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. I am not
determined, as yet, on attacking him till his position is more developed. 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 will endeavor to
advise you as often as possible. In the engagement yesterday the enemy
concentrated more rapidly than we could, and toward evening, owing to the
superiority of numbers, compelled the Eleventh and First Corps to fall back
from the town to the heights this side, on which I am now posted. I feel fully
the responsibility resting upon me, but will endeavor to act with caution.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 72; The War of the Rebellion: A
Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies,
Series I, Volume 27, Part 1 (Serial No. 43), p. 72
No comments:
Post a Comment