GETTYSBURG
SIGNAL STATION, July 5, 1863-5. 40 a. m.
General MEADE:
The enemy have evacuated the
position they held yesterday. No indications of
the enemy anywhere, only on the Chambersburg road,
and in small force. Their batteries have
disappeared from the hills near the seminary.
Prisoners report that the enemy have gone to
Hagerstown.
JAS. S. HALL,
Captain, Signal Officer.
ROCK SIGNAL STATION, July 5,
1863.
General SYKES:
Though the atmosphere is
smoke, yet many of the points which yesterday
composed the enemy's front and reserve lines can
be distinctly seen. At these points not a single
object can be seen moving on either line, which
leads to the belief that the enemy have left our
front.
WILLIAM H. HILL AND I. S.
LYON,
Signal Officers.
JULY 5, 1863-8. 40 a. m.
Captain NORTON:
We can see no signs of the
enemy on our left front. Can see what appears to
be quite a heavy body of troops halted on the road
leading from Chambersburg pike toward the
Fairfield road, northwest from this point.
Can see a few wagons, also
at a halt. The troops of Ewell seen on the right
from this point yesterday have disappeared. The
troops seen appear to be in line of battle in the
road leading across from Chambersburg pike toward
the Fairfield road. Can see no artillery in
position or moving. The mist interferes with our
observations this morning. The Third Brigade,
Fifth Corps, is now advancing in column toward the
Emmitsburg road; they have gained the road without
meeting the enemy.
I am, respectfully, your
obedient servant,
E. C. PIERCE,
Captain, and Signal Officer.
8. 50-The enemy's column,
reported halted, is now moving to the left, toward
the Fairfield road.
CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY
OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
The following movements of
troops are ordered:
The First, Sixth, and Third
Corps, by Emmitsburg, direct road to Mechanicstown,
Lewistown, Hamburg, to Middletown.
The Fifth and Eleventh
Corps, by the left-hand Taneytown road, through
Emmitsburg, Creagerstown, Utica, Highknob Pass, to
Middletown.
The Twelfth and Second
Corps, via Taneytown, Middleburg, and Woodsborough,
through Frederick to Middletown.
The trains will move with
their corps, those at Westminster crossing to
Middletown, via Frederick.
The Artillery Reserve
follow, via Taneytown and Middleburg. Headquarters
will be at Creagorstown to-night. The army will
assemble at Middletown p. m. of the 7th instant.
Headquarters train will move at once. All trains
not filled with ammunition and supplies will be
sent to Frederick.
The commissary and
quartermaster's depots and supplies at Westminster
will be transferred to Frederick.
The commandant at the
Cavalry Corps will details a regiment to report to
the provost-marshal-general, for the temporary
duty of driving up all stragglers, and collecting
all captured property, arms, ammunition, &c.,
on the recent battle-field. The medical director
will establish a general hospital at Gettysburg
for the wounded that cannot be moved with the
army.
For the movement, and until
the concentration at Middletown, General Sedgwick
will, without relinquishing command of his corps,
assume command and direct the movement of the
corps forming the right-First, Sixth, and Third.
General Slocum will, without relinquishing command
of his corps, assume command and direct the
movements of the corps, assume command and direct
the movements of the corps forming the
left-Twelfth and Second. General Howard will,
without relinquishing the command of his corps,
assume command and direct the movements of the
corps forming the center-Fifth and Eleventh.
Staff officers will be sent
to report at headquarters each night on all
marches.
The battalion of regular
engineers and other troops at Westminster will
proceed to Middletown, via Frederick.
By command of Major-General
Meade:
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY
OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
The movements of troops
ordered to-day, and all arrangements dependent
thereupon, are suspended until further orders.
By command of Major-General
Meade:
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863-10
a. m.
Commanding Officer Sixth
Corps:
A scout just reports enemy's
cavalry column four hours in passing-from 1 to 5
o'clock this morning. Passed from the Fairfield
road on to the Emmitsburg road, via Moritz tavern,
turning toward Emmitsburg. There were two guns.
This may be a raid, or may be a movement to cover
their flank. The point where this column turned
into the Emmitsburg road was about 4 miles this
side of Emmitsburg. Please communicate to General
Warren.
Very respectfully, &c.,
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of
Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC, July 5, 1863-10. 20 a. m.
Commanding Officer Fifth
Corps:
Lieutenant Oliver reports
your corps in readiness to move with General
Sedgwick' corps; that General Sedgwick so reported
to him. No orders having issued for such a
movement of your corps from these headquarters,
the general does not understand it, and desires an
explanation of the matter.
Very respectfully, &c.,
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of
Staff.
CAMP NEAR GETTYSBURG, July
5, 1863-11 a. m. (Received 12 m.)
General GEARY:
I have the honor to report
that, in pursuance of your order, I have this
morning, with the Seventh Ohio Volunteers, under
Colonel Creighton, reconnoitered the country and
roads for 2 1/2 miles from the town in the
directions of Hanover, Oxford, and Hunterstown.
I proceeded as far toward
Oxford as a house which the enemy's picket retired
from early this morning, when I received your
order to return to camp. I found citizens on the
roads who had come this morning from Oxford and
Hunterstown. They report no enemy in sight along
either of the roads. The general impression among
the inhabitant in that vicinity is that Lee's army
has moved off by the Chambersburg route. His
cavalry rear guard left a house on the Hanover
turnpike, 1 1/2 miles from Gettysburg, at 9 a. m.
yesterday, after removing all their wounded who
could be moved on horses and in ambulances.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
W. T. FORBES,
Acting Assistant
Inspector-General.
