Mrs. Pickett, the widow of General George E. Pickett, of the
Confederate Army, narrating the story of the charge at Gettysburg so
gallantly led by her husband, says:
They were not strong enough to hold the position they had so
dearly won; and broken-hearted, even at the very moment of his
immortal triumph, my Soldier led his remaining men down the
slope again. He dismounted and walked beside the stretcher upon
which General Kemper, one of his officers, was being carried,
fanning him and speaking cheerfully to comfort him in his
suffering. When he reached Seminary Ridge again and reported to
General Lee, his face was wet with tears as he pointed to the
crimson valley and said:
“My noble division lies there!”
“General Pickett,” said the commander, “you and your men have
covered yourselves with glory.”
My Soldier replied:
“Not all the glory in the world, General Lee, could atone for
the widows and orphans this day has made.”
(2813)