The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1877-11-29

cheulJ WAS Ill Ills IrOnC, IL was Gill
more surprising that he did not ad-
vance at 5 O'CLOCK with vigor and
promptness wheE tho trenches in
front of him were vacated, or rather
held by one single brigade, Gas Gen.
Meade's testimony before the COM
mittee on the conduct of the war
states.) Had he taken these trenches
and scattered the brigade that held
them, he would have found himself
in The Federals flank and rear. His
attack in the rear must have dis
lodged the Federals, as it would
have been totally unexpected-it
being believed that he was in front
with rne. Hill charging upon the
centre at tue same time would have
increased their disorder, and we
should have won the field.
GEN. LEES DETERMINATION.
[ did not see Gen. Lee that night.
On the next morning he came to see
me, and fearing that lie was still in
his disposition to attack, I tried to
anticipate him by saying: "GeneraI,
l have had my scouts ont all night,
and find that you still have an ex-
cellent opportunity to move around
to the right of Meade's army and
manmuvre him into attacking us."-
He replied, pointing with his finger
at Cemetery Hill: "The enemy is
there, and l an going to strike him"
| felt then that it was my duty to
express my conviction. 7 said: "Gen
eral, l have been a soldier all my
life. I have been with eoldiers en-
gagged in fights BY couples, by squads,
companies, regiments, divisions and
armies, and should know as we'll as
any one what soldiers can do. 1t is
my opinion that no fifteen thousand
men ever arrayod for battle can take
that position," pointing 10 Cemetery
Hill. Gen. Lee, in reply to this,
ordered me 10 prepare Picke,'s di-
vision for the attack. [ should not
have been as urgent had | not fore
seen the hopelossness of the proposed
assault. | felt that I must say q
word against the sacrifice of my
men; and then / felt that my record
was such that Gen. Lee would or
could not misconstrue my motives
| said no more, however, but turned
away. The most OF the morning was
consumed in waiting for Pickett's
men and getting into position. The
plan of assault was as follows: Our
artillery was to be massed in a wood
from which Pickett was to charge,
and it was to pour continuous fire
upon the Cemetery. Under cover OF
this fire and supported by it Pickett
was to charge.
Our artillery was in charge oi
Gen. E 2. Alexander, a brave and
gifted officer. / had instructed Gen
Alexander, being unwilling to trust
myself with the entire responsibility,
to carefully observe the effect Of the
fire upon the enemy, and when il
began to tell to notify Pickett to be-
gin the assault.
PIoKETT's CHARGE.
The cannouading which opened
along both lines was grand. In e
!ew moments courier brought 6
note to GUneral LIun-tt, who was
standing near me, which, ,fter read,
ing, he handed to me. 1t WAS as fol.
lows: eff you are coming at Ill yor
must come at once, or / cannot give
you proper support; but the enemy I
fire has not slackened at all; at least
eighteen guns are still firing from
the Cemetery itself"
Afer had read the note Pickett
said to me: "General, shall / ad-
vancep My feelings had 80 overcome
me that 1 would not speak tor fear
of betraying my want Of confidence