Pickett's Charge Eyewitness Part 1 | Eyewitness Account/Official Report

[@mrsellenj.a1740]

I am EllenJ Pickett, Robert E Lee Pickett is my grandfather's great grandfather ,thank you so very much for putting together a beautiful and brilliant documentary, I think that they would be very proud of your great work thank you very much for respectfully explaining this time in not only my family's history but all the men who fought bravely side by side of these great generals who I call family ....not many know that it was my great great grandfather loyal to Virginia that kept him on the Confederate side not because of slavery although he and his wife thought it was evil and wrong.

[@UnwrittenSpade]

Amazing! I wonder if your family still has any artifacts from back then??

[@Jukeboxxxz]

It was over slavery amongst other state issues...stop the BS...I'm forever thankful the South got licked... RIP to my ancestors that we're slaves... God bless the union and it's colored soldiers!!!! REST WELL!

[@scotttyson7970]

I'm great full to read from a real decendant of Gen.Pickett.He fought in my hometown in New Bern,N.C.too

[@Longhorn-s7z]

@@Jukeboxxxz Slavery Did matter to the planter aristocracy, of course. It mattered Not to the "cracker" poor confederate soldier, nor the white Union soldier. Utmost respect for the black men who fought for their lives and freedom!! It's easy for us to look through the sanitized lens of history, and make accusations that may not be accurate.

[@randywilson9973]

The historical accounts of not only this particular battle but a multitude of others is astounding. The bravery displayed by the lowly enlisted man on both sides is a true testament to the bravery, conviction and character of duty all of these men displayed over n over in battle after battle. Our young people today owe it to these men and to the soldiers from every other conflict since in respect of the freedom that so many today take for granted.

[@frankofva8803]

Thank you very much for posting this account. My great-great grandfather, Private William R.Bailiss was killed in action making this charge on 3 July 1863. He served in Company A of the 18th Virginia Infantry, Garnett’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division.

[@toddtoes3178]

Very brave your grandfather

[@wecandobetter9821]

Frank Of VA Frank, My great great grandfather was in the 18th Va under General Garnett. I believe he was in Company C formed with men from Farmville Va area. His name was Branch Holt. His brother Robert served in either the 51st or 53rd Va. same Division. His obituary stated he was carrying the Colors when they breached the North’s line. Lucky for him he was captured. Both of them made it through the war. Thanks for sharing as you are the first person I’ve talked to who had family from this Division of gallant men. Stay safe and healthy my friend.

[@thomasjamison2050]

Lee had your ggg slaughtered.

[@thomasjamison2050]

@@karstenerdinger2167 I was quoting General Pickett.

[@MrMenefrego1]

An actual, well-written eyewitness account of General Pickett's legendary (now infamous) Charge is pure American-cultural gold. Thank you so very much for this rendition of Gen. Pickett's Charge.

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

You are very welcome. Thank you so much for the kind words. Please check out my other videos and please consider subscribing to the channel if you have not done so already.

[@josephsassone3753]

I visited Gettysburg in May 1988. It was one of the highlights of my life as I have been a Civil War buff since I was a small boy. I recall standing at cemetery ridge where the Union line was and looking out at the open field where 15,000 Confederates advanced in what became known as Pickett's Charge. I remember having an eerie feeling as if ghosts were lingering there. I have no doubt that sacred ground is haunted.

[@johndates9827]

I had the same feeling when I toured the Antietam battlefield especially along the "Sunken Road" portion.

[@anglishbookcraft1516]

john dates my family owned one of the farms that was ransacked by both sides.

[@bethbabson7421]

1976 or so my parent's took me to Gettysburg after years of trips to other battlefields. I knew at time I probably had relatives on both sides. I have seen accounts periodically which were recorded. Some were prisoners until end of war or death in camp. Others were released before Gettysburg for battle fatigue if in Union. I'd love to get back East again. I've fond memories of Mom making sure if there was anything to learn on way between her parents' home in State College to our Florida home - we were going. One year, a battlefield, the name I do no longer know which, I saw huge trees. Inside museum, there was the photo of the soldiers with newly planted trees. That stood out to me then and still does. It was like touching humanity and history in a way a child cannot be taught sitting at a desk in school. I feel this is needed today's generation much more than provided. It may have been 1977 for Gettysburg. I remember Mom taking me to Johnstown flood soon afterwards to see the damage and impress upon me yet another life lesson of flood history and to help people when can do so.

