MAP ROOM (Gettysburg June 30th 1863 Night)
MAP ROOM (Gettysburg July 1st 1863 1300-1600)
MAP ROOM (Gettysburg July 1st 1863 1800)
MAP ROOM (Gettysburg July 2nd 1863 1530)
MAP ROOM (Gettysburg July 2nd 1863 2100)
MAP ROOM (Gettysburg July 3rd 1863 Morning)
MAP ROOM (Gettysburg July 3rd 1863 The Charge)
Gettysburg Supplement I (Gettysburg July 1st 1863)
Gettysburg Supplement II (Gettysburg July 2nd 1863)
Gettysburg Supplement III (Gettysburg July 3rd 1863)

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Jul 05 1863 (Sunday)

The last of Braxton Bragg's army crosses the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. Lieutenant W. B. Richmond, aid-de-camp to General Polk reports, "The whole of Polk's corps crossed at mouth of Battle Creek, and at 5 p.m. the last of the corps crossed the Tennessee River on the pontoon bridge 1 mile above the mouth of Battle Creek...by 5 a.m., the command was moving on the road for Chattanooga." Tired and worn out, Bragg, also plagued by boils, remarks: "I am utterly broken down. This is a great disaster."

HEADQUARTERS POLK'S CORPS, ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Shellmound Depot, July 5, 1863--9.30 a.m. - Brigadier-General MACKALL: - GENERAL: The whole of the wagon train has been pushed on to Chattanooga....Having no instructions as to the disposition of the bridges over Battle Creek and Tennessee River, and knowing that General Hardee might avail of them, and that the cavalry were behind us, I left them as I found them....The roads being very bad and teams jaded, I have ordered the guns and caisson-boxes of Withers' division to be unloaded and placed at depot for shipment by train. Will you order the train for their shipment...? Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, L. POLK, Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

Leaving the Union cavalry behind him at Columbia, Kentucky, John Morgan's raiders head for Lebanon. General Hartsuff reports, "Our cavalry is nearly a day behind Morgan, who arrived at Lebanon and commenced fighting at 3 o'clock this morning....It is impossible to tell what direction Morgan intends to take from Lebanon. Any way is open for him....The enemy once ahead, and his course not known, it is very difficult to move a sufficient force to obstruct him." At Lebanon, Colonel Hanson, commanding a regiment of Unionist Kentuckians, surrenders after a brief struggle. He reports, "I was attacked about 7 o'clock this morning by General Morgan....I held out until about 1 o'clock, when...the rebels commenced burning the town, and my men wearied..., and despairing of receiving re-enforcements, I deemed it wise to give up. 'Tis regarded as a good fight on my part."

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF OHIO, Cincinnati, July 5, 1863. - Colonel HANSON, Lebanon, Ky.: You need not under the circumstances give information as to the route the enemy took. You violated a positive order in accepting a parole on the spot. You should have gone with the enemy and have been sent to City Point. A positive order from the War Department declares such paroles void. You will report yourself without delay to General Boyle at Louisville under arrest. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-general.

Shortly after nightfall, A.P. Hill's Corps begins the retreat back to Virginia. General Imboden's cavalry is given the difficult task of escorting the ambulance trains which are attacked by Federal cavalry near Greencastle. Colonel Pierce reports, "I sent 200 select cavalry of First New York and Twelfth Pennsylvania...in the direction of Williamsport. He captured near Greencastle 100 wagons, 3 pieces of artillery, and 500 prisoners." Judson Kilpatrick's cavalry division is also on the prowl near Emmitsburg. He reports, "The enemy's cavalry and infantry made every effort to drive me back, but we passed on, reached the train, barricaded the road in our rear, and the entire train from the mountains to Ridgeville was in my possession. I have destroyed the wagons of Ewell's entire corps, and over 1,500 prisoners have been taken....The enemy is in sight, tired and worn out; he shall not have one moment's rest."

Col. J. B. WALTON, Chief of Artillery, First Army Corps. - COLONEL: I...reported to General Imboden, commanding the cavalry escort to the wagon train, at Cashtown, with seven Napoleons, one rifle, and one howitzer, 12-pounder....On reaching Cashtown, I placed my battalion in the column of wagons, distributing it in sections, at intervals of about a mile. A drenching rain, which continued during the afternoon and night, made the roads very heavy, and my men and horses suffered much from the forced march, having made the whole distance from Gettysburg to Williamsport without halting to feed, and only once to water. No special incident occurred on the march till I passed Greencastle, when the enemy's cavalry made a dash into the wagon train about 2 miles to the front of my forward section. Obtaining the support of a skeleton regiment of infantry that had been posted near Greencastle to protect our flanks, I immediately pressed forward Captain Norcom's section, but the enemy withdrew before I could get within range of him. I ordered the trains to be put in new trim again as quickly as possible, and the column closed up....I am, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant, B. F. ESHLEMAN, Major, Commanding


