Autograph document. V Corps Headquarters, [Gettysburg, Pennsylvania], 5:30 AM, [3] July [1863]. 2 pages, 8vo. Approx. 3 7/8 x 5 1/2 in.

A remarkable document from the dawn of Day 3 of the Battle of Gettysburg. 

An order issued from the headquarters of the V Corps, possibly dictated by Major General George Sykes, to General Samuel W. Crawford, commander of the Third Division of the V Corps. 

On the morning of 2 July 1863, Crawford's Division arrived at Gettysburg, in the rear of the V Corps, and was ordered to the front to assist Col. Strong Vincent's brigade in the defense of Little Round Top. By the time they arrived, however, the Union defenders were pushed back near Plum Run, to the west of Little Round Top, after Longstreet's Corps had swept through Devil's Den, in what became known as the "Valley of Death." In the growing darkness of evening, Crawford's division moved down the slope of Little Round Top to repulse the Confederates' last attempt to take the high ground. Crawford himself led the charge, carrying the division's colors. 

The orders here, given early at 5:30 A.M., command Crawford to "advance cautiously" and "if practicable, the crest of the hill across the valley should be gained." The valley is probably the "Valley of Death," the area between Little Round Top and the Devil's Den, with the crest is likely referring to the hillock with the Devil's Den on the western edge. 

The orders also include Col. Hannibal Day, commander of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, and Col. Kenner Garrard, who commanded the 146th New York and took command of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division after General Stephen H. Weed was killed in action defending Little Round Top. Both men were at Little Round Top alongside General Armstrong at the conclusion of Day 2. 

The orders, written in pencil, read in full: "Gen Crawford - I wish that the Pickets of your 3d Brigade which is on the left of our Line be advanced cautiously well supported and the whereabouts of the enemy ascertained. If practicable, the crest of the hill across the valley should be gained. Yesterday the enemy held it. Information of his location + strength is most desirable. After the officer in command of [your] pickets is satisfied, by deadlocking the enemy, skirmishers of his presence, his line can be withdrawn to its original position - before retiring he will communicate with the [officer commanding] the picket line of the 3rd Brig. 2d Div (Col Garrard) on his right. About 40 skirmishers, supported by 100 men will I think be sufficient. A like no. of each from the 2 Brigades of the Corps on your right will be sent out." Followed by a small diagram labeled "Crawford. Garrard. Day. "

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]

Uneven upper edge.