Today in History:

460 Series I Volume XXVII-III Serial 45 - Gettysburg Campaign Part III

Page 460 N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., PA., ETC. Chapter XXXIX.

MEMORANDA.]


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 1, 1863.

So much of the instructions contained in the circular of this date, just sent to you, as relates to the withdrawal of the corps at Emmitsburg should read as follows: The corps at Emmitsburg should be withdrawn, via Mechanicstown, to Middleburg, or, if a more direct route can be found leaving Taneytown to the left, to withdraw direct to Middleburg. Please correct the circular accordingly. By command of Major-General Meade:

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 1, 1863.

Major-General REYNOLDS,

Commanding, &c., Gettysburg:

GENERAL: The telegraphic intelligence received from General Couch, with the various movements reported from Buford, seem to indicate the concentration of the enemy either at Chambersburg or at a point situated somewhere on aline drawn between Chambersburg and York, through Mummasburg and to the north of Gettysburg. The commanding general cannot decide whether it is his best policy to move to attack until he learns something more definite of the point at which the enemy is concentrating. This he hopes to do during the day. Meanwhile, he would like to have your views upon the subject, at least so far as concerns your position. If the enemy in concentrating to our right of Gettysburg, that point would not at first glance seem to be a proper strategic point of concentration for this army. If the enemy is concentrating in front of Gettysburg or to the left of it, the general is not sufficiently will informed of the nature of the country to judge of its character for either an offensive of defensive position. The number of the enemy are estimated at about 92, 000 infantry, with 270 pieces of artillery, and his cavalry from 6, 000 to 8, 000. Our numbers ought to equal it, and, with the arrival of General French's command, which should get up to-morrow, exceed it, if not too much weakened by straggling and fatigue. The general having just assumed command, in obedience to orders, with the position of affairs leaving no time to learn the condition of the army as to morale and proportionate strength compared with its last return, would gladly receive from you any suggestions as to the points laid down in this note. He feels that you know more of the condition of the troops in your vicinity and the country than he does. General Humphreys, who is at Emmitsburg with the Third Corps, the general considers an excellent adviser as to the nature of the country for defensive or offensive operations. If near enough to call him to consultation with you, without interference with the responsibilities that devolve upon you both, please do so. You have all the information which the general has received, and the general would like to have your views.


Page 460 N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., PA., ETC. Chapter XXXIX.