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Jul 06 1863 (Monday)

General James McPherson is ordered to "take immediate charge of the paroling of the capitulated Confederate States forces." He is to use "every printing press that can be had...for the printing of the necessary blanks." U.S. Grant reports, "The number of prisoners and pieces of artillery taken with Vicksburg is greater than was at first supposed. The number proves to be over 30,000 prisoners and over one hundred and seventy pieces of artillery." While Grant is busy at Vicksburg, "Cump" Sherman leads three of Grant's army corps towards Jackson. He orders, "The Thirteenth Army Corps, General Ord, will cross Black River at the railroad bridge, and move on Clinton....The Fifteenth Army Corps...will move on Clinton by the upper road, which passes about 3 miles north of Bolton Station. The Ninth Army Corps, General Parke, will move to Clinton by the Brownsville road, using the roads through and south of Brownsville, aiming to converge at Clinton."

BIG BLACK, July 6, 1863. - General GRANT: Troops all in position, but somewhat disordered by Vicksburg, Fourth of July, and the terrible heat and dust. My new bridges interrupted somewhat by a rise of 4 feet in Big Black River, making ford impassable, but I expect to cross this afternoon and move out almost to Edwards Station, to-morrow noon at Bolton, and next day Clinton, by which time I will know the purposes of the enemy, and act accordingly. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.

General Buford leads his cavalry towards Williamsport in hopes of preventing any of Lee's troops from crossing the Potomac River. He reports, "The whole division marched at 4 a.m....to destroy the enemy's trains, which were reported to be crossing the Potomac into Virginia....The enemy, however, attempted to turn our right with a brigade of infantry....While our hottest contest was in progress, General Kilpatrick's guns were heard in the direction of Hagerstown....Just before dark, Kilpatrick's troops gave way..., closely followed by the enemy....I ordered the command to fall back....The enemy was too strong for me." General Meade, still in Gettysburg, complains the he "cannot get very reliable intelligence of the enemy's movements." As a result, Meade reports, "I have delayed my flank movement until I am positively satisfied they are retreating to the Potomac." While Buford is fighting near Williamsport, Kilpatrick's troopers are battling Lunsford Lomax's cavalry for possession of Hagerstown. Kilpatrick's retreat open the road for General Lee's infantry columns.

Capt. W. K. MARTIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. - CAPTAIN: On approaching Hagerstown, [I] found the enemy in possession of the town, and engaged...his forces. The enemy...moved on the Williamsport pike; found two regiments of the enemy drawn up in line across the pike and in the field to the left, their artillery on the brow of a hill, raking the pike, their right being protected by a stone wall, with only one gap to enter their field. The regiment was moved parallel with the pike until within about 500 yards of the enemy's position, when it turned into the pike, under a heavy fire from the enemy's battery; moved slowly until within 200 yards of the enemy, when the command to charge was given. The column on the pike was completely broken and dispersed; a number of prisoners, horses, &c., captured. Finding two squadrons in the field still in line and moving toward the stone fence, which would afford them good protection from a charge and from our fire, the regiment was rallied, and moved back on the pike to the gap, formed in line, and charged the enemy in the field, with success....The gap in the stone fence was well contested by the enemy, but they could not stand the impetuous charge of the regiment....Respectfully submitted. L. L. LOMAX, Colonel, Commanding.

Abraham Lincoln, closely monitoring the developments in Lee's retreat from Gettysburg, sends a message to Henry Halleck. "Vicksburg surrendered to General Grant....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." Daily visits to the telegraph office allow Lincoln to keep track of the movements of the Army of the Potomac and he is not pleased. With the recent spate of heavy rains rendering the Potomac River unfordable, Lincoln desperately wants Meade to prevent Lee's army from escaping back into Virginia.

SOLDIERS' HOME, [Washington,] July 6, 1863--7 p.m. - Major-General HALLECK: I left the telegraph office a good deal dissatisfied....I see a dispatch from General French, saying the enemy is crossing his wounded over the river in fiats, without saying why he does not stop it, or even intimating a thought that it ought to be stopped....Another dispatch from General Pleasonton...[states] that the main army is halted because it is believed the rebels are concentrating "on the road toward Hagerstown, beyond Fairfield," and is not to move until it is ascertained that the rebels intend to evacuate Cumberland Valley. These things all appear to me to be connected with a purpose to cover Baltimore and Washington, and to get the enemy across the river again without a further collision, and they do not appear connected with a purpose to prevent his crossing and to destroy him. I do fear the former purpose is acted upon and the latter is rejected. If you are satisfied the latter purpose is entertained and is judiciously pursued, I am content. If you are not so satisfied, please look to it. Yours, truly, A. LINCOLN.


