Summary:
In this July 4, 1863, dispatch, Robert E. Lee reports to Jefferson Davis on the
battle of Gettysburg. He discusses both the lead-up to the battle and its
results. He mentions that portions of his army passed through Chambersburg on
the way to Gettysburg.
His Excellency President Davis, Richmond.
Near Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 4, 1863.
Mr. President:
After the rear of the army had crossed the Potomac, the leading corps, under Gen. Ewell, pushed on to Carlisle and York, passing through Chambersburg. The other two corps closed up at the latter place, and soon afterward intelligence was received that the army of Gen. Hooker was advancing. Our whole force was directed to concentrate at Gettysburg, and the corps of Gen.'s Ewell and A. P. Hill reached that place on the 1st July, the former advancing from Carlisle and the latter from Chambersburg. The two leading divisions of these corps, upon reaching the vicinity of Gettysburg, found the enemy, and attacked him, driving him from the town, which was occupied by our troops. The enemy's loss was heavy, including more than 4,000 prisoners. He took up a strong position in rear of the town, which he immediately began to fortify, and where his re-enforcements joined him.
On the 2d July, Longstreet's corps, with the exception of one division, having arrived, we attempted to dislodge the enemy, and, though we gained some ground, we were unable to get possession of his position. The next day, the third division of Gen. Longstreet having come up, a more extensive attack was made. The works on the enemy's extreme right and left were taken, but his numbers were so great and his position so commanding, that our troops were compelled to relinquish their advantage and retire.
It is believed that the enemy suffered severely in these operations, but our own loss has not been light.
Gen. Barksdale is killed. Gen.'s Garnett and Armistead are missing, and it is feared that the former is killed and the latter wounded and a prisoner. Gen.'s Pender and Trimble are wounded in the leg, Gen. Hood in the arm, and Gen. Heth slightly in the head. Gen. Kemper, it is feared, is mortally wounded. Our losses embrace many other valuable officers and men.
Gen. Wade Hampton was severely wounded in a different action in which the cavalry was engaged yesterday.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
Gen.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 27, Serial No. 44, Pages 298, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
