the day, however, was over. General Meade arrived on the field during the night with the reserves, and posted his troops in line of battle, the First Corps on the right, the Eleventh Corps next; then the Twelfth Corps, which crossed the Baltimore pike; the Second and Third Corps on the Cemetery Ridge, on the left of the Eleventh Corps. The Fifth Corps, pending the arrival of the Sixth, formed the reserve.
On the arrival of the latter, about 2 p. m., it took the place of the Fifth, which was ordered to take position on the extreme left. The enemy massed his troops on an exterior ridge, about a mile and a half in front of that occupied by us. General Sickles, misinterpreting his orders, instead of placing the Third Corps on the prolongation of the Second, had moved it nearly three-quarters of a mile in advance—an error which nearly proved fatal in the battle. The enemy attacked this ‘corps on the 2d with great fury, and it was likely to be utterly annihilated, when the Fifth Corps moved up on the left, and enabled it to reform behind the line it was originally ordered to hold. The Sixth Corps and a part of the First were also opportunely, thrown into this gap, and succeeded in checking the enemy’s advance. About sunset the rebels retired in confusion and disorder.
At 8 p. m. an assault was made from the left of the town, which was gallantly repelled by the First, Second, and Eleventh Corps.
On the morning of the 3d we regained, after a spirited contest, a part of our line on the right, which had been yielded to sustain other points on the 2d. About 1 p. m. the enemy opened an artillery fire of one hundred and twenty-five guns on our center and left. This was followed by an assault of a heavy infantry column on our left and left center, which was successfully repulsed, with a terrible loss to the enemy. This terminated the battle, and the rebels retired, defeated, from the field.
The opposing forces in this sanguinary contest were nearly equal in numbers, and both fought with the most desperate courage. The commanders were also brave, skillful, and experienced, and they handled their troops on the field with distinguished ability; but to General Meade belongs the honor of a well-earned victory in one of the greatest and best-fought battles of the war.
On the morning of the 4th, the enemy apparently occupied a new line in front of our left, but in reality his army had commenced its retreat, carrying off a part of his wounded. His lines, however, were not entirely evacuated until the morning of the 5th, when the cavalry and the Sixth Corps were sent in pursuit.
The days of the 5th and 6th were employed by General Meade in succoring the wounded and burying the dead left on the battle-field. He then started in pursuit of Lee by a flank movement upon Middletown. In the meantime General French had reoccupied Harper’s Ferry, destroyed the enemy’s pontoon train at Williamsport and Falling Waters, and captured its guards.
Halting a day at Middletown, General Meade crossed South Mountain, and on the 12th found the enemy occupying a strong position on the heights of Marsh Run, in front of Williamsport. Not being attacked in this position, with the swollen waters of the Potomac in his rear, without any means of crossing his artillery, and where a defeat must have caused the surrender of his entire army, Lee had time to construct a pontoon bridge with lumber collected from canal-boats and the ruins of wooden houses, and on the morning of the 14th his army had crossed to the south side of the river. His rear guard, however, was attacked by our cavalry and suffered considerable loss. Thus ended the rebel campaign north of the Potomac, from which important political and military results had been expected.
Our own loss in this short campaign had been very severe, via: Killed, 2,834; wounded, 13,709; missing, 6,643; total, 23,186.* We captured 3 guns, 41 standards, 13,621 prisoners, and 28,178 small-arms. The entire loss of the enemy is not known, but judging from the numbers of his dead and wounded left on the field, it must have been much greater than ours.
After crossing the Potomac, Lee continued his retreat up the Valley of the Shenandoah and through the gaps of the Blue Ridge until he reached the south bank of the Rapidan, near Orange Court-House, where he took a defensive position to dispute the crossing of the river. General Meade continued his flank pursuit by Harper’s Ferry, Berlin, and Warrenton, until he reached Culpeper Court-House, where he halted his army, not deeming it prudent to cross the river and attack the enemy, who was now intrenched on the south bank, which completely commanded the approaches on the north side. During this advance, several cavalry skirmishes took place, but without serious loss on either side.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The operations of our troops in West Virginia are referred to here as being intimately connected with those of the Army of the Potomac. The force, being too small to attempt any important campaign by itself, has acted mostly upon the defensive, in repelling raids and breaking up guerrilla bands. When Lee’s army retreated across the Potomac in July last, Brigadier-General Kelley concentrated all his available force on the enemy’s flank, near Clear Spring, ready to co-operate in the proposed attack by General Meade. They [the troops in West Virginia] also rendered valuable services in the pursuit, after Lee had effected his passage of the river.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
When the rebel army was moving north upon Maryland and Pennsylvania, General Dix sent all his available force from Norfolk and Fort Monroe up the York River, for the purpose of cutting off Lee’s communications with Richmond, and of attacking that place, which was then defended by only a handful of militia. The expedition, however, failed to accomplish a single object for which it had been fitted out, the failure resulting, it was alleged, from the inefficiency * But see revised statement, p. 187, of one of the generals in command. * General Dix therefore ordered its return, and sent the troops of which it was composed to re-enforce the army of General Meade north of the Potomac.
* * * * * * *
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.
Sandy Hook, June 27, 1863—1 p. m. (Received 3 p. m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
My original instructions require me to cover Harper’s Ferry and Washington. I have now imposed upon me, in addition, an enemy in my front of more than my number. I beg to be understood, respectfully, but firmly, that I am unable to comply with this condition with the means at my disposal, and earnestly request that I may at once be relieved from the position I occupy.
JOSEPH HOOKER,
Major-General.
Major-General Hooker,
Army of the Potomac: Washington, D. C., June 27, 1863—8 p. m.
Your application to be relieved from your present command is received.
As you were appointed to this command by the President, I have no power to relieve you. Your dispatch has been duly referred for Executive action.
• H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
No. 6.
Reports of Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Potomac, of operations June 28-August 3, and correspondence with the authorities in Washington, &c.
Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, D. C., June 27, 1863.
Maj. Gen. George G. Meade,
Army of the Potomac:
General: You will receive with this the order of the President placing you in command of the Army of the Potomac. Considering the circumstances, no one ever received a more important command; and I cannot doubt that you will fully justify the confidence which the Government has reposed in you.
