The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-08

supported by one-balf OF Iiilrs, or all
of fl II ne called FOR IL. Colonel Taylor,
the adiutant-gcneral OF the army, says
il was originally intended 10 make the
attack with Hood and McLaws reinforced
by Pickett, and ii was only because OF
the apprehensions OF General Longstreet
that his corps was not strong enough
that Hill was called on TO support him.
Long says the order for the assault by
the whole corps was given verbally by
General Lee in his presence and that OF
other officers Of the army. Nenable states
that he heard the orders given 20 sup
port Picketts attack by McLaws and
Hood. and that when he called Lees
attention afterward he said, 1 know IL, !
know it"
PLAN OF THE ASSAULT.
4 master Of war; such as Lee was
would not drive en- masse a column OF
1900 men across an open plain 1900 or
400 yards nearly every foot OF IL under
a concentrated and cOnverging fire Of
artillery. TO attack an army on forth
fled heights Of 10000, less its two days
losses. and give his entering wedge no
support. Lees object was TO cut the
Federal army at the left centre and then
destroy the right and left wings. He
simply gave the order TO those who
whether Pickett led or Hood or McI.aws.
These were matters Of detail for the
officer intrusted with the execution Long
street was disappointed when he received
the order 10 make this attack. and want
ed 10 move 10 the Federal left. but Lee
knew that his relations with Meade had
been too intimate during the last two
days and the relative hosts too close for
such tactical folly.
"Longstreet says that he took Pickett.
who was 10 command the charge 10 the
crest Of Seminary Ridge pointed out the
direction 10 be taken and the point 10 be
assaulted that he could see the desucr-
ate and hopeless nature OF the charge
and the cruel slaughter il would cause;
that his objections 10 Pickett's battle had
been overruled. and that the day was
one Of the saddest of his life. for he fore
saw what his men would meet and would
gladly have given up his position rather
than share the responsibility OF the day.
Lee. on the contrary. was impatientiy
waiting 10 see Longstreets corps and
one-half or all Of Hilrs break with The
force OF a tempest through the hostile
lines. lie only wanted the muskets num-
erous enough 20 plant the victory upon
his standards.
MAGNIFICENT. But NOT WAR.
Colonel +. F. Alexander, the COM
mander OF battalion Of artillery Of q
division OF the First Corps, was directed
by Longstreet 10 station himself AZ q
point where he could observe the effects
of the great cannonade that was to pre-
pare the way for the assault. a note
from Longstreet told him that 81 the ar
tillery fire did not drive of the enemy
or demoralize him he would prefer The
should not advise Pickett TO make the
charge but that he expected him 10 let
Pickett know when the moment arrived
That the responsibility and fate Of
great battle should be passed over 10 a
lleutenant-colonei IS. and always viii be.
subject Of grave comment. When the
Federal ire ceased and some OF bis e,cls
lmbered up. Alexander wrote Pickett:
For Gods sake, come quick" Pickett
asked Longstreet II the time for his adj
vance had come and the latter bowed his
head. lie could not speak assent. Nine
small brigades Of infantry sprans TO the
attack. while the divisions OF Hood and
McLaws, one-half of Hills and the whole
OF Ewells, stood fixed In their positions,
while their comrades swept UP the hill
All the world knows the magnificent yet
awful story OF the humiliation OF
Picketts division and Of the supporting
columns. Lee was bitterly disappointed
AT the day : result tie uad confidently
expected 10 huri at least oIe-half OF his
army upon the enemy, cut him I'm two
and wheel upon the broken wrcs He
was playing for big stakes and aceisive
victory which would bring "a rs train
peace to his people and success 10 his
cause.
"Longstreet has a great deal TO say
about this assault. He writes that he
objected to the plan that the .nemy's
left cantre should be attacked by
column composed OF McL>~- -~A H---