Gettysburg General Orders From Generals Meade and Lee. The original field press-printed Congratulatory Orders issued by Gene...

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Gettysburg General Orders From Generals Meade and Lee. The original field press-printed Congratulatory Orders issued by General Lee to his troops after they crossed the Potomac into Virginia following the battle of Gettysburg accompanied by General Meade's Congratulatory Orders issued to his troops after the Battle of Gettysburg- a unique opportunity to acquire both orders from both armies. Signed in print by Meade and Lee respectively, these announcements capture the mood of each contender. Federal imprint, GENERAL ORDERS NO. 68, one page, 6.5" x 6.5", July 4, 1863. It reads in part: "...An enemy superior in numbers and flushed with pride of a successful invasion, attempted to overcome and destroy this Army. Utterly baffled and defeated, he has now withdrawn from the contest. The privations and fatigue the Army has endured, and the heroic courage and gallantry it has displayed will be matters of history to be ever remembered...". Smoothed folds, faint ink offsetting, light foxing, else fine condition; Confederate broadside, GENERAL ORDER NO. 76, one page, 6,25" x 8,75", July 11, 1863. It reads, "after long and trying marches, endured with the fortitude that has characterized the soldiers of the Army of Northern Virginia, you have penetrated the country of our enemies and recalled to the defence of their own soil, those who were engaged in the invasion of ours. You have fought fierce and sanguinary battle, which if not attended with the success that has hitherto crowned your efforts, was marked by the same heroic spirit that has commanded the respect of your enemies, the gratitude of your country and the admiration of mankind. Once more you are called upon to meet the army from which you have won so many fields a name that will never die. Once more the eyes of your countrymen are turned upon you, and again do wives and sisters, fathers, mothers, and helpless children lean for defence on your strong arms and brave hearts. Let every soldier remember that on his courage and fidelity depends all that makes life worth having... the freedom of his country, the honor of his people, and the security of his home. Let each heart grow strong in the remembrance of our glorious past, and in the thought of the inestimable blessings for which we contend; and invoking the assistance of that Divine Power which has so signally blessed our former efforts, let us go forth in confidence to secure the peace and safety of our country. Soldiers! your old enemy is before you; win from him honors worthy of your righteous cause---worthy of your comrades dead on so many illustrious fields." Of the highest rarity, this document was printed in the field on the retreat from Pennsylvania. Ink stains on the paper - as made - are evidence of the Confederate printer's urgency under duress. Overall fine condition. Parrish and Willingham #1226 with only two known field-press examples, those being in the Virginia State Library and the Virginia Historical Society.