You will not be hampered by any minute instructions from these headquarters. Your army is free to act as you may deem proper under the circumstances as they arise. You will, however, keep in view the important fact that the Army of the Potomac is the covering army of Washington as well as the army of operation against the invading forces of the rebels. You will, therefore, maneuver and fight in such a manner as to cover the capital and also Baltimore, as far as circumstances will admit. Should General Lee move upon either of these places, it is expected that you will either anticipate him or arrive with him so as to give him battle.
All forces within the sphere of your operations will be held subject to your orders.
Harper’s Ferry and its garrison are under your direct orders.
You are authorized to remove from command, and to send from your army, any officer or other person you may deem proper, and to appoint to command as you may deem expedient. In fine, general, you are intrusted with all the power and authority which the President, the Secretary of War, or the General-in-Chief can confer on you, and you may rely upon our full support.
You will keep me fully informed of all your movements, and the positions of your own troops and those of the enemy, so far as known.
I shall always be ready to advise and assist you to the utmost of my ability.
Very. respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Frederick, Md., June 28, 1863—7 a. m.
(Received 10 a. m.)
General H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
The order placing me in command of this army is received. As a soldier, I obey it, and to the utmost of my ability will execute it. Totally unexpected as it has been, and in ignorance of the exact condition of the troops and position of the enemy, I can only now say that it appears to me I must move toward the Susquehanna, keeping Washington and Baltimore well covered, and if the enemy is checked in his attempt to cross the Susquehanna, or if he turns toward Baltimore, to give him battle. I would say that I trust every available man that can be spared will be sent to me, as from all accounts the enemy is in strong force. So soon as I can post myself up, I will communicate more in detail.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
July 1, 1863—6 p. m.
(Received 10.20 p. m., via Frederick City.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
The First and Eleventh Corps have been engaged all day in front of Gettysburg. The Twelfth, Third, and Fifth have been moving up, and all, I hope, by this time on the field. This leaves only the Sixth, which will move up to-night. General Reynolds was killed this morning early in the action. I immediately sent up General Hancock to assume command. A. P. Hill and Ewell are certainly concentrating; Longstreet’s whereabouts I do not know. If he is not up to-morrow, I hope with the force I have concentrated to defeat Hill and Ewell. At any rate, I see no other course than to hazard a general battle. Circumstances during the night may alter this decision, of which I will try to advise you. I have telegraphed Couch that if he can threaten Ewell’s rear from Harrisburg without endangering himself, to do so.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
Headquarters near Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 2, 1863—3 p. m. (Received July 3, 10.20 a. m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
I have concentrated my army at this place to-day. The Sixth Corps is just coming in, very much worn out, having been marching since 9 p. m. last night. The army is fatigued. I have to-day, up to this hour, awaited the attack of the enemy, I having a strong position for defensive. I am not determined, as yet, on attacking him till his position is more developed. He has been moving on both my flanks, apparently, but it is difficult to tell exactly his movements. I have delayed attacking, to allow the Sixth Corps and parts of other corps to reach this place and to rest the men. Expecting a battle, I ordered all my trains to the rear. If not attacked, and I can get any positive information of the position of the enemy which will justify me in so doing, I shall attack. If I find it hazardous to do so, or am satisfied the enemy is endeavoring to move to my rear and interpose between me and Washington, I shall fall back to my supplies at Westminster. I will endeavor to advise you as often as possible. In the engagement yesterday the enemy concentrated more rapidly than we could, and toward evening, owing to the superiority of numbers, compelled the Eleventh and First Corps to fall back from the town to the heights this side, on which I am now posted. I feel fully the responsibility resting upon me, but will endeavor to act with caution.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
July 2, 1863—8 p. m. (Received July 3, 5.15 p. m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
The enemy attacked me about 4 p. m. this day, and, after one of the severest contests of the war, was repulsed at all points. We have suffered considerably in killed and wounded. Among the former are Brigadier-Generals Paul and Zook, and among the wounded, Generals Sickles, Barlow, Graham, and Warren, slightly. We have taken a large number of prisoners. I shall remain in my present position to-morrow, but am not prepared to say, until better advised of the condition of the army, whether my operations will be of an offensive or defensive character.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
Minutes of council, July 2, 1863.*
QUESTIONS ASKED.
1. Under existing circumstances, is it advisable for this army to remain in its present position, or to retire to another nearer its base of supplies?
2. It being determined to remain in present position, shall the army attack or wait the attack of the enemy?
3. If we wait attack, how long?,
REPLIES.
Gibbon: 1. Correct position of the army, but would not retreat.
2. In no condition to attack, in his opinion.
3. Until he moves; until enemy moves.
Williams:
1. Stay.
2. Wait attack.
3. One day.
Birney:
Same as General Williams.
Sykes:
Same as General Williams.
Newton:
1. Correct position of the army, but would not retreat.
2. By all means not attack.
3. If we wait, it will give them a chance to cut our line.
Howard:
1. Remain.
2. Wait attack until 4 p. m. to-morrow.
3. If don’t attack, attack them,
Hancock:
1. Rectify position without moving so as to give up field.
2. Not attack unless our communications are cut.
3. Can’t wait long; can’t be idle.
Sedgwick:
1. Remain, and wait attack at least one day.
Slocum:
Stay and fight it out.
[Memorandum.]†
Slocum: Stay and fight it out.
Newton:
Thinks it is a bad position.
Hancock:
Puzzled about practicability of retiring; thinks by holding on-------{ to mass forces and attack.
_____________________________________________________________________
* Original in pencil, and found among General Meade’s papers. See circular of March 10, 1864, from Headquarters Army of the Potomac, and replies thereto, pp. 123 et seq.; and Butterfield to Williams, and reply, of March 28,1864, p, 138.
†This memorandum is without a heading in the original.
_____________________________________________________________________
Illegible word.
Howard:
Favor of not retiring.
Birney:
Don’t know; Third Corps used up, and not in good condition to fight.
Sedgwick: Doubtful *
Effective strength about 9,000, 12,500, 9,000, 6,000, 8,500, 6,000, 7,000; total, 58,000.
[Indorsement.]
Minutes of council, held Thursday p. m., July 2.
D. B.,
M. G., C. of S.
_____________________________________________________________________
* Remainder of sentence illegible.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
July 3, 1863—8 a. m. (Received 5.10 p. m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
The action commenced again at early daylight upon various parts of the line. The enemy thus far have made no impression upon my position. All accounts agree in placing the whole army here. Prisoners report Longstreet’s and A. P. Hill’s forces much injured yesterday and many general officers killed: General Barksdale’s (Mississippi) dead body is within our lines. We have thus far sent off about 1,600 prisoners, and a small number yet to be started. I have given certain instructions to General French, which he will telegraph you. The dispatches from you yesterday, owing to the disappearance of Caldwell, telegraph operator, are here in cipher, unintelligible.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
_____
July 3, 1863—12.30 p. m.
