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and that Longstreet's corps was reported as some few miles west of the town, following in Early's path, but probably then encamped for the night. This information was at once sent back to army headquarters by a sergeant and escort, and the brigade, after having posted strong pickets some three miles out on the leading roads into Gettysburg, bivouacked for the night in the town. During this reconnaissance dispatches from Early to Lee were captured, giving information regarding the Union forces; these were sent by Copeland to General Stahl, his immediate commander. General Copeland and his staff well knew that the command was resting and waiting for orders directly between two of the corps of Lee's army, but also knew that it was in better shape to gain information there than anywhere else, and being well mounted and strongly picketed it could not easily have been surprised or much injured in that position, even if attacked.
American Civil War
Page 5
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