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Jul 07 1863 (Tuesday)

After losing more than twenty percent of his force in the ill advised attack on Helena, Theophilus Holmes retreats back into central Arkansas leaving his sick and wounded behind. Much to the surprise of W.M. McPheeters, the surgeon-in-charge, the treatment his patients receive at the hands of their captors is quite good. McPheeters reports, "General Ross, whose brigade is stationed nearby..., came up....We had nothing to complain of in their treatment. Indeed, General Ross stated that, if we desired it, our wounded here might be sent into Helena, where they could have ice and other comforts."

HOSPITAL AT MR. ALLEN POLK'S, July 7, 1863. - Maj. Gen. STERLING PRICE. - GENERAL: This morning the medical director...came out to take possession of our wounded....They brought out such medical and hospital stores as they supposed we needed--sugar, tea, coffee, potatoes, bandages. &c., and were, I must say, very polite and kind, indeed. I declined sending the wounded in, preferring to keep them here, where we will be able to make them comfortable; whereupon the medical director promised to send us out ice and such other articles as we stand in need of....All the surgeons who were left in Helena, and have since returned, speak in high terms of their attention to our wounded....Up to this time three deaths only have occurred....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. M. McPHEETERS.

In the aftermath of the Gettysburg battle, General Meade begins to put his imprint on the Army of the Potomac. First, he makes sure that General Stoneman does not return to the cavalry corps. Second, Dan Butterfield is replaced by General A.A. Humphreys as his chief-of-staff. Third, John Newton is named the new commander of I Corps. This move causes Abner Doubleday, the senior division commander, to request a reassignment. Doubleday, whose nickname is "48 Hours," has a reputation for slow movement which Meade wishes to avoid. Finally, Meade is rewarded for his battlefield victory with a promotion to brigadier-general in the Regular Army. U.S. Grant also receives a promotion, his to major-general in the Regular Army, while William Rosecrans' recent successes in Middle Tennessee are largely ignored. Secretary of War Stanton writes, "Lee's army overthrown; Grant victorious. You and your noble army now have the chance to give the finishing blow to the rebellion. Will you neglect the chance?"

TULLAHOMA, July 7, 1863. - Hon. E. M. STANTON: You do not appear to observe the fact that this noble army has driven the rebels from Middle Tennessee....I beg in behalf of this army that the War Department may not overlook so great an event because it is not written in letters of blood. I have now to repeat, that the rebel army has been forced from its strong intrenched positions at Shelbyville and Tullahoma, and driven over the Cumberland Mountains....No organized rebel force within 25 miles of there, nor on this side of the Cumberland Mountains. W. S. ROSECRANS.

After his victory yesterday at Lebanon, John Hunt Morgan detaches two fast riding columns to Louisville and Harrodsburg to throw his pursuers off his trail. In Louisville, General Boyle reports, "Morgan captured the train this side of Lebanon Junction. He robbed all the passengers, including 25 Jews." Riding with the main column, Morgan heads towards Brandenburg and the Ohio River.

HEADQUARTERS, Louisville, July 7, 1863--3.40 p.m. - Major-General BURNSIDE: Operator at Lebanon Junction telegraphs me as follows: "The repair man on the railroad told me that Morgan was encamped 2 ½ miles from Long Lick last night, and up to about 9 o'clock this morning. Small gangs were scouting the country and stealing horses. Morgan had a force of between 3,000 and 4,000 cavalry and three brass pieces of artillery. A late arrival says that some of Morgan's men were seen this p.m. at Rolling Fork, about 2 ½ miles south, at Lacefield Still-house, drinking whisky and stealing horses. Our informant thinks there is about 80 of them. OPERATOR." I believe Morgan will go out by Elizabethtown, but will destroy all bridges first....My operator detected Morgan's operator. He is still on line, taking off communications. J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier-General.

One day after reporting to Henry Halleck that "the siege has been progressing rather slowly," Nathaniel Banks learns that Vicksburg has surrendered. He immediately sends details of the surrender to General Frank Gardner in surrounded Port Hudson. Realizing that further resistance is futile, Gardner prepares to surrender. In the campaign, his men have inflicted 4,363 casualties against Banks' army, while suffering only 623 to his own command. Gardner reports, "Having received information...that Vicksburg has been surrendered, I make this communication to ask you to give me the official assurance whether this is true or not; and, if true, I ask for a cessation of hostilities, with a view to consider terms for surrendering this position."

ON THE FIELD, July 7, 1863. - Maj. T. F. WILLSON, Assistant Adjutant-General: The enemy still works with the spade in close proximity to my rifle-pits, but it is impossible to fathom his designs. His tower grows and his ditch lengthens, one day in one direction, another day in another. This morning all his land batteries fired a salute, and followed it immediately with shotted guns, accompanied by vociferous yelling. Later in the day the fleet fired a salute also. What is meant we do not know. Some of them hallooed over, saying that Vicksburg had fallen....My own impression is that some fictitious good news has been given to his troops in order to raise their spirits; perhaps with a view of stimulating them to a charge in the morning. We will be prepared for them should they do so. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. MILES, Colonel, &c.


