took positions at Emmettsburg, Taneytown, and Frizzellburg, and so held the whole breadth of the valley. Pleasanton's cavalry covered the march and watched the movements of the enemy. Meade had now learned of Lee's intention to concentrate at Gettysburg, and he made preparations for battle.
The two armies were moving towards one point and they must soon meet. Lee did not know that Meade also proposed to concentrate his forces at Gettysburg. The coincidence was quite accidental, and it brought on the conflict between the two armies earlier than had been expected.
A description of the surroundings of Gettysburg will be of value in understanding the details of one of the bloodiest and most important battles of modern times. The battle-field is between two small streams, Willoughby Run and Rock Creek, to the west and east, respectively, of the city. The ground is broken up by two groups of hills, each with three ridges, of which the central one is the highest. In the first group, northwest of Gettysburg, are Oak Hill, Seminary Hill, and the Seminary Ridge running north and south. The second group is to the southeast of the first. It starts with Cemetery Hill, and runs along as Cemetery Ridge until it suddenly rises again and forms the hills called Round Top and Little Round Top. Gettysburg is situated in the valley between these two groups, and its streets run to the base of Cemetery Hill. It is naturally the centre of all roads, so that three turnpikes and seven other roads pass into the town. East of Cemetery Hill is Gulp's Hill, well wooded.
Suspecting that the Confederates might move to Gettysburg, Meade directed Buford to occupy the place and defend it until the arrival of the 1st corps. Buford reached there just in time to frighten away Pettigrew's brigade. He soon learned that Hill was advancing on him in force, and perceived the advantage in holding the
