This Week in the Civil War June 28,1863

June 28th thru July 4th 1863 UNION & CONFEDERATE EDITION LXXXIII

Grant and Pemberton at Vicksburg

1863 Calendar
POLL: Who is to Blame for Gettysburg?
HEADLINES ** HEADLINES ** HEADLINES

From the editor: It is a week like no other for Abraham Lincoln. U.S. Grant, for the second time, presides over the capitulation of a Confederate army. Possession of the Rebel fortress leaves only the small garrison at Port Hudson against total Federal control of the Mississippi River. It is a stunning achievement for Grant who, just two months ago, had seen only failure along the banks of the mighty river. During the early part of Robert E. Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, Lincoln had been distracted by the events in Mississippi. However, relieving Joe Hooker of command in the midst of the campaign; and absorbing the terrible risk of disrupting the Army of the Potomac yet again, signaled Lincoln's reemergence in the Eastern campaign. Meade's victory at Gettysburg redeems Lincoln's decision. Unlike Meade, Lincoln sees the victory as a magnificent opportunity to destroy Lee's army and it is with dismay that "Old Abe" reads Meade's victory address as evidence "that the old idea of driving the Rebels out of Pennsylvania and Maryland, instead of capturing them" is still prevalent among the officers of the Army of the Potomac. As long as this remains the case, the war, despite great victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg, will continue.

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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Jun 28 1863 (Sunday)

General Richard Taylor keeps applying pressure to Nathaniel Banks' supply lines in hopes of forcing him to abandon the siege on Port Hudson. He sends Thomas Green's eight hundred cavalrymen against Donaldsonville, a Federal communications center twenty-five miles below Baton Rouge on the Mississippi River. Major Porter reports, "General Green...sent a message, under a flag of truce, to Major Bullen...commandant of the post, requesting permission to notify the women and children within 3 miles of the fort....Major Bullen replied that he would have the women and children removed....At 1.30 o'clock on the morning...the enemy, about 5,000 strong...attacked." The Rebel assault enjoys initial success and Green's men storm Fort Butler. Green reports, "Major Shannon...was to perform a circuit around the fort..., and advance down the levee to the stockade...Colonel Hardeman...was to move up the Bayou road along the levee of the La Fourche...to assault the fort at the water's edge....Waiting a short time for Major Shannon..., I moved the column which was to envelop the ditch....Hearing the small-arms of Major Shannon..., I ordered an advance of the whole line." Green's men, after entering the fort, are pinned down in a large ditch and, after bitter fighting, are forced to withdraw.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE, Camp on La Fourche, near Paincourtville. - Maj. Louis BUSH, Assistant Adjutant-General, Thibodeaux. - MAJOR: The attack on the fort was made at 2 a.m., being before daylight, for the purpose of preventing the gunboats from seeing our advance. The columns of attack of [Major] Shannon above and Hardeman below were expected to move along under the levee, sheltered from the artillery and musketry of the fort, until they reached the stockade....Shannon succeeded in making the entrance with little or no loss, and he and Colonel Phillips (entering on the same side) would doubtless have succeeded in capturing the works had it not been for the existence of a ditch fronting and inside the levee, of which I had no knowledge or information. All my guides assured me that when we got through the stockade..., we had an open way into the fort....We were not repulsed and never would have been until we found, after getting into the stockade, there was yet a ditch to cross, running in front of and parallel with the river, and no means whatever on hand to cross it. At this ditch a most desperate fight ensued....Our men here used brick bats upon the heads of the enemy, who returned the same....Had we known of the existence of this ditch, we would have been prepared to have crossed it....Respectfully submitted. THOMAS GREEN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General George Meade takes official command of the Army of the Potomac. As a result of Joe Hooker's policy of limiting the information available to his corps commanders, Meade has little knowledge of the location of his army. Meade reports "In ignorance of the exact condition of the troops and position of the enemy, I can only now say that it appears to me I must move toward the Susquehanna, keeping Washington and Baltimore well covered, and if the enemy is checked in his attempt to cross the Susquehanna, or if he turns toward Baltimore, to give him battle." Henry Halleck gives Meade the freedom to maneuver the Army of the Potomac as he sees fit, provided that Washington remains protected. He even gives Meade control over the Harper's Ferry garrison, a luxury which was denied to Hooker. "The garrison at Harper's Ferry is under your orders. You can diminish or increase it as you think the circumstances justify."

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D.C. - Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Army of the Potomac: - GENERAL: You will receive with this the order of the President placing you in command of the Army of the Potomac. Considering the circumstances, no one ever received a more important command....You will not be hampered by any minute instructions from these headquarters. Your army is free to act as you may deem proper under the circumstances as they arise. You will, however, keep in view the important fact that the Army of the Potomac is the covering army of Washington as well as the army of operation against the invading forces of the rebels....Should General Lee move upon either of these places, it is expected that you will either anticipate him or arrive with him so as to give him battle. All forces within the sphere of your operations will be held subject to your orders....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.

Henry T. Harrison, a spy hired by General Longstreet, arrives at Chambersburg and makes his way to Longstreet's headquarters. Operating under instructions to "bring information of importance," Harrison has spent the last few weeks in Washington. On his return trip, Harrison passes close enough to the Federal camps to realize that the bulk of the Northern army has crossed the Potomac River. Longstreet reports, "One of my scouts came in with information that the enemy had passed the Potomac, and was probably in pursuit of us. The scout was sent to general headquarters, with the suggestion that our army concentrate east of the mountains, and bear down to meet the enemy." Lee interrogates Harrison and quickly decides to concentrate his army. Lee reports, "Preparations were...made to advance upon Harrisburg; but..., information was received from a scout that the Federal Army...was advancing northward, and that the head of the column had reached the South Mountain. As our communications with the Potomac were thus menaced, it was resolved to prevent his farther progress in that direction by concentrating our army on the east side of the mountains."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Chambersburg, June 28, 1863. - Lieut. Gen. R. S. EWELL, Commanding Corps: GENERAL: General Hooker was reported to have crossed the Potomac, and is advancing by way of Middletown....I desire you to move in the direction of Gettysburg, via Heidlersburg, where you will have turnpike most of the way, and you can thus join your other divisions to Early's, which is east of the mountains. I think it preferable to keep on the east side of the mountains. When you come to Heidlersburg, you can either move directly on Gettysburg or turn down to Cashtown. Your trains and heavy artillery you can send, if you think proper, on the road to Chambersburg. But if the roads which your troops take are good, they had better follow you. R. E. LEE, General.

After crossing the Occoquan River at Wolf Run Shoals, Jeb Stuart's raiders head north towards the Potomac River. Stuart reports, "As General Hampton approached the river, he fortunately met a citizen who had just forded the river, who informed us there were no pickets on the other side, and that the river was fordable." As they approach Rockville, Maryland, W.H.F. Lee's advance brigade spots a large Union wagon train heading towards Washington. Again, Stuart reports, "The farthest wagon was within only 3 or 4 miles of Washington City, the train being about 8 miles long. Not one escaped, though many were upset and broken, so as to require their being burned. More than one hundred and twenty-five best United States model wagons and splendid teams with gay caparisons were secured and driven off." While Stuart is threatening Washington, the advance of Lee's army approaches the Susquehanna River. General Gordon's hopes of any easy river crossing and advance into Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, are dashed when the Columbia Bridge is burned. General Couch reports, "My people driven over Columbia Bridge. It is burned. I hold the opposite side of the river in strength at present....I have only 15,000 men, such as they are, on my whole line."

