John Buford Jr. was a United States Army cavalry officer. He fought for the Union during the American Civil War, rising to the rank of major general. Buford is best known for his actions in the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, by identifying Cemetery Hill and Cemetery Ridge as high ground that would be crucial in the impending battle, and by placing vedettes to the west and north that delayed the enemy long enough for the Union Army to arrive.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES, Near Warrenton Junction, Jume 6, 1863. General A. PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Corps: Your dispatch just received. I have sent to recall Colonel Duffié, who had your instructions…
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES, Near Warrenton Junction, June 6, 1863. Colonel ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps: Colonel Duffié was to have crossed the river at Sulphur Springs this morning with 2,500…
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES, Near Warrenton Junction, June 6, 1863. General A. PLEASONTON, Cavalry Corps: Your dispatch in cipher received. Instructions will be carried out as soon as practicable. JNO. BUFORD,…
Beverly Beverly, September 27, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Commanding Department: Thirty-five rebels camped on Middle Ridge, about 3 miles west of here, last night. They are on their…
HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, October 24, 1863. October 24, 1863. In obedience to instructions just received, I have the honor to report that I have equipped and available for duty…
HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, October 24, 1863. October 24, 1863. In obedience to instructions just received, I have the honor to report that I have equipped and available for duty…
Near Germantown Near Germantown, October 28, 1863. Lieut. Col. C. Ross SmiTH, Chief of Staff: My command is in camp on each side of the railroad along the road running…