Major-General Halleck, (Received 11 p. m.)
General-in-Chief:
At the present moment all is quiet. Considerable firing, both infantry and artillery, has taken place in various parts of our line, but no development of the enemy’s intentions. My cavalry are pushing, the enemy on both my flanks, and keeping me advised of any effort to outflank me. We have taken several hundred prisoners since morning.
GEO. G. MEADE.
_____
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
Near Gettysburg, July 3, 1863—8.35 p.m.
(Received July 4, 6.10 a. m.)
Major-General Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
The enemy opened at 1 p. m. from about 150 guns, concentrated upon my left and center, continuing without intermission for about three hours, at the expiration of which time he assaulted my left center twice, being upon both occasions handsomely repulsed, with severe loss to him, leaving in our hands nearly 3,000 prisoners; among the prisoners, Brigadier-General Armistead and many colonels and officers of lesser rank. The enemy left many dead upon the field and a large number of wounded in our hands.
The loss upon our side has been considerable. Major-General Hancock and Brigadier-General Gibbon were wounded. After the repelling of the assault, indications leading to the belief that the enemy might be withdrawing, an armed reconnaissance was pushed forward, from the left, and the enemy found to be in force. At the present hour all is quiet. My cavalry have been engaged all day on both flanks of the enemy, harassing and vigorously attacking him with great success, notwithstanding they encountered superior numbers, both of cavalry and infantry. The army is in fine spirits.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General, Commanding
_____
Headquarters Army of the Potomac, July 4, 1863—7 a. m. (Received 7.20 p. m.) Major-General Halleck: This morning the enemy has withdrawn his pickets from the positions of yesterday. My own pickets are moving out to ascertain the nature and extent of the enemy’s movement. My information is not sufficient for me to decide its character yet—whether a retreat or maneuver for other purposes. GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General.
Operator at Frederick:
Please show copy of this to General French.
July 4, 1863—12 noon. (Received July 5, 3.50 p. m.) Major-General Halleck, Washington: The position of affairs is not materially changed from my last dispatch, 7 a. m. The enemy apparently has thrown back his left, and placed guns and troops in position in rear of Gettysburg, which we now hold. The enemy has abandoned large numbers of his killed and wounded on the field. I shall require some time to get up supplies, ammunition, &c., rest the army, worn out by long marches and three days’ hard fighting. I shall probably be able to give you a return of our captures and losses before night, and return of the enemy’s killed and wounded in our hands.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
_____
July 4—10 p. m. (Received July 6, 6.10 a, m.)
Major-General Halleck:
No change of affairs since dispatch of 12 noon. I make a reconnaissance to-morrow, to ascertain what the intention of the enemy is. My cavalry are now moving toward the South Mountain Pass, and, should the enemy retreat, I shall pursue him on his flanks.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
[P. S.]—A proposition made by General Lee, under flag of truce, to exchange prisoners, was declined by me,
______
Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac, July 5, 1863—8.30 a. m.
(Received 8.40 p. m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck:
The enemy retired, under cover of the night and heavy rain, in the direction of Fairfield and Cashtown. All my available cavalry are in pursuit, on the enemy’s left and rear. My movement will be made at once on his flank, via Middletown and South Mountain Pass. I cannot give you the details of our captures in prisoners, colors, and arms. Upward of twenty battle-flags will be turned in from one corps. I cannot delay to pick up the debris of the battle-field, and request that all those arrangements may be made by the departments. My wounded, with those of the enemy in our hands, will be left at Gettysburg. After burying our own, I am compelled to employ citizens to bury the enemy’s dead. My headquarters will be to-night at Creagerstown. Communication received from General [W. F.] Smith, in command of 3,000 men, on the march from Carlisle toward Cashtown.
Field return last evening gives me about 55,000 effective in the ranks, exclusive of cavalry, baggage guards, ambulances, attendants, &c. Every available re-enforcement is required, and should be sent to Frederick without delay.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General,
Washington, D. C., July 7, 1863—3 p. m.
Maj. Gen. George G; Meade,
Army of the Potomac
It gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been appointed a brigadier-general in the Regular Army, to rank from July 3, the date of your brilliant victory at Gettysburg.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
_____
Frederick, Md., July 7, 1863—4 p. m.
(Received 5 p. m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck:
General-in-Chief:
I have received your dispatch announcing my appointment as brigadier-general in the Regular Army.
Please convey to the President my grateful thanks for this honor, and receive for yourself my thanks for the kind manner you have conveyed the notification.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
Washington, D. C., July 7, 1863—8.45 p. m.
Major-General Meade,
Frederick, Md.:
You have given the enemy a stunning blow at Gettysburg. Follow it up, and give him another before he can reach the Potomac. When he crosses, circumstances will determine whether it will be best to pursue him by the Shenandoah Valley or this side of Blue Ridge. There is strong evidence that he is short of artillery ammunition, and, if vigorously pressed, he must suffer.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
_____
Washington, D. C., July 7, 1863.
Major-General Meade,
Frederick, Md.
I have seen your dispatch to General Couch of 4.40 p. m. You are perfectly right. Push forward, and fight Lee before he can cross the Potomac.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
_____
Washington, D. C., July 7, 1863.
Major-General Meade,
Army of the Potomac:
I have received from the President the following note, which I respectfully communicate:
Major-General Halleck:
We have certain information that Vicksburg surrendered to General Grant on the 4th of July. Now, if General Meade can complete his work, so gloriously prosecuted thus far, by the literal or substantial destruction of Lee’s army, the rebellion will be over.
Yours, truly,
A. LINCOLN.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
_____
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
July 8, 1863. Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant-General, Washington:
General: I have the honor herewith to transmit thirty-one battle-flags, captured from the enemy in the recent battle at Gettysburg. Several other flags were captured on that occasion, but those sent embrace all thus far sent in by corps commanders.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General Commanding.
General Barksdale’s sword was given in my charge to bring with the above flags.
ED. SCIIRIVER.
Unofficial.]
Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, July 28, 1863.
Major-General Meade,
Army of the Potomac, Warrenton, Va.:
General: I take this method of writing you a few words which I could not well communicate in any other way.
