Helen Gray Cone, one of the most gifted of our women poets of
to-day, was born in New York City, March 8, 1859. She is a member
of the faculty of the Normal College of New York City.
The story of “Greencastle Jenny” was told by Colonel William R. Aylett,
who succeeded General Armistead (see “High Tide at Gettysburg”) as
commander of his brigade, at a reunion of the Blue and Grey at
Gettysburg, in 1887. Miss Cone believes that the girl’s name is not
known.
Greencastle is a small town in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, not far
from the Maryland line.
=Stanza 1.= =Longstreet= (James, 1821-), a prominent Confederate general, by
some considered the hardest fighter in the rebel service. He served in
Mexico, and was active all through the Rebellion. At Gettysburg it is
said he endeavored to dissuade Lee from ordering Pickett’s famous
charge.
=Stanza 3.= =Pickett= (George Edward, 1825-1875), one of the most gallant
Confederate generals. His charge at Gettysburg is historic, and was “the
most brilliant feat of arms performed by the Confederates on any field.”