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First Volley at Gettysburg
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| 56th Monument, Gettysburg, Pa. |
"The westernmost ridge temporarily separated the opposing forces. As Hoffman reached the crest of the middle ridge, he
saw a line of battle approaching far to his right and 'just rising to the crest of the swell west of the one we were on.'
Brigadier General Cutler, in a letter to Pennsylvania's Governor Curtain, later described the moment.
The atmosphere being a little thick [smoke form the cavalry skirmish]. I took out my glasses to examine the enemy. Being
a few paces in the rear of Colonel Hoffman, he turned to me an inquired 'Is that the enemy?' My reply was 'Yes". Turning
to his men he commanded 'Ready, right oblique, aim, fire!', and the Battle of Gettysburg was opened.
The fire was followed by other regiments instantly...When Colonel Hoffman gave the command 'aim', I doubted whether the
enemy was near enough to have the fire effective, and asked him if he was within range; but not hearing my question, he fired,
and I received my reply in a shadow of rebel bullets..."
- James L. McLean, Jr., "Cutler's Brigade at Gettysburg"
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