Your fight at Gettysburg met with the universal approbation of all military men here.’ You handled your troops in that battle as well, if not better, than any general has handled his army during the war. You brought all your forces into action at the right time and place, which no commander of the Army of the Potomac has done before. You may well be proud of that battle. The President’s order, or proclamation, of July 4, showed how much he appreciated your success.
And now a few words in regard to subsequent events. You should not have been surprised or vexed at the President’s disappointment at the escape of Lee’s army. He had examined into all the details of sending you re-enforcements, to satisfy himself that every man who could possibly be spared from other places had been sent to your army. He thought that Lee’s defeat was so certain that he felt no little impatience at his unexpected escape. I have no doubt, general, that you felt the disappointment as keenly as any one else. Such things sometimes occur to us without any fault of our own. Take it altogether, your short campaign has proved your superior generalship, and you merit, as you will receive, the confidence of the Government and the gratitude of the country. I need not assure you, general, that I have lost none of the confidence which I felt in you when I recommended you for the command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK.
Washington, D. C., July 29,1863—10 a. m.
Major-General Meade,
Warrenton, Va.:
The following note of the President is communicated for your information. I will write you more fully to-day:
Executive Mansion,
July 29, 1863.
Major-General Halleck:
Seeing General Meade’s dispatch of yesterday to yourself, causes me to fear that he supposes the Government here is demanding of him to bring on a general engagement with Lee as soon as possible. I am claiming no such thing of him. In fact, my judgment is against it; which judgment, of course, I will yield if yours and his are the contrary. If he could not safely, engage Lee at Williamsport, it seems absurd to suppose he can safely engage him now, when he has scarcely more than two-thirds of the force he had at Williamsport, while it must be that Lee has been re-enforced. True, I desired General Meade to pursue Lee across the Potomac, hoping, as has proved true, that he would thereby clear the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and get some advantage by harassing him on his retreat. These being past, I am unwilling he should now get into a general engagement on the impression that we here are pressing him, and I shall be glad for you to so inform him, unless your own judgment is against it. Yours, truly,
A. LINCOLN.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Washington, D. C., July 30, 1863.
Major-General Meade,
Warrenton, Va.:
Four regiments of infantry (not Few York or Pennsylvania) will be immediately sent from the Army of the Potomac to New York Harbor, to report to General Canby. The officer in command will telegraph to the Quartermaster-General the numbers for transportation.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
_____
Washington, D. C., July 30, 1863.
Major-General Meade,
Warrenton, Va.:
The troops to be sent east should number from 1,500 to 2,000. This detachment is all that it is proposed at present to take from your army; but under no circumstances can we now give you any re-enforcements. Every place has been stripped to the bare poles. Keep up a threatening attitude, but do not advance.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
____
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
July 31, 1863—10.30 a. m. (Received 10.40 a. m.)
H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
In compliance with your instructions of yesterday, the following regiments have been ordered to New York Harbor, to report to Brigadier-General Canby: First and Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, Fifth Wisconsin, and Twentieth Indiana; aggregate present for duty, 1,643.
The regiments left here early this morning for Warrenton Junction, there to take railroad transportation to Washington. Owing to the large number of trains now run over the road, I presume the regiments will not reach Washington before to-night. Col. Oliver Edwards, Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Regiment, commands the troops, and he has been instructed to acquaint the Quartermaster-General, by telegraph, with the strength of his command.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
_____
Unofficial.] Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
July 31, 1863.
Major-General Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
My dear General: I thank you most sincerely and heartily for your kind and generous letter of the 28th instant, received last evening. It would be wrong in me to deny that I feared there existed in the minds of both the President and yourself an idea that I had failed to do what another would and could have done in the withdrawal of Lee’s army. The expression you have been pleased to use in your letter, to wit, “a feeling of disappointment,” is one that I cheerfully accept and readily admit was as keenly felt by myself as any one. But permit me, dear general, to call your attention to the distinction between disappointment and dissatisfaction. The one was a natural feeling, in view of the momentous consequences that would have resulted from a successful attack, but does not necessarily convey with it any censure. I could not view the use of the latter expression in any other light than as intending to convey an expression of opinion on the part of the President that I had failed to do what I might and should have done. Now, let me say, in the frankness which characterizes your letter, that perhaps the President was right; if such was the case, it was my duty to give him an opportunity to replace me by one better fitted for the command of the army. It was, I assure you, with such feelings that I applied to be relieved. It was not from any personal considerations, for I have tried in this whole war to forget all personal considerations, and have always maintained they should not for an instant influence any one’s actions.
Of course you will understand that I do not agree that the President was right, and I feel sure when the true state of the case comes to be known, that however natural and great may be the feeling of disappointment, no blame will be attached to any one.
Had I attacked Lee the day I proposed to do so, and in the ignorance that then existed of his position, I have every reason to believe the attack would have been unsuccessful, and would have resulted disastrously. This opinion is founded on the judgment of numerous distinguished officers, after inspecting Lee’s vacated works and position. Among these officers I could name Generals Sedgwick, Wright, Slocum, Hays, Sykes, and others.
The idea that Lee had abandoned his lines early in the day that he withdrew, I have positive intelligence is not correct, and that not a man was withdrawn till after dark. I mention these facts to remove the impression, which newspaper correspondents have given the public, that it was only necessary to advance to secure an easy victory. I had great responsibility thrown on me. On one side were the known and important fruits of victory, and, on the other, the equally important and terrible consequences of a defeat. I considered my position at Williamsport very different from that at Gettysburg. When I left Frederick, it was with the firm determination to attack and fight Lee, without regard to time or place, as soon as I could come in contact with him; but after defeating him, and requiring him to abandon his schemes of invasion, I did not think myself justified in making a blind attack simply to prevent his escape, and running all the risks attending such a venture. Now, as I said before, in this, perhaps, I erred in judgment, for I take this occasion to say to you, and through you to the President, that I have no pretensions to any superior capacity for the post he has assigned me to; that all I can do is to exert my utmost efforts and do the best I can; but that the moment those who have a right to judge my actions think, or feel satisfied, either that I am wanting or that another would do better, that moment I earnestly desire to be relieved, not on my own account, but on account of the country and the cause.
You must excuse so much egotism, but your kind letter in a measure renders it necessary. I feel, general, very proud of your good opinion, and assure you I shall endeavor in the future to continue to merit it.
