Sir,

     You mentioned to me at the pre-event meeting that you probably wouldn't be using signals much unless something went wrong. Much like yourself, I too hope nothing goes wrong. I believe that period style signals can be effectively used to help things from going wrong.

     Should something go wrong, I hope you'll see that we've come up with a system to not only get the word out to division commanders in record time, but also insuring that it will be in writing. In order to do that however, We will need to get the names of the modern re-enactors of each command, so that we can affix them to the individual messages. Give me a few minutes and I'll explain:

     Each message involving a scripted field maneuver will be issued to each signal party commander before we take the field. Just prior to the precise time you choose to have the order executed, signal parties will receive from your headquarters station a pre-arrainged double letter code, called a stutter. These stutters will be used during the event for NO OTHER PURPOSE.

     The sending of the actual message between parties takes less than a minute by flag. When the signalman receives the two letter stutter message (i.e. "GG or JJ or QQ") he retrieves from his dispatch book the specific message/order marked with that double letter stutter, and gives it over to the division officer. Simple! Signal officers record the time of the message delivery in their message books as the order is being executed.

     Commanders who are not to act on any specific orders will receive and view such orders as "information only" dispatches. In other words, you just want them to keep up with the developments until it is their turn to act.

     Any problems or delays from each commander, as reported, can then be reported back to headquarters to keep you fully informed on the progress or delay of each scripted action.

     I've had one of our signalman develop the actual message text for Friday and Saturday. It is offered here to you for review and/or changes. Please review the plan and consider having it employed, if for nothing else, as a safe guard plan, done in period communications style. You really can't go wrong to have a back-up communications strategy.

Cheif Signal Officer- 135th Gettysburg

Heth's Division will conduct a probing attack with the brigades of Archer and Davis and confront the Federal Cavalry in front of McPherson's Ridge. Send Skirmishers forward.

Archer and Davis drive US pickets. May wish to move cautiously on account of Federal infantry at your front reinforcing McPherson's Ridge.

Heth's remaining brigades of Pettigrew and Brockenborough are to deploy in support of Acher and Davis.

Archer and Davis are to draw back and support Pettigrew and Brockenborough lines, on account of Union counter attack.

Pender's Division will advance onto the field in the support of Heth's brigades.

Heth's Division will renew the attack, fully engaged with 1st and 3rd Div. of the 1st corps.

Pender's Division is to support our batteries as they fire on McPherson's Ridge

Rode's Division shall advance onto the field, and make preparations to assault the Federal right flank.

Rode's brigades of Iverson and ONeal will assault the Federal right. If repulsed retire and reform.

Pettigrew's brigade of Heth's Division will press with a counter attack. If the works are not taken they shall retire and regroup

Rode's will support the brigades of Daniels and Ramsuer while Doles shall asvance to the support of Iverson and O'Neal.

Pender's Division will advance through Heth's broken brigades and will press the attack hard against those people.

Rode's Division will, without delay, mount a full and general assault on the Federal right. The combined forces of Rodes and Pender's two divisions are to drive the Federals from McPherson's Ridge and beyond. They will not hesitate in capturing infantry and artillery during the following rout. The Federal retreat is expected to ensue in confusion until they reach Cemetery Hill.