Shaara temporarily shifts the point of view to the book’s “narrator” to set the scene. The narrator describes the land west of Gettysburg and reveals that the Rebels are entering Gettysburg from the west, blue cavalry is approaching from the south, and the two are watching each other from across the fields in between. At this point, things shift to John Buford’s perspective.
Buford is a Union general leading two brigades of cavalry that are ahead of the main army, looking for the Rebels. Peering through binoculars, Buford identifies the units as Confederate infantry and disgustedly notes that they are “gentlemen,” when one of the Rebel officers waves his plumed hat at Buford.
Buford also notes the lack of Confederate cavalry, meaning that the Rebels have no “eyes” to find out what’s around them. He understands the significance of this, senses there is power behind the units he is seeing, and instinctively understands what is shaping up here. In his gut, he knows Lee is here and the size of the battle that is coming.
Quickly assessing the local geography, Buford identifies the hills around a cemetery as “good ground” to be held at all costs. He knows if this ground is captured, many Union soldiers will die a bloody death, and the battle will be lost.
Buford sends scouts to collect information on what Confederate units are there, how many men, and who else is en route. He then sends messages to Meade and Reynolds asking for immediate help, though he is cynical that the help will come in time, if ever.
He places his men on the ridges west of town and makes his headquarters in a seminary nearby. This plan will allow the Union cavalry to stall any Rebel advance and buy time for the Union infantry to arrive and keep the good ground. If they arrive.