HEADQUARTERS EARLY'S DIVISION. - Maj. A. S. PENDLETON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Corps. Army of Northern Virginia. - MAJOR: I...met with General Gordon, and repeated to him my instructions to proceed to the Susquehanna and secure the Columbia Bridge....I then made a requisition upon the authorities [of York, Pa.] for...$100.000 in money, and three days' rations of all kinds....Only $28,600 in money was furnished..., the mayor and other authorities protesting their inability to get any more money..., and I was satisfied they made an honest effort to raise the amount called for....On arriving at Wrightsville, on the banks of the Susquehanna..., I ascertained from General Gordon that..., he found a command of militia some 1,200 strong....He opened his artillery on the militia, which fled at the bursting of the third shell, and he immediately pursued...He...attempted to cross the bridge, and the head of his column got half way over, but he found the bridge, which had been prepared for the purpose, on fire in the middle....He sent back for buckets to endeavor to arrest the flames, but...the fire had progressed so far that it was impossible to arrest it....This bridge was one mile and a quarter in length..., and it included in one structure a railroad bridge a pass-way for wagons, and also a tow-path for the canal, which here crosses the Susquehanna. The bridge was entirely consumed, and from it the town of Wrightsville caught fire and several buildings were consumed, but the further progress of the flames was arrested by the exertions of Gordon's men....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. EARLY, Major-General, Commanding Division.

Alfred Pleasonton's request to reorganize the Cavalry Corps and to, "Let me place my own officers over it," is granted by General Meade. Pleasonton quickly drafts orders promoting three staff captains to brigadier-generals of volunteers. Although still in their early twenties, Wesley Merritt, George A. Custer, and Elon Farnsworth are deemed to have the "proper dash to command cavalry." It also doesn't hurt that Farnsworth's father is the esteemed Republican congressman John Franklin Farnsworth of Illinois. Judson Kilpatrick is also promoted to command the newly created Third Division of the Cavalry Corps.

SPECIAL ORDERS No. 98. - HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Frederick, Md., June 28, 1863. Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt will report without delay to Brig. Gen. John Buford, commanding First Cavalry Division, for assignment. The division of cavalry known as Stahel's division will hereafter be designated as the Third Division. Brig. Gen. J. Kilpatrick, U.S. Volunteers, is assigned to the command....The following-named general officers are assigned to duty with the Third Division, and will report for duty to Brigadier-General Kilpatrick without delay: Brig. Gen. E. J. Farnsworth, U.S. Volunteers; Brig. Gen. G. A. Custer, U. S. Volunteers. The Third Division will be organized into two brigades, as follows: The First Vermont, the First [West] Virginia, the Eighteenth Pennsylvania, and the Fifth New York Regiments will compose the First Brigade, under command of Brigadier-General Farnsworth; the First, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Michigan Regiments will compose the Second Brigade, under command of Brigadier-General Custer....Brigadier-General Kilpatrick will put his command in condition for instant service. By command of Major-General Pleasonton: A. J. ALEXANDER, Chief of Staff, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

Casualties at Donaldsonville: Union 24 Confederate 261

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Jun 29 1863 (Monday)

After his stunning victory at Hoover's Gap, Colonel Wilder leads the Lightning Brigade towards Dechard and Cowen, deep behind Braxton Bragg's lines. Wilder reports, "We immediately moved forward toward Decherd, half fording and half swimming another stream on the way....We...commenced destroying the railroad track and water-tanks on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and blowing up the trestle-work on the branch road to Winchester....When we started...up the Cumberland Mountains..., I determined to break the road, if possible, below Cowan....We moved forward to the Southern University, and there destroyed the Tracy City Railroad track." Concerned about the threat to his line of communications, Bragg calls a council of war.

Notes of Lieut. W. B. Richmond, aide-de-camp to Lieutenant-General Polk. General Bragg informed the general [Polk} that the enemy had destroyed the railroad at Decherd, and interrupted his communications with the rear; that the enemy's mounted force was so great as to render it impossible for him (Bragg) to prevent it, and that he had determined to give the enemy battle where he then was (at Tullahoma)....There was present at the conference then held, General Bragg, General Mackall, General Polk, General Hardee, and Col. David Urquhart....General Bragg asked General Polk what was his counsel. General Polk, after reminding General Bragg that his communications with his base were destroyed, took the ground that his first duty was to reestablish his communications....General Polk then asked, "How do you propose to maintain them?" He replied, "By posting cavalry along the line." General Polk remarked, in his opinion, he had not cavalry enough at his disposal to cover other points and cover that line also, and therefore the enemy would possess himself of the line by driving off the cavalry in less than thirty-six hours....[Bragg] said, "That is all very well, but what do you distinctly propose to have done?" General Polk replied he should fall back or retreat immediately, as he did not think there was a moment to spare. "Then," said General Bragg, "you propose that we shall retreat." General Polk said, "I do, and that is my counsel." General Hardee was then asked what he thought. He replied that General Polk's views carried great weight with them, but he was not prepared to advise a retreat. He thought it would be well to have some infantry sent along the line to support the cavalry and to wait for further developments. It was agreed that this should be done, and that the infantry should be ordered back upon the line. This closed the conference. The men remained in line all day and all night. Raining all day and night....W. B. RICHMOND, Aide-de-Camp.

After spending a day studying the position of his army, and the information available about the movements of the Army of Northern Virginia, General Meade puts his army in motion. His first order of business is to push General Pleasonton's cavalry out in all directions with instructions to guard the flanks and rear of the army. General Buford's division is ordered "to Emmitsburg, and from thence to Gettysburg by to-morrow night." Pleasonton reports, "The two brigades at Gettysburg will cover and protect the front, and communicate all information of the enemy rapidly and surely."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 29, 1863--11 a.m. - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Upon assuming command of the army, and after carefully considering the position of affairs and the movements of the enemy, I have concluded as follows: To move today toward Westminster and Emmitsburg, and the army is now in motion for that line, placing two corps, First and Eleventh, at Emmitsburg; two corps, Third and Twelfth, at Taneytown; one corps, Second, at Frizellburg, and one corps, Fifth, at Union; Sixth Corps at New Windsor; my cavalry guarding my flanks and rear. If Lee is moving for Baltimore, I expect to get between his main army and that place. If he is crossing the Susquehanna, I shall rely upon General Couch, with his force, holding him until I can fall upon his rear and give him battle....My main objective point being, of course, Lee's army, which I am satisfied has all passed on through Hagerstown toward Chambersburg. My endeavor will be in my movements to hold my force well together, with the hope of falling upon some portion of Lee's army in detail....My main point being to find and fight the enemy....GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General.

Realizing that his army is vulnerable to an attack from the south, Robert E. Lee orders the bulk of his army to march from Chambersburg, where they have rested for the past two days, through the Cashtown pass in South Mountain. General Hood receives his orders from Moxley Sorrel. "Move your command at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning out on the Gettysburg turnpike to Greenwood, about seven miles from Chambersburg....If there should still be any whisky at Scotland Depot when the regiment of yours now there shall be ordered away with you, the general wishes it destroyed." With Ewell's Corps marching north from York, Lee hopes to unite his army at Gettysburg. Early reports, "I received..., a copy of a note from General Lee, and also verbal instructions, which required me to move back, so as to rejoin the rest of the corps ...; and accordingly..., I put my whole command in motion." Lee is also growing increasingly distraught about the absence of Jeb Stuart's cavalry. Lee questions all of his scouts, "Have you heard anything about my cavalry? I hope no disaster has overtaken my cavalry....Any news to give me about General Stuart?"

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. - Col. R. H. CHILTON, Chief of Staff, Army of Northern Virginia. - GENERAL: Brig. Gen. Fitz. Lee reached the railroad soon after daylight, the march having continued all night....The various telegraph lines were...cut, and communications of the enemy with Washington City thus cut off at every point, and Baltimore threatened. We remained in possession of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad nearly all day. The enemy was ascertained to be moving through Frederick City northward, and it was important for me ..., with as little delay as possible, to acquaint the commanding general with the nature of the enemy's movements....We encamped for the night a few miles beyond the...[Rector's Crossroads], halting the head of the column at Union Mills, midway between Westminster and Littlestown, on the Gettysburg road....I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. B. STUART, Major-General.

