HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF
THE POTOMAC,
July 1, 1863.
Commanding Officer Sixth Corps:
I am directed by the commanding general to state that it
would appear from reports just received that the enemy is moving in heavy force
on Gettysburg (Ewell from Heidlersburg, and Hill from Cashtown Pass), and it is
not improbable he will reach that place before the command under Major-General
Reynolds (the First and Eleventh Corps), now on the way, can arrive there.
Should such be the case, and General Reynolds find himself
in the presence of a superior force, he is instructed to hold the enemy in
check, and fall slowly back. If he is able to do this, the line indicated in
the circular of to-day will be occupied to-night. Should circumstances render
it necessary for the commanding general to fight the enemy to-day, the troops
are posted as follows for the support of Reynolds' command, viz,: On his right,
at Two Taverns, the Twelfth Corps; at Hanover, the Fifth Corps; the Second
Corps is on the road between Taneytown and Gettysburg; the Third Corps is at
Emmitsburg.
This information is conveyed to you that you may have your
corps in readiness to move in such direction as may be required at a moment's
notice.
Very respectfully,
&c.,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 31; The War of the Rebellion: A
Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies,
Series I, Volume 27, Part 3 (Serial No. 45), p. 462
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