Summary:
Army of the Potomac commander George Meade writes to General Darius Couch in Chambersburg in July, 1863, to report on efforts to pursue the retreating Army of Northern Virginia after the battle of Gettysburg.

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Maj.-Gen. Couch,
Chambersburg:

July 14, 1863

The enemy evacuated last night the very strong position he occupied yesterday. I was only able to overtake his rear guard at Falling Waters, where we captured over 2,000 prisoners, several guns, standards, &c. The rest of the army had crossed during the night.

I am about moving down the river to cross at Berlin, and move down the Loudoun Valley. I wish to take every available man with me now with my army. At the same time I think Hagerstown ought to be occupied and the river watched, till we know what has become of Lee.

If you can do this with the forces under your command, you will render me an essential service. I have directed Gen. Smith to report to you for instructions, as the time of his men is so nearly out.

Please let me know by telegram whether you can comply with my wishes.

GEO. G. MEADE,
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 698, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.