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Jun 30 1863 (Tuesday)

General Thomas Ewing continues to increase the presence of Union cavalry along the border between Kansas and Missouri. He establishes a series of small outposts, spaced thirteen miles apart, and schedules daily patrols from each post in both directions along the border.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 30, 1863. - Lieut. Col. C. W. MARSH, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Missouri. - COLONEL: Captain Flagg...reported...that on his route here from Lexington, and especially in the neighborhood of Sibley and Napoleon, he encountered many bands of guerrillas, numbering in the aggregate several hundred men....I sent him in command of his detachments, numbering about 125 effective men, and of two companies of infantry from Independence to the Napoleon Bottoms..., being the district he reported as specially infested....The guerrillas, having abundant notice, fell back to Sibley, he with the cavalry pursuing them. The captain reports to me: I ordered Lieutenant Anderson...in the advance, to go into Sibley. As soon as they made the edge of the town, they were fired upon, and returned the fire with great vigor....The bushwhackers made a hasty retreat....It being a general place of resort for the bushwhacker's..., the town was burned, with the exception of one or two houses that were left, reported as Union property....I am, colonel, very respectfully, THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier-General, Commanding.

The Rebel retreat from the banks of the Susquehanna is reported by General Herman Haupt. "Lee is falling back suddenly from the vicinity of Harrisburg and concentrating all his forces. York has been evacuated. Carlisle is being evacuated." General Meade sends a circular to all his corps commanders. "The enemy are advancing...on Gettysburg. It is the intention to hold this army pretty nearly in the position it now occupies until the plans of the enemy shall have been more fully developed."

ORDERS. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 30, 1863. Headquarters at Taneytown. Third Corps to Emmitsburg; Second Corps to Taneytown; Fifth Corps to Hanover; Twelfth Corps to Two Taverns; First Corps to Gettysburg; Eleventh Corps to Gettysburg (or supporting distance); Sixth Corps to Manchester. Cavalry to the front and flanks, well out in all directions, giving timely notice of positions and movements of the enemy....The commanding general desires you to be informed that, from present information, Longstreet and Hill are at Chambersburg, partly toward Gettysburg; Ewell at Carlisle and York. Movements indicate a disposition to advance from Chambersburg to Gettysburg....It is not his desire to wear the troops out by excessive fatigue and marches, and thus unfit them for the work they will be called upon to perform. Vigilance, energy, and prompt response to the orders from headquarters are necessary, and the personal attention of corps commanders must be given to reduction of impedimenta. The orders and movements from these headquarters must be carefully and confidentially preserved, that they do not fall into the enemy's hands. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

The man providing most of the information for General Meade is John Buford. The thirty-seven year old regular army veteran is known to be "quiet, sober, self-reliant and untouched by fear." From his position in Gettysburg, Buford has been sending periodic updates of Lee's approach. Buford reports, "I entered this place at 11 a.m. Found everybody in a terrible state of excitement on account of the enemy's advance upon this place....His force was terribly exaggerated by reasonable and truthful but inexperienced men."

GETTYSBURG, June 30, 1863--10.30 p.m. - REYNOLDS: I am satisfied that A. P. Hill's corps is massed just back of Cashtown, about 9 miles from this place. Pender's division of this (Hill's) corps came up, to-day....The enemy's pickets (infantry and artillery) are within 4 miles of this place, on the Cashtown road. My parties have returned that went north, northwest, and northeast, after crossing the road from Cashtown to Oxford in several places. They heard nothing of any force having passed over it lately. The road, however, is terribly infested with prowling cavalry parties....Longstreet, from all I can learn, is still behind Hill. I have many rumors and reports of the enemy advancing upon me from toward York. I have to pay attention to some of them, which causes me to overwork my horses and men. I can get no forage nor rations; am out of both....Should I have to fall back, advise me by what route. Respectfully, JNO. BUFORD. Major-General

In his search for Jubal Early's division, Judson Kilpatrick leads his troopers to Hanover, Pennsylvania. As Elon Farnsworth's men are exiting the town, General Chambliss' brigade enters and strikes the rear of the Union column. Kilpatrick reports, "My rear guard was...driven in, and a vigorous charge was made....Brigadier-General Farnsworth quickly threw his brigade into position, and, by quick rigorous charges, checked their attacks and drove the enemy out of town." Jeb Stuart, hoping to avoid a major battle, holds off the Union attackers until darkness, and then makes his escape. Hoping to link up with Lee's army, Stuart pushes the captured wagon train on a night march toward York.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. - Col. R. H. CHILTON, Chief of Staff, Army of Northern Virginia. - GENERAL: We resumed the march direct by a cross route for Hanover, Pa....About 10 a.m. the head of the column reached Hanover, and found a large column of cavalry passing through, going toward the gap of the mountains which I intended using....If my command had been well closed now, this cavalry column, which we had struck near its rear, would have been at our mercy; but, owing to the great elongation of the column by reason of the 200 wagons and hilly roads, Hampton was a long way behind, and Lee was not yet heard from on the left....Our wagon train was now a subject of serious embarrassment, but I thought, by making a détour to the right by Jefferson, I could save it. I therefore determined to try it, particularly as I was satisfied...that the Army of Northern Virginia must be near the Susquehanna....General Fitz. Lee's brigade was put at the head of the column, and he was instructed to push on with the train through Jefferson for York, Pa. and communicate as soon as practicable with our forces. Hampton's brigade brought up the rear. We were not molested in our march, which...was continued during the night. The night's march over a very dark road was one of peculiar hardship, owing to loss of rest to both man and horse....I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. B. STUART, Major-General.

Casualties at Hanover: Union 215 Confederate 117.

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Jul 01 1863 (Wednesday)

Gettysburg Supplement I (Gettysburg July 1st 1863)

William Rosecrans continues to push his army towards the Elk River. His orders are clear: "The rebels are retreating in great confusion....Move your whole command by the most direct route toward Dechard." With the pressure mounting, Braxton Bragg, seemingly unable to make a decision on his own, asks General Leonidas Polk for his opinion. "Shall we fight on the Elk [River] or take post at foot of mountain at Cowan?" After Polk and General Hardee advise an immediate retreat, Bragg issues the necessary orders. "Cross all your command; take position to defend the crossing for cavalry on dirt road bridges; destroy railroad bridges thoroughly, superstructure and piers." Bragg sends an update of the situation to Richmond. "Finding my communication seriously endangered by movements of the enemy, I...took up a more defensible position this side of Elk River (which now, by reason of heavy rains, is impassable except at the bridges)." Bragg's lethargy and inability to make decisions is beginning to greatly concern his senior generals.

The following were received from General Hardee: [Confidential.] - HEADQUARTERS, July 1, 1863--8.30 p.m. - Lieutenant-General POLK. - MY DEAR GENERAL: I have been thinking seriously of the condition of affairs with this army. I deeply regret to see General Bragg in his present enfeebled state of health. If we have a fight, he is evidently unable either to examine and determine his line of battle or to take command on the field. What shall we do? What is best to be done to save this army and its honor? I think we ought to counsel together. Where is Buckner? The enemy evidently believes we are retreating, and will press us vigorously to-morrow. When can we meet? I would like Buckner to be present. Very respectfully and truly, yours, W. J. HARDEE, Lieutenant-General.

