CIRCULAR.]
From information
received, the commanding general is satisfied that the object of the movement
of the army in this direction has been accomplished, viz, the relief of
Harrisburg, and the prevention of the enemy's intended invasion of
Philadelphia, &c., beyond the Susquehanna. It is no longer his intention to
assume the offensive until the enemy's movements or position should render such
an operation certain of success.
If the enemy assume
the offensive, and attack, it is his intention, after holding them in check
sufficiently long, to withdraw the trains and other impedimenta; to
Withdraw the army from its present position, and form line of battle with the
left resting in the neighborhood of Middleburg, and the right at Manchester,
the general direction being that of Pipe Creek. For this purpose, General
Reynolds, in command of the left, will withdraw the force at present at
Gettysburg, two corps by the road to Taneytown and Westminster, and, after
crossing Pipe Creek, deploy toward Middleburg. The corps at Emmitsburg will be
withdrawn, via Mechanicsville, to Middleburg, or, if a more direct route can be
found leaving Taneytown to their left, to withdraw direct to Middleburg.
General Slocum will
assume command of the two corps at Hanover and Two Taverns, and withdraw them,
via Union Mills, deploying one to the right and one to the left, after crossing
Pipe Creek, connecting on the left with General Reynolds, and communicating his
right to General Sedgwick at Manchester, who will connect with him and form the
right.
The time for falling
back can only be developed by circumstances. Whenever such circumstances arise
as would seem to indicate the necessity for falling back and assuming this
general line indicated, notice of such movement will be at once communicated to
these headquarters and to all adjoining corps commanders.
The Second Corps now
at Taneytown will be held in reserve in the vicinity of Uniontown and
Frizellburg, to be thrown to the point of strongest attack, should the enemy
make it. In the event of these movements being necessary, the trains and impedimenta
will all be sent to the rear of Westminster.
Corps commanders,
with their officers commanding artillery and the divisions, should make
themselves thoroughly familiar with the country indicated, all the roads and
positions, so that no possible confusion can ensue, and that the movement, if
made, be done with good order, precision, and care, without loss or any
detriment to the morale of the troops.
The commanders of
corps are requested to communicate at once the nature of their present
positions, and their ability to hold them in case of any sudden attack at any
point by the enemy.
This order is
communicated, that a general plan, perfectly understood by all, may be had for
receiving attack, if made in strong force, upon any portion of our present
position.
Developments may
cause the commanding general to assume the offensive from his present
positions.
The Artillery
Reserve will, in the event of the general movement indicated, move to the rear
of Frizellburg, and be placed in position, or sent to corps, as circumstances
may require, under the general supervision of the chief of artillery.
The chief
quartermaster will, in case of the general movement indicated, give directions
for the orderly and proper position of the trains in rear of Westminster.
All the trains will
keep well to the right of the road in moving, and, in case of any accident
requiring a halt, the team must be hauled out of the line, and not delay the
movements.
The trains ordered
to Union Bridge in these events will be sent to Westminster.
General headquarters
will be, in case of this movement, at Frizellburg; General Slocum as near Union
Mills as the line will render best for him; General Reynolds at or near the
road from Taneytown to Frizellburg.
The chief of
artillery will examine the line, and select positions for artillery.
The cavalry will be
held on the right and left flanks after the movement is completed. Previous to
its completion, it will, as now directed, cover the front and exterior lines,
well out.
The commands must be
prepared for a movement, and, in the event of the enemy attacking us on the
ground indicated herein, to follow up any repulse.
The chief signal
officer will examine the line thoroughly, and at once, upon the commencement of
this movement, extend telegraphic communication from each of the following
points to general headquarters near Frizellburg, viz, Manchester, Union Mills,
Middleburg, and the Taneytown road.
All true Union
people should be advised to harass and annoy the enemy in every way, to send in
information, and taught how to do it; giving regiments by number of colors,
number of guns, generals' names, &c. All their supplies brought to us will
be paid for, and not fall into the enemy's hands.
Roads and ways to
move to the right or left of the general line should be studied and thoroughly
understood. All movements of troops should be concealed, and our dispositions
kept from the enemy. Their knowledge of these dispositions would be fatal to
our success, and the greatest care must be taken to prevent such an occurrence.
By command of
Major-General Meade:
SOURCE: 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. 458-9
