SECOND INVASION OF MARYLAND.--GETTYSBURG.
1863.--Invasion of the Northern States.--Kilpatrick at Aldie.--The Bloody
Battle.--Daring Deeds.--Colonel Cesnola, Fourth New York Cavalry.--
Incidents.--Victory.--Advance to Ashby's Gap.--Pleasonton's Official
Report.--Rebel Movements on Free Soil.--Difficulties in the North.--
The Cavalry Corps Crosses the Potomac at Edward's Ferry.--General
Meade succeeds Hooker.--Orders.--Changes in the Cavalry.--Movements.
--Kilpatrick's Fight with Stuart at Hanover Junction.--Solemn and
laughable Scenes.--Buford's Division Opens the Fight at Gettysburg.
--Death of General Reynolds.--First Bay's Repulse.--Second Bay.--
Rebel Advantages.--Third Bay.--Last Grand Effort.--Death of General
Farnsworth.--The Republic just Saved.
For nearly two days we were prepared to march, and awaiting orders, when
at last they came. At about six o'clock on the morning of the sixteenth
we took up our line of march, which was mostly along the railroad in the
direction of Manassas. Having arrived at these celebrated plains, we
struck off a little to the left towards Centreville, where we arrived at
ten o'clock, weary with the long journey. Here we ascertained that
General Hooker's headquarters are at Fairfax Court House, or in the
vicinity, and that his army covers the approaches to Washington.
_June 17._--After a refreshing night's rest, we were up early in the
morning, and resumed our march at six o'clock, taking the Warrenton
Turnpike. Kilpatrick has the advance of the corps. We soon crossed the
memorable fields of the two Bull Run battles, passed the famous field of
Groveton, and there deflecting to the right, and pushing forward
rapidly, we arrived by noon in sight of the hills which partially
surround the village of Aldie, on the north side of the Bull Run
Mountains. Kilpatrick had been directed to move through Aldie, and
thence to and through Ashby's Gap, in the Blue Ridge, learn all he could
of the enemy's movements, and, then returning, to rejoin the corps at
Nolan's Ferry on the Potomac. Colonel Duffie, with his regiment, the
First Rhode Island, was ordered to move through Thoroughfare Gap, and to
join Kilpatrick in Pleasant Valley beyond. These plans were laid with
the presumption that no very heavy force of Rebels remained north of the
Blue Ridge, and none at all north of the Bull Run Mountains. But this
was a great mistake.
BLOODY BATTLE OF ALDIE.
James Moore, M. D., Surgeon of the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, thus
describes what occurred to Kilpatrick and his command at this place:
"Scarcely had his advance reached the town of Aldie, when it came
directly upon the advance-guard of W. H. F. Lee. It was entirely
unexpected. No enemy was supposed to be on the Aldie side of the Bull
Run Mountains.
"The general rode to the front, ran his eye over the field for a moment,
and then rapidly gave his orders. He had taken in the whole field at
one rapid glance, and saw the important points that must be gained. The
Harris Light Cavalry was directed to charge straight down the road,
through the town, gain and hold the long, low hill over which runs the
road from Middleburg. With anxious eye he watched the charge, on which
so much depended, saw that it was successful, and quickly and resolutely
pushed in one regiment after another on the right of the Harris Light,
till the high hills far on the right of Aldie were gained.
"This fine disposition was made, and important position won, before the
Rebel General Fitzhugh Lee could make a single effort to prevent it,
although he had a division of cavalry at his back.
"He soon recovered, however, from the temporary surprise, and for two
hours made most desperate efforts to regain the position lost. He struck
the right, left, and centre in quick succession, while his battery of
Blakely guns thundered forth their messengers of death.
"But all in vain! Kilpatrick's gallant men--the heroes of Brandy
Station--met and hurled back each charge, while Randall's battery,
ignoring entirely the Rebel guns, sent his canister and shells tearing
through the heavy columns of the enemy.
"On this day Kilpatrick did wonders. He fought under the eye of his
chief, and where bullets flew the thickest, and where the shock came the
heaviest, there rang his cheering voice and there flashed his sabre. His
own regiment, the Harris Light, had failed to meet his hopes on the
plains of Brandy Station. This was known to the officers of that
splendid organization, and on that very morning they had petitioned
their general for an opportunity to retrieve their reputation. The
opportunity was at hand.
"A large force of the enemy occupied a strong position behind rail
barricades encircling large stacks of hay. For a long time Rebel
sharp-shooters, from this secure position, had baffled every attempt to
advance our lines on the left. The general ordered up a battalion of the
Harris Light. Quickly they came! Addressing a few encouraging words to
the men, and then turning to Major McIrvin, the officer in command, he
said, pointing to the barricades: 'Major, _there_ is the opportunity you
have asked for. Go, take that position!' Away dashed this officer and
his men. In a moment the enemy was reached, and the struggle began. The
horses could not leap the barricade, but the men dismounted, scaled
those formidable barriers, and, with drawn sabres, rushed upon the
hidden foe, who quickly asked for quarter.
"Another incident occurred worth mentioning. Colonel Cesnola, of the
Fourth New York Cavalry, had that morning, through mistake, been placed
under arrest, and, his sword being taken from him, was without arms. But
in one of these wild charges, made early in the contest, his regiment
hesitated. Forgetting that he was under arrest, and without command, he
flew to the head of his regiment, reassured his men, and, without a
weapon to give or ward a blow, led them to the charge. This gallant act
was seen by his general, who, meeting him on his return, said: 'Colonel,
you are a brave man; you are released from arrest;' and, taking his own
sword from his side, handed it to the colonel, saying: 'Here is my
sword; wear it in honor of this day!' In the next charge Colonel Cesnola
fell, desperately wounded, and was taken prisoner.
"The Rebel general, being foiled at every point, resolved to make one
more desperate effort. Silently and quickly he massed a heavy force upon
our extreme right, and, led by General Rosser, made one of the most
desperate and determined charges of the day. Kilpatrick was aware of
this movement, and satisfied that his men, exhausted as they were, could
not withstand the charge, had already sent for reenforcements.
"Before these could reach him the shock came. The First Massachusetts
had the right, and fought as only brave men could to stem the tide that
steadily bore them back, until the whole right gave way. Back rushed our
men in wild confusion, and on came the victorious Rebel horsemen. The
general saw, with anguish, his flying soldiers, yet in his extremity
retained his presence of mind, and proved himself worthy the star he had
won at Brandy Station.
