Southern Historical Society papers.
Vol. X. Richmond, Va., August and Sept'r, 1882. Nos. 8-9.
General Longstreet's report of the Pennsylvania campaign.
Headquarters First army corps, Department nor. Va., Near Culpeper C. H., July 27th, 1863.
Colonel — In obedience to orders from the Commanding-General, my command marched from Fredericksburg on the 3d of June for Culpeper Courthouse.
On the 15th it moved from Culpeper Courthouse, along the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge, and on the 19th McLaws's division was posted in Ashby's Gap, Hood's at Snicker's Gap, and Pickett's supporting Hood's and guarding points between the two gaps.
On June 20th I received a dispatch from general headquarters, directing that I should hold myself in readiness to move in the direction of the Potomac, with a view to crossing, &c. As I was ready and had been expecting an order to execute such purpose, I supposed the intimation meant other preparation; and knowing of nothing else that I could do to render my preparations complete, I supposed that it was desirable that I should cross the Shenandoah.
I therefore passed the river, occupied the banks at the ferries opposite the gaps, and a road at an intermediate ford which was practicable for cavalry and infantry.
On the following day the enemy advanced his cavalry in full force against General Stuart, and drove him into and nearly through Ashby's 