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[201] teams near the Potomac, the enemy got three of our disabled pieces, of which two were left on the field as worthless, and one sent to the rear, was captured by his cavalry, with a few wagons from the trail.

We wrested from him on the battle-field at Gettysburg, three 10-pound Parrott's, one 3-inch rifle, and three Napoleon's, all ready for use against himself.

In the operations thus imperfectly reported, officers and men, almost without exception, evinced in high degree the important virtues of courage, fortitude, and patience; shrinking from no danger at the call of duty, they accepted with equal fidelity the hardships incident to just forbearance and stern service in an enemy's country; alternately heat and protracted storm aggravated other trials. The arid hills of Gattysburg afford no springs, and wells are there speedily exhausted; many, therefore, were the sufferers from thirst in this long mid-summer conflict. Subsequently on the march scarcely less was endurance taxed by pouring rain day and night; yet all this and whatever else occurred, was borne with ready acquiescence and steady resolution. When great merit is so prevalent, individual instances can scarcely be distinguished without danger of injustice to others; certain cases of special heroism are however mentioned by several commanders, whose reports present the facts. On all such details and all the minutiae of operations, more exact information is contained in the several reports of the corps chiefs of artillery and battalion commanders, herewith submitted, than can be presented in a general statement.

Regretting that no more could be achieved in the campaign, yet grateful for what has been accomplished, and for the still increasing strength with which we are enabled to wield this great arm of defence,

I have the honor to be General, Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. N. Pendleton, Brigadier-General and Chief of Artillery. General R. E. Lee, Commanding.

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