"Sending orders for the centre and left to stand fast, he placed himself
at the head of the First Maine, sent to his assistance, and coolly
waited till the Rebel charging columns had advanced within fifty yards
of Randall's guns. He then shouted 'Forward!' and the same regiment that
saved the day at Brandy Station was destined to save the day at Aldie.
Rosser's men could not withstand the charge, but broke and fled up the
hill. The general's horse was killed in the charge, and here the brave
Colonel Doughty fell.
"The general determined now to complete the victory, and, mounting a
fresh horse, he urged on the First Maine and First Massachusetts, sent
orders for his whole line to advance, and then sounded the charge. Lee
struggled for a few minutes against this advance, and then ordered a
retreat, which ended in a rout. His troops were driven in confusion as
far as Middleburg, and night alone saved the remnant of his command.
"This was by far the most bloody cavalry battle of the war. The Rebel
chivalry had again been beaten, and Kilpatrick, who was the only general
on the field, at once took a proud stand among the most famous of our
Union cavalry generals. The fame of our cavalry was now much enhanced,
and caused the greatest joy to the nation."
_June 18._--General Pleasonton was anxious to press the Rebel cavalry
back upon their infantry, to ascertain minutely their movements; hence,
to-day, Kilpatrick was ordered to advance through the Bull Run
Mountains, and to occupy Middleburg. Jaded as we were, as well as our
horses, with the fearful yet glorious labors of the previous day, with
mercury up to 98 deg. Fahrenheit in the shade, and 122 deg. in the sun, with an
atmosphere unusually oppressive for Virginia, and through dust which
many tramping hoofs made almost intolerable, we marched into Pleasant
Valley. The outpost of the Rebel cavalry was met near the town, but they
were driven from the streets, and we took possession of Middleburg.
About three o'clock in the afternoon a heavy wind arose, betokening
rain, which began to fall about five o'clock, mingled with hail. For
this atmospheric change we had earnestly prayed. The heat had become so
oppressive, and the roads so dusty, as to make our movements very
unpleasant and disastrous to men and beasts, especially to the latter.
In this beautiful region of country we spent a few days very pleasantly,
recruiting our strength and awaiting orders.
CAVALRY BATTLE AT UPPERVILLE.
_June 21._--The Cavalry Corps, with General Pleasonton at its head,
moved, at eight o'clock this morning, in the direction of Ashby's Gap,
in the Blue Ridge. We had not proceeded far before we encountered the
Rebel pickets, which we drove steadily before us. Their strength,
however, greatly increased as we advanced. Quite a large force contested
our progress when we entered Carrtown, and from this place to Upperville
the engagement was a little too heavy to be called a skirmish.
Nevertheless, we pushed ahead without being seriously retarded until we
reached Upperville. Here our advance was met with great desperation, the
enemy charging us handsomely, but with no great damage. When our forces
had been properly arranged, and the right time had come, Kilpatrick was
ordered to charge the town. With drawn sabres--weapons in which the
general always had great confidence, and generally won success--and with
yells which made the mountains and plains resound, we rushed upon the
foe. The fray was terrible. Several times did the Rebels break, but,
being reenforced or falling back upon some better position, again
endeavored to baffle our efforts. But they were not equal to the task,
and we drove them through the village of Paris, and finally through
Ashby's Gap, upon their infantry columns in the Shenandoah Valley. In
these charges and chase we captured two pieces of artillery, four
caissons, several stand of small arms, and a large number of prisoners.
It was my misfortune, in one of those desperate encounters, to have a
favorite horse shot under me. But it was also my fortune to escape from
the deadly missiles which filled the air, and from my fallen horse,
unhurt. Another animal was soon provided for me from the captures we had
made.
Our scouts, during this engagement, had managed to gain an entrance into
the Valley, where they ascertained that the Rebel army, in heavy
columns, was advancing towards the Upper Potomac.
This fight was of sufficient importance to call forth from the commanding
general the following official document:
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Camp near Upperville, 5.20 P. M., June 21.
_Brigadier-General S. Williams_:
GENERAL: I moved with my command this morning to Middleburg,
and attacked the cavalry force of the Rebels under Stuart,
and steadily drove him all day, inflicting a heavy loss at
every step.
I drove him through Upperville into Ashby's Gap.
We took two pieces of artillery, one being a Blakely gun,
and three caissons, besides blowing up one; also, upwards
of sixty prisoners, and more are coming; a
lieutenant-colonel, major, and five other officers, besides
a wounded colonel and a large number of wounded Rebels left
in the town of Upperville.
They left their dead and wounded upon the field; of the
former I saw upward of twenty.
We also took a large number of carbines, pistols, and
sabres. In fact, it was a most disastrous day to the Rebel
cavalry.
Our loss has been very small both in men and horses.
I never saw the troops behave better, or under more
difficult circumstances.
Very heavy charges were made, and the sabre used freely, but
always with great advantage to us.
A. PLEASONTON,
_Brigadier-General_.
The day following this decided victory by force of arms, and by the
stratagem of scouts, who obtained all needful information as to the
intentions of the enemy, the Cavalry Corps retired from Ashby's Gap and
established its headquarters at Aldie. Our outposts are near Middleburg.
We are now receiving some exciting news from Maryland and the North. It
appears that Rebel cavalry was raiding through Maryland, destroying
railroads and bridges, telegraph lines and depots, and making havoc on
the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal as early as the fifteenth instant; and
that General Ewell, with a corps of infantry, crossed the Potomac at
Williamsport on the sixteenth, and advanced _via_ Hagerstown towards
Pennsylvania.
A sad and distressing alarm seems to have aroused the North. General
Lee's advance thus far, excepting the repulses of his cavalry on his
right flank, has been a perfect success. It is true that Washington, the
glittering prize before him, has been protected by General Hooker's
cautious movements. But this protection of the Capital has consumed time
and given the enemy a decided advantage in other quarters. He had
already entered the Free States before we fairly understood his
intentions.
Winchester, an important post in the Shenandoah Valley, guarded by
General Milroy, was nearly surrounded by the advancing Rebel hordes,
before our general even dreamed that he was in jeopardy. The few of our
men who escaped from that garrison, were greatly demoralized, while
about four thousand were made prisoners, and many heavy guns, small
arms, wagons, horses, and stores of all kinds fell into the enemy's
hands.