[Indorsement.]
Respectfully forwarded to
corps headquarters.
JNO. W. GEARY,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding Second Division.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
(Received 11 a. m.)
Major-General FRENCH:
GENERAL: Major-General Meade
desires me to say that, in consequence of a large
body of the enemy being concentrated in the road
toward Hagerstown, beyond Fairfield, he has
suspended his operations for the present.
Indications go to show that he intends evacuating
the Cumberland Valley, but it is not yet
positively ascertained. Until so ascertained, the
general does not feel justified in leaving here
and moving down toward you.
I am, general, yours,
&c.,
A. PLEASONTON,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC, July 5, 1863-11. 35 a. m.
General WARREN:
The general thinks all the
indications from Howard's, Birney's, and other
reports point to the withdrawal of the enemy, via
Cashtown and Fairfield. The orders for our march
are ready, waiting fuller advices from you. Please
report by bearer.
Very respectfully, &c.,
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of
Staff.
LEFT BANK OF WILLOUGHBY'S
RUN,
In front of Pitzer's House,
July 5, 1863-12 m. (Received 12. 50 p. m.)
Major-General BIRNEY:
GENERAL: The rear of the
enemy's column has passed. A cavalry brigade is
posted on the Fairfield road, directly opposite to
us, and they have thrown out vedettes to the right
bank of Willoughby's Run. No artillery in sight.
Respectfully, your obedient
servant,
J. C. BRISCOE,
Captain, and Aide-de-Camp.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863-12
m.
General WARREN:
I said Birney went out 2
miles beyond the line of rifle-pits the enemy
occupied, yesterday. I might have said Birney went
out to-day; yesterday relates to rifle-pits and
enemy. The general desired you to know that
General Birney had moved out, but would no permit
him to fire, for fear it might disarrange your
plans or interfere with your operations, as you
might not understand firing on your right.
Very respectfully, &c.,
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of
Staff.
JULY 5, 1863-12. 30 p. m.
General SEDGWICK:
All the information I an
obtain proves withdrawal of enemy through Cashtown
and Fairfield road. Push forward your column in a
westerly direction. Fire on his force. If rear
guard, it will be compelled to return; if not, you
will find out. Time is of great importance, as I
cannot give order for a movement without explicit
information from you. General Sykes will cover
your withdrawal, if necessary, and General Warren,
who carries this, will read it to General Sykes.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General, Commanding.
JULY 5, 1863-12. 45 p. m.
(Received 1. 30 p. m.)
General BUTTERFIELD:
No cavalry from Pleasonton's
command have appeared. Colonel [Edward R.] Platt
and myself have gone up the Fairfield road to the
point mentioned by General Howard. The enemy have
mounted scouts and detachments to the east of the
Fairfield road, toward Cashtown road. On the
former road, about 1, 000 yards beyond
Willoughby's Run, there is about a brigade of
infantry, with a line of pickets to their rear,
and covering a hospital, 500 yards to the left of
road and near the run. One and a half miles
beyond, and to the north of the Fairfield road,
there are quite a number of wagons, but not
moving. The main force is now moving off, and the
pickets are withdrawing. A number of wagons have
passed along. One or more batteries with the
command. The force is larger than what I first
stated-a division, I should think. I think a
strong cavalry force, with some artillery and
infantry supports, should follow on the Fairfield
road.
Respectfully,
N. H. DAVIS,
Assistant Inspector-General.
LEFT BANK OF WILLOUGHBY'S
RUN,
In front of Pitzer's house,
July 5, 1863-1 p. m. (Received 1. 30 p. m.)
Major-General BIRNEY,
Commanding Third Corps:
The enemy is drawing in his
pickets rapidly, and the force on the road is
moving off. It turns out to be infantry and a
battery of horse artillery, with some few cavalry.
A battery has just opened
from the left of our line, but does not reach
them. The battery is moving off; they are brass
pieces.
Respectfully, your obedient
servant,
J. C. BRISCOE,
Captain, and Aide-de-Camp.
SIGNAL STATION, July 5,
1863-1 p. m.
Captain NORTON:
The enemy's infantry column
has again started, and it is moving rapidly along
the Fairfield road, in a southwesterly direction.
P. AND C.,
Signal Officers.
SIGNAL STATION, July 5,
1863-1 p. m. (Received 2 p. m.)
General MEADE:
A brigade, five regiments of
enemy's infantry, bivouacked near the Fairfield
road, just marched toward Fairfield.
P. A. TAYLOR,
Signal Officer.
SIGNAL STATION, July 5,
1863-2 p. m.
Captain NORTON:
All the enemy's infantry
that were visible from this point have
disappeared. No troops can now be seen, excepting
a few cavalry.
P. AND C.,
Signal Officers.
ROCK SIGNAL STATION, July 5,
1863-4 p. m.
Major-General SYKES:
Our advance has reached a
point distant 3 1/2 miles from this station. They
have met no enemy, nor are there any in sight.
WILLIAM H. HILL,
Captain, and Signal Officer.
TWO TAVERNS, July 5, 1863-6
p. m.
General BUTTERFIELD:
The Twelfth Corps and
Reserve Artillery will encamp to-night at
Littlestown. If the Second Corps has started, I
shall direct it to encamp to-night at this point.
Unless otherwise ordered,
the entire command will move at 5 a. m., and
encamp to-morrow night near Frederick, and will
reach Middletown at an early hour on Tuesday.
Very respectfully, &c.,
H. W. SLOCUM,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863-7.
30 p. m.
