Joseph Waln Wistar letter dated July 12, 1863

              Jones Cross Roads July 12th, 1863

Lilly[,]

For the past two days we have had constant skirmishing ahead of the infantry sometimes d[i]smounted, though why they dont [sic] make use of infantry for woods fighting is inexplicable.

Our loss has been comparatively light, fifteen or twenty will cover all casualities [sic] in the past two days. They seem anxious not to bring on a general engagement for some reason. If they dont [sic] look sharp Lee will get away yet. The impression here is that he is again moving towards Penn[sylvani]a.

He has gotten rid of his sick and wounded, besides sending across considerable plunder and some prisoners. This leav[e]s him in good condition to push his way forward again.

Finding he cannot cross his entire army here, he has determined to move northward again to give us battle and push for retreat by some way westward of where he may before. Meade[']s army is smaller than Lee's but better supplied. The enemy finding themselves cornered here will fight desperately to get a chance to retreat.

The Army of the Susquehannah [sic] may look out for another grand scare. How are you Home Guards[?]

The weather is intensely hot, and very hard on horses. I honestly have not one horse out of my three fit to carry me a day[']s ride. Twice my horses have broken down with me before the day[']s fighting ceased[,] incapable of moving faster than a