These blunders on our part and losses, together with the prowess and
boast of the Rebel legions, gave the malcontents of the North, and
political tricksters, a coveted opportunity to rail against the
Administration, and to weaken, as far as their influence could be felt,
the confidence which had been reposed in it. The President was
represented as an imbecile, utterly devoid of statesmanship. The army
was berated with no measured terms. Every reverse of fortune was
attributed to a want of brains and heart in the heads of departments.
The Republic had certainly fallen upon dark days.
General Lee, undoubtedly, expected to make capital out of this state of
things, and hoped that by winning a grand victory on Northern soil, so
to cripple the Administration and to demoralize the political party in
power, that he could secure the aid and comfort of the opposing party,
and thus compel the North to submit to any terms of peace which the
anomalous Confederacy might dictate.
Notwithstanding the threatening posture of military affairs, and that
the Government was thoroughly alarmed and ordered out the militia of
Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, and other States,
the call being faithfully reechoed by the Governors of those States, the
responses were comparatively faint and fell far short of the numbers
which had been demanded. New York City alone responded generously. The
uniformed and disciplined regiments there generally and promptly went to
the contest, and appeared where they were needed. For this the Governor
of the State was publicly thanked by the Secretary of War.
_June 25._--We are informed that our infantry and artillery, with small
detachments of cavalry, are advancing through Maryland to meet and repel
the invaders, who are reported to be crossing the Potomac in two heavy
columns at Shepherdstown and Williamsport. Every department of the
service seems to be in commotion, and great things are expected. A heavy
rain set in early this evening.
_June 26._--At six o'clock this morning we broke camp at Aldie and
advanced towards Leesburg, spending the night near this place. Most of
our time has been spent in the saddle. This is becoming not only our
seat, but also our bed and pillow.
_June 27._--At five o'clock A. M. our corps commenced its march towards
Edward's Ferry, on the Potomac. On our way to the ferry we crossed the
famous battle-field of Ball's Bluff, where Colonel Baker and many of his
gallant Californians became an early and costly sacrifice to the cause
of the Union.
On reaching the river we found the two pontoon bridges over which
already a large portion of our army had passed on before us. They had
been much retarded by the heavy rains and mud. The approaches to the
pontoons had been so trodden by the myriad feet of men and beasts, and
cut by the heavy wheels of laden wagons and artillery, that we found the
roads almost bottomless. But as we had seen mud many times before, we
moved forward undismayed, though somewhat retarded, and were soon on
Northern soil. A somewhat strange feeling came over us on finding
ourselves marching mainly towards the North Star to meet the enemy,
whereas we had so long been accustomed to look and march only southward
for this purpose.
Our march lay through a fine and fertile section of country. The vast
fields of grain are ripening for the harvest, and their appearance
indicates that thus far the labors of the husbandman have not been in
vain. The peacefulness of the fields and flocks presents a striking
contrast to the warlike preparations which are now being made for what
must be the most decisive and bloody contest of the war. The rebellion
seems to have risked its very existence in the coming conflict, which
cannot be many days hence. Determination and desperation seem foremost
in the movement. On our side a solemn decision seems to be actuating
the masses. We know that should the "Stars and Bars" be victorious
again, and at this crisis of our national affairs, as they were at the
two Bull Run battles, and at Chancellorsville, our "Stars and Stripes"
will not only be shamefully humbled, but suffer cruel elimination. In
such an event some of our stars must fall and some of the beams of our
light must be obscured.
"But conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto, 'In God is our trust.'
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
_Sunday, June 28._--All night long we were on the march, arriving in the
vicinity of Frederick City early in the morning. The whole country for
miles seems to be covered with soldiers. This is one of the most
beautiful spots in the world. However, the city does not show the thrift
and prosperity which are evidenced in Northern cities enjoying similar
advantages. This is the capital of Frederick County, one of the richest
in the State. Looking southward from the city we behold an almost
interminable stretch of beautiful rolling land, nearly every inch of
which is not only arable but richly productive. On the east, at a
distance of several miles, the eye rests upon a range of hills which
sweep downward toward the Potomac, terminating in the lofty peak called
Sugarloaf. Westward rises the loftier chain of the Catoctin, which is
but a continuation of the Bull Run Mountains, severed by the river at
Point of Rocks. All the highest peaks of these hills and mountains are
now used for signal stations, where wave the signal flags by day and
flash the signal fires by night. One seldom wearies in watching these
operations, though he may not understand their significance.
CHANGE OF COMMANDERS.
This has been a day of much interest among us and of no little
excitement--a day of changes and reorganization. An exciting rumor was
bandied from man to man this morning, that General Hooker was about to
be relieved from the command of the grand army; and the day was only
partly spent when the strange rumor resolved itself into the astounding
truth. The facts which led to this result may not be perfectly
understood among us, but appear to be about as follows: On discovering
that the enemy had actually invaded the Northern States, General Hooker
requested the authorities to send him all the forces which could be
spared from General Heintzelman's command in and about the Defenses of
Washington. This was done. But, having crossed the Potomac, General
Hooker visited Harper's Ferry with its strong garrison, and immediately
urged upon the Government the importance of placing this force also
under his command. Upon this subject there sprang up a sharp controversy
between Hooker and Halleck. The latter rejoined to the former in these
words:
"Maryland Heights have always been regarded as an important point to be
held by us, and much expense and labor incurred in fortifying them. I
cannot approve of their abandonment, except in case of absolute
necessity."
General Hooker's reply to this shows him to have been in the right, and
to have comprehended the relative importance of the position in
question:
"I have received your telegram in regard to Harper's Ferry. I find ten
thousand men here in condition to take the field. Here they are of no
earthly account. They cannot defend a ford of the river; and, so far as
Harper's Ferry is concerned, there is nothing of it. As for the
fortifications, the work of the troops, they remain when the troops are
withdrawn. This is my opinion. All the public property could have been
secured to-night, and the troops marched to where they could have been
of some service. Now they are but a bait for the Rebels, should they
return. I beg that this may be presented to the Secretary of War, and
his Excellency, the President."
Receiving no direct reply to this announcement, and goaded by the
pressure of fast-moving events, our General yielded to do what many of
us heartily condemn, by sending the following message:
SANDY HOOK, MD.,
June 27, 1863.
_Major-General 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 numbers. 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_.
To-day came the order relieving General Hooker, who issued the
following characteristic farewell address to the troops, many of whom
were taken, wholly by surprise, and all of them appeared greatly
afflicted:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Frederick, Md., June 28, 1863.
