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The army was off again promptly on the morning of June 30, and the respective corps reached their newly allotted positions before night. At 11.30 A. M., just before leaving Middleburg, General Meade sent a despatch, of which the following are extracts, to General Reynolds, in reply to a communication of his of that morning:1 ‘The enemy undoubtedly occupy the Cumberland Valley in force. Whether the holding of the Cashtown Gap is to prevent our entrance, or is their advance against us, remains to be seen. * * * With Buford at Gettysburg and Mechanicstown, and a regiment in front of Emmettsburg, you ought to be advised in time of their approach. In case of an advance in force, either against you, or Howard at Emmettsburg, you must fall back to that place, and I will reinforce you with the corps nearest to you, which are Sickles's at Taneytown, and Slocum's at Littlestown. You are advised of the general position of the army. We are as concentrated as my present information of the present position of the enemy justifies. I have pushed out the cavalry in all directions to feel for them, and as soon as I can make up any positive opinion as to their position, I will move again. In the meantime, if they advance against me, I must concentrate at that point where they show the strongest force. * * * The only news we have beyond yours is that Stuart, with a large cavalry force, was in Westminster last night, and moved towards Gettysburg—supposed the same force that has been harassing in our rear. If, after occupying your present position, it is in your judgment that you would be in a better position at Emmettsburg than where you are, you can fall back without waiting for the enemy or further orders. Your present position was given more with a view to an advance on Gettysburg than a defensive point.’ During the day General Meade moved his Headquarters to Taneytown. The reports that here began to come in from the advance,
1 See Map No. 4, position noon of June 30.
1913.
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