Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 23.djvu/166

 160 Southern Historical Society Papers.

that charge than any regiment on either side during the war. We made the charge with 986 men and muskets, and could muster only 220 the next day, which shows a loss of over 700 killed and wounded. This was the Twenty-sixth North Carolina regiment, Pettigrew's Brigade, Heth's Division, A. P. Hill's Corps.

The second day we were not engaged, but were exposed to the shells from the enemy's guns. I was detailed to look after the wounded, and a sad day's work it was.

In the evening we marched to the right and took our position for the third day's fight, and slept with our guns in our arms.

The morning of the 3d the chaplains held services in the regi- ments. When the artillery opened it was appalling, and all who heard it will agree with me that it surpassed any artillery fight dur- ing the war I mean any field fight. I think our guns numbered 210, and it is safe to say the enemy's numbered more, for they never met us with fewer men or guns.

PICKETT'S CHARGE.

When the cannonading ceased, the noble, brave General Pickett was ordered forward with as brave men as ever fought under any flag, and inspired with as genuine patriotism as ever filled any heart. We could see the mouth of the gaping cannon, only waiting for us to get in range to pour bushels of grape and canister into our ranks and mow us down like wheat before the sickle, and in line with the artillery was the infantry, masked behind a stone wall. We had to advance on them through an open field, with nothing to shield us from the murderous fire.

I was within thirty yards of the stone wall when I received two wounds one in my hand and one in my hip which disabled me. Believing that our boys would rout them, I lay down to shield my- self from the bullets that were flying like hail around me, and when I found, to my dismay, that we were retreating, I got up and at- tempted to get off the field; but found I was cut off, and when I saw twenty guns turned upon me, there was no alternative but to throw up my hands and surrender.

Neither brush nor pen can ever depict the awful grandeur of that battle only those who were in it can ever realize what it was.

We prisoners were marched to the rear, and put in camp. I had picked up an oil-cloth and fly-tent, and rolled up in the oil-cloth was the roll-call of the Seventh New York volunteers. I had some letter- paper and stamps, also.