Commanding Officer Sixth
Corps:
Not remembering that I had
directed General Sykes to support you, if
necessary, I authorized his moving with the
Eleventh Corps, and he may, perhaps, have left
when you require him. I have, therefore, directed
General Newton, First Corps, to hold himself in
readiness in case you should require him, and to
send you a staff officer to advise you of his
position. You can also call on General Birney,
Third Corps, who, in the order of march, is placed
in your column. I am awaiting some definite
intelligence of your position and movements.
Believing the enemy were in full retreat, and for
the Potomac, I authorized the issue of the order
of march, and several corps have moved, but, as
they cannot get very far to-day, they can be
recalled if the information obtained through your
operations should justify the same.
Very respectfully, &c.,
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS, Frederick
City, July 5, 1863-8 a. m.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD:
GENERAL: To reoccupy
Harper's Ferry and to hold the passes will require
more troops than I have. The armament has all been
re- moved to Washington, and my supply of
ammunition is very limited; also of provisions. To
be shut up with an infantry force in the gorge of
Maryland Heights without a depot would render me
liable to disaster. I can do the enemy mischief
outside of the mountain, as he can have no
supplies. The force detached to Washington should
be sent back to me, as I have but two brigades.
Respectfully,
WM. H. FRENCH,
Major-General.
FREDERICK CITY, MD., July 5,
1863. (Received 7 p. m.)
Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: I have a brigade
occupying the passes, with infantry and artillery.
The cavalry detachment which destroyed the pontoon
bridge at Falling Waters, 3 miles this side of
Williamsport, also captured an ammunition train,
which was thrown into the river.
The enemy had commenced a
trestle-bridge at the ferry. This has been ordered
to be broken up by me. I have positive information
that there is no bridge at Clear Spring.
I have just received
information that the enemy are fortifying the
heights covering the Shepherdstown Ford, and that
a bridge is constructed, all ready to swing across
from the Virginia side.
Lee is said to be moving to
place his right on the river at Williamsport, his
left and mass being at Chambersburg. It seems as
if he was taking up the Antietam campaign.
I sent a dispatch about the
smallness of my command, and that it would be
throwing away a regiment or two to put them into
the cul-de-sac of Maryland [Heights] without
ammunition or supplies, there being only a few
days' now here.
I can worry their rear
through Crampton's Gap, and delay their passage of
the river, which I am told cannot now be forded. I
want troops from Washington, and supplies.
WM. H. FRENCH,
Major-General.
[P. S.]-Reliable scouts have
been sent out this morning to bring me information
as to the movements of Lee's army from
Chambersburg. There was no force at Hagerstown at
4 p. m. yesterday.
JULY 5, 1863-[8 p. m.]
Major-General FRENCH,
Frederick:
A column of the enemy's
cavalry, probably covering flanks or for South
Mountain Pass, passed through Emmitsburg about
daylight this morning, bound, as they say, for
Frederick. Notify Buford, and give them a rap, if
possible.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of
Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
Major-General FRENCH,
Frederick:
Your dispatches received.
Major-General Halleck has been requested to throw
the forces spoken of to Harper's Ferry by rail at
once. Lose no time in occupying the passes.
Intrench and hold them. General headquarters will
be at Frederick to-morrow p. m. The canal and rail
can supply your troops at Harper's Ferry.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Gettysburg, July
5, 1863-8 p. m.
General WILLIAM F. SMITH:
GENERAL: West left here this
morning. When he arrived here last night, the
enemy was apparently in full force before my
center and left, but had withdrawn from my right.
I knew he was in a strong position, awaiting my
attack, which I declined to make, in consequence
of the bad example he had set me in ruining
himself attacking a strong position. At the same
time, I left a little nervous about your position,
as Couch telegraphed you were going to Cashtown,
where I could not have helped you. I therefore
detained West till morning, when we found the
enemy had retired on the Cashtown and Fairfield
roads. I then told West you could safely join me
by keeping a little to the west.
My instructions to Couch
were to cross and make a demonstration in my
favor, always looking to his return to the
Susquehanna in case of disaster to me or other
cause requiring it. I have never given him any
other orders, and I do not like to run the risk of
taking his troops away from the position that may
be so important to hold. After I found the
strength of your command, and its proximity, in
consideration of my losses, I thought I would
order you to join me, but if you consider your
command essential to the defense of the
Susquehanna, you had better return after I leave
here. I say this because Couch writes he has now
only men to guard the fords, and seems to be
nervous.
One of your messengers that
arrived this p. m. I sent back, asking you to come
forward in person, as I should like to see you. As
I understand you are 12 or 14 miles from here, I
can hardly expect you. Should you arrive with the
intention of joining me, I will, in case I am not
here, leave orders for your guidance.
Respectfully, yours,
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General, Commanding.
P. S. -I am not able to say
what Lee is going to do, but expect he is off for
the Potomac or the lower end of the Valley; he
may, however, remain behind the mountains.
[Indorsement.]*
I had sent Captain West
entirely around the rebel army to tell Meade where
I was, and that I proposed to put myself on the
turn-
-------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
*On General Smith's copy of
dispatch.
---------------
pike in Lee's rear, not
knowing then that battle was over. I should have
been two days earlier, and then such a move would
have been of great service, even if the militia
had been very roughly handled, which would
probably have been the case.
WM. F. S. [SMITH.]
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
General WILLIAM F. SMITH:
GENERAL: Captain West left
here this morning. Our headquarters move at 6. 30
a. m. to Frederick. We move, to turn the enemy,
via South Mountain passes.
The enemy, from all we can
learn, is falling back on Chambersburg. His
bridges at Williamsport were destroyed to-day by
our cavalry, and a portion of one of his
ammunition trains destroyed.
