The Red Cloud chief., 1913-11-06
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HfHRafNSS!eR|g{5ss
FAMOUS CHARGE OF PICKETT
oray.cIad Soldier Could Have Taker
Life OF Union Man Who Was
Making Observation.

Making Observation.
Nothing but stone fence and a
narrow margin of cornfield separated
me from their famous charge. As a
member OF the One Hundred and Thir.
ty-sixth New York infantry, volun.
teers, We we're stationed in the field
10 sklrmishers and spent the entire
day the charge was made In that
neld.
was not far from the north fence.
which ran east and west. Picketts
troops In their charge moved to the
west, on the other side of this fence.
near where was placed. As they ap-
preached, passed, and after they had
passed where I was standing, l load
ed and fired as rapidly as l could into
their lines. In so doing I disregard
ID the Confederate skirmishers direct.
y opposite US, who were quite active.
and in this field inflicted on our com.
pany loss Of 13 out Of 40 men. or q
loss Of about one.third Of the company.
Pickett's men paid no attention to US.
their terrible objective being in their
front, from which direction a hail of
bullets-s0lid shot-then exploding
shells, and as they neared our lines.
grape and canister. rained upon
them.
Our flags were always the same.
but the confederates in battles and
charges carried red Aags, not used OK.
cept In action. writes Henry NJ. Mat.
thews in the Chicago Record.k1erald.
A. their lines approached opposite
where ! was loading and firing into
their tanks ~ fast as was able. the
red nags kept falling and dipping to
the front. and instantly were raised by
aSm hands and advanced. but the dip
ping continued. Every time one Of
these nags dipped or fell to the front
it, bearer was hit, and It was seized
By another. At the rear Of those ad-
vancing line Q continual stream Of
wounded men poured out, and hasten.
cd as they could, back to the shelter
OF their lines on Seminary Ridge. But
the column closed its gaps. as fast
- made. and moved in their grim de-
termination with the precision Of
clockwork.
That night I was posted near the
fence before mentioned, where could
hear the prayers. curses and appeals
for water Of the wounded, whom In
trying to relieve, our details and am.
bulance men were fred upon by the
enemy.
The next morning I walked among
the fallen Confederates, mostly dead,
but something Of what l saw and q
conversation which ! had with Q
wounded Louisianian would lengthen
this communication too far beyond the
limits Of the statement you requested.
After the repulse of the grand
charge upon our center that afternoon
the skirmishers in our front were not
withdrawn. but believe were rein.
i>rced.
The ground was crowning, rising In
. gentle ridge. with gradual sloping
sides between US and them. When not
firing we generally lay on the ground
ready to get up and use our arms as
occasion required. After short period
Of quiet I arose and, bent over a.
much as l could, advanced up toward
the crest Of the ridge. When not
far from 1t, Strengthened up.
Just as did SO saw little beyond
the crest Of the rising ground-near
tree--a gray-ciad soldier, straighten.
ing up also. He was investigating
from his side the same as was from
ours. Instinctively. our guns were
pointed at each other. ! had com.
menced to rise . trifle more before he
did 20. and was able to IRE first. He
came down. 90 far % appeared not -
bit or injured. but without firing his
piece. Then. being helpless with my
muszle-loading gun. have always
wondered why. II not seriously wound.
ed. he did not discharge his weapon
ut me.