Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1889-07-09

gades present numbered about 4, 300 men,
Hills brigade had suffered much on that first
days fight, and were depleted
They probably numbered with the two bri-
gades in their rear between seven and eight
thousand men. This would make the attack
ing force at the start . little over twelve thou
ssnd, but the distance was 60 far and the
ground go clear, the artillery IRE in front and
on both fanks so terrible that by tho time
these devoted troops got within musket range,
their numbers had greatly decreased.
A tremendous cannonade preceded this
movement which exhausted the ammunition
of the Confederates, fact which General Leo
says he did not know when tho assault took
place. The Federnls replied for time, but
divining the fire of the artillery was the pre-
lude of an infantry charge, wisely ceased
firing and reserved further shots for the at
tacking column. Tho troops were now or
dered forward and the steel tipped lines of
gray began their march over the plain of
death mp to heights of destruction. How
grandly those veterans went down tho slope
and how magui6cently and with what steadi-
ness they advanced up line while both armies
watched and wondered. This small force was
charging into the " Jaws Of death and intothe
''mouth of hell" Round shot and shell, case
shot and canister rained upon them as the
whole line of Cemetery Ridge burst into aflery
flame. As men fall, the lines are closed and
these matchless men continue their wild
charge. Hancock's corps is In their front,
Mead's headquarters are just behind his posi-
ton. 1t looks as If tho left centre OF the Fed
eral army would be pierced, but il so could Il
be held ? Standard Vermonters are now pour
ing CALLING FIRE into the right line held by
Kemper. Three regiments of Pennsylvania
troops which manned the wall in front aro
rolled up and rolled away by tho Impetus of
the fierce attack.
Brave old Armistcnd who has been leading
his portion of the line with his hat on the
point of his sword, so that amid the dense
smoke his men might follow him as the men
followed the white plume of Navarro many
years ago, has leaped upon the wall and is in
among the guns and gunners of Cushing's bat
terry. There this brave hero is killed, and
Gushing falls almost simultaneously by his
side. Gallant Garnett ia killed, while coura-
geous Kemper is severely wounded and suffers
to-day from the wound. Men of i've brigades
have broken through the first Federal line and
are hurting themselves on the second. Alas
their small numbers arc known and they arc
hemmed in on three sides, for Hancock and
Gibbons are rushing up fresh troops The
death storm sweeps over and all is lost sayo
honor.
This. too. was grand and glorious proof OF
human valor. This, too, was magnificent,
but was this too, war What good could Le-
onidas expect by the sacrifice of his band of
heroes, and why should Napoleon grow dea-
Perate aud march his Old Guard to death aud
destruction Why Lord Lucan, did you misun-
derstaud your orders and plunge your elk hun
dred into the VALLEY of Death, ," and why was
this small force sent some thousand yards away
from their comrades and frienda, and support
Where was McI.aws' division and where was
Hoods headed by his splendid Texans What
does General Lee mean when he replies TO q
trusted staff officer who told him the assault
was not made as lie intended, by saying +"
know It, know II. and what was he thinking
of when he told Professor White of the Wash
ington and Lee University 'Had had Stone
wall jackson at Gettysburg. I-1vouJd have. won
great victory" Oh, no, military critics, the
Confederate Commander did not lose his head,
or that equipoise which so characterized him.
His plans were we'll conceived, tho execution
defective.