Hastily, your obedient
servant.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, Marsh Creek, July 5,
1863-9. 30 p. m.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff.
GENERAL: My camp is on the
south side of this creek, on the direct road from
Gettysburg to Emmitsburg.
By an orderly returning to
headquarters, I send information of my position,
which I have thought would render unnecessary the
presence of one of my staff officers at
headquarters to-night.
I shall march at 4 in the
morning, and expect to pass through Emmitsburg
before any of the troops behind me can reach the
rear of my column.
General Howard has
communicated with me. He is on the Taneytown road,
and will probably cross Rock Creek to-night.
No news of the enemy, and
nothing of importance has occurred on my march.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant.
GEO. SYKES,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY
CORPS, July 5, 1863-8 p. m.
General [BUTTERFIELD]:
From the order of march, I
implied that I was to await General Sedgwick's
instructions before marching, but from the last
note received, I find he is at Fairfield, and that
I am to move to his support, if required.
I have sent a staff officer
to ascertain if he requires such support;
if he does not require such
support, shall I move on the road at first
indicated direct to Emmitsburg?
Very truly, &c.,
JOHN NEWTON,
Major-General, Commanding.
P. S. -I have not moved camp
as yet, from the fact that General Sedgwick should
have notified me of the hour, but the last order
shows that he is at Fairfield. I sent a staff
officer to find him some hours ago, but, of
course, he was unsuccessful.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
Commanding Officer First
Corps:
Under the order of march
received to-day, it was expected that General
Sedgwick would indicate the hour of your movement,
but the order of march having, in consequence of
information received from General Sedgwick that he
found the enemy in force in his front, been
suspended, and General Sykes having moved with his
corps before the suspension of the order of march
some distance of the route marked out for him, it
became necessary for him to designate your corps
as a supporting force for General Sedgwick, should
he require assistance.
Very respectfully, &c.,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
General LORENZO THOMAS,
Harrisburg:
Your dispatch of July 4
received. * The general desires to refer you to
the telegraphic instructions under which the
forces from Harrisburg moved across the
Susquehanna, to indicate that he was aware of, and
provided against, the danger to the command you
speak of. I am happy to inform you that the enemy
appears to be evacuating all his positions, and
retiring.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General, Chief of
Staff.
HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIRST ARMY CORPS,
Gettysburg, July 5, 1863.
Colonel SHARPE,
Headquarters Army of the Potomac:
I have busied myself to-day
collecting information from prisoners and others,
and have ascertained as follows from a colonel of
this
-------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
*See Thomas to Butterfield
and Eckert to Thomas, July 6, p. 566.
---------------
division wounded and taken
prisoner and held near the battle-field of the
First Corps:
Yesterday they sent their
wounded, filling about 500 wagons, ambulances, hay
wagons, &c., piled in as thick as they could
be, accompanied and followed by crowds so wounded
as to be able to walk, on the road to
Chambersburg, saying they were going to
Winchester; guarded by two regiments of cavalry,
one full battery, and many injured caissons,
limbers, and guns. No provision train with them.
This morning (the 5th), at about 6 a. m., they
sent two more regiments of cavalry, several squads
of cavalry, and one battery, with a large lot of
stragglers; took the same road, saying they were
going to millerstown. There was also seen a number
of our wagons, said to have been captured near
Washington by Hampton.
They are very short of food,
but say they have a large amount of ammunition in
their train. They seemed to be in no great hurry
to get away, saying, that if we followed them,
they were ready for us and if we did not molest
them, they would cross quietly.
All the main body, trains,
and artillery marched for Millerstown. Their left
wing and part of their center consisted of about
40, 000 men, judging from careful calculation as
was possible under the circumstances. They are
thought to have taken 5, 000 of our men prisoners.
A rebel colonel said their loss in all was
probably from 20, 000 to 25, 000.
I am, colonel, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES E. LIVINGSTON,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and
Assistant Adjutant-General.
ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY
OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
The artillery from the
Reserve, now serving with corps, will be returned
to the Reserve.
The chief of artillery will
assign batteries from the Reserve to army corps,
to replace losses and deficiencies, upon
application setting forth the number and kind
required. The assignments so made will not exceed
the proportions to the infantry arm heretofore
established.
The chief quartermaster will
take horses from the teams of the army, to supply
deficiencies in the artillery. The horses taken
can be replaced by mules, and by the reduction of
six-mule teams to four mules.
By command of Major-General
Meade:
[DANL. BUTTERFIELD,]
Major-General, Chief of
Staff.
CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY
OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
The major-general commanding
enjoins it upon all corps commanders to be very
careful in [expending] their ammunition, both
artillery and infantry.
We are now drawing upon our
reserve trains, and it is of the highest
importance that no ammunition be exhausted unless
there is reason to believe that its use will
produce a decided effect upon the enemy.
By command of Major-General
Meade:
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Numbers 181.
July 5, 1863.
* * * * * *
II. Major General A.
Doubleday, volunteer service, is relieved from
duty with this army, and will report for orders to
the Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington.
III. The batteries belonging
to corps and Artillery Reserve now detached will
rejoin their commands. The chief of artillery will
assign batteries to corps, to make up deficiencies
and losses.
By command of Major-General
Meade:
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant-Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863-5.
15 p. m. (Received 11 p. m.)
Honorable E. M. STANTON:
My cavalry horses are fast
being used up. Please send me, to Frederick City,
by to-morrow night the 2, 000 cavalry which are at
Washington, and most of them belonging to
regiments here. I really need them. The
Quartermaster's Department has nearly 1, 000
horses that can come up under their escort.