In conformity with the orders of the War Department, dated
June 27, 1863, I relinquish the command of the Army of the
Potomac. It is transferred to Major-General George G. Meade,
a brave and accomplished officer, who has nobly earned the
confidence and esteem of the army on many a well-fought
field. Impressed with the belief that, my usefulness as the
commander of the Army of the Potomac is impaired, I part
from it, yet not without the deepest emotions. The sorrow of
parting with the comrades of so many battles is relieved by
the conviction that the courage and devotion of this army
will never cease nor fail; that it will yield to my
successor, as it has to me, a willing and hearty support.
With the earnest prayer that the triumph of this army may
bring successes worthy of it and the nation, I bid it
farewell.
JOSEPH HOOKER, _Major-General_.
Such a change of _regime_ on the eve of a great battle, with the command
in the hands of one less known and trusted, at first seemed to threaten
disaster. But the modest, earnest words with which the new commander
framed his first order to the troops allayed all fears, renewed
confidence, and greatly attached to him the hearts of his subordinates.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 28, 1863.
By direction of the President of the United States I hereby
assume command of the Army of the Potomac. As a soldier, in
obeying this order --an order totally unexpected and
unsolicited--I have no promises or pledges to make. The
country looks to this army to relieve it from the
devastation and disgrace of a hostile invasion. Whatever
fatigues and sacrifices we may be called to undergo, let us
have in view constantly the magnitude of the interests
involved, and let each man determine to do his duty, leaving
to an all-controlling Providence the decision of the
contest. It is with just diffidence that I relieved, in the
command of this army, an eminent and accomplished soldier,
whose name must ever appear conspicuous in the history of
its achievements; but I rely upon the hearty support of my
companions in arms to assist me in the discharge of the
duties of the important trust which has been confided to me.
GEORGE G. MEADE,
_Major-General Commanding_.
This change of commanders was followed by others in various branches of
the service, not excepting the Cavalry Corps. Our force has been
increased by General Julius Stahel's division, which has been employed
for some time in the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, and along the line
of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. In the reorganization, the corps,
which continues under the efficient command of General Pleasonton, is
arranged into three divisions, the First, Second, and Third, commanded
respectively by Generals Buford, Gregg, and Kilpatrick. A more effective
cavalry force was never organized on this continent, and probably on no
other.
The Harris Light is assigned to General Gregg's division, which
separates us, for the first time, from our former beloved commander. But
we are not among those who desire to shirk responsibility for any such
cause as this. After the division had been reorganized and reviewed, in
the afternoon we took up our line of march to New Market. Some rain
fell towards night, which laid the dust and allayed the heat. Men and
horses are living well upon the rich products of the country. Upon such
supplies we rely mainly, though our trains are not wholly destitute.
We are received with more or less enthusiasm and demonstrations of
patriotism in nearly all the towns we visit, making a very striking
contrast with our former receptions in cities and towns of Virginia.
This gives our men additional courage, and nerves us for the conflicts
impending.
_June 29._--We have been in the saddle nearly all day, scouting the
country in the neighborhood of Westminster. On the morning of the
thirtieth, about nine o'clock, the regiment entered this pleasant town,
the citizens flocking from all directions to pay us their respects, and
to show their devotion to the cause of the Union. After a short halt we
advanced to Manchester.
_July 1._--To-day we marched to Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania, where we
met the enemy's cavalry under General John Jenkins, and, after a
spirited skirmish, they were forced to retire.
The Pennsylvanians welcomed us with glad cheers, and showed their
appreciation of our presence and services by driving several "huckster's
wagons" into our midst, well laden with a great variety of eatables,
which were donated to us by the good citizens of the surrounding
country. It is true that some of the inhabitants made their gifts very
sparingly and not without grudging, while others charged enormous
prices for such articles as we were willing to purchase; but justice
demands that we state that such inhospitable, unpatriotic, and niggardly
souls were the exception.
While here we learned the particulars of important movements made by
other portions of our cavalry. Kilpatrick, with his vigorous division,
left the vicinity of Frederick on Monday; and, striking northward, he
passed through Taneytown, reaching Littletown about ten o'clock at
night, where he was received in the midst of great rejoicing. A large
group of children and young ladies, gayly attired, on the balcony of a
hotel, waving handkerchiefs and flags, greeted their defenders with
patriotic songs, while the heroic troopers responded with cheers which
made the welkin ring. The command bivouacked in the vicinity of the
village, where the citizens brought abundant forage for the horses, and
the cavalrymen rested till morning. The march was then resumed in the
direction of Hanover.
The column, which was several miles in length, entered this beautiful
town, and was passing through, while the citizens were regaling the men
sumptuously from their bountifully provided larders, and interchanging
friendly and patriotic greetings, neither party suspecting the presence
of the enemy. Nearly one half the column had already passed through,
when suddenly the quiet, social scene was disturbed by the opening of a
Rebel battery concealed on a wood-crowned hill, and so posted as to rake
a portion of the road upon which the Union forces entered the town. This
was immediately followed by a charge of Rebel cavalry, which had been
drawn up in line of battle just behind a chain of hills which ran near
and parallel to the highway. There they had quietly waited until the
train was passing before them, with the hope that this might be captured
or stampeded, and a glorious victory be won. General Stuart commanded in
person, and the attack was certainly well planned. But Kilpatrick's boys
were not to be disconcerted nor panic-stricken by any such or any other
trap. The main force of the charging column happened to be in the rear
of the Fifth New York, commanded by Major Hammond. Quick work was
necessary. Rapidly moving out of the street into the open park near the
railroad depot, Major Hammond drew his regiment in line of battle, and
in nearly as short time as it takes to record it, charged with drawn
sabres the Rebels, who then possessed the town. The charging columns met
on Frederick street, where a fierce and bloody hand-to-hand contest
ensued. For a few moments the enemy made heroic resistance, but soon
broke and fled, closely pursued. They rallied again and again as fresh
regiments came to their aid, but they were met, hurled back, and pursued
with irresistible onsets, which compelled them to retire not only from
the town, but also behind the hills under cover of their batteries.
In less than fifteen minutes from the time the Rebels charged into the
village they were driven from it, leaving the streets strewn with their
dead men and horses, and the _debris_ which always accompanies such a
conflict. The dead of both parties lay promiscuously about the street,
so covered with blood and dust as to render identification in some
cases very difficult. The _blue_ of the Union and the gray of Rebellion
were almost entirely obliterated, and, in many instances, the contending
parties mingled their blood in one common pool.
