Enclosed please find 25c. in stamps in payment for Pettigrew’s Charge.
I have read it with much interest. I think you have made a good case
and that you are right. I was at Vicksburg the same day--the Adjt. 81st
Ills. Vols. Infty.
I am yours truly,
J. J. FITZGERALD,
Post Dept. Comd’r Dept. N. M. G. A. R.
* * * * *
ABBEVILLE, S. C., July 1st, 1896.
Dear Sir:--I enclose 25c. in stamps for which be kind enough to send
me your pamphlet entitled, “Pickett or Pettigrew?” if you have any
copies on hand. I recently saw a copy in Charleston. You agree with
me about Pettigrew and Pickett. I was Sergt. Major of Orr’s Rifles,
McGowan’s brigade, Wilcox’s division. Some years ago I was looking at
the cyclorama of Gettysburg in Philadelphia. The Yankee who explained
the battle said that A. P. Hill’s men advanced further than Pickett’s,
and pointed out to the crowd where a number of North Carolinians fell
at the extreme front.
Yours truly,
ROBT. R. HEMPHILL.
* * * * *
“JUSTICE FOR OUR DEAD IS ALL WE WANT.”
WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 29th, 1888.
My Dear Sir:--Circumstances here have caused me to be so very busy
of late that I have not had time sooner to acknowledge your courtesy
in sending me the pamphlet on the battle of Gettysburg. I seize the
occasion of the holidays to do so. The pamphlet was read by every
member of my family with the keenest interest. I have to thank you
from my heart for writing it. No living man suffers more from these
mean and jealous attempts to deprive North Carolina of her proper
honor than I do. I sometimes almost get sick over them. I have always
regarded the effort of some Virginians, not all, thank God, to
deprecate the North Carolina troops in the battle of Gettysburg as
simply a damnable and dastardly outrage. * * * * * * * * *
But let us take courage. The simple truth will ultimately
prevail--simple justice is all we want for our dead.