[@paulyanez]

​@@bethbabson7421l

[@RakkasanRakkasan]

My God ! That was valor beyond valor. The eye witness account is beyond contestations. Thank you ! They could make a whole 2 hour or more on just Pickett's charge. This is proof positive that Pickett and his staff and his brave division are not and never have been or will ever be silly or well meaning people. They are and will evermore be the equal of Napoleon's old guard.

[@Melrose51653]

Eyewitness accounts are notoriously innacurate.

[@blukeblue1235]

Great video! The Tennessee Brigade was just to Pickett's left. Often overlooked but some of these men made it across the wall as well.

[@cj_m2477]

Thank you so much for this first hand account. I got chills at certain places of the reading and hearing what someone who was there had heard. It breaks my heart to understand what happened to men during this desperate charge and fight.

[@bryantc382]

"It is well that war is so terrible...Lest we become fond of it." Robert e Lee

[@andrewdeehan6292]

You blow 'em all away, Mr. Have History Will Travel! Great documentary topped with a very moving ending. You nailed it once again! Bravo!

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much. Stay tuned, I will be delivering possibly one of my favorite accounts from Gettysburg on Monday.

[@dananderson5662]

Lee asked for more than his courageous men had to give. Further asking an artillery commander to determine when an attack should go in.

[@robrussell5329]

Even though your voice is the same for each of your many reports, each writer comes alive as though he is present, talking to the listener one-on-one. It's a remarkable experience. Thanks.

[@ltrain4479]

Love this account, it also backs up what Fremantle said in his book about how he rode up to Longstreet sitting on the fence and what he said to him.

[@jimward204]

My 2nd great-uncle, James F. Dawson, was a Sergeant, in Company K, 7th Virginia Infantry, Kemper's Brigade. He was wounded and captured July 3, 1863 during Pickett's Charge. He was taken as a POW to Fort Delaware where he died of dysentery on August 30th, 1863. He is buried across the river at the Finn's Point National Cemetery in Salem, New Jersey. He was just 23 years old and the oldest son of William and Mariah Brown Dawson. His brother, John Minor Dawson, was my great grandfather (1843-1923).

[@emknight84]

It wouldn't have mattered all that much if Pettigrew's men had stayed together longer. They would have been butchered just as much as Pickett's if they had kept going. The charge was just as insane as the Federals at Fredericksburg. Lee ordered an attack on a superior force commanding positions along terrain that was easily defended. Speed and Violence of action can only do so much for you in an attack. Eventually numbers begin to take their toll.

[@robertrobert7924]

@@fredpearson5204 I was named after Robert E. Lee, and believe he was the greatest American General West Point ever produced. I am sure the Army War College would agree with me. Unfortunately, no human being is perfect, and moments of temporary insanity and poor judgement plague us all at times.

[@Geep615]

It may have. These sorts of charges were more successful than common sense would indicate. I've read a fair bit on the conflict and am by no means a scholar on it, but I've read of several similar charges being successful. It is my understanding that the Confederates ineffective artillery lost the battle as much as anything

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@robertrobert7924 The War College would not

[@JGrogann]

I have always wondered why General Lee tried this maneuver. I recently watched a program which indicated that that cannonade was totally ineffective because the cannon fuse supplier was switched from the Richmond munitions source to another location because the Richmond armory was burnt to the ground. The newly sourced fuses supposedly negatively affected the trajectory of the cannons. Therefore, the cannonade was totally ineffective. The cannonade was an integral part of the charge and it was evidently rendered totally ineffective by the different fuses. Don't know how true this is but I have never understood how General Lee would send his men to be slaughtered in a hopeless cause. This would explain it.

[@williamhayes825]

Fred Pearson @

[@stonesinmyblood27]

Wow. So tragic but so brave men of Virginia. May they always be remembered with adoration. I love your videos and they inform so greatly. Thank you 🙏

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I will continue to bring great content to you. I've got a great account scheduled for Monday.

[@stonesinmyblood27]

Have History Will Travel looking forward to Monday

[@stevestringer7351]

Ues they were brave.... but what would they think of "Ole Virginia" today????