Reciprocating the kind feeling you have expressed, I remain, general, most truly and respectfully, yours,
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
August 3, 1863.
The Adjutant-General of the Army,
Washington, D. C.:
Sir: I have the honor herewith to transmit a tabular statement of the casualties in the Army of the Potomac at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2, and 3, 1863.*
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General, Commanding.
_______________________________________________________________
* But see revised statement, pp. 173-187,
_____________________________________________________________________
Page 112
List of hilled, wounded, and missing in the Army of the Potomac at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 2, and 3, 1863.
Command.
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. Aggregate.
_____________________________________________________________________
*A11 losses in the campaign are included in this table. For casualties in the battle, see pp. 180-182: —Compiler.
_____________________________________________________________________
The reorganization of brigades and divisions after the battle caused the discrepancies between this and the revised statement on pp. 182, 183, —Compiler.
RECAPITULATION.
Officers and men.
Officers 243 2,591 1,076 12,637 215 6,428
Enlisted men Total 2,834 13,713 6,643
Aggregate* 23,190
_____________________________________________________________________
*But see revised statement, p. 187.
_____________________________________________________________________
______
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
October 1, 1863.
General: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the operations of this army during the month of July last, including the details of the battle of" Gettysburg, delayed by the failure to receive until now the reports of several corps and division commanders, who were severely wounded in the battle.
On June 28, I received the orders of the President of the United States placing me in command of the Army of the Potomac. The situation of affairs at that time was briefly as follows:
The Confederate army, commanded by General R. E. Lee, estimated at over 100,000 strong, of all arms, had crossed the Potomac River and advanced up the Cumberland Valley. Reliable intelligence placed his advance (Ewell’s corps) on the Susquehanna, at Harrisburg and Columbia; Longstreet’s corps at Chambersburg, and Hill’s corps between that place and Cashtown. My own army, of which the most recent return showed an aggregate of a little over 100,000, was situated in and around Frederick, Md., extending from Harper’s Ferry to the mouth of the Monocacy, and from Middletown to Frederick.
June 28 was spent in ascertaining the position and strength of the different corps of the army, but principally in bringing up the cavalry, which had been covering the rear of the army in its passage over the Potomac, and to which a large increase had just been made from the forces previously attached to the Defenses of Washington. Orders were given on that day to Major-General French, commanding at Harper’s Ferry, to move with 7,000 men of his command to occupy, Frederick and the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and, with the balance of his force, estimated at 4,000, to remove and escort the public property to Washington.
On the 29th, the army was put in motion, and on the evening of that day was in position, the left at Emmitsburg and the right at New Windsor. Buford’s division of cavalry was on the left flank, with the advance at Gettysburg. Kilpatrick’s division was in the front at Hanover, where he encountered this day General Stuart’s Confederate cavalry, which had crossed the Potomac at Seneca Creek, and, passing our right flank, was making its way toward Carlisle, having escaped Gregg’s division, delayed in taking position on the right flank by the occupation of the roads by columns of infantry.
On the 30th, the right flank of the army was moved up to Manchester, the left still being at Emmitsburg, in the vicinity of which place three corps (the First, Eleventh, and Third) were collected, under the orders of Major-General Reynolds. General Buford having reported from Gettysburg the appearance of the enemy on the Cash-town road in some force, General Reynolds was directed to occupy Gettysburg.
On reaching that place on July 1, General Reynolds found Buford’s cavalry warmly engaged with the enemy, who had debouched his infantry through the mountains on the Cashtown road, but was being held in check in the most gallant manner by Buford’s cavalry. Major-General Reynolds immediately moved around the town of Gettysburg, and advanced on the Cashtown road, and without a moment’s hesitation deployed his advanced division and attacked the enemy, at the same time sending orders for the Eleventh Corps (General Howard) to advance as promptly as possible. Soon after making his dispositions for the attack, Major-General Reynolds fell, mortally wounded, the command of the First Corps devolving on Major-General Doubleday, and the command of the field on Major-General Howard, who arrived about this time, 11.30 a. m., with the Eleventh Corps, then commanded by Major-General Schurz. Major-General Howard pushed forward two divisions of the Eleventh Corps to the support of the First Corps, now warmly engaged with the enemy on the ridge to the north of the town, and posted his Third Division, with three batteries of artillery, on the Cemetery Ridge, on the south side of the town.
Up to this time the battle had been with the forces of the enemy debouching from the mountains on the Cashtown road, known to be Hill’s corps. In the early part of the action, success was on our side, Wadsworth’s division, of the First Corps, having driven the enemy back some distance, capturing numerous prisoners, among them General Archer, of the Confederate army. The arrival of re-enforcements for the enemy on the Cashtown road, and the junction of Ewell’s corps, coming on the York and Harrisburg roads, which occurred between 1 and 2 p. m., enabled the enemy to bring vastly superior forces against both the First and Eleventh Corps, outflanking our line of battle, and pressing it so severely that about 4 p. m. Major-General Howard deemed it .prudent to withdraw these two corps to the Cemetery Ridge, on the south side of the town, which operation was successfully accomplished; not, however, without considerable loss in prisoners, arising from the confusion incident to portions of both corps passing through the town, and the men getting confused in the streets.
About the time of this withdrawal, Major-General Hancock arrived, whom I had dispatched to represent me on the field, on hearing of the death of General Reynolds. In conjunction with Major-General Howard, General Hancock proceeded to post the troops on the Cemetery Ridge, and to repel an attack that the enemy made on our right flank. This attack was not, however, very vigorous, and the enemy, seeing the strength of the position occupied, seemed to be satisfied with the success he had accomplished, desisting from any further attack this day.
About 7 p. m., Major-Generals Slocum and Sickles, with the Twelfth Corps and part of the Third, reached the ground, and took post on the right and left of the troops previously posted. Being satisfied from the reports received from the field that it was the intention of the enemy to support with his whole army the attack already made, and the reports from Major-Generals Hancock and Howard on the character of the position being favorable, I determined to give battle at this point; and, early in the evening of the 1st, issued orders to all the corps to concentrate at Gettysburg, directing all trains to be sent to the rear, at Westminster.
At 10 p. m. of the 1st, I broke up my headquarters, which until then had been at Taneytown, and proceeded to the field, arriving there at 1 a. m. of the 2d. So soon as it was light, I proceeded to inspect the position occupied, and to make arrangements for posting the several corps as they should reach the ground.