This work of destruction had but just commenced when Generals Kilpatrick
and Farnsworth, who, though some miles distant at the head of the column
when the booming cannon announced the bloody fray, arrived in hot haste
and took personal charge of the movements. These were ordered with
consummate skill, and executed with promptness and success. Elder's
battery, well posted on the hills facing the Rebels, and well supported,
soon silenced the guns of the enemy, and drove him in the direction of
Lee's main army. He was thoroughly punished for his audacious attack,
and left many dead, wounded, and captured. The colors of the Thirteenth
Virginia Cavalry were captured by a sergeant of the Fifth New York.
About seventy-five prisoners, beside the wounded, fell into our hands,
including Lieutenant-Colonel Payne, who commanded a brigade.
The particulars of his capture are worthy of historic record. In one of
the charges made in the edge of the town, one of our boys, by the name
of Abram Folger, was captured by Colonel Payne, and marched toward the
rear. Just outside the town was a large brick tannery, the vats of which
were not under cover, and close alongside of the highway. Folger was
walking beside the Colonel's orderly. As they approached the tan-vats he
espied a carbine lying on the ground. Quick as thought he seized it,
fired, and killed Payne's horse. The animal, in his death-struggle,
plunged over towards the vats, and Payne was thrown headlong into one of
them, being completely submerged in the tan-liquid. Folger, feeling that
the Colonel was secure enough for the moment, levelled his piece on the
orderly, who, finding that his pistol was fouled and hence useless,
attempted to jump his horse over the fence, but not succeeding,
surrendered. It happened, however, that Folger had expended the last
shot in the carbine on the Colonel's horse; but, as the orderly did not
know it, it was just as well for Folger as though more ammunition had
been on hand.
The recently-made prisoner was compelled to assist his Colonel from the
vat. His gray uniform, with white velvet trimmings, his white gauntlets,
and his face and hair had received a brief but thorough tanning. Folger
marched the two in front of him to the market-place in the centre of the
village, where he delivered his captives to the authorities. In one hand
the brave soldier-boy carried his empty carbine, and in the other a good
strong stick. It was a most ludicrous and interesting scene. Folger was
captured by Payne's command, in Virginia, the winter before this affair,
and his feelings may be imagined at having so nicely returned the
compliment.
The citizens of Hanover, who so nobly cared for our wounded in the
hospitals during and after the battle, and assisted us in burying our
dead, will not soon forget that terrible last day of June. Our brave
boys, who, though taken by surprise, had so valiantly defeated the
enemy, built their bivouac fires and rested for the night on the field
of their recent victory. Stuart's cavalry was now losing caste, while
our troopers were not only adding fresh laurels to their chaplet of
renown, but also new fibres of vitality to the hearts and hands which
loved and defended the sacred Tree of Liberty.
FIRST DAY AT GETTYSBURG.
General Buford, with his division, had moved from Frederick City
directly to Gettysburg, the capital of Adams County, a rural village of
about three thousand inhabitants, beautifully situated among the hills,
which, though quite lofty, are generally well cultivated. The general
found the borough very quiet, and passed through; but he had not
proceeded far beyond before he met the van of the Rebel army under
General Heth, of Hill's Corps. The dauntless troopers charged furiously
the invading hordes, and drove them back upon their supports, where our
boys were driven back in their turn before overwhelming numbers. As
Providence would have it, our infantry advance, under General James S.
Wadsworth, marching from the village of Emmitsburg, hearing the familiar
sound of battle, went into a double-quick, and, hastening through
Gettysburg, struck the advancing Rebel column just in time to seize and
occupy the range of hills that overlooks the place from the north-west,
in the direction of Chambersburg.
General John F. Reynolds, a true Pennsylvanian, was in command of our
entire advance, which consisted of the First and Eleventh Corps, about
twenty-two thousand strong. As General Wadsworth was placing his
division in position, General Reynolds went forward quite alone to
reconnoitre, when he discovered a heavy force of the enemy in a grove
not far distant. Dismounting quickly he crouched down by a fence through
which he sought to survey the force and its position by means of his
field-glass, when a whistling ball from a sharpshooter's musket struck
him in the neck. He fell on his face and baptized with his life-blood
the soil which had given him birth. His untimely fall, especially at
this crisis and almost in sight of his childhood's home, was generally
lamented. His lifeless form was borne away to the rear just as the
Rebels in heavy force advanced upon not more than one-third their
number.
General Abner Doubleday had to assume command of our forces under this
galling fire, having arrived with a portion of the First Corps, the
remainder of which and the Eleventh Corps, not being able to join them
until two hours of fearful destruction had gone on. Our feeble advance
was compelled to fall quickly back upon Seminary Hill, just west of the
village, and were pursued very closely, so much so that one portion of
our line, seeing its opportunity, swung around rapidly, enveloping the
Rebel advance and capturing General Archer the leader and about eight
hundred prisoners. On the arrival of the Eleventh Corps, General O. O.
Howard, being the ranking officer present, assumed command, giving his
place to General Carl Schurz. Our men, now emboldened by these fresh
arrivals of helpers, and having alighted upon a fine commanding
position, renewed the fight with spirit and wonderful success. This
prosperous tide of things continued until about one o'clock P. M., when
their right wing was assailed furiously by fresh troops, which proved
to be General Ewell's Corps, which had been marching from York, directed
by the thunder of battle.
Thus flanked and outnumbered by the gathering hosts, the Eleventh Corps,
which was most exposed to the enfilading fire of the newly arrived
columns, began to waver, then to break, and soon fled in perfect rout.
The First Corps was thus compelled to follow, or be annihilated. The two
retreating columns met and mingled in more or less confusion in the
streets of the town, where they greatly obstructed each other, though
the First Corps retained its organization quite unbroken. In passing
through the town the Eleventh Corps was especially exposed to the fire
of the enemy, who pressed his advantage and captured thousands of
prisoners. Our wounded, who, up to this time, had been quartered in
Gettysburg, fell into the enemy's hands, and scarcely one-half of our
brave boys, who had so recently and proudly passed through the streets
to the battle lines, had the privilege of returning, but either lay dead
or dying on the well-fought fields, or were captives with a cruel foe.
The number of killed and wounded showed how desperately they had fought,
and the large number captured was evidence of the overwhelming numbers
with which they had contended.
