Bettysburg Campaign and Campaigns of 1864 and 1865 in Virginia

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VII. Battle of Gettysburg. A. P. Hill, who, with his corps, was at Fayettesville on the morning of the 29th, moved Heth's division to Cashtown, eight miles from Gettysburg, on that day, and ordered Pender, with his division, to follow on the 30th. Pettigrew, commanding one of Heth's brigades, obtained permission from Heth to take his brigade to Gettysburg to procure some shoes that he hoped to find there. The permission was granted, probably, because Hill, in the absence of all the cavalry, desired to be assured that the Union troops were not assembling in close proximity to him. Pettigrew found the town was occupied by Buford's cavalry, returned without engaging it, and reported the fact. General Hill promptly notified General Lee and Ewell, who had arrived at Heidlersburg, about nine miles distant; hastened Pender's march, and prepared to move with two divisions upon Gettysburg early the next morning, whilst Anderson was directed to conduct the trains to Cashtown as rapidly as possible. Upon receiving the notification from Hill, General Ewell changed the direction of Rodes' march from toward Cashtown to Gettysburg by the Middletown road, and directed Early to do the same, marching on the Heidlersburg road; so that, on the morning of July 1st, four divisions, with their battalions of artillery, were concentrating upon Gettysburg. A promptness of action upon Hill's part, followed by similar promptness by Ewell, highly commendable in those officers, if it was desired to surprise and crush that advanced detachment when beyond the support of the other columns. THE FIRST DAYS' BATTLE. About 10 A. M., Heth, who was in advance, encountered Buford's cavalry about three miles from Gettysburg, deployed Archer's and Davis' brigades in line across the road o...