By 7 a. m. the Second and Fifth Corps, with the rest of the Third, had reached the ground, and were posted as follows: The Eleventh Corps retained its position on the Cemetery Ridge, just opposite the town ; the First Corps was posted on the right of the Eleventh, on an elevated knoll, connecting with a ridge extending to the south and east, on which the Twelfth Corps was placed, the right of the Twelfth. Corps resting on a small stream at a point where it crossed the Baltimore pike, and which formed, on the right flank of the Twelfth, something of an obstacle. The Cemetery Ridge extended in a westerly and southerly direction, gradually diminishing in elevation until it came to a very prominent ridge called Round Top, running east and west. The Second and Third Corps were directed to occupy the continuation of the Cemetery Ridge on the left of the Eleventh Corps. The Fifth Corps, pending the arrival of the Sixth, was held in reserve.
While these dispositions were being made, the enemy was massing his troops on an exterior ridge, distant from the line occupied by us from 1 mile to 1-J miles.
At 2 p. m. the Sixth Corps arrived, after a march of 32 miles, accomplished from 9 p. M. the day previous. On its arrival being reported, I immediately directed the Fifth Corps to move over to our extreme left, and the Sixth to occupy its place as a reserve for the right.
About 3 p. m. I rode out to the extreme left, to await the arrival of the Fifth Corps and to post it, when I found that Major-General Sickles, commanding the Third Corps, not fully apprehending the instructions in regard to the position to be occupied, had advanced, or rather was in the act of advancing, his corps some half a mile or three-quarters of a mile in front of the line of the Second Corps, on the prolongation of which it was designed his corps should rest. Having found Major-General Sickles, I was explaining to him that he was too far in advance, and discussing with him the propriety of withdrawing, when the enemy opened on him with several batteries in his front and on his flank, and immediately brought forward columns of infantry and made a most vigorous assault. The Third Corps sustained the shock most heroically. Troops from the Second Corps were immediately sent by Major-General Hancock to cover the right flank of the Third Corps, and soon after the assault commenced the Fifth Corps most fortunately arrived and took position on the left of the Third, Major-General Sykes, commanding, immediately sending a force to occupy the Round Top Ridge, where a most furious contest was maintained, the enemy making desperate but unsuccessful efforts to secure it.
Notwithstanding the stubborn resistance of the Third Corps, under Major-General Birney (Major-General Sickles having been wounded early in the action), the superiority of numbers of the enemy enabling him to outflank the corps in its advanced position, General Birney was compelled to fall back and reform behind the line originally designed to be held.
In the meantime, perceiving the great exertions of the enemy, the Sixth Corps, Major-General Sedgwick, and part of the First Corps (to the command of which I had assigned Major-General Newton), particularly Lockwood’s Maryland brigade,* together with detachments from the Second Corps, were all brought up at different periods, and succeeded, together with the gallant resistance of the Fifth Corps, in checking and finally repulsing the assault of the enemy, who retired in confusion and disorder about sunset, and ceased any further efforts on the extreme left, f . An assault was, however, made about 8 p. m. on the Eleventh Corps from the left of the town, which
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*See Williams to Slocum, December 26,1868, p. 765.
† See Meade to Halleck, February 25, 1864, p. 120.
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was repelled, with the assistance of troops from the Second and First Corps.
During the heavy assault upon our extreme left, portions of the Twelfth Corps were sent as re-enforcements. During their absence, the line on the extreme right was held by a very much reduced force. This was taken advantage of by the enemy, who, during the absence of Geary’s division of the Twelfth Corps, advanced and occupied a part of his line.*
On the morning of the 3d, General Geary (having returned during the night) attacked at early dawn the enemy, and succeeded in driving him back and reoccupying his former position. A spirited contest was, however, maintained all the morning along this part of the line, General Geary, re-enforced by Wheaton’s brigade, Sixth Corps, maintaining his position, and inflicting very severe losses on the enemy.*
With this exception, the quiet of the lines remained Undisturbed till 1 p. m. on the 3d, when the enemy opened from over one hundred and twenty-five guns, playing upon our center and left. This cannonade continued for over two hours, when our guns, in obedience to my orders failing to make any reply, the enemy ceased firing, and soon his masses of infantry became visible, forming for an assault on our left and left center. The assault was made with great firmness, directed principally against the point occupied by the Second Corps, and was repelled with equal firmness by the troops of that corps, supported by Doubleday’s division and Stannard’s brigade of the First Corps. During the assault, both Major-General Hancock, commanding the left center, and Brigadier-General Gibbon, commanding Second Corps, were severely wounded. This terminated the battle, the enemy retiring to his lines, leaving the field strewn with his dead and wounded, and numerous prisoners in our hands.
Buford’s division of cavalry, after its arduous service at Gettysburg on the 1st, was on the 2d sent to Westminster to refit and guard our trains. Kilpatrick’s division, that on the 29th, 30th, and 1st had been successfully engaging the enemy’s cavalry, was on the 3d sent on our extreme left, on the Emmitsburg road, where good service was rendered in assaulting the enemy’s line and occupying his attention. At the same time, General Gregg was engaged with the enemy on our extreme right, having passed across the Baltimore pike and Bonaugh-town road, and boldly attacked the enemy’s left and rear.
On the morning of the 4th, reconnaissances developed that the enemy had drawn back his left flank, but maintained his position in front of our left, apparently assuming a new line parallel to the mountains.
On the morning of the 5th, it was ascertained the enemy was in full retreat by the Fairfield and Cashtown roads. The Sixth Corps was immediately sent in pursuit on the Fairfield road, and the cavalry on the Cashtown road and by the Emmitsburg and Monterey Passes.
July 5 and 6 were employed in succoring the wounded and burying the dead. Major-General Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth Corps, having pushed the pursuit of the enemy as far as the Fairfield Pass, in the mountains, and reporting that the pass was a very strong one, in which a small force of the enemy could hold in check and delay for a considerable time any pursuing force, I determined to follow the enemy by a flank movement, and, accordingly, leaving Mcln-
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* See Meade to Halleck, February 25, 1864, p, 120.
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tosh’s brigade of cavalry and Neill’s brigade of infantry to continue harassing the enemy, put the army in motion for Middletown, Md. Orders were immediately sent to Major-General French at Frederick to reoccupy Harper’s Ferry and send a force to occupy Turner’s Pass, in South Mountain. I subsequently ascertained Major-General French had not only anticipated these orders in part, but had pushed a cavalry force to Williamsport and Falling Waters, where they destroyed the enemy’s pontoon bridge and captured its guard. Buford was at the same time sent to Williamsport and Hagerstown.
