First Army Corps

First Army Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Lieutenant General James Longstreet, included McLaws's Division under Major General Lafayete McLaws, Pickett's Division under Major General George E. Pickett, Hood's Division under Major General John B. Hood and Major General E.M. Law, and an artillery reserve of ten batteries under Colonel J.B. Watson. On July 1, McLaws's Division encamped about four miles from Gettysburg a little after dark, Hood's Division reached the same distance about 12 p.m., Law's Brigade was on picket at New Guilford, and Pickett's Division was guarding trains at Chambersburg. On July 2, the part of the command that was up moved to gain the Emmitsburg Road on the Union left, but the attack was delayed until 3:30 p.m. when Law's Brigade joined from New Guilford. McLaws's Division took position facing the Union left, and about 4 p.m. Hood's Division moved farther to the right and took position partially enveloping the Union left. The batteries opened about 4 p.m. on Union troops on Emmitsburg Road, with Hood's Division pressing on the left and McLaws's in front. The Union troops were dislodged, the engagement lasted until nearly night with heavy losses, the ground gained on the right was held, and the left was withdrawn to the first Union position at Peach Orchard. On July 3, Pickett's Division reached the field at 9 a.m., and Pickett's, Heth's, and part of Pender's Division were ordered to form a column of assault on the Union centre on Cemetery Hill. The batteries opened about 1 p.m., and about 3 p.m. Pickett advanced in good order under a severe fire and was repulsed at the stone wall with heavy loss. McLaws's and Hood's divisions were not seriously engaged and, after rectifying their lines, remained on the field during the day and night. On July 4, the corps took up the line of march during the night. Its casualties were 910 killed, 4339 wounded, 2290 captured or missing, for a total of 7539.

Freedom Township, Pennsylvania · United States