General Buford, with his troopers, covered our retreat, showing as bold
a front as possible to the enemy, who, it was feared, would follow
fiercely, as they were very strong and several hours of daylight yet
remained. But doubtless fearing that a trap might be laid for them if
they advanced too far, they contented themselves with only a portion of
the borough, their main force occupying the hills which form a grand
amphitheatre on the north and west. It would be difficult to refrain
from saying, that those Rebel forces were prevented from advancing by
some mighty unseen hand--the hand of Him who "watches over the destiny
of nations."
Our feeble and decimated forces took possession of Cemetery Hill, south
of the town, and being reenforced by General Sickles' Corps, they began
to intrench themselves with earthworks and rifle-pits, to extend their
lines to right and left, and to select the best positions for our
batteries. This work was continued quite late into the evening, the
broad moonlight greatly facilitating the operations.
General Meade, who had selected his ground for the impending battle
along the banks of Pipe Creek, and who at one o'clock P. M. was at
Taneytown when the news of the fight, and the death of the brave
Reynolds at Gettysburg, reached him, despatched General Hancock to the
scene of conflict to take command, and to ascertain whether Gettysburg
afforded better ground than that which had been selected. Hancock
arrived at Cemetery Hill just as our broken lines were hastily and
confusedly retreating from the village; our advance, however, had
already taken this commanding position and was making some preparation
for resistance. The newly arrived general began at once to order the
forces which had been engaged and others which were occasionally
arriving. He ordered the occupancy of Culp's Hill on our extreme right,
and extended the lines to our left well up the high ground in the
vicinity of Round Top, a rocky eminence about two miles from Gettysburg,
and nearly equi-distant from the Emmitsburg and Taneytown roads. The
line having been made as secure as possible, Hancock wrote to Meade that
the position was excellent. His despatch had scarcely gone, when he was
relieved by General Slocum, a ranking officer, and so, leaving the
field, Hancock hastened to report in person to his chief the condition
of things at Gettysburg. On arriving, Meade informed him that he had
decided to fight at Gettysburg, and had sent orders to the various
commands to that effect; then together they rode to Gettysburg, arriving
about eleven o'clock at night.
All night long our forces were concentrating before this historic
village, where they were all found on the morning of the second of July,
except the Sixth Corps, General Sedgwick's, which did not arrive until
two o'clock in the afternoon, after marching nearly all the previous
night.
SECOND DAY'S FIGHT.
Until three o'clock all was quiet along the battle lines, except an
occasional picket or sharpshooter's fire. However, there had been
considerable manoeuvring. On our left General Sickles, in his
eagerness for a fight, had advanced his corps across the Emmitsburg
road, and on a wood-crowned ridge in the immediate vicinity of the main
portion of the Rebel army. General Meade, in his inspection of the
lines, remonstrated against the perilous position which Sickles had
taken the liberty to gain. He, however, intimated that, if desired, he
would withdraw to the ridge which Meade had justly indicated as the
proper place where our forces would be better protected, and would be
able to cover Round Top, a point which it was considered essential to
retain. General Meade thereupon expressed his fear to Sickles that the
enemy would not permit him quietly to retire from the trap in which he
had placed his foot; and the last words had scarcely fallen from his
lips, when the Rebel batteries were opened with fearful accuracy and at
short range, and the infantry came on with their fierce charging yell.
General Longstreet was in command.
With so long and strong lines of infantry in his front, which lapped
over his flanks on either side, and a fearful enfilading fire from the
heavy batteries on Seminary Hill, Sickles and his brave men were torn,
shattered, overwhelmed, and with terrible loss and in great confusion,
fell back to the ridge from which he ought not to have advanced. In the
struggle the Rebels made a desperate attempt to reach and possess Round
Top, which they came near doing before General Sykes, who had been
ordered to advance and hold it, had gained the elevation. But their
failure to possess this coveted prize proved a great disaster; for
before they could withdraw their charging columns across the plain
between Round Top and the ridge where Sickles stood at the beginning of
the fray, they were attacked by General Hancock with a heavy force, and
driven almost like chaff before the wind. Their loss was terrible. At
the close of this encounter our lines stood precisely where General
Meade desired they should be before the fight commenced, with Round Top
fully in our possession and now strongly fortified with heavy artillery
and good infantry support.
On our right General Ewell had succeeded in pushing back some portions
of our lines under Slocum, who occupied Culp's Hill, and some of our
fortified lines and rifle-pits were occupied by the Rebels. Night came
on to close the dreadful day. Thus far the battle had been mostly in the
advantage of the Rebels. They held the ground where Reynolds had fallen,
also Seminary Ridge, and the elevation whence the Eleventh Corps had
been driven. They also occupied the ridge on which Sickles had commenced
to fight. Sickles himself was _hors de combat_, with a shattered leg
which had to be amputated, and not far from twenty thousand of our men
had been killed, wounded, and captured! The Rebels had also lost
heavily; but, as they themselves believed, they were the winners.
General Lee, in his official report, says: "After a severe struggle,
Longstreet succeeded in getting possession of and holding the desired
ground. Ewell also carried some of the strong positions which he
assailed; and the result was such as to lead to the belief that he would
ultimately be able to dislodge the enemy. The battle ceased at dark.
These partial successes determined me to continue the assault next day."
During these days of deadly strife and of unprecedented slaughter, our
cavalry was by no means idle. On the morning of the first, Kilpatrick
advanced his victorious squadrons to the vicinity of Abbottstown, where
they struck a force of Rebel cavalry, which they scattered, capturing
several prisoners, and then rested. To the ears of the alert chieftain
came the sound of battle at Gettysburg, accompanied with the
intelligence, from prisoners mostly, that Stuart's main force was bent
on doing mischief on the right of our infantry lines, which were not far
from the night's bivouac.
He appeared instinctively to know where he was most needed; so in the
absence of orders, early the next morning he advanced to Hunterstown. At
this point were the extreme wings of the infantry lines, and as
Kilpatrick expected, he encountered the Rebel cavalry, commanded by his
old antagonists, Stuart, Lee, and Hampton. The early part of the day was
spent mostly in reconnoitring; but all the latter part of the day was
occupied in hard, bold, and bloody work. Charges and counter-charges
were made; the carbine, pistol, and sabre were used by turns, and the
artillery thundered even late after the infantry around Gettysburg had
sunk to rest, well-nigh exhausted with the bloody carnage of the weary
day. But Stuart, who had hoped to break in upon our flank and rear, and
to pounce upon our trains, was not only foiled in his endeavor by the
gallant Kilpatrick, but also driven back upon his infantry supports, and
badly beaten.
