Thursday, June 12, 2014

Major-General George G. Meade to Major-General John Sedgwick, July 1, 1863

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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