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Jul 08 1863 (Wednesday)

Nathaniel Banks informs Admiral Farragut of Port Hudson's impending surrender and asks that all the gunboats be sent down the river to deal with General Taylor's pesky army. Banks reports, "To intercept the rebel force now infesting the river and the La Fourche country, it is necessary that the gunboats should move at once to Berwick Bay....Our troops move at 5 o'clock for Donaldsonville, and we shall press them with all vigor....If we cut off this army, no other troops can be raised south of Red River."

Articles of capitulation proposed between the commissioners on the part of the garrison of Port Hudson, La., and the forces of the United States before said place, July 8, 1863. ARTICLE I. Maj. Gen. F. Gardner surrenders to the United States forces under Major-General Banks the place of Port Hudson and its dependencies...in the condition...in which they were at the hour of cessation of hostilities....ART. II. The surrender...is qualified by no condition, save that the officers and enlisted men composing the garrison shall receive the treatment due to prisoners of war....ART. III. All private property of officers and enlisted men shall be respected and left to their respective owners. ART. IV. The position of Port Hudson shall be occupied to-morrow at 7 a.m. by the forces of the United States....The Confederate troops will be drawn up in line, officers in their positions, the right of the line resting on the edge of the prairie south of the railroad depot, the left extending in the direction of the village of Port Hudson. The arms and colors will be piled conveniently, and will be received by the officers of the United States. ART. V. The sick and wounded of the garrison will be cared for by the authorities of the United States. CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, W. R. MILES, Colonel, Comdg. Right Wing of the Army, Port Hudson, La, WM. DWIGHT, Brigadier-General, I. G. W. STEEDMAN, Colonel, Commanding Left Wing, HENRY W. BIRGE, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade, Grover's Division, MARSHALL J. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Chief of Heavy Artillery. Approved: FRANK. GARDNER, Major-general. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.

Rather than follow Lee's army through the Fairfield Gap in South Mountain, General Meade sends the Army of the Potomac on a track further south, near the old South Mountain battlefield. However, a lack of supplies is hindering the march. O.O. Howard reports, "I have not yet gotten shoes and stockings. About one-half of my command are now destitute, or have shoes too poor to march....The moment I get supplied with provisions...I will push forward as ordered." General Halleck continues to push and prod Meade to move faster. "The opportunity to attack his divided forces should not be lost. The President is urgent and anxious that your army should move against him by forced marches." As usual, General Buford's cavalry is active in the advance of Meade's army and is able to secure Boonsborough. Buford reports, "I have had a very rough day of it...The enemy advanced upon me in a pretty strong force...They pressed me severely, and came near the town [Boonesborough]. Toward night, I turned the tables upon them, and drove them across the Antietam, toward Hagerstown and Williamsport....I have drawn in close to this place, to sleep....There are no rebs this side of Antietam; none on the old battle-ground, and none at Sharpsburg. Plenty of them, however, call be found between Greencastle and Williamsport and between Hagerstown and Williamsport. Hurrah for Vicksburg."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 8, 1863--2 p.m. (Received 2.55 p.m.) - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief : - So long as the river is unfordable, the enemy cannot cross....From all I can gather, the enemy extends from Hagerstown to Williamsport, covering the march of their train....We hold Boonsborough, and our pickets...are in contact with the enemy's pickets. My army is assembling slowly....The very first moment I can get the different commands, the artillery and cavalry, properly supplied and in hand, I will move forward. Be assured I most earnestly desire to try the fortunes of war with the enemy on this side of the river..., but I should do wrong not to frankly tell you of the difficulties encountered. I expect to find the enemy in a strong position, well covered with artillery, and I do not desire to imitate his example at Gettysburg, and assault a position where the chances were so greatly against success. I wish in advance to moderate the expectations of those who, in ignorance of the difficulties to be encountered, may expect too much. All that I can do under the circumstances I pledge this army to do. GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General.

From Hagerstown, Robert E. Lee reports the condition of his army to Jefferson Davis. "I determined to withdraw to the west side of the mountains....One of my reasons...was to protect our trains with the sick and the wounded, which had been sent back to Williamsport." With the bulk of the Army of Northern Virginia formed in a protective arc around the fords in the Potomac River, General Imboden supervises the crossing of the sick and wounded. He reports, "I am instructed to send two regiments...to the south side of the river at this place [Wiliamsport] for the defense of the crossing....Move the artillery...across the river and put it in position this evening. You will swim the horses across and take the guns and caissons over in the ferry-boat."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Near Hagerstown, Md., July 8, 1863. - His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President, &c. - Mr. PRESIDENT: Upon crossing the Potomac into Maryland, I had calculated upon the river remaining fordable during the summer..., but a series of storms...has placed the river beyond fording stage, and the present storm will keep it so for at least a week. I shall, therefore, have to accept battle if the enemy offers it, whether I wish to or not....I earnestly recommend that all that can be spared be concentrated on the Upper Rappahannock, under General Beauregard, with directions to cross that river and make a demonstration upon Washington....I hope Your Excellency will understand that I am not in the least discouraged, or that my faith in...the fortitude of this army, is at all shaken. But, though conscious that the enemy has been much shattered in the recent battle, I am aware that he can be easily re-enforced, while no addition can be made to our numbers. The measure, therefore, that I have recommended is altogether one of a prudential nature. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.



