Near Gettysburg, July 4.

The commanding general, in behalf of the country, thanks the
Army of the Potomac for the glorious result of the recent
operations. Our enemy, superior in numbers and flushed with
the pride of a successful invasion, attempted to overcome or
destroy this army. Utterly baffled and defeated, he has now
withdrawn from the contest.

The privations and fatigues the army has endured, and the
heroic courage and gallantry it has displayed, will be
matters of history to be ever remembered.

Our task is not yet accomplished, and the commanding general
looks to the army for greater efforts, to drive from our
soil every vestige of the presence of the invader.

It is right and proper that we should, on suitable
occasions, return our grateful thanks to the Almighty
Disposer of events, that, in the goodness of His providence,
He has thought fit to give victory to the cause of the just.

By command of MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE.
S. WILLIAMS, _A. A.-General_.

It is fitting we should close this chapter with President Lincoln's
brief yet comprehensive announcement to the country:

WASHINGTON, D. C., July 4, 1863, 10 A. M.

The President of the United States announces to the country,
that the news from the Army of the Potomac, up to ten
o'clock P. M. of the third, is such as to cover the army
with the highest honor--to promise great success to the
cause of the Union--and to claim the condolence of all for
the many gallant fallen; and that for this he especially
desires that on this day, "He whose will, not ours, should
ever be done," be everywhere remembered and reverenced with
the profoundest gratitude.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

CHAPTER XIII.

RETREAT OF THE REBELS FROM GETTYSBURG.

1863.--National Rejoicing.--The Enemy Retreating.--Feebly Pursued.
--Reconnoissances.--Kilpatrick Gives the Enemy a Fourth of July
Entertainment at Monterey Pass.--Storm and Terror.--Immense Train
Destroyed, and Hosts of Prisoners Taken.--Pitiable Condition of
Stuart's Cavalry.--Battle of Hagerstown.--Captains Penfield and
Dahlgren Wounded.--Wonderful Exploits of a Union Scout.--Kilpatrick
and Buford at Williamsport.--Cavalry Fight at Boonsboro'.--Stuart
Defeated.--Hagerstown Retaken.--Orders to Advance, One Day Too Late.