Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 39.djvu/198

 186 Southern Historical Society Papers.

ARMISTEAD AT THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.

Extracts from Letters Written by Dr. R. W. MARTIN to Rev. JAMES POINDEXTER.

When Armistead's Brigade was in line of battle a short time before the advance was ordered, the general marched up and down in front of his troops encouraging them in every way and said these words: "Men, remember what you are fighting for. Remember your homes, your firesides, your wives, mothers, sisters and your sweethearts."

When the signal guns were fired Armistead instantly called attention, and instantly every man was on his feet. After a few words he walked to the front of the Fifty-third Virginia Regi- ment, his battalion of direction, and address the color bearer, "Sergeant, are you going to put those colors on the emeny's works over yonder?"

"Yes, general, if mortal man can do it."

He then exhorted the men to follovv^ their colors and to re- member the brave words of their color bearer.

When the advance commenced Armistead placed himself in front of the colors of the Fifty-third Regiment, and from that point watched and directed the advance until within a short dis- tance of the enemy's line. When approximating the advance line General Kemper rode up to him and said, "General, hurry up, my men can stand no more."

He quietly turned to the officer commanding his battalion of direction and said, "Colonel, double quick." The double quick soon quickened into a run, the run into a charge, Armistead all the time in front of his line of battle, and when the desperate effort came and the final rush for the rock fence was made he drew his sword, put his hat on the end of it, called upon his men to follow, rushed over the rock fence and was shot just as he