The duty above assigned to the cavalry was most successfully accomplished, the enemy being greatly harassed, his trains destroyed, and many captures of guns and prisoners made.
After halting a day at Middletown to procure necessary supplies and bring up the trains, the army moved through the South Mountain, and by July 12 was in front of the enemy, who occupied a strong position on the heights of Marsh Run, in advance of Williamsport, n taking this position, several skirmishes and affairs had been had with the enemy, principally by the cavalry and the Eleventh and Sixth Corps.
The 13th was occupied in reconnaissances of the enemy’s position and preparations for attack, but, on advancing on the morning of the 14th, it was ascertained he had retired the night previous by a bridge at Falling Waters and the ford at Williamsport. The cavalry in pursuit overtook the rear guard at Falling Waters, capturing two guns and numerous prisoners.
Previous to the retreat of the enemy, Gregg’s division of cavalry was crossed at Harper’s Ferry, and, coming up with the rear of the enemy at Charlestown and Shepherdstown, had a spirited contest, in which the enemy was driven to Martinsburg and Winchester and pressed and harassed in his retreat.
The pursuit was resumed by a flank movement, the army crossing the Potomac at Berlin and moving down the Loudoun Valley. The cavalry were immediately pushed into the several passes of the Blue Ridge, and, having learned from scouts the withdrawal of the Confederate army from the lower valley of the Shenandoah, the army, the Third Corps, Major-General French, in advance, was moved into the Manassas Gap, in the hope of being able to intercept a portion of the enemy.
The possession of the gap was disputed so successfully as to enable the rear guard to withdraw by way of Strasburg, the Confederate army retiring to the Rapidan. A position was taken with this army on the line of the Rappahannock, and the campaign terminated about the close of July.
The result of the campaign may be briefly stated in the defeat of the enemy at Gettysburg, his compulsory evacuation of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and withdrawal from the upper valley of the Shenandoah, and in the capture of 3 guns, 41 standards, and 13,621 prisoners; 24,978 small-arms were collected on the battle-field.
Our own losses were very severe, amounting, as will be seen by the accompanying return, to 2,834 killed, 13,709 [13,713] wounded, and 6,643 missing; in all, 23,186 [23,190].*
It is impossible in a report of this nature to enumerate all the instances of gallantry and good conduct which distinguished such a hard-fought field as Gettysburg. The reports of corps commanders _____________________________________________________________________
* Reference is to table on p. 112; but see revised statement, p. 187,
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and their subordinates, herewith submitted, will furnish all information upon this subject. I will only add my tribute to the heroic bravery of the whole army, officers and men, which, under the blessing of Divine Providence, enabled a crowning victory to be obtained, which I feel confident the country will never cease to bear in grateful remembrance.
It is my duty, as well as my pleasure, to call attention to the earnest efforts of co-operation on the part of Maj. Gen. D. N. Couch, commanding Department of the Susquehanna, and particularly to his advance, 4,000 men, under Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith, who joined me at Boonsborough just prior to the withdrawal of the Confederate army.
In conclusion, I desire to return my thanks to my staff, general and personal, to each and all of whom I was indebted for unremitting activity and most efficient assistance.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
Washington, D. C., October 2, 1863.
Brigadier-General Williams,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:
How many Confederate dead were buried after the battle of Gettysburg—officers, privates?
J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
October 3, 1863—8.20 p. m. (Received 8.50 p. m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
So far as can be stated from any information now at my command, 126 Confederate officers and 2,764 men were buried by our troops at Gettysburg. This does not, however, include those buried by the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, and it is known that quite a large number were buried by the latter corps. The commanders of those corps can doubtless give you the numbers buried by their commands. When this army left the vicinity of Gettysburg, a considerable number of dead remained unburied, and the provost-marshal-general contracted with a Mr. [Samuel] Herbst, of Gettysburg, to bury them. He can state the number buried by him. Captain [ William G. ] Rankin, assistant quartermaster, who paid Mr. Herbst, can also supply this information. It may be added that the enemy buried a large number of his dead before leaving the field. The reports of the number of Confederate dead buried by the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, although called for July 4, had not been sent in when those corps were detached from this army.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General,
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Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
October 5, 1863. (Received 3.30 p. m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief:
In addition to the number of Confederate dead buried at Gettysburg, stated in my dispatch of the 3d instant, I have now to report 2 officers and 62 men buried by the Fifth Corps.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
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THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
February 25, 1864.
General: I transmit herewith the report of Brig. Gen. T. H. Ruger, commanding First Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and those of his brigade and regimental commanders, of the operations of his division at the battle of Gettysburg. These reports were only recently received by me, owing to General Ruger being detached with a large portion of his command not long after the battle, and soon after his return the corps was ordered to Tennessee. I beg these reports may be placed on file as part of my official report of that battle.
I embrace this opportunity to make certain corrections and alterations in my report, to which my attention has been called by Major-General Slocum.* These alterations are as follows:
1. In relating the occurrences of July 2, I state:
In the meantime, perceiving the great exertions on the part of the enemy, the Sixth Corps (Major-General Sedgwick), and part of the First Corps (to the command of which I had assigned Major-General Newton), particularly Lockwood’s Maryland brigade, together with detachments from the Second Corps, were all brought up, &c.
This should read:
In the meantime, perceiving the great exertions on the part of the enemy, the Sixth Corps (Major-General Sedgwick), and part of the First Corps (to the command of which corps I had assigned Major-General Newton), together with detachments from the Second Corps, were all brought up. Subsequently the First Division and Lockwood’s brigade, of the Twelfth Corps, under the immediate command of Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams, then temporarily commanding the corps, arrived at the scene of action, the services of Lockwood’s brigade being particularly mentioned.
2. In relating the occurrences of July 3:
During the heavy assaults upon our extreme left, portions of the Twelfth Corps were sent as re-enforcements. During their absence, the line of the extreme right was held by a much-reduced force, and was taken advantage of by the enemy, who, during the absence of Geary’s division, Twelfth Corps, advanced and occupied a part of the line.
On the morning of the 3d, General Geary, having returned during the night, was attacked at early dawn by the enemy, but succeeded in driving him back and occupying his former position. A spirited contest was maintained all the morning along this part of the line. General Geary, re-enforced by Wheaton’s brigade, Sixth Corps, maintained his position, inflicting severe losses on the enemy.
