General Stuart’s Plan.
General Stuart did not wish to bring on a general engagement. He expected his skirmishers to keep the Union Cavalry engaged while his other forces were moving undiscovered toward the rear of Meade’s line. He says in his report:
“On the morning of July 3, pursuant to instructions from the commanding general, I moved forward to a position to the left of Gen. Ewell’s left, and in advance of it, where a commanding ridge (Cress Ridge) completely controlled a wide plain of cultivated fields stretching toward Hanover, on the left, and reaching to the base of the mountain spurs, among which the enemy held position. My command was increased by the addition of Jenkins’ Brigade, who here in the presence of the enemy allowed themselves to be supplied with but 10 rounds of ammunition, although armed with approved Enfield muskets.
“I moved this command and W. H. F. Lee’s secretly through the woods to a position, and hoped to effect a surprise upon the enemy’s rear, but Hampton’s and Fitz Lee’s Brigades, which had been ordered to follow me, unfortunately debouched into the open ground, disclosing the movement, and causing a corresponding movement of a large force of the enemy’s cavalry.”
It was the advance of Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee which caused Stuart’s plans to miscarry.
Reaching East Cemetery Hill on the afternoon of the first day, General Hancock took command of the Union troops. On the second day the guns pointed downward to meet the onslaught of the Confederates
Little Round Top.—Its strategic importance was seen by General Warren who commanded it to be fortified and held