The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-08-07
How Pickett's Division was
ssCsas all to PieCes.o
IT'S SUPPORT RAN.

The fate of Pickett's Division is particular
" interesting to the people Of this State, as
It is composed exclusively OF Virginians.-
The following paragraph from letter writ
ten by member Of Wright's Brigade to the
] Augusta Chronicle, shows how SO much valu-
able life came to be lost and nothing gained,
in the assault at Gettysburg:
Now the infantry is brought up for the as
sault, Picketts division in advance; then
Heth's Inow commanded by Gen. Pettigrew,
senior Brigadier, in escbelon on the left
On the men swept. Our. brigade being held
in reserve, enabled us to take a position where
we had view of the whole field. and | am
sure I have never seen troops start better
than this storming party did. Pickett pushed
firmly and steadily forward, going over the
identical ground our brigade had passed the
day before Pettigrew followed in fine or
der Our artillery now ceased firing. and
upon inquiry learned they had exhausted
their ammunition! And ut such a time !
There is Pickett and Pettigrew half across
the valley; the enemy hare run up new guns
and are pouring deadly fire into their ranks.
The enemy infantry have openedsupon them
they fall upon every side-Generals, Colo
nels, CAPTAINS, Lieutenants, priyates, as thick
as autumn leaves they strew the plain. And
our guns, will they not reopen? Is there no
succor for those brave spirits who are so no.
DIV and steadily bearing their country flag
in that terrible fight? Surely our artillery will
help them now-this is the crisis My God !!
all is as silent as death along our whole line
of artillery; one hundred and twenty pieces OF
cannon standing mute and dumb while the
flower of the Confederate army is graphing
on unequal terms in a struggle OF life and
death with an enemy strongly posted IN .
mountain fastness, and admirably protected
BY well served artillery. ask myself "can
they stand this fire much longer :" and see
Pickett still vigorously paShmg on, dealing a
deadly FIRE at every step. The enemy tall
! back from his 'front.' they take shelter behind
the stone wall-still Pickett advancing On
the left Pettigrew's line wayers-it pauses--;
all is lost-it falls, ,ack-it runs. Some Of
the officers attempted to rally their men, but
q great many are scampering away in front OF
their men; helter-skelter, pell-mell, here they
come. But one thought seems to actuate
them all, and that is to gain. a safe place in
the rear. Pickett left alone, still rushed for.
ward upon the enemy-he has gained the
stone wall-has gone over it's in the enc
my's wake-has slenced their guns can see
with my glass our hattle-fag waving in the
enemy's batteries, where but moment since
the Yankee colors fpated in the breeze
Take care, brave Virginians, you are in a
], trap; the support on your right and left has
fallen back. Our brigade was caught there
yesterday, and there, upon their right, a
heavy column of Yankee infantry is deploy-
: ing around point Of woods to gain their rear
it is done-they are surrounded. They now
attempt to cut their way out; but many are
killed and wounded. and many more are Ia
ken prisoners.