A. PLEASONTON,
Major-general.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 5, 1863. (Received July 6-3. 45 a. m.)
Brigadier General M. C.
MEIGS,
Quartermaster-General:
Orders were given by me on
crossing the Potomac north to procure all
artillery and cavalry horses in the country fit
for service, but the number that can be thus
obtained is small and immaterial in a large
calculation. I had reserved some horse teams,
which I shall now have to break up, and turn the
animals over for artillery. We shall still require
at least the number mentioned in my dispatch on
that subject, and, of course, require them now, if
possible. Five thousand good cavalry horses
available to-day for cavalry use would give great
additional results to our already important
victory.
The enemy is in full
retreat. We shall follow, via Frederick. I beg you
will order forward to that point all the horses on
hand at your general depot, so we may recruit the
cavalry for vigorous pursuit.
RUFUS INGALLS,
Brigadier-General, and Chief
Quartermaster.
WASHINGTON, July 5, 1863.
General INGALLS,
Headquarters Army of the
Potomac:
GENERAL: We have remounted
some 2, 000 cavalry here within the last few days.
This has taken up our supply of horses. We
shall be able within
twenty-four hours to start from this place, I
hope, 1, 200 horses. I have ordered the officers
at Harrisburg and Philadelphia to stop all that
are coming this way from Indiana, Michigan, New
England, and New York. I have telegraphed to you,
by order of the Secretary of War, to stand no
ceremony, but, by purchase, impressment, and
seizure, to make every available horse within
reach of your forging parties useful. I trust that
these means will refit you in a very short time.
If the general were to ask
that the 2, 000 remounted men here should be sent
forward to him, they might serve as escorts for
horses, and your dismounted men might come here
for remounts.
M. C. MEIGS,
Quartermaster-General.
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 5,
1863-9 a. m.
Major-General FRENCH,
Frederick:
I see your dispatch about
destruction of pontoons. Cannot the enemy ford the
river?
A. LINCOLN.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
July 5, 1863-10. 30 a. m. (Received 11 a. m.)
Major General W. H. FRENCH,
Frederick, Md.:
The forces here from
Harper's Ferry, with two batteries of artillery
and some troops from Baltimore, can be sent to you
at Frederick, should General Meade desire that
disposition of them. Should be deem it preferable,
they can be sent back, by Poolesville, to Point of
Rocks.
Please communicate
immediately with General Meade, and get his
instructions. I have had no communication from him
since yesterday morning.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
FREDERICK, MD., July 5,
1863-3 p. m. (Received 3. 40 p. m.)
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Your dispatch of this date
is just received. Meade's instructions to me
require the force sent back from Harper's Ferry.
No time is to be lost. Buford is passing through
to-day. I have destroyed the bridge at
Williamsport, and am fortifying the South Mountain
passes. Lee, it is reported, has massed at
Chambersburg, and will rest his right on the river
at Williamsport. Should he find his passage there
impracticable, as the river is rising, he will
endeavor to seize the passes. I have on good
brigade holding them. I also hold the passes. I
have one good brigade holding them. I also hold
the passes. I have one good brigade holding them.
I also hold the Monocacy bridges, and have only a
few unreliable infantry in reserve. Should you
send me re-enforcements, they should come direct
by rail. The cavalry is
broken down. I have issued a proclamation for
horses, and will remount as fast as they are
brought in. It was reported to me that artillery
was being placed on the heights at Shepherdstown
Ford, and a bridge in readiness to swing across.
Buford will visit that place to-night.
To reoccupy Maryland Heights
will require time, and probably the holding for
awhile the opposite side of the river. The enemy
can get nothing by having them, and a small force
without a depot would be in a cul-de-sac.
I have just received the
following dispatch from headquarters Army of the
Potomac, dated July 4, 10. 30 a. m.:
Major-General FRENCH:
More recent developments
indicate that the enemy may have retired to take a
new position, and await an attack from us. The
general commanding countermands his dispatch
requiring you to reoccupy Maryland Heights and
seize the South Mountain passes, resuming the
instructions of July 3, making your movements
contingent upon those of the enemy.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff.
[Latest dispatch.]
JULY 5-7 a. m.
General FRENCH:
The enemy appear to be in
full retreat, and you can act upon the
contingencies provided for in previous dispatches.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD.
I will, therefore, require
the re-enforcements.
WM. H. FRENCH,
Major-General.
WASHINGTON, July 5, 1863.
Major-General HEINTZELMAN,
Washington:
Send by railroad to
Frederick, to report to General French, the
detachment from Harper's Ferry and two batteries.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
July 5, 1863-7. 29 p. m.
Major-General SCHENCK,
Baltimore, Md.:
You will immediately send to
Frederick, to report to Major-General French, all
the troops in Baltimore no absolutely necessary to
man the fortifications.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
July 5, 1863-7. 31 p. m. (Received 8. 20 p. m.)
Major-General FRENCH,
Frederick, Md.:
Re-enforcements from
Baltimore and Washington are ordered to report to
you. Send to Monocacy Junction your orders whether
they are to go to Frederick or toward Harper's
Ferry.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
35 R R-VOL XXVII, PT III
FREDERICK, MD., July 5,
1863. (Received 9. 15 p. m.)
Major-General HALLECK:
I have just received the
following information:
Five hundred wagons (rebel),
guarded by about 150 infantry, 150 cavalry, three
pieces of inferior-looking artillery, and from 3,
000 to 5, 000 head of cattle passed through
Hagerstown last night after 11 o'clock. Could not
cross the ford at Williamsport, the river being
too high. Supposed to have gone to Falling Waters,
having started from Williamsport in that direction
this morning. The wagons were loaded with sick,
wounded, and stores.
