Summary:
Union Cavalry General John Buford reports on his June, 1863, arrival in
Gettysburg. He mentions sending men towards the enemy at Chambersburg, and news
of General Lee signing a pass for a citizen there. He also discusses the
availability of supplies in the area.
Gen. Pleasonton.
Gettysburg,
June 30, 1863.
I entered this place to-day at 11 a. m. Found everybody in a terrible state of excitement on account of the enemy's advance upon this place. He had approached to within half a mile of the town when the head of my column entered. His force was terribly exaggerated by reasonable and truthful but inexperienced men. On pushing him back toward Cashtown, I learned from reliable men that R. H. Anderson's division was marching from Chambersburg by Mummasburg, Hunterstown, Abbottstown, on toward York. I have sent parties to the two first-named places, toward Cashtown, and a strong force toward Littlestown. Col. Gamble has just sent me word that Lee signed a pass for a citizen this morning at Chambersburg. I can't do much just now. My men and horses are fagged out. I have not been able to get any grain yet. It is all in the country, and the people talk instead of working. Facilities for shoeing are nothing. Early's people seized every shoe and nail they could find.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. BUFORD,
Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 27, Serial No. 43, Pages 923, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