On Sunday General Pemberton received a note, signed "Many Soldiers," advising that the besieged garrison be surrendered. "There is complaining and general dissatisfaction throughout our lines....Men don't want to starve, and don't intend to..., you must adopt some means to relieve us very soon....If you can't feed us, you had better surrender us, horrible as the idea is....You had better heed a warning voice, though it is the voice of a private soldier. This army is now ripe for mutiny, unless it can be fed." Pemberton, feeling that "the time had arrived when it was necessary either to evacuate the city and cut my way out or to capitulate," sends a circular to his generals asking if the troops are strong enough to march and fight.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Vicksburg, July 1, 1863. - GENERAL: Unless the siege of Vicksburg is raised or supplies are thrown in, it will become necessary very shortly to evacuate the place. I see no prospect of the former, and there are many great, if not insuperable, obstacles in the way of the latter. You are, therefore, requested to inform me with as little delay as possible as to the condition of your troops, and their ability to make the marches and undergo the fatigues necessary to accomplish a successful evacuation. You will, of course, use the utmost discretion while informing yourself through your subordinates upon all points tending to s clear elucidation of the subjects of my inquiry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

While Pemberton's generals are gauging the effectiveness of their men, U.S. Grant explodes another mine. General McPherson reports, "The mine...will be exploded as soon as the proper disposition of troops can be made. It is not intended to make any assault, but simply to have a rifle-pit lines with soldiers...ready to take advantage of any chance in our favor."

HEADQUARTERS HÉBERT'S BRIGADE, July 1, 1863. - Maj. S. CROOM, Assistant Adjutant-General. - MAJOR: At about 1.30 p.m. the enemy sprang another and a larger mine under the main redan of the work on the left of the Jackson road, this time destroying the parapet of the redan. Our interior work is uninjured. The enemy attempted no immediate charge after the blast, but opened a brisk artillery fire. The change occasioned exposes a portion of our troops heretofore protected, and there is necessity of immediate work, both to strengthen our interior line and give more protection to exposed points....I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant, LOUIS HEBÉRT, Brigadier-General.

Buoyed by the news that Lee's army has been forced to retreat from the Susquehanna, General Meade shifts gears. Instead of moving after Lee's army aggressively, he begins preparing a defensive position near Pipe Creek. At noon he reports, "My advance has answered its purpose. I shall not advance any, but prepare to receive an attack in case Lee makes one. A battle-field is being selected to the rear, on which the army can be rapidly concentrated, on Pipe Creek....Having relieved the pressure on the Susquehanna, I am now looking to the protection of Washington, and fighting my army to the best advantage."

CIRCULAR. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Taneytown, July 1, 1863. The commanding general is satisfied that the object of the movement of the army in this direction has been accomplished, viz, the relief of Harrisburg, and the prevention of the enemy's intended invasion of Philadelphia....It is no longer his intention to assume the offensive until the enemy's movements or position should render such an operation certain of success. If the enemy assume the offensive, and attack, it is his intention, after holding them in check sufficiently long, to withdraw the trains and other impedimenta; to Withdraw the army from its present position, and form line of battle with the left resting in the neighborhood of Middleburg, and the right at Manchester, the general direction being that of Pipe Creek....The time for falling back can only be developed by circumstances. Whenever such circumstances arise as would seem to indicate the necessity for falling back and assuming this general line indicated, notice of such movement will be at once communicated to these headquarters and to all adjoining corps commanders....This order is communicated, that a general plan, perfectly understood by all, may be had for receiving attack, if made in strong force, upon any portion of our present position. Developments may cause the commanding general to assume the offensive from his present positions....By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

As Meade works on his Pipe Creek line, John Buford's cavalry engages Rebel infantry outside Gettysburg. Buford calls upon General Reynolds for infantry support and the battle for control of the town escalates. When Reynolds is killed by a sharpshooter, and command of the field devolves on O.O. Howard, the commander of the newly arrived 11th Corps. Howard reports, "I assumed command of the two corps, and sent word to Slocum and Sickles to move up. I have fought the enemy from that time till this. The First Corps fell back, when outflanked on its left, to a stronger position, when the Eleventh Corps was ordered back, also to a stronger position." Meade sends General Winfield Hancock, the newest corps commander in the Army of the Potomac, to take control of the situation. "The major-general commanding has just been informed that General Reynolds has been killed or badly wounded. He directs that you...proceed to the front, and, by virtue of this order...assume command of the corps there assembled, viz, the Eleventh, First, and Third, at Emmitsburg. If you think the ground and position there a better one to fight a battle under existing circumstances, you will so advise the general, and he will order all the troops up." Hancock, with the help of Howard, stabilizes the Union line on Cemetery Hill as Meade, acting on Hancock's advice, orders the rest of the army to converge on the little crossroads town of Gettysburg.

5.25 [P.M., JULY 1, 1863.] - General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff. - GENERAL: When I arrived here an hour since, I found that our troops had given up the front of Gettysburg and the town. We have now taken up a position in the cemetery, and cannot well be taken. It is a position, however, easily turned. Slocum is now coming on the ground, and is taking position on the right, which will protect the right. But we have, as yet, no troops on the left, the Third Corps not having yet reported; but I suppose that it is marching up. If so, its flank march will in a degree protect our left flank. In the meantime Gibbon had better march on so as to take position on our right or left, to our rear, as may be necessary, in some commanding position....The battle is quiet now. I think we will be all right until night. I have sent all the trains back. When night comes, it can be told better what had best be done. I think we can retire; if not, we can fight here, as the ground appears not unfavorable with good troops. I will communicate in a few moments with General Slocum, and transfer the command to him. Howard says that Doubleday's command gave way. General Warren is here. Your obedient servant, WINF'D S. HANCOCK, Major-General, Commanding Corps.

Robert E. Lee and James Longsteet attend to the details inherent in concentrating the three corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. Orders are sent out to General McLaws. "Move your command across the [South] mountain as near to the division leading as you conveniently can." Lee rides with Longstreet along the Chambersburg Pike to Cashtown until he hears the rumble of artillery in the distance. Lee presses ahead until he reaches the outskirts of Gettysburg shortly after 2:00 p.m. He is surprised to find Henry Heth's division heavily engaged with Federal infantry, despite his admonition earlier in the day to avoid a general engagement. In his defense, Heth reports, "I was ignorant [of] what force was at or near Gettysburg, and supposed it consisted of cavalry....On reaching the summit of the...hills west of Gettysburg, it became evident that there were infantry, cavalry, and artillery in and around the town." When he learns that Richard Ewell's corps is engaging the enemy from the north, Lee orders a general attack along the lines that sweeps the Federal infantry from the field.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. - General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. - GENERAL: The leading division, under General Heth, found the enemy's vedettes about 3 miles west of Gettysburg, and continued to advance until within a mile of the town, when two brigades were sent forward to reconnoiter. They drove in the advance of the enemy very gallantly, but subsequently encountered largely superior numbers, and were compelled to retire with loss....General Heth then prepared for action, and as soon as Pender arrived to support him, was ordered by General Hill to advance. The artillery was placed in position, and the engagement opened with vigor. General Heth pressed the enemy steadily back, breaking his first and second lines, and attacking his third with great resolution. About 2.30 p.m. the advance of Ewell's corps...arrived by the Middletown road, and, forming on Heth's left, nearly at right angles with his line, became warmly engaged with fresh numbers of the enemy. ...The enemy gave way on all sides, and was driven through Gettysburg with great loss....The enemy retired to a range of hills south of Gettysburg, where he displayed a strong force of infantry and artillery....General Ewell was...instructed to carry the [Cemetary] hill occupied by the enemy, if he found it practicable, but to avoid a general engagement until the arrival of the other divisions of the army, which were ordered to hasten forward. He decided to await Johnson's division, which...did not reach Gettysburg until a late hour. In the meantime the enemy occupied the point which General Ewell designed to seize, but in what force could not be ascertained, owing to the darkness....Under these circumstances, it was decided not to attack until the arrival of Longstreet, two of whose divisions (those of Hood and McLaws) encamped about 4 miles in the rear during the night...Respectfully submitted. R. E. LEE, General.

