Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-06

4:30. The last of the regiments was there
an hour later. The list corps was disposed
on Cemetery Ridge and Clups Hill, the
18th on East Cemetery Hill around Stein
wehr. The Union forces now with calm de-
termination awaited another attack. But it
did not come. Cen Lee instructed Ewell
to carry Cemetery Hill if he found it prac-
ticable, but to avoid a general engagement
until the arrival of the other divisions of
the army. The absent divisions did not ar
rive before nightfall, and no attack was
made.
In the meantime the 18th Corps was ar
irving on the Baltimore pike. and soon after
Sickles' Sd Corps was seen coming up from
Emmitsburg. Confidence took the place of
doubt along the Union line. Gen. Han
cock had come to Gettysburg In obedience
to orders by Gen. Meade, when the latter
heard of the fighting and the death of Gen.
Reynolds. In his orders issued to the corps
commanders that day he had outlined his
plan for withdrawal OF the army to Pipe
creek, about three miles south of fancy
town. He, however, said that developments
might cause him to assume the offensive
from their present positions. Hancock was
instructed to take command and to report
If he thought the ground suitable for tight
ing. Hancock on arriving established a
battle line Cemetery Ridge. Geary s d.
vision of the 18th Corps was ordered to
occupy the ground TO the right of and near
Round Top. Hancock then sent word to
Gen. Meade that the position was a very
strong one, but that it might be easily
turned. He surrendered the command to
Slocum and returned to Taneytown to re-
port in person. Both Slocum and Sickles
had moved their corps on to Gettysburg
without orders from Gen. Meade. in fact
in direct opposition to instructions issued
by him, having in mind the formation of
the army along Pipe creek. They exercised
the discretion allowed in such cases and
their action was afterward approved.
Gen. Meade, without awaiting Hancock's
return. acted on the information sent by
him and decided to fight at Gettysburg. He
caYr nrIe 70 he ann a 0nprS of f
ferent corps that as the battle would prob
ably be fought there they must put their
troops in motion and by forced marches
reach that place soon a possible. Hav
ing issued the necessary orders for con-
centratiou Of the entire Army of the Poto-
mac at Gettysburg Meade. accompanied by
his staff. left Taneytown that night and ar
rived at Gettysburg at / o'clock on the
morning of July 2. The ID Corps Han
cock's), under the temporary command of
Gibbon. pressed on along the Taneytown
three miles south of the town. where It
passed the night. Thus five of the seven
corps of the army were on the field or In
supporting distance at nightfall.
Preparing for Battle.
The morning of July 2 was passed in
anxious expectation by the men of both
armies and in final preparations for the
coming contest by the commanders. Gen.
Meade looked for an attack in force on his
right stationed on Cemetery hill and Cups
hill. This led him to neglect his left in
Guiding the Important positions Of the
Round Tops Gen. Lee, moreover, planned
a repetition of the concealed march and
attack on the flank which was so success
full at Charlottesville. In his plan he was
unwittingly aided by the orders of the
Union commander. Gearys Division of the
18th Corps had passed on the night on the
left wing. two of his regiments occupying
Little Round Top. He was ordered to the
right and went into position on CuIp's hill.
Buford's division of cavalry was tempo
rarily stationed the left flank in front
of the Round Tops but Gen. Meade order
ed II to Westminster, having been err
roneously informed that other cavalry had
prepared to relieve him Thus the left was
left without protection. Sykes 9Th Corps
at Union Mills. seventeen miles away on
the morning before, was ordered up and
reached the field at 8 a. m. on the ID
Sedgwick's 9th Corps was marching from
Manchester. thirty miles distant. and ar
rived on the field about 8 o'clock in the
afternoon. All OF Lees troops were on the
field in the morning except Pickett's di-
vision of Longstreet's Corps. which had
been left at Chambersburg to guard the