In the night, Kilpatrick, after leaving a sufficient force to prevent
Stuart from doing any special damage on our right, swung around with the
rest of his troopers to the left of our line, near Round Top, and was
there prepared for any work which might be assigned him.
THE LAST EFFORT.
_Friday, July 3._--The sun rose bright and warm, and looked down upon
the blackened corpses of the dead, which were strewn over the bloody
earth; upon the wounded who had not been cared for, and upon long
glistening lines of armed men, ready to renew the conflict. Each
antagonist, rousing every slumbering element of power, seemed to be
resolved upon victory or death. The fight commenced early by an attack
of General Slocum's men, who, determined to regain the rifle-pits they
had lost the evening before, descended like an avalanche upon the foe.
The attack met with a prompt response from General Ewell. But after
several hours of desperate fighting, victory perched upon the Union
banners, and with great loss and slaughter the Rebels were driven out of
the breastworks, and fell back upon their main lines near Benner's Hill.
This successful move on the part of our boys in blue was followed by
ominous lull or quiet, which continued about three hours. Meanwhile the
silence was fitfully broken by an occasional spit of fire, while every
preparation was being made for a last, supreme effort, which, it was
expected, would decide the mighty contest. The scales were being poised
for the last time, and upon the one side or the other was soon to be
written the "_Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin_." Hearts either trembled or
waxed strong in the awful presence of this responsibility.
At length one o'clock arrived; a signal-gun was fired, and then at least
one hundred and twenty-five guns from Hill and Longstreet concentrated
and crossed their fires upon Cemetery Hill, the centre and key of our
position. Just behind this crest, though much exposed, were General
Meade's headquarters. For nearly two hours this hill was ploughed and
torn by solid shot and bursting shell, while about one hundred guns on
our side, mainly from this crest and Round Top, made sharp response. The
earth and the air shook for miles around with the terrific concussion,
which came no longer in volleys, but in a continual roar. So long and
fearful a cannonade was never before witnessed on this continent. As the
range was short and the aim accurate, the destruction was terrible. But
the advantage was decidedly in favor of the Rebels, whose guns were
superior in number to ours, and of heavier calibre, and had been
concentrated for the attack. A spectator of the Union army thus
describes the scene:
"The storm broke upon us so suddenly, that soldiers and officers--who
leaped, as it began, from their tents, or from lazy siestas on the
grass--were stricken in their rising with mortal wounds, and died, some
with cigars between their teeth, some with pieces of food in their
fingers, and one at least--a pale young German, from Pennsylvania--with
a miniature of his sister in his hands. Horses fell, shrieking such
awful cries as Cooper told of, and writhing themselves about in hopeless
agony. The boards of fences, scattered by explosion, flew in splinters
through the air. The earth, torn up in clouds, blinded the eyes of
hurrying men; and through the branches of trees and among the
gravestones of the cemetery a shower of destruction crashed ceaselessly.
As, with hundreds of others, I groped through this tempest of death for
the shelter of the bluff, an old man, a private in a company belonging
to the Twenty-fourth Michigan, was struck, scarcely ten feet away, by a
cannon-ball, which tore through him, extorting such a low, intense cry
of mortal pain as I pray God I may never again hear. The hill, which
seemed alone devoted to this rain of death, was clear in nearly all its
unsheltered places within five minutes after the fire began."
A correspondent from the Confederate army thus describes this artillery
contest: "I have never yet heard such tremendous artillery-firing. The
enemy must have had over one hundred guns, which, in addition to our one
hundred and fifteen, made the air hideous with most discordant noise.
The very earth shook beneath our feet, and the hills and rocks seemed to
reel like a drunken man. For one hour and a half this most terrific fire
was continued, during which time the shrieking of shell, the crash of
fallen timbers, the fragments of rocks flying through the air, shattered
from the cliffs by solid shot, the heavy mutterings from the valley
between the opposing armies, the splash of bursting shrapnel, and the
fierce neighing of wounded artillery-horses, made a picture terribly
grand and sublime, but which my pen utterly fails to describe."
Gradually the fire on our side began to slacken, and General Meade,
learning that our guns were becoming hot, gave orders to cease firing
and to let the guns cool, though the Rebel balls were making fearful
havoc among our gunners, while our infantry sought poor shelter behind
every projection, anxiously awaiting the expected charge. At length the
enemy, supposing that our guns were silenced, deemed that the moment for
an irresistible attack had come. Accordingly, as a lion emerges from his
lair, he sallied forth, when strong lines of infantry, nearly three
miles in length, with double lines of skirmishers in front, and heavy
reserves in rear, advanced with desperation to the final effort. They
moved with steady, measured tread over the plain below, and began the
ascent of the hills occupied by our forces, concentrating somewhat upon
General Hancock, though stretching across our entire front.
Says a correspondent of the _Richmond Enquirer_: "Just as Pickett was
getting well under the enemy's fire, our batteries ceased firing. This
was a fearful moment for Pickett and his brave command. Why do not our
guns reopen their fire? is the inquiry that rises upon every lip. Still,
our batteries are silent as death!" And this undoubtedly decided the
issue--was God's handwriting on the wall. The Rebel guns had been
thundering so long and ceaselessly that they were now unfit for use, and
ceased firing from very necessity.
"Agate," correspondent of _The Cincinnati Gazette_, gives the following
graphic description of the struggle:
"The great, desperate, final charge came at four. The Rebels seemed to
have gathered up all their strength and desperation for one fierce,
convulsive effort, that should sweep over and wash out our obstinate
resistance. They swept up as before: the flower of their army to the
front, victory staked upon the issue. In some places they literally
lifted up and pushed back our lines; but, that terrible position of
ours!--wherever they entered it, enfilading fires from half a score of
crests swept away their columns like merest chaff. Broken and hurled
back, they easily fell into our hands; and, on the centre and left, the
last half hour brought more prisoners than all the rest.
"So it was along the whole line; but it was on the Second Corps that the
flower of the Rebel army was concentrated; it was there that the
heaviest shock beat upon, and shook, and even sometimes crumbled, our
lines.
"We had some shallow rifle-pits, with barricades of rails from the
fences. The Rebel line, stretching away miles to the left, in
magnificent array, but strongest here--Pickett's splendid division of
Longstreet's corps in front, the best of A. P. Hill's veterans in
support--came steadily, and as it seemed resistlessly, sweeping up. Our
skirmishers retired slowly from the Emmitsburg road, holding their
ground tenaciously to the last. The Rebels reserved their fire till they
reached this same Emmitsburg road, then opened with a terrific crash.