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Jul 09 1863 (Thursday)


President Davis asks Joe Johnston for details regarding the loss of Vicksburg. "Your dispatch...announcing the disastrous termination of the siege of Vicksburg, received...Painfully anxious as to the result, I have remained without information from you as to any plans proposed or attempted to raise the siege....I have to request such information in relation thereto as the Government has a right to expect from one of its commanding generals in the field." From his position near Jackson, Mississippi, Johnston reports, "The enemy is advancing in two columns...; now about four miles distant. I shall endeavor to hold the place, as the possession of Mississippi depends on it. His [Sherman's] force is about double mine." Johnston also issues a proclamation to his troops. "Fellow Soldiers: An insolent foe, flushed with hope by his recent successes at Vicksburg, confronts you, threatening the people, whose homes and liberties you are here to protect, with plunder and conquest. Their guns may even now be heard at intervals as they advance. This enemy it is at once the mission and duty of you brave men to chastise and expel from the soil of Mississippi....The country expects...that every man will do his duty."

JACKSON, MISS. July 9, 1863. - His Excellency the PRESIDENT: I have never meant to fail in the duty of reporting to the Executive whatever might interest it in my command. I informed the Secretary of War that my force was much too weak to attempt to raise the siege of Vicksburg, and that to attempt to relieve Port Hudson would be to give up Mississippi, as it would involve the loss of this point, and that the want of adequate means of transportation kept me inactive until the end of June. I then moved toward Vicksburg to attempt to extricate the garrison, but could not devise a plan until after reconnoitering, for which I was too late. Without General Pemberton's co-operation, any attempt must have resulted in disaster. The slowness and difficulty of communication rendered co operation next to impossible. J. E. JOHNSTON.

With his army camped near Hagerstown, waiting for the Potomac River to fall low enough to effect a safe crossing, General Lee writes to George Pickett. "You must...collect all your stragglers, convalescents, &c., and use every exertion to resuscitate the command." In the aftermath of his fateful charge at Gettysburg, Pickett has only 800 men remaining in his division and his relations with General Lee are strained. Pickett is adamant that the charge would have been successful if his men had been adequately supported.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, July 9, 1863. - Maj. Gen. GEORGE E. PICKETT, Commanding, &c.: - GENERAL: It was with reluctance that I imposed upon your gallant division the duty of conveying prisoners....I regretted to assign them to such service, as well as to separate them from the army...Though small in numbers, their worth is not diminished...I therefore felt gratified to be able to assign to the charge of the prisoners...[to] General Imboden's command....I regret that it has occasioned you and your officers any disappointment....I need not tell you how essential it is not to diminish this army by a single man, if possible. I still have the greatest confidence in your division, and feel assured that with you at its head, it will be able to accomplish any service upon which it may be placed....No one grieves more than I do at the loss suffered by your noble division in the recent conflict, or honors it more for its bravery and gallantry. It will afford me heartfelt satisfaction, when an opportunity occurs, to do all in my power to recruit its diminished ranks, and to reorganize it in the most efficient manner. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

After three weeks of careful planning, General Quincy Gillmore is ready to launch his attack on Morris Island. Once secure in Federal hands, Morris Island will allow Gillmore to establish batteries less than 1,500 yards from Fort Sumter. Gillmore reports, "The following is a brief synopsis of the plan of attack agreed upon....To make a descent upon and obtain possession of the south end of Morris Island, known to be occupied by the enemy, and in progress of being strongly fortified....To lay siege to and reduce Fort Wagner, a heavily armed earthwork..., situated near the north end of Morris Island....From the position thus secured, to demolish Fort Sumter, and afterward co-operate with the fleet by a heavy artillery fire when it was ready to move in....The monitors and iron-clads to enter, remove the channel obstructions, run by the batteries on James and Sullivan's Islands, and reach the city....It was necessary that the attack on Morris Island should be a surprise in order to insure success. Secrecy was, therefore, an essential element in the preparations. Most of the work on the batteries and all the transportation to them was accomplished at night and in silence. Moreover, all signs of work had to be carefully concealed by day." Despite Gillmore's best efforts, the increased Federal activity near Folly Island draws Confederate attention. Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Yates reports, "Heavy works unmasked on Little Folly last night; enemy strongly re-enforced on Big Folly, also Little Folly. Four monitors outside the bar. I think an attack on this island imminent." In addition, P.G.T. Beauregard asks General Whiting for reinforcements. "Enemy's seven monitors are off harbor and Stono. Gillmore will attack Sumter along Folly and Morris Islands probably. Can you send me one or more regiments?"

