[
276]
Chapter 25: retreat to Virginia.
During the night of July 3rd,
Ewell's corps was withdrawn from its position in and to the left of
Gettysburg, and moved to the right, to the
Cashtown road, where it took position on
Seminary Hill, the other corps retaining their positions.
My brigades were withdrawn from
Gettysburg to the new position at two o'clock in the morning of the 4th and were formed in line in rear of
Seminary Hill,
Rodes' and
Johnson's divisions occupying the front line on the crest of the hill across the road.
During the battle our line had encircled that of the enemy, thus extending our army, which was much smaller than his own, over a very long line.
We remained in position confronting the enemy during the whole of the 4th, being subjected in the afternoon to a very heavy shower of rain.
The enemy showed no disposition to come out, but hugged his defences on the hills very closely.
General Lee sent a flag of truce on the morning of this day to
General Meade proposing an exchange of prisoners, but he declined to accede to the proposition.
Before day on the morning of the 5th our army commenced retiring from before
Gettysburg.
The loss in my division in the battle, beginning with the first and ending with the last day, was in killed 154, wounded 799, and missing 227, total 1,180, of which
Hays' and
Hoke's brigades lost in the assault at the close of the day of the 2nd, in killed 39, wounded 246, and missing 149, total 434. 194 of my command were left in hospitals near
Gettysburg, the rest being carried off. The loss of our army was heavy, as was that of the enemy.
I have before stated the size of
General Lee's army when this campaign was commenced.
The army had