Casualties at Gettysburg Day One: Union 5,400 Confederate 5,600.

General Officer Fatalities on July 1, 1863.

Reynolds, John Fulton, 1820-1863, Pennsylvania. Born in Lancaster, Reynolds graduated from West Point in 1841 and served in Mexico and with the Utah expedition. In 1860, he was appointed Commandant of Cadets at West Point with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Promoted to brigadier-general on August 20, 1861, Reynolds commanded the First Brigade of Pennsylvania Reserves. He was captured at Glendale, Virginia during the Peninsular Campaign and was exchanged in August 1862. He was promoted to command the I Corps of the Army of the Potomac as a major-general in November 1862. He led the corps at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville and would have been considered as a candidate when Joe Hooker was relieved as army commander, but had previously indicated he was not interested in the position. On July 1, Reynolds rushed his corps to Gettysburg to relieve John Buford's hard pressed cavalry. While deploying his troops, he was shot behind the ear by a Rebel sharpshooter posted in a nearby Cherry tree and instantly killed.
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Jul 02 1863 (Thursday)

Gettysburg Supplement II (Gettysburg July 2nd 1863)

A Union wagon train carrying vital supplies to Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, is forced to halt at Cabin Creek Military Crossing due to high waters. Colonel Stand Watie, commanding a 1,600 man force, attacks the vulnerable column, but is beaten off by Colonel James Williams 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment.

HEADQUARTERS, Fort Smith, Ark. - Maj. W. B. BLAIR, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: - MAJOR: I am in receipt of information that Colonel Watie was exchanging shots with a force of the enemy guarding a supply train for Fort Gibson, over Cabin Creek, which...was past fording....As the train could not advance until the creek fell, and Colonel Watie's force has been swelled to about 1,400, I expect the train to be taken. General Cabell reports that he would be at Grand Saline..., which will also put his force of about 1,400 men and four pieces of artillery between the train and Fort Gibson, if he can cross Grand River, of which there is some doubt. The re-enforcements under Blunt at Baxter Springs, reported through several different channels, must have delayed at that place, if the report was not erroneous, which I can scarcely believe. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. STEELE, Brigadier-General.

Major-Generals Bowen, Smith, Forney, and Stevenson report the results of their survey of the condition of the bedraggled Rebel troops guarding Vicksburg. According to General Pemberton, "So far as I know, not a single brigade or regimental commander favored the scheme of cutting out, and only two intimated the possibility of making more than one-half of their commands available for that purpose." General M.L. Smith reports, "A secret evacuation I consider almost impossible....I see no chance of timely relief....Under these circumstances, I deem it best to propose terms of capitulation."

NEAR VICKSBURG, July 2, 1863--10 a.m., VIA MEMPHIS, July 5--10.30 a.m. (Received July 8--9 a.m.) - Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: McPherson yesterday exploded a second mine under the main fort in his front. Six rebels were thrown into our lines by the explosion; all dead but one, a negro....McPherson has not yet got possession of the fort. In the absence of ordinary mortars, he has constructed several of wood, throwing 12-pounder shells effectively. On Ord's front the enemy have exploded a mine before a sap of ours, doing us no damage, but giving us the advantage of carrying the trench into the crater. Orders have been given to abandon all attempts to push forward saps with a view of entering the enemy's works by that means, and to devote the labor of working parties to widening the covered ways and carrying them as near the rebel lines as practicable, in order to afford cover for storming columns. The reports of deserters generally agree that the town is to be surrendered on the 4th instant. They also say that mule meat is issued to the garrison....If enemy do not give up Vicksburg before 6th instant, it will be stormed on that day....The weather is hot; thermometer at noon above 100 degrees. C.A. DANA.

After reviewing his lines early in the morning, General Meade decides to hold the position along Cemetery Ridge against the expected Rebel attack. Dan Sickles' Third Corps arrives on the battlefield around 9 a.m., and he is given orders to extend the Union line, along the ridge, to Little Round Top. Meade, worried about his vulnerable right flank and his line of communications along the Baltimore Pike, assigns Slocum's (XII) Corps to positions on Culp's Hill, and issues orders to Sykes' (V) Corps to hurry their march to that area as well. After Meade is satisfied that his right is secure, he rides out to examine Sickles' position on the left. He is astonished to discover that Sickles has moved his entire corps out of line to a position near the Emmitsburg Road. He points to Cemetery Ridge and tells Sickles: "That is where you should be!" Sickles offers to move his troops back, but Meade cuts him off. "I wish to God you could..., but the enemy won't let you."

HEADQUARTERS NEAR GETTYSBURG, PA., July 2, 1863--3 p.m. (Received July 3, 10.20 a.m.) - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I have concentrated my army at this place today. The Sixth Corps is just coming in, very much worn out, having been marching since 9 p.m. last night. The army is fatigued. I have today, up to this hour, awaited the attack of the enemy, I having a strong position for defensive....He has been moving on both my flanks, apparently, but it is difficult to tell exactly his movements. I have delayed attacking, to allow the Sixth Corps and parts of other corps to reach this place and to rest the men. Expecting a battle, I ordered all my trains to the rear. If not attacked, and I can get any positive information of the position of the enemy which will justify me in so doing, I shall attack. If I find it hazardous to do so, or am satisfied the enemy is endeavoring to move to my rear and interpose between me and Washington, I shall fall back to my supplies at Westminster....I feel fully the responsibility resting upon me, but will endeavor to act with caution. GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General.

Robert E. Lee is up a 5 a.m. studying the Federal lines with James Longstreet. He sends Captain Samuel Johnston to scout the left of the Union line near Little Round Top. After Johnston returns, Lee confers with Longstreet and General Lafayette McLaws and maps out a strategy for attacking the Union left flank along Cemetery Ridge. It is not until 3:30 p.m. that Longstreet's men are in position, and the attack is delayed further then Generals John Bell Hood and McLaws report that the Federal positions have changed. Meade's army is now situated along the Emmitsburg Road and Hood desperately wants to swing around the Federal line and attack the undefended Round Tops, but Longstreet disapproves. "General Lee's orders are to attack up the Emmitsburg Road....We must obey General Lee's orders."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. - General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. -GENERAL: It had not been intended to fight a general battle at such a distance from our base, unless attacked by the enemy, but, finding ourselves unexpectedly confronted by the Federal Army, it became a matter of difficulty to withdraw through the mountains with our large trains....Encouraged by the successful issue of the engagement of the first day, and in view of the valuable results that would ensue from the defeat of the army of General Meade, it was thought advisable to renew the attack....The preparations for attack were not completed until the afternoon of the 2d....General Ewell occupied the left of our line, General Hill the center, and General Longstreet the right. In front of General Longstreet the enemy held a position from which, if he could be driven, it was thought our artillery could be used to advantage in assailing the more elevated ground beyond, and thus enable us to reach the crest of the ridge. That officer was directed to endeavor to carry this position, while General Ewell attacked directly the high ground on the enemy's right, which had already been partially fortified. General Hill was instructed to threaten the center of the Federal line, in order to prevent re-enforcements being sent to either wing, and to avail himself of any opportunity that might present itself to attack. 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.... Respectfully submitted. R. E. LEE, General.