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C. July 9, 1863. - CONFIDENTIAL INSTRUCTIONS. I. The attack on Morris Island, ordered for this morning but postponed in consequence of the inclemency of the weather and other unfavorable circumstances, will take place to-morrow morning at break of day by opening our batteries at the north end of Folly Island. General Strong's brigade, or so much of it as the small beats can accommodate, will embark to-night, and hold itself in Folly Island Creek....II. Lieut. Commander Francis W. Bunce, U.S. Navy, with four navy howitzer launches, will approach Light-House Inlet at daybreak..., and engage the enemy's rifle-pits and batteries on Morns Island in flank and reverse, choosing his own position. He will cover General Strong's landing. III. Two regiments of infantry, a battery of light artillery, and five Requa rifle batteries will be held in readiness to re-enforce General Strong promptly. Brigadier-General Seymour will arrange and order all details, By order of Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General.

After crossing the Ohio River at Mauckport, Indiana, in violation of his orders to remain south of the river, John Morgan runs into, and captures, almost all of the 400 Home Guards called out to protect Corydon, Indiana. General Boyle reports, "The citizens of Corydon resisted Morgan, and several were killed in the fight. Morgan has declared his intention was not to come to New Albany, but I do not believe him....The people of Indiana believe he will attack New Albany in the morning or to-night. I will offer best resistance I can." As General Burnside attempts to coordinate the Federal columns converging on the raider's trail, Morgan's men continue at their work of destroying bridges, railroads, and government stores.

LOUISVILLE, July 9, 1863. - Major-General HARTSUFF: Morgan has crossed into Indiana with his force, and is near Corydon. His object must be to come in behind New Albany and Jeffersonville....I need two or more regiments from Munfordville, and beg they be sent here by rail. A gentleman who was induced to go with Morgan to within 8 miles of Brandenburg, stated their purpose as a feint, and that Pegram and Buckner were to come in after them and attend to Louisville. Munfordville will be left sufficiently strong to hold out against 5,000 to 8,000 men. I beg that the forces be sent. If you [do not] think it proper to withdraw them at all, are there not other forces which can be sent here, if those cannot? J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier-General.

The schedule for the official drawing of names for the draft is being distributed to towns and cities throughout the North and each congressional district is given the number of men it must supply. "A draft has been ordered in the following States and districts...: [State] New Hampshire [District] First [No. of men] 1,968. [State] Massachusetts Tenth 2,263. [State] Connecticut Second 1,939. [State] New York Twenty-first 2,087. Twenty-eighth 2,165. Twenty-ninth 1,867. [State] Pennsylvania Seventh 1,892. Ninth 2,082. Twenty-first 1,915." In addition, final instructions are sent to each provost marshal delineating the proper procedure for the conduct of the draft.

CIRCULAR No. 41. - WAR DEPT., PROV. MAR. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, D.C., July 9, 1863. INSTRUCTIONS RELATIVE TO MAKING THE DRAFT I. Provost-marshals will cause the name of each person of the first class enrolled to be written on a card as soon as the enrollment lists are completed. These cards must be uniform in size, shape, and color. II. The cards are then to be assorted by sub-districts..., and placed in all envelope marked with the number of the sub-district, and the number of cards contained in it....III. All the envelopes will be put into one and sealed up and put away until the day of the draft. IV. On the day of the draft the Board of Enrollment will open the envelope in presence of any who choose to attend, and take the envelope containing the cards of the first sub-district. These cards will be counted as they are placed in the box, and must agree with the number on the envelope. The box should be about one foot wide, one foot deep, and one and a half long, with a lid securely fastened on, and a hole in the lid large enough to admit a man's hand. V. This being done, the commissioner will announce that the draft...will commence. VI. The provost-marshal...will then be blindfolded, and draw from the box a single card, which he will hand to the commissioner, who will read aloud the name on it. The clerk will immediately enter this name on a list previously prepared....The draft will continue until the required number of names are drawn, when the cards remaining in the box will be taken out and counted, so as to verify the whole number originally put in. VII. Great care must be taken to enter names on the roll exactly in the order in which they are drawn. VIII. The remaining sub-districts will be proceeded with in like manner. IX. As soon as practicable, persons drafted will be notified. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal-General.