WM. H. FRENCH,
Major-General of Volunteers.
HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, Baltimore, July 5,
1863-9. 45 p. m.
Major-General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.:
I have not enough men now to
man the fortifications at Baltimore, but I will
make up a brigade of the best I have, infantry,
cavalry, and a battery, perhaps 2, 500 or 3, 000
strong, and get them on the march by morning.
ROBT. C. SCHENCK,
Major-General, Commanding.
WASHINGTON, July 5, 1863-10
p. m.
Major-General HEINTZELMAN,
Commanding, Washington:
GENERAL: All cavalry
detachments from the Army of the Potomac should be
sent immediately to Frederick, via Rohrersville.
The movement of troops ordered this afternoon
should be pushed forward as rapidly as possible.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
[Indorsement.]
Captain C. H. POTTER:
Order Wyndham to move as
soon as possible, with every available man. Send a
note to [Elias M.] Greene, and direct him to push
the transportation for Elliott's people.
J. H. TAYLOR,
Assistant Adjutant-General,
and Chief of Staff.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
July 5, 1863-10 p. m.
Major-General SCHENCK,
Baltimore, Md.:
Send everything forward to
Frederick, excepting the usual garrisons of
Baltimore. The enemy is in retreat, and Baltimore
in no possible danger. Give General Meade all the
aid in your power.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
HDQRS. EIGHTH ARMY CORPS,
Baltimore, July 5, 1863. (Received July 6, 12. 10
a. m.)
Major-General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.:
To get my troops to
Frederick quickly and fresh to-morrow, I will send
them by railroad. Will send you report when I have
started them. I think I can send over 3, 000
pretty good men.
ROBT. C. SCHENCK,
Major-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ARMY CORPS,
Numbers 180.
Baltimore, Md., July 5, 1863.
* * * * * *
IV. Brigadier-General
Briggs, U. S. Volunteers, will immediately proceed
with the following-named troops by railroad to
Frederick City, Md.: The Ninth Maryland Volunteer
Infantry; the Tenth Maryland Volunteer Infantry;
the Eighth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry; the Forty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts
Volunteer Infantry; the Fifty-first Regiment
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry; the Seventh
Regiment New York State Militia: detachment of the
[First] Connecticut Cavalry; Battery B, First
Maryland Volunteer Artillery; Battery C, First
Pennsylvania Volunteer Artillery.
The command will go in light
marching order. They will cary with them their
blankets, canteens, and haversacks; 40 rounds of
ammunition in their cartridge-boxes, and 20 rounds
in their pockets. On his arrival at Frederick, he
will report to Major-General French.
* * * * * *
VI. Captain Charles
Farnsworth, commanding First Connecticut Cavalry,
will collect together all the available men of his
command, and march without delay to Frederick
City, Md. On his arrival there, he will report to
Brigadier-General Briggs, U. S. Volunteers.
* * * * * * *
By command of Major-General
Schenck:
WM. H. CHESEBROUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 5, 1863.
General BENHAM,
Navy-Yard, Washington:
Put your bridge trains and
troops in motion at once for Harper's Ferry. Will
telegraph further orders from Frederick to-morrow
p. m. to Poolesville and Rockville for you.
Answer.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
LOUDON, July 5, 1863.
General COUCH:
Colonel Pierce pushed the
whole of his forces in the direction of
Mercersburg. We have an office within 3 miles of
Chambersburg.
OPERATOR.
HARRISBURG, PA., July 5,
1863-9 a. m.
Major-General MEADE,
Commanding Army of the
Potomac:
General Smith reports that
the rebel are fortifying themselves in Newman's
Cut, South Mountain. Some indications, he says, of
the rebels looking for a new line, with their left
on or near the farm of Ruffins Parger
[Raffensperger]. Smith will endeavor to get in
their rear, but your must no expect that his raw
militia will kill a great manu. My force west of
Chambersburg is operating. The rebels have a
bridge below Williamsport.
D. N. COUCH,
Major-General, Commanding.
HARRISBURG, PA., July 5,
1863-3 p. m. (Received 5 p. m.)
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Ruffins Parger's
[Raffensperger] is in Franklin township, 1 1/2
miles west of Arendtsville, on the road to
Cashtown and Chambersburg. A cavalry force went
from Loudon this morning toward Williamsport.
Colonel Pierce, Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
commands my forces in the mountains about Loudon,
which is 12 miles west of Chambersburg. I hope to
have my advance near Cashtown and Arendtsville.
D. N. COUCH,
Major-General.
HARRISBURG, PA., July 5,
1863-3 p. m.
General MEADE:
Dispatch from Loudon, 12
miles from Chambersburg, says Potomac rising
rapidly; 6 feet of water at Williamsport; 6 miles
of wagons seen at Fayetteville this morning, and
says retreat cut off at that point by heavy force.
I am afraid this latter is
not true.
D. N. COUCH,
Major-General.
HARRISBURG, July 5, 1863-5
p. m.
General MEADE, Army of the
Potomac:
Scouts from Chambersburg
report large wagon trains moving from
Waynesborough toward Hagerstown.
D. N. COUCH,
Major-General.
HARRISBURG, PA., July 5,
1863-6 p. m.
Major-General MEADE:
We hope to have the
Cumberland Valley Railroad in operation to
Scotland Bridge, 6 miles this side of
Chambersburg, to-morrow night.
