During the night of the 3d the
Commanding General withdrew the main body to the ridges west of
Gettysburg, and sent word to me to that effect, but his message missed me. I repaired to his headquarters during the latter part of the night, and received instructions as to the new line, and sent in compliance therewith a brigade (
Fitz. Lee's) to Cash Town to protect our trains congregated there.
My cavalry and artillery were somewhat jeopardized before I got back to my command, by the enemy having occupied our late ground before my command could be informed of the change.
None, however, were either lost or captured.
During the 4th, which was quite rainy, written instructions were received from the
Commanding General as to the order of march back to the
Potomac, to be undertaken at nightfall.
In this order, one brigade of cavalry was ordered to move, as heretofore stated, by way of Cash Town, guarding that flank and bringing up the rear on the road via
Greenwood to
Williamsport, which was the route designated for the main portion of the wagon trains and ambulances, under the special charge of
Brigadier-General Imboden, who had a mixed command of artillery, infantry and cavalry.
Previous to these instructions, I had, at the instance of the
Commanding General, instructed
Brigadier-General Robertson, whose two brigades (his own and
Jones') were now on the right near
Fairfield, Pennsylvania, that it was essentially necessary for him to hold the
Jack Mountain passes.
These included two prominent roads, the one north and the other south of
Jack Mountain, which is a sort of peak in the
Blue Ridge chain.
In the order of march (retrogade) one corps (
Hill's) preceded everything through the mountain.
The baggage and prisoners of war, escorted by another corps (
Longstreet's), occupied the centre,