In the execution of this plan, Longstreet was ordered to take position
across the Emmitsburg Road and to attack what was thought to be the left
flank of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. From his encampment on the
Chambersburg Road, 3 miles west of Gettysburg, he started toward his
objective, using Herr Ridge to conceal the movement from Union signalmen
on Little Round Top. After marching to Black Horse Tavern on the
Fairfield Road, he realized that his troops were in sight of the signal
unit and at once began retracing his course. Employing the trees on
Seminary Ridge as a screen, he marched southward again in Willoughby Run
Valley, arriving in position on the Emmitsburg Road about 3:30 p. m.
Immediately in front, and only 700 yards away, Longstreet saw Sickles’
batteries lined up in the Peach Orchard and on the Emmitsburg Road. Col.
E. P. Alexander, commanding a battalion of Longstreet’s artillery,
opened with full force against the Union guns. Longstreet could observe
in the distance that Little Round Top was unoccupied. Law’s Alabama
troops were directed at once to take the hill, and Robertson’s Texans
were instructed to join in the charge.