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V: the Fourth day
At daybreak on the morning of July 4, the reports that came in showed that the enemy had disappeared from the front of the extreme right of the line, but that he still was in force on the left and left centre.
General Slocum, in command of the right, was immediately directed to advance his corps, and ascertain the position of the enemy.
Likewise,
General Howard, in the centre, was directed to push into
Gettysburg to see whether the enemy still occupied the town.
At the first sign of the enemy's withdrawal and before anything definite was known of their intention, the following order was sent to
General French at Frederick City in order to gain time in case the enemy were actually withdrawing:
‘The
Major General Commanding directs that you proceed immediately, and seize and hold the
South Mountain passes with such forces as in your judgment are proper and sufficient to prevent the enemy's seizing them to cover his retreat.
With the balance of your force re-occupy
Maryland Heights and operate upon the contingency expressed yesterday in regards to the retreat of the enemy.
General Buford will probably pass through
South Mountain tomorrow P. M. from this side.’
At 5 A. M. after the enemy retired from the town of
Gettysburg,
General Barlow, who had been wounded in the first day's fight and left in the town, and whose opportunities for judging were considered of the best, sent word to
General Meade that he believed their withdrawal was nothing more than a feint.
At 7 A. M. the following despatch was sent to
Major-General Halleck, at
Washington:
‘This morning the enemy has withdrawn his pickets from the positions of yesterday.
My own pickets are moving out to ascertain the nature and extent of the enemy's movement.
My information ’