From his observation point on Seminary Ridge, Robert E. Lee observes most of the day's fighting. Throughout the long, hot day, Lee lets his subordinate generals manage the battle, receiving only one message from General Longstreet at 7:00 p.m. "We are doing well." Lee does welcome the wayward Jeb Stuart who reports that his cavalry command has finally reached the field. "Well General Stuart, you are here at last." The "partial successes" of the day induce Lee to begin planning for the next days assault. In the meantime, General George Meade hosts a council of war to determine his plans for tomorrow. After a lengthy discussion, Meade agrees with the unanimous decision of his corps commanders to stay and fight. Says Meade, "Such then is the decision."

Minutes of council, July 2, 1863.
QUESTIONS ASKED.
1. Under existing circumstances, is it advisable for this army to remain in its present position, or to retire to another nearer its base of supplies?
2. It being determined to remain in present position, shall the army attack or wait the attack of the enemy?
3. If we wait attack, how long?
REPLIES.
GIBBON: 1. Correct position of the army, but would not retreat. 2. In no condition to attack, in his opinion. 3. Until he moves; until enemy moves.
WILLIAMS: 1. Stay. 2. Wait attack. 3. One day.
BIRNEY: Same as General Williams.
SYKES: Same as General Williams.
NEWTON: 1. Correct position of the army, but would not retreat. 2. By all means not attack. 3. If we wait, it will give them a chance to cut our line.
HOWARD: 1. Remain. 2. Wait attack until 4 p.m. to-morrow. 3. If don't attack, attack them.
HANCOCK: 1. Rectify position without moving so as to give up field. 2. Not attack unless our communications are cut. 3. Can't wait long; can't be idle.
SEDGWICK: 1. Remain, and wait attack at least one day.
SLOCUM: Stay and fight it out.
[Memorandum.]
SLOCUM: Stay and fight it out. NEWTON: Thinks it is a bad position. HANCOCK: Puzzled about practicability of retiring. HOWARD: Favor of not retiring. BIRNEY: Don't know; Third Corps used up, and not in good condition to fight.
Minutes of council, held Thursday p.m., July 2. D. B., M.G., C. of S.

Casualties at Gettysburg Day Two: Union 9,000 Confederate 6,000.

General Officer Fatalities:

Zook, Samuel Kosciuszko, 1821-1863, Pennsylvania. Born in Chester City, Zook was a member of the Pennsylvania militia before the war. In 1861, he was mustered in as a lieutenant-colonel of the 6th N.Y. Militia. After that unit was mustered out, Zook raised and became colonel of the 57th N.Y. He led his men during the Peninsular campaign, and at Fredericksburg and was promoted to brigadier-general to rank from November 29, 1862. Zook's brigade was in the wheat field on July 2 where he was shot in the abdomen. He survived for a few hours in a field hospital and passed away in the early hours of July 3.

Weed. Stephen Hinsdale, 1834-1863. Born in Potsdam, Weed graduated from West Point in 1854 and served in Kansas and on the Utah expedition. He was promoted to captain of the newly formed 5th U.S. Artillery Regiment in May 1861 and remained in Harrisburg training the battery until the spring of 1862. His artillery regiment served on the Peninsula, at Second Manassas, and at Antietam. He commanded all the artillery in the division at Fredericksburg, and all the artillery in V Corps at Chancellorsville. In May 1863, he was promoted to brigadier-general and on July 2 his brigade was rushed to join the defenses on Little Round Top. After successfully defending the position, Weed was shot through the arm and chest while standing in Devil's Den. Several hours later, Weed died.

Barksdale, William, 1821-1863, Tennessee. A graduate of the University of Nashville, Barksdale was a pro-slavery, pro-states rights advocate in the U.S. Congress for eight years. He was appointed colonel of the 13th Mississippi and led his regiment at Bull Run and on the Peninsula. He succeeded to command of the brigade upon the death of Richard Griffin. He was promoted to brigadier-general on August 12, 1862 and continued to command the brigade at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. At Fredericksburg, he was successful in delaying Burnside's crossing of the Rappahannock River for several crucial hours. At Gettysburg, on July 2, Barksdale led his brigade on a furious charge well in advance of his supporting units. He was wounded in a Union counter-attack, captured, and died the next day.

Semmes, Paul Jones, 1815-1863, Georgia. Born in Wilkes County and educated at the University of Virginia, Semmes was captain of the Columbus Guards for fifteen years. Early in the war he was elected colonel of the 2nd Georgia and was promoted to brigadier-general on March 11, 1862. He led the brigade during the Peninsular campaign, at Antietam, and at Fredericksburg. He was ill for most of the winter of 1862-1863, but returned in April and fought at Chancellorsville. Semmes led his brigade during Longstreet's attack on July 2 and was mortally wounded leading his men to support General Kershaw's advance. He died at Martinstown, West Virginia on July 10. Semmes' brother Raphael was the famed captain of the CSS Alabama.

Pender, William Dorsey, 1834-1863, North Carolina. A graduate West Point in 1854, Pender served in the West until he resigned his commission in 1861. As a colonel he fought on the Peninsula and was promoted to brigadier-general on June 3, 1863. He led the 6th N.C. at Second Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, being wounded or injured in every battle. He was promoted to major-general on May 27, 1863. At Gettysburg on July 2, Pender was riding along his line when he was struck in the leg by a shell fragment. Although the wound was not considered serious, Pender was evacuated by ambulance. By the time he reached Staunton, Virginia, the wound had become infected and the leg was amputated. He died during the operation of July 18, 1863.

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Jul 03 1863 (Friday)

Gettysburg Supplement III (Gettysburg July 3rd 1863)

Phil Sheridan's division reaches Tullahoma, Tennessee, only to find that Braxton Bragg's army has already departed. Sheridan reports, "The last of Bragg's infantry left here this morning....The general information says Bragg has gone to Chattanooga." A shaken Bragg admits he has been out-generaled by William Rosecrans as he reports his withdrawal across the Tennessee River.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE, July 3, 1863. - General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Commanding, &c., Jackson, Miss. - GENERAL: My last advices to the department represented the enemy advancing upon us in heavy force. We...offered him battle, but he declined, and while holding a strong position, which we could not successfully attack, threw a force to our right and rear by which he successfully assailed our communications....I accordingly withdrew to Tullahoma, and reached there just in time to prevent an attack upon its feeble garrison. The enemy established himself again in strong position on the defensive, and moved another heavy column against our bridges over Elk River, now swollen by heavy rains. By making a rapid march and using the railroad successfully, we saved all our supplies, and crossed the Elk just before a heavy column appeared at the upper bridge....I reluctantly yielded to the necessity imposed by my position and inferior strength, and put the army in motion for the Tennessee River. Should we succeed in crossing it successfully (and I hear of no formidable pursuit up to this morning), the Tennessee will be taken as our line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BRAXTON BRAGG, General, Commanding.

At 10:00 a.m., a white flag appears behind the Rebel trenches at Vicksburg. General John Bowen, chosen because he was once a neighbor of U.S. Grant, and his staff ride out to deliver an armistice proposal. Grant meets with Pemberton later in the afternoon and when Pemberton asks what terms Grant will offer, Grant replies that "only an unconditional surrender will be accepted." Pemberton terminates the conference and prepares to leave indicating that "hostilities [will] be at once resumed." General Bowen then steps up and suggests that the opposing subordinates talk the situation over while the commanding generals withdraw. Bowen and General McPherson continue the conference, eventually deciding that Grant will indicate his final surrender terms at 10:00 p.m.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Vicksburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. - Lieut. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding Confederate Forces, Vicksburg, Miss.: - GENERAL: I will submit the following proposition for the surrender of the city of Vicksburg, public stores, &c.: On your accepting the terms proposed, I will march in one division as a guard, and take possession at 8 a.m. to-morrow. As soon as rolls can be made out, and paroles signed by officers and men, you will be allowed to march out of our lines, the officers taking with them their side-arms and clothing, and the field, staff, and cavalry officers one horse each. The rank and file will be allowed all their clothing, but no other property. If these conditions are accepted, any amount of rations you may deem necessary can be taken from the stores you now have, and also the necessary cooking utensils for preparing them....I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major-general.

