First Division

On July 1, the First Division of the Army of the Potomac's Third Corps, under Major General David B. Birney and Brigadier General J.H. Hobart Ward, was at Emmitsburg covering roads from Fairfield and Gettysburg, and shortly after 3 p.m. marched to Gettysburg, leaving De Trobriand's Brigade. On July 2, this brigade rejoined, and at about 7 a.m. Birney relieved Geary's 2d Division, 12th Corps, with his left resting near Little Round Top, his right joining Humphrey's on Cemetery Ridge, and his picket line holding Emmitsburg Road. Shortly after 2 p.m. the division wheeled to the left, occupying high ground from Plum Run to Peach Orchard and thence along Emmitsburg Road to Sherfy House, with Ward's Brigade on the left, De Trobriand's in the centre, and Graham's on the right, while Burling's Brigade of Humphrey's Division was in reserve near Birney's centre. Confederate artillery opened at 3 o'clock. Soon after, three brigades of Hood's Division attacked Ward on Birney's left, later extending to De Trobriand, and these attacks were successfully resisted. At 5.45 p.m. two brigades of McLaw's Division attacked Birney's right and centre. Two brigades of 5th Corps advanced to the rocky knoll at De Trobriand's right but withdrew after a brief contest, and here occurred the first break in Birney's line. A movement against the south face of Peach Orchard was checked by batteries on Birney's right centre. The Confederates renewed their attack on Birney's centre. Caldwell's Division of the 2d Corps then arrived and, with troops from the 5th Corps, relieved Birney except at the Peach Orchard. About 6.30 p.m. Birney's right at the Peach Orchard was attacked on both fronts and broken opposite Sherfy House after stubborn resistance. Through this gap the Confederates swept forward, crushing Birney's right, which rejoined its division. On July 3, the division was held in reserve and detachments moved to threatened points. Its casualties were 22 officers and 249 men killed, 105 officers and 1278 men wounded, and 12 officers and 344 men captured or missing, for a total of 2011.

Pennsylvania · United States