This should read:
During the heavy assaults upon our extreme left, the First Division and Lockwood’s brigade, of the Twelfth Corps, were sent as re-enforcements, as already reported. Two brigades of Geary’s division (Second, of this corps) were also detached for the same purpose, but did not arrive at the scene of action, owing to having mistaken the road. The detachment of so large a portion of the Twelfth Corps, with ___________________________________________________________________
* See Slocum’s report of December 30,1863, p. 763, and Meade’s reply of February 25,1864, p. 769.
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its temporary commander, Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams, left the defense of the line previously held to the remaining brigade of the Second Division, commanded by Brigadier-General Greene, who held the left of the Twelfth Corps, now become the extreme right of the army. The enemy, perceiving the withdrawal of our troops, advanced and attacked General Greene with great vigor, who, making a gallant defense, and being soon re-enforced by portions of the First and Eleventh Corps, contiguous to him, succeeded in repulsing all the efforts of the enemy to dislodge him.
After night, on the return of the detachments sent to the left, it was found the enemy was occupying portions of the line of breastworks thrown up by the Twelfth Corps. Brigadier-General Williams, in command, immediately made arrangements, by the disposition of his artillery and instructions to both divisions, commanded, respectively, by Brigadier-Generals Geary and Ruger, to attack the enemy at daylight, and regain the position formerly occupied by the corps. In the meantime, the enemy brought up strong re-enforcements, and at early daylight a spirited contest commenced, which continued until after 10 a. m., the result of which was the repulse of the enemy in all his attempts to advance and his final abandonment of the position he had taken the evening before. During this contest, Shaler’s brigade, Sixth Corps, was sent to re-enforce the Twelfth Corps. With this exception, the lines remained undisturbed, &c.
I should he glad, as an act of justice, if this communication could be published.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General, Commanding
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.
[Indorsements.]
February 29, 1864.
Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with the recommendation that this be published with General Meade’s former report.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Adjutant-General’s Office, March 2, 1864.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
W. A. NICHOLS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
War Department, March 2, 1864.
Approved.
By order of the Secretary of War:
JAS. A. HARDIE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
March 10, 1864.
Major-General Meade,
Commanding Army of the Potomac:
General: I have the honor to make the following statement in regard to orders carried by me on the 1st day of July, 1863:
Early on the afternoon of the 1st of July, 1863, I was sent from headquarters, at Taneytown, with sealed orders to General Slocum, commanding Twelfth Corps, who was then on the road to Gettysburg, via Littlestown and Two Taverns. These orders I delivered to Lieutenant-Colonel [Hiram C,] Rodgers, assistant adjutant-general of the Twelfth Corps, at Two Taverns, between 3 and 4 p. m. of that day, and was requested by him to say that the corps was on the move, and advancing as rapidly as possible.
I also had a communication addressed to Generals Slocum and Sykes. This I delivered to General Slocum, who was somewhat in advance of his corps, near Gettysburg. After reading it, he returned it to me, to take to General Sykes at Hanover.
My recollection of this communication now is, that it Was a circular notifying corps commanders of the fall of General Reynolds, and that General Hancock had been sent to take his place, and urging them to push forward with all possible dispatch.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. G. MASON,
Captain, and Aide-de-Camp.
Headquarters Rendezvous for Drafted Men,
Philadelphia, Pa., March 14, 1864.
Brig. Gen. S. Williams,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:
General : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular of the 10th instant, in regard to the council of war held at General Meade’s headquarters on the evening of the 2d July last, and in reply to state:
1. I was a member of that council, having been placed by General Hancock in command of the Second Corps when he was detached to take command of the Third Corps, after its defeat, on the afternoon of the 2d.
2. The result of the day’s fight was then, I believe, for the first time fully known. It, together with our military situation, were fully discussed and commented upon by the members. It thus appeared that the Third Corps had been badly defeated, and rendered for the time comparatively useless; that the enemy, taking advantage of the absence of a portion of the Twelfth Corps sent over to the assistance of our left center after the defeat of the Third Corps, had obtained a footing in a portion of our line on the right, and that to the right of Cemetery Hill he had driven a portion of the Eleventh Corps out of the line, taken possession of some of our batteries there, and had been himself driven out by the timely arrival of Carroll’s brigade, sent by me, according to General Hancock’s direction, over to the right, “to the sound of the firing.” Otherwise our line remained intact.
3. One of the corps commanders, Newton, urged some objections against the military position of our line, and when the council came to decide upon a number of points which were written out by General Butterfield, chief of staff, and submitted to its vote, one of the questions was to this effect: “ Should the army remain in its present position, or retire to a better one?” Being the youngest member of the council, I was required to vote first, and on this particular point I voted—having General Newton’s objection in my mind, and having confidence in his judgment as a military engineer—that we should as far as possible correct our position, but on no account to change it so much that any one could construe it into a retreat. My recollection is that General Newton voted substantially the same way, and that every other member voted simply to remain and offer battle. So that the decision of the council to remain in position was unanimous.
4. I never heard General Meade say one word in favor of a retreat, nor do I believe that he did so, being confident I should have heard it, the council meeting in a room not to exceed 10 feet square.
I recollect there was great good feeling amongst the corps commanders at their agreeing so unanimously, and General Meade’s announcement, in a decided manner, “Such, then, is the decision.”
There were a number of other questions of minor importance put and decided which I do not deem it necessary to refer to.
It may not be out of place here to state that during a portion of the sitting of the council, which continued up to nearly 12 o’clock, fighting was going on on the right of our line, where the portion of the Twelfth Corps, returning to its position from the left center, was attempting to dislodge the enemy from the footing he had gained in our line.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.
THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
ADDENDA.
III.—Public Resolution—No. 9.
A RESOLUTION expressive of the thanks of Congress to Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, and the officers and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the gratitude of the American people, and the thanks of their Representatives in Congress, are due, and are hereby tendered, to Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, and the officers and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac, for the skill, energy, and endurance which first covered Washington and Baltimore from the meditated blow of the advancing and powerful army of rebels led by General Robert E. Lee; and to Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, and the officers and soldiers of that army, for the skill and heroic valor which, at Gettysburg, repulsed, defeated, and drove back, broken and dispirited, beyond the Rappahannock, the veteran army of the rebellion.
Approved January 28, 1864.
Source: Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, v. 27, part 1. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1889.