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Jul 10 1863 (Friday)


After receiving information that a "heavy column" of the enemy is advancing upon Hagerstown, R.E. Lee orders his army to pull back closer to the Potomac River. He reports to President Davis, "It would appear to be the intention of the enemy to deliver battle, and we have no alternative but to accept if it offered." Lee also warns Jeb Stuart, "We must prepare for a vigorous battle....Get your men in hand, and have everything ready." General Meade reports on his progress to Henry Halleck. "The enemy occupy positions extending from the Potomac, near Falling Waters..., to northeast of Hagerstown....They are said to be intrenching. I am advancing on a line perpendicular to the line from Hagerstown to Williamsport....I shall advance...until I can develop more fully the enemy's force and position." As Meade finally begins to show an offensive attitude, Henry Halleck, in sharp contrast to his earlier entreaties, counsels patience.

WASHINGTON, D. C., July 10, 1863--9 p.m. - Major-General MEADE, Army of the Potomac: I think it will be best for you to postpone a general battle till you can concentrate all your forces and get up your reserves and re-enforcements. I will push on the troops as fast as they arrive....They should join you by forced marches. Beware of partial combats. Bring up and hurl upon the enemy all your forces, good and bad. H. W. HALLECK.

Quincy Gillmore's plan for capturing Morris Island goes like clockwork as he catches the Rebel garrison completely by surprise. He reports, "Our batteries opened shortly after daylight, and were served rapidly for...two hours, when I sent an order to General Strong...to land and make the assault."

MORRIS ISLAND, S.C., July 10, 1863. - Brig. Gen. TRUMAN SEYMOUR, Comdg. U. S. Forces on Morris and Folly Islands, S. 0. - GENERAL: I embarked during the night, in row-boats, at a point near the southwestern extremity of Folly Island, all the infantry of my brigade....Convoyed by four howitzer boats..., we proceeded...up Folly River and Folly Island Creek, and thence to a point in Light House Inlet....This point of the inlet was reached just before daybreak, and here we awaited the result of the bombardment of Morris Island, commenced at 5 a.m. by our batteries....The flotilla accordingly dropped down the inlet to a point more exposed to the fire of the Morris Island batteries, where we were vigorously assailed by them, with, however, the loss of but a single launch. At about 7 a.m., I received from General Gillmore the signal to land and assault the enemy's works....I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. C. STRONG, Brigadier-General, Commanding Forces on Morris Island.

After crossing Light House Inlet under cover of the artillery bombardment, General George Strong's brigade lands on Morris Island, meeting only light resistance. By noon, Strong's men have captured three-fourths of the island, but are held in check by the Rebel guns in Battery Wagner. From Fort Sumter, General Ripley reports, "Our troops have been driven back to Battery Wagner....I do not think it well to send more troops to Morris Island immediately, as there are enough to crowd the works we hold." General Strong reports, "The head of the column was halted within musket-range of Fort Wagner, situated near the northern extremity of the island, to which the enemy had retreated, and which was not to-day assaulted on account of the excessive heat of the weather, and consequent fatigue of our troops."

HEADQUARTERS FORT JOHNSON. - Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. - CAPTAIN: The engagement began by the batteries on Little Folly Island opening with a terrific fire before sunrise on the works at the south end of Morris Island, and soon after by the ironclads from the sea on the left, and several barges with howitzers in Light-House Creek, on the right. The fire was gallantly replied to by the artillerists....The infantry force was immediately formed and put in position to resist a landing....About one hour and a half after the engagement commenced, the enemy landed, under cover of their fire..., and a destructive fire was directed against them by our batteries. They were promptly met by the infantry force under Major McIver, and held in check until a like force was landed in front of the batteries, under cover of the bank of the creek, the tide being low. At this time a portion of Nelson's battalion came up. I hurried them to the support of the batteries. They did not get in position, however, for the front line of our works was in the possession of the enemy....I then ordered the whole force to retire, which they did in order, firing as they retreated. When about half way back to Battery Wagner, the rest of Nelson's battalion came up. I had them formed in line of battle to cover the retreat. The iron monitors followed us along the channel, pouring into us a fire of shell and grape. When the exhausted and wounded had got sufficiently to the rear, I then ordered the whole to retire to Battery Wagner....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. F. GRAHAM, Colonel Twenty-first South Carolina Volunteers, Comdg.

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]
Jul 11 1863 (Saturday)

"Cump" Sherman advances on Jackson, Mississippi. He reports, "My forces arrived...yesterday....I have examined the position, and am satisfied Johnston's whole army is in Jackson." Joe Johnston's directions from President Davis are clear. "Every effort should be made to strengthen the line of defense, and compel the enemy to assault...The importance of your position is apparent and you will not fail to employ all available means to insure success." U.S. Grant's efforts to follow up his success at Vicksburg, by a quick strike against Johnston's army, are threatened when Nathaniel Banks asks for 10,000 to 12,000 of his men "to follow...the enemy and to move into Texas." Grant asks Henry Halleck: "Shall I send them? All my spare troops are now with General Sherman, following Joe Johnston."