From a hundred iron throats, meantime, their artillery had been
thundering on our barricades.
"Hancock was wounded; Gibbon succeeded to the command--an approved
soldier, and ready for the crisis. As the tempest of fire approached
its height, he walked along the line, and renewed his orders to the men
to reserve their fire. The Rebels--three lines deep--came steadily up.
They were in point-blank range.
"At last the order came! From thrice six thousand guns there came a
sheet of smoky flame, a crash, a rush of leaden death. The line
literally melted away; but there came the second, resistless still. It
had been our supreme effort; on the moment we were not equal to another.
"Up to the rifle-pits, across them, over the barricades--the momentum of
their charge, the mere machine-strength of their combined action, swept
them on. Our thin line could fight, but it had not weight enough to
oppose to this momentum. It was pushed behind the guns. Right on came
the Rebels. They were upon our guns--were bayoneting the gunners--were
waving their flags over our pieces.
"But they had penetrated to the fatal point. A storm of grape and
canister tore its way from man to man, and marked its track with corpses
straight down their line! They had exposed themselves to the enfilading
fire of the guns on the western slope of Cemetery Hill; that exposure
sealed their fate.
"The line reeled back--disjointed already--in an instant in fragments.
Our men were just behind the guns. They leaped forward upon the
disordered mass; but there was little need of fighting now. A regiment
threw down its arms, and, with colors at its head, rushed over and
surrendered. All along the field smaller detachments did the same.
Webb's brigade brought in eight hundred: taken in as little time as it
requires to write the simple sentence that tells it. Gibbon's old
division took fifteen stand of colors.
"Over the fields the escaped fragments of the charging line fell
back--the battle there was over. A single brigade, Harrow's (of which
the Seventh Michigan is part), came out with fifty-four less officers,
and seven hundred and ninety-three less men, than it took in! So the
whole corps fought; so, too, they fought farther down the line.
"It was fruitless sacrifice. They gathered up their broken fragments,
formed their lines, and slowly marched away. It was not a rout; it _was_
a bitter, crushing defeat. For once the Army of the Potomac had won a
clean, honest, acknowledged victory."
General Pickett's division was nearly annihilated. One of his officers
recounted, that, as they were charging over the grassy plain, he threw
himself down before a murderous discharge of grape and canister, which
mowed the grass and men all around him, as though a scythe had been
swung just above his prostrate form.
During the terrific cannonade and subsequent charges, our ammunition and
other trains had been parked in rear of Round Top, which gave them
splendid shelter. Partly to possess this train, but mainly to secure
this commanding position, General Longstreet sent two strong divisions
of infantry, with heavy artillery, to turn our flank, and to drive us
from this ground. Kilpatrick, with his division, which had been
strengthened by Merritt's Regular brigade, was watching this point, and
waiting for an opportunity to strike the foe. It came at last. Emerging
from the woods in front of him came a strong battle-line followed by
others.
FALL OF GENERAL FARNSWORTH.
To the young Farnsworth was committed the task of meeting infantry with
cavalry in an open field. Placing the Fifth New York in support of
Elder's battery, which was exposed to a galling fire, but made reply
with characteristic rapidity, precision, and slaughter, Farnsworth
quickly ordered the First Virginia, First Vermont, and Eighteenth
Pennsylvania in line of battle, and galloped away and charged upon the
flank of the advancing columns. The attack was sharp, brief, and
successful, though attended with great slaughter. But the Rebels were
driven upon their main lines, and the flank movement was prevented. Thus
the cavalry added another dearly-earned laurel to its chaplet of
honor--_dearly earned_, because many of their bravest champions fell
upon that bloody field.
Kilpatrick, in his official report of this sanguinary contest, says: "In
this charge fell the brave Farnsworth. Short and brilliant was his
career. On the twenty-ninth of June a general; on the first of July he
baptized his star in blood; and on the third, for the honor of his young
brigade and the glory of his corps, he yielded up his noble life."
Thus ended the battle of Gettysburg--the bloody turning-point of the
Rebellion--the bloody baptism of the redeemed Republic. Nearly twenty
thousand men from the Union ranks had been killed and wounded, and a
larger number of the Rebels, making the enormous aggregate of at least
forty thousand, whose blood was shed to fertilize the Tree of Liberty.
In the evening twilight of that eventful day General Meade penned the
following interesting despatch to the Government:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Near Gettysburg, July 3, 8.30 P. M.
_To Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief_:
The enemy opened at one o'clock P. M., from about one hundred
and fifty guns. They concentrated upon my left centre,
continuing without intermission for about three hours, at the
expiration of which time he assaulted my left centre twice,
being, upon both occasions, handsomely repulsed with severe
loss to them, leaving in our hands nearly three thousand
prisoners. Among the prisoners are Major-General Armistead,
and many colonels and officers of lesser note. 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
reconnoissance was pushed forward from the left, and the
enemy found to be in force. At the present hour all is
quiet.
The New York 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 artillery. The army is
in fine spirits.
GEORGE G. MEADE, _Major-General Commanding_.
On the morning of the Fourth of July, General Meade issued an address to
the army:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Near Gettysburg, July 4.
The commanding general, in behalf of the country, thanks the
Army of the Potomac for the glorious result of the recent
operations. Our enemy, superior in numbers and flushed with
the pride of a successful invasion, attempted to overcome or
destroy this army. Utterly baffled and defeated, he has now
withdrawn from the contest.
The privations and fatigues the army has endured, and the
heroic courage and gallantry it has displayed, will be
matters of history to be ever remembered.
Our task is not yet accomplished, and the commanding general
looks to the army for greater efforts, to drive from our
soil every vestige of the presence of the invader.
It is right and proper that we should, on suitable
occasions, return our grateful thanks to the Almighty
Disposer of events, that, in the goodness of His providence,
He has thought fit to give victory to the cause of the just.
By command of MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE.
S. WILLIAMS, _A. A.-General_.
It is fitting we should close this chapter with President Lincoln's
brief yet comprehensive announcement to the country:
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 4, 1863, 10 A. M.
The President of the United States announces to the country,
that the news from the Army of the Potomac, up to ten
o'clock P. M. of the third, is such as to cover the army
with the highest honor--to promise great success to the
cause of the Union--and to claim the condolence of all for
the many gallant fallen; and that for this he especially
desires that on this day, "He whose will, not ours, should
ever be done," be everywhere remembered and reverenced with
the profoundest gratitude.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.