ade of this division. This brigade (with,
later, three regiments added) was not broken up during the war,
and was generally known as "_Keifer's Brigade_."

It is not my purpose to attempt to write the full story of the
battle of Gettysburg, the greatest, measured by the results, of
the many great battles of the war. Gettysburg marks the high tide
of the Rebellion. From it dates the certain downfall of the
Confederacy, though nearly two years of war followed, and more
blood was spilled after Lee sullenly commenced his retreat from
the heights of Gettysburg than before.

About this stage of the war, President Lincoln took an active
interest in the movements of the armies, although he generally
refrained from absolutely directing them in the field. It was not
unusual for army commanders to appeal to him for opinions as to
military movements, and he was free in making suggestions, volunteering
to take the responsibility if they were adopted and his plans
miscarried. Hooker, in an elaborate dispatch (June 15th) relating
to the anticipated movements of Lee's army from the Rappahannock
to the northward, said:

"I am of opinion that it is my duty to pitch into his rear, although
in so doing the head of his column may reach Warrenton before I
can return."

The President, answering, said:

"I have but one idea which I think worth suggesting to you, and
that is, in case you find Lee coming to the north of the Rappahannock,
I would by no means cross to the south of it. If he should leave
a rear force at Fredericksburg, tempting you to fall upon it, it
would fight in intrenchments and have you at disadvantage, and so,
man for man, worst you at that point, while his main force would
in some way be getting the advantage of you northward. In one
word, I would not take any risk of being entangled upon the river,
_like an ox jumped half over the fence and liable to be torn by
dogs front and rear, without a fair chance to gore one way or kick
the other_."( 1)

The President, answering another dispatch from Hooker, June 10th,
said:

"I think Lee's army, and not Richmond, is your objective point.
If he comes towards the upper Potomac, follow him on his flank and
on his inside track, shortening your lines while he lengthens him.
Fight him, too, when opportunity offers. If he stays where he is,
_fret him and fret him_."( 2)

When deeply concerned about the fate of Winchester (June 14th),
this dispatch was sent:

"Major