Illustration of General Stuart (as identified by the decorative hat plumage) leading a group of cavalry.

July 2, 1863 – Battle Joined In Pennsylvania

Heavy Firing toward Gettysburg all Night—A General Engagement Probable—York Occupied by Meades Army in Force.

Special Dispatch to The N. Y. Tribune.

LANCASTER. Pa., Wednesday, July 1, 1863.
Signal rockets were seen and firing was heard last night at Columbia in the direction of Gettysburg, and continued till 3 o’clock this morning. At times the cannonading was rapid and heavy. The national troops occupy York in force.