If all was clear, the road
from Carlisle to Hagerstown could be in running
order in sixty hours. Try to let me know if you
want me to prepare supplies, to be forwarded that
way.
My dear general, I
congratulate you and your whole army.
D. N. COUCH,
Major-General.
CARLISLE, July 5, 1863.
General COUCH:
I inclose dispatches from
General Meade, and ask for orders. My information
is that I can be of more service with this force,
acting under your orders, in the Cumberland
Valley. However, I leave you to decide, only
expressing my anxiety to go where I can be of most
service.
Yours, respectfully,
W. F. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.
HARRISBURG, PA., July 5,
1863-9 p. m.
Major-General MEADE, Army of
the Potomac:
The prisoners turned over to
General Smith number 1, 300 said to by mostly from
the First Corps. Potomac rising fast at Hancock. I
have a cavalry force west of Hagerstown. Some
prisoners take to-day. I directed General Smith to
get on Lee's flank, if possible, near Cashtown. He
will do it, if possible, with New York militia.
D. N. COUCH,
Major-General.
LOUDON, July 5, 1863.
General COUCH:
Your dispatch just received.
Sent a cavalry force to Williamsport and
Hagerstown this morning; balance of my cavalry
sent to Chambersburg and Greencastle to-day. Will
do all I can to harass them. My infantry is of no
account.
It has rained all the time
for the past two days. The little ammunition I had
is worthless. I have some on the way here; will
not get here until to-morrow. Am having an
inspection of ammunition; will go forward with all
the men that have 10 rounds of good. Cavalry just
sent in 33 prisoners, taken near Greencastle.
I am as anxious to press
forward as any one can be. Citizen just from the
Potomac, 6 miles below Hancock, says river too
high to ford, and rising fast. Have the rebels any
pontoons?
L. B. PIERCE,
Colonel Commanding.
CLARKSBURG, W. VA., July 5,
1863. (Received 10. 20 a. m.)
Colonel TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
General Averell reports that
he has driven [W. L.] Jackson back through the
Elkwater Pass, and is on his way back. I will have
cars in readiness to move
his command to Cumberland on his arrival. Troops
at Cumberland and New Creek are moving. I leave
this morning to join them; will do all in my power
to carry out the orders of the General-in-Chief.
B. F. KELLEY,
Brigadier-General.
CLARKSBURG, W. VA., July 5,
1863. (Received 9. 15 p. m.)
Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
General Scammon reports that
he will start the expedition without delay. I have
heard nothing from Beverly to-day. Presume Averell
id driving Jackson back through the mountain pass.
Will have the telegraph line working to Beverly in
a few hours.
It will be impossible for me
to concentrate my force at Hancock as promptly as
I could wish, as it will require Averell some days
to get back. Shall I move what force I have at New
Creek and Cumberland to Hancock (about 4, 500
effective men), or shall I wait for Averell's
command?
B. F. KELLEY,
Brigadier-General.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
July 5, 1863. (Received 10. 30 p. m.)
Brigadier-General KELLEY,
Clarksburg:
I have seen your dispatch to
the Adjutant-General, and regret to hear you talk
about "some days" to concentrate, when
minutes are precious. The instructions and
information given by the General-in-Chief this
evening will show what an opportunity you have, by
rapid and vigorous motion, to inflict a heavy blow
upon the enemy. It will abe a matter of deep
regret if, by tardy movement, you let the chance
escape. There should be no rest, night or day. Why
are you still at Clarksburg?
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
July 5, 1863-10 p. m.
General KELLEY:
Do everything in your power
to capture or destroy Lee's trains, which will
endeavor to cross at Williamsport or Falling
Waters. His army is in full retreat.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
July 5, 1863-9. 30 p. m.
General KELLEY, Clarksburg,
W. Va.:
Send forward your forces in
hand, and order the others to follow as rapidly as
possible.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE
MONONGAHELA, July 5, 1863.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE
ARMY, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I have respectfully to
report that the progress made in getting up a
military force for the protection of this
department is not satisfactory. A part of a
company only has been raised for department
service. About 600 men, including a company of
cavalry, have responded to the President's call
for six months, and about 3, 000 men have come in
under the Governor's call for three months. In
answer to my call for labor on defensive works and
intrenchments, the whole community has responded
in the most gratifying manner. Mills, factories,
works of various kinds, have been closed, and the
employees sent to the intrenchments. Stores, both
wholesale and retail, were closed, and represented
on the works; liquor dealers of various kinds were
at work, as were miners, builders, &c.
The colored population was
well represented and did its share. I know of no
class of people or business that was
unrepresented; and, I doubt not, when the hour of
danger comes, the same hands that made the
intrenchments will be there to defend them.
Until the engineers have
time to make a survey, that will be forwarded, I
can only say that rifle-pits have been made by
miles, and batteries and forts constructed
sufficient to mount guns by the hundred.
Very respectfully,
W. T. H. BROOKS,
Major-General.
HARRISBURG, PA., July 5,
1863. (Received 2. 35 p. m.)
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
Nothing of interest from
front. Two regiments arrived from Philadelphia
to-day. General Smith has been fully instructed to
operate on the enemy's flank.
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
July 5, 1863-10 p. m.
JOHN W. GARRETT, Esq.,
Baltimore:
You will please devote all
your energies and resources to military movements
at the present time, to the exclusion of
everything else. I know what you have done, and
expect you to surpass yourself.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
CONFIDENTIAL.] NEW YORK,
July 5, 1863. (Received 12. 25 p. m.)