General Meade's confidence in his position is greatly increased when he receives an intelligence report from John Babcock. After interviewing many of the 1,360 prisoners taken thus far, Babcock reports: "Prisoners have been taken...from every brigade in Lee's Army excepting the four brigades of Pickett's Division....They are from nearly one hundred different regiments." An estimate of Lee's available troops, fresh and lightly used, indicates that Lee has only 58,000 men available to continue the battle. Thus, it is evident to Meade that he will enjoy a great manpower advantage, should General Lee attack again.

JULY 3, 1863--12.30 p.m. (Received 11 p.m.) - Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: At the present moment all is quiet. Considerable firing, both infantry and artillery, has taken place in various parts of our line, but no development of the enemy's intentions. My cavalry are pushing the enemy on both my flanks, and keeping me advised of any effort to outflank me....GEO. G. MEADE.

Robert E. Lee's hopes for an early morning assault are dashed when he learns that General Pickett's division will not be in position until 9:00 a.m. Lee's next plan, an advance by Longstreet's corps, is also scrapped when "Old Pete" objects that such a movement will put his right flank in jeopardy. Finally, Lee orders Longstreet to use Pickett's fresh division, combined with two of A.P. Hill's divisions, commanded by Pettigrew and Trimble, for a frontal assault on Cemetery Ridge. This area is selected because yesterday's attack indicated this sector to be the weak point in Meade's lines.

HEADQUARTERS, July 3, 1863. (Received 1.30 p.m.) - Colonel WALTON: COLONEL: Let the batteries open. Order great care and precision in firing. If the batteries at the Peach Orchard cannot be used against the point we intend attacking let them open on the enemy on Rocky Hill. Most respectfully, J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

The charge is magnificent. Pickett's division executes a sharp left oblique maneuver as if on the parade grounds to close ranks with Pettigrew. Farther on, the whole formation pauses to close ranks. After crossing the Emmitsburg Road, and climbing over a rail fence, the men begin the "Rebel Yell," and advance at a dead run. They break through the Union lines at several different points amidst desperate hand to hand fighting. As reinforcements are rushed to the breach, General Hancock advances General Stannard's Vermont Brigade, raw nine-month volunteers who have yet to see combat, to a flanking position. The converging Union fire breaks up the assault, and General Pickett watches in horror as his decimated formations struggle back across the open field.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, July 3, 1863. - General MEADE: I have never seen a more formidable attack, and if the Sixth and Fifth Corps have pressed up, the enemy will be destroyed. The enemy must be short of ammunition, as I was shot with a tenpenny nail. I did not leave the field till the victory was entirely secured and the enemy no longer in sight. I am badly wounded, though I trust not seriously. I had to break the line to attack the enemy in flank on my right, where the enemy was most persistent after the front attack was repelled. Not a rebel was in sight upright when I left. The line should be immediately restored and perfected. General Caldwell is in command of the corps, and I have directed him to restore the line. Your obedient servant. WINF'D S. HANCOCK, Major-General, By A. N. DOUGHERTY, Surgeon, and Medical Director Second Corps.

Casualties at Gettysburg Day Three: Union 3,300 Confederate 8,000.

General Officer Fatalities:

Farnsworth, Elon John, 1837-1863, Michigan. Farnsworth was expelled from the University of Michigan because of a school prank that resulted in the death of a classmate. He then joined the army as a civilian foragemaster. In 1861, he joined the 6th Illinois Cavalry which was raised by his uncle and he was commissioned a lieutenant in September 1861. He was promoted to captain in December and served as acting quartermaster of the IV Corps. When the Cavalry Corps was organized in the spring of 1863, Farnsworth was appointed an aide to its commander, Alfred Pleasonton. When George Meade was promoted to command the Army of the Potomac, Pleasonton was asked to recommend some young officers for promotion. Farnsworth, along with George A. Custer and Wesley Merritt were selected and given promotions to brigadier-general on June 29, 1863. After leading his brigade through several skirmishes, Judson Kilpatrick ordered Farnsworth to lead a charge against entrenched Confederate infantry on July 3. Only 5 of the 300 men who made the charge reached the objective and Farnsworth fell dead with five mortal wounds.

Garnett, Richard Brooke, 1817-1863, Virginia. A graduate of the West Point in 1841, Garnett served in Florida and in the West. After resigning his commission, he was appointed as a major of Confederate artillery in May 1861. On November 14th, 1861, he was promoted to brigadier-general and given command of the Stonewall Brigade. At Kernstown, Garnett ordered a retreat against the wishes of General T.J. Jackson and was relieved of command and arrested. The ensuing court martial was interrupted by the battle of Cedar Mountain and never resumed. Garnett was released from arrest and given command of a brigade in Pickett's division. He led the brigade at Antietam and at Fredericksburg. At Gettysburg, Garnett, unable to walk due to an injury, led his brigade during Pickett's charge on horseback. As his command approached the Union line, he disappeared in the heavy smoke. His riderless horse returned to the Confederate lines, but Garnett's body was never found or identified.

Armistead, Lewis Addison, 1817-1863, North Carolina. Born in New Bern, Armistead was appointed to West Point in 1834. He was dismissed two years later for breaking a plate over Jubal Early's head and joined the army as a lieutenant. He received two brevets for gallantry during the Mexican War and resigned as a captain in May 1861. He joined the Confederate army as a major and was promoted to colonel of the 57th Virginia. Armistead was promoted to brigadier-general on April 1, 1862 and led a brigade during the Peninsular campaign and at Fredericksburg. As part of Pickett's division, Armistead's brigade was part of the July 3 attack on Cemetery Ridge. Leading his men over the stone wall with his hat on his sword, Armistead was mortally wounded during the charge. He died several hours later as a prisoner of his old friend Winfield Hancock's (II) corps.

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Jul 04 1863 (Saturday)

After sending reinforcements to U.S. Grant in Vicksburg, Benjamin Prentiss, the hero of the Hornet's Nest at Shiloh, has only 4,000 men left to defend Helena, Arkansas. Hoping to take advantage of the situation, Theophilus Holmes launches his 8,000 man army against the city at 3:00 a.m. Prentiss reports, "For four hours the battle rages furiously, the enemy gaining little, if any advantage." Prentiss' defense is aided by Holmes' poor tactics and by 10:30 a.m., the Rebel attackers are forced to retreat. Again Prentiss reports, "Their dead and wounded strewed the bluffs in every direction after the action....Our men have done nobly." In an effort to shift the blame for the defeat, Holmes lists the numerous errors made by his subordinate generals.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. - Brig. Gen. W. R. BOGGS, Chief of Staff, Trans-Mississippi Dept., Shreveport, La. - GENERAL: Soon after daylight, Brigadier-General Marmaduke drove in the pickets of the enemy in his front and assaulted Rightor Fort. It is believed that a strong, vigorous, and sudden attack on this fort would have been successful, but some delay occurring, a heavy force of the enemy appeared on his left flank and rear, and held him perfectly in check during the whole day. It was the peculiar duty of Brigadier-General Walker to have prevented this movement on the part of the enemy....No satisfactory reason has been given by General Walker why this service was not rendered....The assault on the first line of rifle-pits in front of Hindman Hill was made at a few minutes after daylight. General Fagan, at the head of his brigade, charged gallantly over four lines under a deadly fire from the rifle-pits....A charge upon the fort was...attempted, and failed. The brigade thereupon took shelter behind the inner line of breastworks, anxiously awaiting assistance. This assistance never arrived. Major-General Price did not make his attack till after sunrise, and more than an hour after the time named in the order. As an explanation of this delay..., [he] states that, finding...[that] his division would arrive upon the ground prematurely, he ordered a halt, and resumed his march at dawn of day....Perceiving the position of the gallant Fagan..., I ordered Brigadier-General Parsons, the only general officer present, to proceed at once to attack the Hindman fort in the rear. Everything was in confusion, regiments and brigades mixed up indiscriminately, and the order was not attended to....Two or three hundred yards in the rear I passed Brigadier-General McRae, who had not joined his brigade since the assault. I ordered him at once to the fort. It seems that General McRae was the officer designated by General Price to go to General Fagan's assistance. After much delay he proceeded on this duty, but utterly failed to render the slightest aid, making no attempt to assault the hill....Under these circumstances, at 10.30 a.m. I ordered the troops to be withdrawn. My retreat from Helena was effected in the most perfect order and without the slightest demoralization of any kind.....I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. H. HOLMES, Lieutenant-General.

