The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-09-02
The Heights of Gettysburg.

The death of General Pickett recalls
the eventful catastrophe at Gettysburg.
On the morning of the third day of the
battle, Gen. Lee having been unsuccessful
in his efforts to dislodge the Federal right
and left wings from their commanding
positions, resolved to make Il determined
rush with strong column at Cemetery
Hill. which formed the centre of the
enemy's position. If this point were
taken, their line would be pierced, the
army would follow, Lee would be rooted
on this commanding ground, directly
between the two Federal wings, upon
which their own guns might be turned,
and the defeat of Gen. Meade must GER
tainly follow. The orders were given
and the column prepared for the assault.
Mr.. John Estcn Cooke thus describes the
memorable action that followed:
For the hard work at hand, Pickett's
division of Virginia troops, which had
just arrived and were fresh, was elected.
These were to be supported by Heath's
division of North Carolina troops, under
Gen. Pettigrew, who was to move on
Pickett's left, and a brigade of General
Hills, under Gen. Wilcox, who was to
cover the right of the advancing column
and protect it from all flank attacks.
The advance of the charging column
was preceded by a tremendous artillery
fire directed from Seminary Ridge at the
enemy's left and centre. This began
about an hour past noon and the amount
of thunder thus unlooscd will be under
stood from the statement that Lee EN-
ployed one hundred and forty-iivc pieces,
and the enemy replied with cighty-in
all two hundred and twenty-five guns
all discharging at the same time. For
nearly two hours this. trightiul hurly-
burly continued.
While this artillery duel WAS in pro-
gress the charging column was being
formed on the west OF Seminary Ridge,
opposite the Federal centre on Cemetery
Hill. Pickett drew up his line with
Kcmpcr's and Garnctt's brigadcs in front
and Armstead's brigade in the rear. The
brigade under Wilcox took position on
the right, and on the left was placed the
division under Pcttigrew which was to
participate in the charge. The force
numbered between twelve and fifteen
thousand; but, as will be seen, nearly in
the beginning of the action Pickett MAS
left alone, and thus his force of about
five thousand was all that went forward
to pierce the centre of the Federal army.
The opposing ridges at this point are
,hout onr mile nsllndcr. and across this
space Pickett moved at the word his line
atlvancingslowly, i,dpcriectly dressed"
with It's rcd battlc-ilags flying and the
sunshine darting from the gun barrels
and bayoncts. The two armies were
silent, concentrating their whole attcn-
ton upon this slow and ominous advance
of men who seemed in no haste and re-
solved to allow nothing to arrest them.
When the column had reached Il point
about midway between the opposing
heights, the Federal artillery suddenly
opened Il furious fire upon them, which
inflicted considerable loss. This, how
ever, had no effect upon the troops who
continued to advance slowly in the same
excellent order, without exhibiting any
desire To return the fire.
1t WAS impossible TO witness this steady
and well ordered march under heavy hire