Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/33

Rh the enemy and delay his passage of the river by getting in his rear, he was authorized to do so, and it was left to his discretion whether to enter Maryland east or west of the .Blue Ridge.

(4) ''After crossing the Potomac Stuart was to take position on the right of the advancing column. ''

And take position on the right of our column as it advanced.

But he was instructed to lose no time in placing his command on the right of our column as soon as he perceived the enemy moving northward.

(5) ''When Longstreet and Hill were encamping near Chambersburg June 27th, nothing had been heard from Stuart. ''

By the 24th, the progress of Ewell rendered it necessary that the rest of the army should be in supporting distance, and Longstreet and Hill marched to the Potomac. The former crossed at Williamsport, and the latter at Shepherdstown. The columns reunited at Hagerstown, and advanced thence into Pennsylvania, encamping near Chambersburg on the 27th. No report had been received that the Federal army had crossed the Potomac, and the absence of the cavalry rendered it impossible to obtain accurate information.

It was expected that as soon as the Federal army should cross the Potomac, General Stuart would give notice of its movements, and nothing having been heard from him since our entrance into Maryland, it was inferred that the enemy had not left Virginia.

(6) ''By the route Stuart pursuel the Federal army was interposed between his command and our main body. ''

General Stuart continued to follow the movements of the Federal army south of the Potomac, after our own had entered Maryland, and in his efforts to impede its progress advanced as far as Fairfax Court House. Finding himself unable to delay the