Convinced that Bragg's army is now beyond reach across the Tennessee River, William Rosecrans calls a halt to his advance. General Thomas reports, "The order to halt was received at 2 p.m., and...details [were] directed to be made for the repair of the roads." Joe Wheeler's cavalry directs the rear guard action. Wheeler reports, "Fighting this morning quite heavy for a short time, the enemy being repulsed....They show no disposition to pursue any further."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, Estell Springs, near Tullahoma, Tenn., July 4, 1863. - Hon. E. M. STANTON: Have driven Bragg from his intrenched positions at Shelbyville and Tullahoma....Incessant rains and the impassable state of the roads alone prevented us from forcing him to a general battle....The enemy has retreated toward Bridgeport and Chattanooga. Every effort is being made to bring forward supplies and threaten the enemy sufficiently to hold him....The country is filled with deserters from the Tennessee troops, and it is generally thought a very large portion of these troops will never leave their native State....It is impossible to convey to you an idea of the continuous rains we have had since commencement of these operations or the state of the roads. I pray God that every available soldier may be sent to me, and that our arms may be successful against Lee. He should be destroyed. W. S. ROSECRANS.

Two days after crossing the Cumberland River into Kentucky, John Morgan leads his raiders in an attempt to cross the Green River. Morgan demands "an immediate and unconditional surrender," of Colonel Moore's small force guarding the railroad bridge. After a brief contest, Morgan and his men ride off in search of easier prey.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY, Battle-field of Tebb's Bend, Green River, July 4, 1863. - Lieut. Col. G. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Lexington, Ky. - COLONEL: I have had a fight with the rebel General John [H.] Morgan....I engaged the enemy's forces this morning at 3.30 o'clock. Early in the engagement he opened on our breastworks with a battery, and after firing a shot, disabling 2 of my men, he sent a flag of truce....I sent a reply to General John [H.] that the Fourth of July was no day for me to entertain such a proposition. After receiving the reply, he opened fire with his artillery and musketry. My forces, which occupied the open field, were withdrawn to the woods, where they engaged the enemy with a determination not to be defeated. The battle raged for three and a half hours....The conflict was fierce and bloody. At times the enemy occupied one side of the fallen timber, while my men held the other, in almost a hand-to-hand fight.....After the battle, I received, under a flag of truce, a dispatch asking permission to bury their dead, which request I granted....I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ORLANDO H. MOORE, Colonel Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry.

The haggling between John Pemberton and Ulysses Grant ends when Grant, heeding the advice of his senior generals, agrees to accept the parole of the Vicksburg garrison in lieu of unconditional surrender. Pemberton reports, "If it should be asked why July 4 was selected as the day of surrender, the answer is obvious. I believed that upon that day I should obtain better terms. Well aware of the vanity of our foes, I knew they would yield then what could not be extorted at any other time." U.S. Grant explains his actions to General Halleck. "The only terms allowed is their parole as prisoners of war. This I regarded as of great advantage to us. It saves...several days in the captured town; [and] leaves troops and transports for immediate service."

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., July 4, 1863. - Hon. E. M. STANTON: Vicksburg has capitulated....The rebels insisted on being paroled and allowed to march beyond our lines here, officers and all....Grant then conferred at his headquarters with his corps and division commanders, all of whom, except Steele, who advised to unconditional surrender, favored a plan proposed by McPherson, and which Grant finally adopted. The argument against the plan was one of feeling only. In its favor was urged that it would at once demoralize Grant's whole army for offensive Operations, while to guard and transport so many prisoners would require a great portion of its strength. Keeping them would also absorb all our steamboat transportation, while marching them would leave it free to move our troops. Paroling would also save us an enormous expenditure. After long consideration, General Grant reluctantly gave way to these reasons...C. A. DANA.

Robert E. Lee prepares to withdraw his army from Gettysburg. General Imboden's cavalry is given the responsibility of escorting the army's wagon train. "I advise that you start the train by 5 p.m. today, and....push it through to Greencastle by tomorrow morning....You can [then] follow the direct road to Williamsport, where the trains must be put across the Potomac at once." On the battlefield all is quiet. When noon passes without the traditional 4th of July salute, Longstreet comments: "Their artillery was too much crippled yesterday to think of salutes. Meade is not in good spirits this morning." An hour hater, rain begins to fall. The rain turns into a deluge and Lee's army uses the cover of the dark night to begin their trek back to Virginia. On the road, Lee speaks to General Longstreet. "Its all my fault. I thought my men were invincible."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Near Gettysburg, Pa., July 4, 1863. - His Excellency President DAVIS, Richmond. - Mr. PRESIDENT: Generals Ewell and A. P. Hill reached [Gettysburg]...on the 1st July, the former advancing from Carlisle and the latter from Chambersburg. The two leading divisions of these corps...found the enemy, and attacked him, driving him from the town, which was occupied by our troops. The enemy's loss was heavy....He took up a strong position in rear of the town, which he immediately began to fortify, and where his re-enforcements joined him. On the 2d July, Longstreet's corps, with the exception of one division, having arrived, we attempted to dislodge the enemy, and, though we gained some ground, we were unable to get possession of his position. The next day, the third division of General Longstreet having come up, a more extensive attack was made. The works on the enemy's extreme right and left were taken, but his numbers were so great and his position so commanding, that our troops were compelled to relinquish their advantage and retire. It is believed that the enemy suffered severely in these operations, but our own loss has not been light. General Barksdale is killed. Generals Garnett and Armistead are missing, and it is feared that the former is killed and the latter wounded and a prisoner. Generals Pender and Trimble are wounded in the leg, General Hood in the arm, and General Heth slightly in the head. General Kemper, it is feared, is mortally wounded. Our losses embrace many other valuable officers and men. General Wade Hampton was severely wounded in a different action in which the cavalry was engaged yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

President Abraham Lincoln announces the news of the victory at Gettysburg to the country. "News from the Army of the Potomac...is such as to cover that army with the highest honor...; on this day, he, whose will, not ours, should ever be done, be everywhere remembered and ever reverenced with profoundest gratitude." Meade issues his own proclamation as the army spends the day "burying his dead and the enemy's." Meade reports, "[My opinion is] that the enemy is retreating via Fairfield and Cashtown....Should the enemy be retreating, we will pursue by the way of Emmitsburg and Middletown, on his flank."

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 68. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 4, 1863--4.15 p.m. The commanding general, in behalf of the country, thanks the Army of the Potomac for the glorious result of the recent operations. An enemy, superior in numbers, and flushed with the pride of a successful invasion, attempted to overcome and destroy this army. Utterly baffled and defeated, he has now withdrawn from the contest. The privations and fatigue 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 all 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, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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