Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 23.djvu/238

 232 Southern Historical Society Papers.

WAS A FORLORN HOPE.

The strength of this formation can be readily apprehended. With a compact triple line of infantry, supported by some twenty or more batteries, commanded by Colonel E. P. Alexander, masked in what was virtually one battery, the shock must have been overwhelming. In addition, General Pendleton had placed at the disposal of Colonel Alexander nine howitzers, belonging to Hill's Corps, with which Alexander says he intended to precede the infantry, but when sent for they could not be found, some having been removed by order of General Pendleton, and others had changed their position to avoid the shelling. By comparing the following diagram, which represents the advance as it was made, with the preceding diagram, it will be realized at a glance that " Pickett's charge " was, indeed, a forlorn hope.

EAST.

Brockenbrough. Davis. Pettigrew. Archer. Garnett. Kemper.

Lane. Scales. Armistead.

D O O O O

Major Eshleman's five guns.

INFANTRY THAT TOOK PART.

The infantry actually engaged in this memorable conflict are as follows :

Pickett's Division Kemper' s Brigade First, Third, Seventh, Eleventh, and Twenty-fourth Virginia Regiments. Garnett's Bri- gade Eighth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-eighth and Fifty- sixth Virginia Regiments. Armistead' s Brigade Ninth, Four- teenth, Thirty-eighth, and Fifty-seventh Virginia Regiments.