Washington, D. C., July 11, 1863. - Major-General GRANT, Vicksburg:- GENERAL: I...hope you will send north the Ninth Corps as early as possible, for...I must add that corps to Rosecrans' command....Your idea of immediately driving Johnston out of Mississippi is a good one, but it will not be safe to pursue him into Alabama, nor will it be best at present to hold the line of the Tombigbee, even after he has been driven east of that river. The Mississippi should be the base of future operations east and west....Vicksburg, should be...held by the smallest possible garrisons, thus leaving the mass of the troops for operations in the field. I suggest that colored troops be used as far as possible in the garrisons....If Johnston should unite with Bragg, we may be obliged to send Rosecrans more troops than the Ninth Corps. Some re-enforcements will soon go to Banks from the North, but he will probably require troops from you, even after the fall of Port Hudson, to drive Magruder and Taylor from Louisiana....If driven from Northern Arkansas and Southern Louisiana, the enemy would probably operate on the Tensas, Washita, and Red Rivers; but, with the gunboats and forces you could send against him, I do not believe he could accomplish anything of importance....In other words, wherever the enemy concentrates we must concentrate to oppose him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK.

General Meade learns that Lee's army has left Hagerstown and he sends orders to advance cautiously. Meade reports, "The cavalry...advanced without opposition to within a short distance...of Hagerstown....Everything indicates that the enemy is massing between Hagerstown and Williamsport, and from various sources it is stated they are intrenching." As Henry Halleck pushes reinforcements to Meade's wounded army, the 9-months' regiments still with the army are sent to the rear. Meade explains, "Troops of this character can be of little service unless they are pledged to serve beyond their terms of enlistment; and the supplies they consume and the space they occupy on the lines of communication can be illy spared; besides, their presence may have an injurious effect upon other troops."

BALTIMORE, MD., July 11, 1863-3 p.m. (Received 4.05 p.m.) - Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I am astounded. Here is a fine regiment, Thirteenth Vermont, 663 strong, just arrived from Middletown, from the very presence of the enemy, on their way home because their nine-months' term expired on the 9th. Can nothing be done to stop this? This regiment is of General Newton's corps. I suppose I must give them transportation, but I cannot help denouncing them. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.

After spending the night under the guns of Battery Wagner, General Strong gets orders for another dawn assault. Captain Sylvester Gray of the Seventh Connecticut reports, "About 2.30 a.m. General Strong came and...and said, "Turn out, we have a job on hand." A cold shudder came over me, for well I knew what it was. They seemed to think that no one but our battalion could be trusted....The programme was to try to take Fort Wagner by assault." Although Strong's men reach the battery's parapet, the concentrated fire from the battery forces them to retreat in disorder. General Strong reports, "Lieutenant-Colonel Rodman...led a portion of his command, under a very heavy fire of artillery and musketry, to the top of the parapet, where two of the enemy's gunners were bayoneted by his men. But, unfortunately, when the enemy opened simultaneously along his whole line..., the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania halted and lay down upon the ground. Though they remained in this position but a few moments..., the interval was lost and the Seventh, unsupported, were driven from the parapet. The whole column...which had reached the ditch on the left, gave way and retreated from the field."

CAMP RODMAN, Morris Island, S.C. - Col. J. R. HAWLEY. - COLONEL: General Strong gave the order, "Aim low, and put your trust in God. Forward, the Seventh!" And forward we went, not over 500 yards from the fort when we started....Before we reached the outer work, we got a murderous fire from the riflemen behind the works. A few fell; a check in the line; an encouraging word from the officers; and right gallantly we reached the outer work. Over it with a will we went, down the opposite side, and across the moat, right up to the crest of the parapet, and there we lay, anxiously waiting for our support to come up so far as to make it a sure thing for us to rise up and go over with a bound....We lay so near the top that one had but to put his head up and gun across the top of the parapet, to kill his man.....Private Lyon, Company K, jumped upon the parapet, thrust his bayonet into the head of the chief of a gun that was about to be fired....Corporal James, of Company I, thrust his bayonet into the head of one of the gunners, and broke it off in endeavoring to pull it out; and quite a number were made to bite the dust while we occupied this position. One man on my right, William De Witt, Company A--I said to him, "Rise and shoot that gunner." He rose up, deliberately took good aim, and fired. A ball, at the same instant, hit him in the forehead, and he fell on the spot, with his gun across the parapet. As nearly as I can ascertain, we were in this position from ten to fifteen minutes when both of the regiments that were to support us broke and fled, leaving us to take care of ourselves as best we might....The question was, whether we should surrender as prisoners, attempt to carry the works and be entirely annihilated, or take the back track and run the gauntlet for our lives. Upon consulting the colonel, he reluctantly gave the order to "retreat." They had a perfect enfilading fire of small-arms for a thousand yards, besides three pieces giving us grape and canister. They fell on all sides of me, and I alone of the four captains was spared....SYLVESTER H. GRAY, Captain Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Detachment.

Casualties during Morris Island assault: Union 339 Confederate 12.

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