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
The engineers are mounting
large and long-range guns in Fort Lafayette. All
the troops having been by your order sent to
Harris-
burg, excepting a few
infantry, I was compelled to send all the rebel
prisoners, excepting three or four, to Fort
Warren. I have only about 400 men to the guns of
nine forts in the harbor of New York.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
HARRISBURG, PA., July 5,
1863.
(Coy received, War
Department, 9. 20 p. m.)
QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL,
Headquarters Army of the Potomac:
I am sending 500 horses to
your army, which will arrive to-morrow morning.
Have an agent ready to receive them. They go by
way of York and Hanover Junction.
D. N. COUCH,
Major-General.
COLUMBIA, [July 5, 1863.]
Major General D. N. COUCH,
Harrisburg:
Can the citizens take their
stock over the river from Columbia to
Wrightsville? This morning they are getting
desperate. They are ferrying below and above.
W. P. STONE,
Captain of Ford-Boat.
[JULY 5, 1863.]
Major BURT, Carlisle:
No horses, cattle,
carriages, or teams of any description are to be
suffered to pass from Carlisle southward.
By order of Major-General
Couch:
WAYNE McVEAGH,
Major, and Aide-de-Camp.
HEADQUARTERS, Baltimore, July 5, 1863.
Colonel A. BECKWITH,
Aide-de-Camp, Commissary of Subsistence:
Have just received your
telegram, and Colonel Clarke's, 10. 25 p. m. Will
go up in the morning. Have a train now loaded at
this place with 100, 000 marching rations.
Sullivan will load up another 10, 000 to-morrow.
You had better send up another 100, 000 also.
A. P. PORTER.
NEW YORK, July 5, 1863.
(Received 11 p. m.)
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
The glorious news from the
army fills the Copperheads with dismay.
Governor Seymour was
compelled to omit from his speech at the academy
of Music yesterday a fierce attack upon the war
management of the Government
and its generals and an eulogy of McClellan. The
prevailing sentiment in Democratic circles is that
the complete defeat of Lee's army will be the
overthrow of the Democratic party on the
Copperhead platform, and Meade's victory is,
therefore, not hailed with the universal joy with
which it would naturally inspire the hearts of a
patriotic people. Tom Scott and Edgar Thomson will
find it harder than ever to manufacture public
sentiment to bear upon the President for the
restoration of McClellan. They would have been far
more usefully and patriotically employed in
persuading the people to shoulder muskets and
fight the enemy instead of signing petitions.
P. H. WATSON.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington,
D. C., July 5, 1863-8 p. m.
Major-General DIX, Fort
Monroe:
Dispatches from the front
state that Lee's army is in full retreat across
the mountains.
EDWIN M. STANTON.
FORT MONROE, July 5, 1863.
(Received 5. 30 p. m.)
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
Many thanks for the glorious
new. I am watching with great anxiety to hear from
Brigadier-General Getty. I think he made the
attack last night on the Fredericksburg Railroad
bridge. Will telegraph the General-in-Chief the
moment I hear from him.
JOHN A. DIX,
Major-General.
WASHINGTON, July 5, 1863.
Major General J. G. FOSTER,
Commanding, &c., New
Berne:
GENERAL: Your dispatch of
June 30 is received. Returns should be sent by sea
and not by the interior route.
The letter of Jeff. Davis to
Lee, which has been sent to you by General Dix,
will show that nearly all the rebel troops have
been withdrawn from North Carolina.
If Lee should receive
another severe pounding before he crosses the
Potomac, or his army should be seriously
compromised, more rebel troops must be drawn from
the south. I think, therefore, you will have an
opportunity to do the rebels much injury, even
with your small force. Increase your cavalry as
much as you can by capturing horses in the enemy's
country. In Maryland and Pennsylvania, they take
every animal they require.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY
OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 1863.
Commanders of corps and
independent commanders, and chiefs of staff
departments, will at once proceed to carry into
effect the order of march of July 5, temporarily
suspended.
Headquarters to-night will
be at the same place as last night, and to-morrow
at Frederick.
By command of Major-General
Meade:
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY
OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 1863.
To Commandants of Artillery
of Corps and of Reserve Artillery:
Horses for the artillery
will be in readiness for issue by Captain [Charles
B.] Wagner, assistant quartermaster, at Frederick.
They will be issued on
requisitions of battery commanders, approved by
the chief of artillery of corps, or of the
commanding general of the Reserve.
Batteries which do not go to
Frederick can present their requisitions to
General Ingalls at general headquarters.
Requisitions will be made out at once, and for the
smallest number of horses compatible with the
interest of the service, that no delay may take
place in presenting them as soon as the
opportunity offers.
By command of Major-General
Meade:
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 6, 1863-2
a. m.
Major-General SEDGWICK,
Commanding Sixth Corps:
GENERAL: After conversation
with General Warren, I think under existing
circumstances you had better push your
reconnaissance, so as to ascertain, if
practicable, how far the enemy has retreated, and
also the character of the gap and practicability
of carrying the same, in case I should determine
to advance on that line.
You must be careful to watch
your right and rear, as roads from Cashtown are
open to the enemy to advance against you.
My cavalry sent to Cashtown
have not reported, but I have reason to believe
that the enemy is there in force. I beg you will
keep me fully advised of what occurs, and I desire
you will report at least every two or three hours.
Both the First and Third
Corps are under your orders, and can be called to
your support, if you require them.
I shall not move the army
from its present position until I am better
satisfied the enemy are evacuating the Cumberland
Valley. Respectfully, yours,
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, Near Fairfield, July 6,
1863.
Brigadier General S.
WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Your dispatch of this morning received. I am in the same position as when General Warren left me last night. I sent Lieutenant-Colonel [J. For