Buford came to Gettysburg late that night Riding West with his brigades of blue horse, While Pettigrew and his North Carolinians Were moving East toward the town with a wagon-train, Hoping to capture shoes. The two came in touch. Pettigrew halted and waited for men and orders. Buford threw out his pickets beyond the town.

The next morning was July first. It was hot and calm. On the grey side, Heth’s division was ready to march And drive the blue pickets in. There was still no thought Of a planned and decisive battle on either side Though Buford had seen the strength of those two hill-ridges Soon enough to be famous, and marked one down As a place to rally if he should be driven back.