Summary:
Union General Darius Couch writes from Chambersburg to General William Smith concerning movements against Confederates retreating from Pennsylvania after the battle of Gettysburg in July, 1863. He also announces he has sent a shipment of shoes.

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Gen. William F. Smith:

Chambersburg,

July 11, 1863.

Dear Gen.:

Your dispatch received, and I think that I will move down under Dana, and probably go along with, what troops we can move. Unless Meade desires us to join him, nothing could be better than do as you suggest; and, in my opinion, we can help more by remaining in an attitude to fall upon the enemy at the proper moment than doing anything else.

I dread the effect on the Army of the Potomac, if our men should conclude not to fight in Maryland or break on the field; I think, however, that a good many of the Pennsylvania troops would do well. Potter went through to Meade last night with certain propositions, and I hope to hear shortly. It appears that your movement through by Pine Grove was the very best thing you could have done.

If you hear anything, please keep me advised. The shoes have gone forward.

Truly,

D. N. COUCH,
Maj.-Gen.

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Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 27, Serial No. 45, Pages 651, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.