The National tribune., 1908-10-22
GEN. HAYS AT GETTYSBURG.
His Remarkable Ride Along the Front
sstO Stinen the Men,"

His Remarkable Ride Along the From
ssto Stinen the Men,
Editor National Tribune: Your inter
esting article ON "Chancellorsville ant
Gettysburg has been followed will
great pleasure, and as it reaches the
critical events of the third days fight
am anxious to cali your especial at.
tention to certain details of that mem.
orable conflict, in which my father
Gen. Alexander Hays, took such a con
spicuous part, feeling that it is youl
wish to do justice to those who stood
the brunt of the battle. i have endeav.
Ored to make my comments as brief as
possible, and attach several references
from my book, "Under the Red Patch.
Of which you have copy, and only
ask that even in the briefest way you
state fathers record in that event OF
events in the worlds history, the third
days fight at Gettysburg.
Gen. Hayx's Ride.
/ Gen. Hays was assigned by orders
from army headquarters, after Gen
Meade had assumed command of the
Army of the Potomac, tosthe command
of the Third Division of the Second
Corps, Gen. Hancock's, receiving his
assignment during the march of the
army at Gum Springs, on June 26, 1863.
but two persons in the center diyi-
sion, the officers above named, had ever
been with him in an engagement, or
personally witnessed his conduct and
bravery under fire. Arriving upon the
battlefield with his new command, and
realizing. the situation and magnitude
of the pending. conflict, the General was
naturally somewhat concerned and anx-
ious to gain the confidence of the Off
GERS and men of the division. The op-
portInity came when Lieutenant from
= hn oh oh, linz oa1
to him that Col. Sheriff., Division Off
Ger of the Day, reported that his COM
mand was suffering severely, and that
he was afraid they would be forced to
retire. The Lieutenant was very per-
sistent, and the General replied, There
are as many men out there as are nee
essary, and they are as good men as
there are in this division; they must
hold the ground But the Lieuten-
ant replied, Col. Sheriff. says that he
will not be responsible for them re-
manning there. Gen. Hays answered,
We'll, will go out and stiffen 'em up
Accordingly, with members of the staff,
a number of Orderlies and the division
flag (white field with blue trefoiD fly
ing in the breeze, he rode to the front
and along the entire skirmish line COW
ering his command. The enemy, as
tonished at the appearance of this i'm
posing cavalcade on the skirmish line,
ceased firing at the sRirmishers, and
directed their attention exclusively to
the mounted officers and men. The
General, for whom these compliments
90 were especially intended, wonder
full to relate, was not once hit nor was
his clothing pierced by the leaden show
er. His horse received several wounds,
but was not disabled, and the division
flag showed 18 bullet holes received
during this daring adventure. Such an
nd
flinching bravery upon SO unusual an
occasion, won for him the admiration
of the enemy and the confidence of his
entire command; there was no further
talk of running in from the skirmish
line"
Gen. Walker, in his History of the
Second Army Corps" thus speaks of
Gen. Hays at Gettysburg:
Here was to be seen the new division
commander, Gen. Alexander HAYS, with
his staff and his flag following him,
dashing along the skirmish line, incit-
ing his men to renewed activity, in the
eye Of both armies. Such demonstra-
tions, which with Gen. Hays We're of
frequent occurrence, were likely to give
the impression that he was a mere hot
headed fighter, whereas, in fact, his ex-
traordinary vivacity in battle was united
with a souncness of judgment and firm
ness of temper which made him one of
the most useful officers in the service.
Meeting Longstreet's Charge.
"On the occasion of Longstreet's S
famous assault on the Sd of July, which
was directed upon the front Of this divi-
sion, Gen. Hays had in his command to
oppose them only about 5000 men. The
artillery fire, tho terrific in it's volume,
was not very effective at this point, as
our infantry was lying down and in
front of the artillery, which. Ii seemed,
the enemy was determined to destroy.
when our artillery fire had about
ceased, the infantry Of the enemy came
into the open from the woods, over half
a mile distant, where they had formed
for the charge in three lines. preceded
by a strong skirmish line, marching
well and bravely in the direction of
Hayss position. When they had fully
developed their column into the open
ground, there appeared separate and
detached command on their left, much
farther advanced, but not directed on
Hays's immediate front. Had they been
able to continue their movement they
would have passed to our right, but
they received such murderOus fire
from our sharpshooters, skirmIshers
and artillery talat they were thrown into
utter confusion and went back This,
1t was ascertained was Brockenbruugh's s
Brigade, and did what was expected of
it, covered the left flank of the man
column. Had the right covering brigade
moved as timely, Pickett's Division
would have been enabled to reach their
farthest advance in better order than
they did. AS the right flank of the
main column received SO severe a fire
from our artillery, they gave way to
the left, so when some 400 yards away
they evidently attempted to regain their
correct alignment and measurably sue
ceeded, thereby relieving the pressure
to the left, and came directly towards
us in front. 1t could not be long enough
continued to regain their los. direction
or guide, as they then came under our
infantry fire. which was so destructive
that they were thrown into inextricable
confusion; those in front (the nearest
20 yards) lay down, threw up their
hands, and shouted to us to cease fir
ing. Hayss Division then directed its
fire upon those in the rear, who were
wavering, some trying TO go forward,
others hesitating, and many going to
the rear. Those in front came into our
lines. some crawling On their bellies