HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF
THE POTOMAC,
July 1, 1863.
Major-General REYNOLDS,
Commanding, &c., Gettysburg:
GENERAL: The telegraphic intelligence received from General
Couch, with the various movements reported from Buford, seem to indicate the
concentration of the enemy either at Chambersburg or at a point situated
somewhere on a line drawn between Chambersburg and York, through Mummasburg and
to the north of Gettysburg.
The commanding general cannot decide whether it is his best
policy to move to attack until he learns something more definite of the point
at which the enemy is concentrating. This he hopes to do during the day.
Meanwhile, he would like to have your views upon the subject, at least so far
as concerns your position. If the enemy is concentrating to our right of
Gettysburg, that point would not at first glance seem to be a proper strategic
point of concentration for this army.
If the enemy is concentrating in front of Gettysburg or to
the left of it, the general is not sufficiently well informed of the nature of
the country to judge of its character for either an offensive or defensive
position. The numbers of the enemy are estimated at about 92,000 infantry, with
270 pieces of artillery, and his cavalry from 6,000 to 8,000. Our numbers ought
to equal it, and, with the arrival of General French's command, which should
get up to-morrow, exceed it, if not too much weakened by straggling and
fatigue.
The general having just assumed command, in obedience to
orders, with the position of affairs leaving no time to learn the condition of
the army as to morale and proportionate strength compared with its last
return, would gladly receive from you any suggestions as to the points laid
down in this note. He feels that you know more of the condition of the troops
in your vicinity and the country than he does. General Humphreys, who is at
Emmitsburg with the Third Corps, the general considers an excellent adviser as
to the nature of the country for defensive or offensive operations. If near
enough to call him to consultation with you, without interference with the
responsibilities that devolve upon you both, please do so. You have all the
information which the general has received, and the general would like to have
your views.
The movement of your corps to Gettysburg was ordered before
the positive knowledge of the enemy's withdrawal from Harrisburg and
concentration was received.
Very respectfully,
&c.,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
(Copy to Major-General Howard.)
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 33-4; 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. 460-1
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