[@kneedeepinbluebells5538]

@@stevestringer7351 He Would - Of COURSE - Turn In His Sacred Grave

[@robbes7rh]

If I understood this account, it sounds like Lee’s bold strategy might have brought about a striking Confederate victory at Gettysburg were it not for the breakdown of order on the left flank of Picket’s charge. When there’s a battle of this magnitude on a terrain of roads, fences, hills, orchards, etc., there is such a vast complexity of circumstances to consider that what ends up leading to a final outcome may be as much attributed to luck as fighting skills and tactics. I’ve also heard it said that victory often goes to the side that puts the greater amount of flying metal through the air. Napoleon was famous for the fighting spirit he inspired among the rank and file foot soldiers in his army. He believed an army languished or flourished according to whether or not they had a hearty breakfast. I would surmise that on July 3rd of 1863 that the majority of men in Lee’s Virginia army probably did not enjoy a hearty breakfast to start their day, and that their counterparts on the Union side had breakfasts that consisted of a decent amount of animal protein and fat that they washed down with strong black coffee.

[@phoradio1277]

I bet those boys storming Normandy would completely disagree about having a hearty breakfast.

[@Pablo668]

Great reading of this account. I've never read this account myself, though it links up with other writings/accounts of what happened. Dammit, every time I read about this charge, or watch a vid like this I find myself really wanting the soldiers of that day not to go forward. If you can spare any time from studying the civil war, read about the Australians charging at 'the Nek' at Gallipoli. Much smaller in scale than this event, but cost a huge proportion of the men that went over the top. It evokes a similar feeling in me.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Ah...Gallipoli, "Churchill's Folly", a complete waste of Damn fine men and resources! Also IMO, a damn good movie!

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

pablo688, I certainly will. Thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel.

[@Pablo668]

Have History Will Travel my pleasure.

[@robrussell5329]

"Gallipoli." Mel Gibson's first movie, if I'm not mistaken. Also the inspiration for perhaps the finest anti-war song ever, "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda." by Eric Bogel.

[@Pablo668]

@@robrussell5329 Great song. I'm not sure if it was his first film, but it was one of the first big ones. I think Mad Max was his first....

[@TruthLivesNow]

Captain Bright's eyewitness account is very well done.

[@williambush1975]

this is a priceless eyewitnesss account. Thanks for sharing.

[@headmahone]

This is one of the greatest channels on youtube.

[@johnpacella9519]

Thanks! Excellent vid, authentic script and narration.

[@gdan8259]

Nicely done.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

"If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster" "And treat those two imposters just the same....." Kipling. Then as he made for his tent (approx. 1am) he was heard to whisper to himself, "too bad!, too bad!, Oh,too bad!" (Korda,2014)

[@apbiggins8mm]

Dude you're an amazing narrator om talking Morgan freeman good. Always enjoy your vids thanks so much

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much. I'm am humbled to hear that.

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

@Gary Daniel thank you so much for the kind words. I truly appreciate them. Also, thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel. I think I do a pretty good job for a one man operation, if I do say so myself lol

[@adolfiehillarious6076]

YOU, ARE SIMPLY THE VERY BEST IN WHAT YOU DO! COME ON OUT OF THE SHADOWS, YOU ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED IN THIS FAMINE OF TRUTH

[@KingdomCre8tive]

This is Gold thank you

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you very much! Please check out my other videos.

[@wittmanist]

Excellent presentation

[@jimward204]

Kemper survived the war and went on to become Governor of Virginia (1874-1878), But, the wound he received at Gettysburg gave him much pain for the rest of his life, and he never walked without a cane.

[@benstolen2060]

Outstanding!

[@bigblue6917]

Another excellent video adding detail to one of histories important events and the actions of those who took part in them.

[@HP-qj4gz]

Wow, thank you. That was so interesting.

[@MrTee-hw7mp]

I always try to envision the reality of Pickett’s charge, the noise, smells, and horror. But mostly I try to grasp the sheer numbers of men in the tens of thousands clashing in battle and it’s impossible. The paintings give a better accounting than any movie. “Gettysburg” the movie is a valiant effort but some of the fight scenes are too restrained with a lot of goofy acting by extras who are clearly holding back as to not actually hurt anyone. I wanted to add that one of the best movie scenes depicting the reality of battle in the Civil War happens at the beginning of “Cold Mountain” that recreates the Battle of the Crater at Petersburg.

[@thomaskreidler3376]

I used to teach HS kids about the Civil War. I started by showing the opening battle from Cold Mountain . I’d stop at the end of the battle and said, ok kids, this is what we are going to learn about. I had them in the palm of my hand. Eager students.

[@MrTee-hw7mp]

@@thomaskreidler3376 I saw it at the theatre and it blew my mind. Plus, I was in my early 20s and had some help from a friend who rolled a joint before we took our seats.

[@manondumouchel5298]

Incredible story..great this narration, I really like this..Thank you Sir for the post..Enjoy it

[@dcash7018]

I have two relatives present during Gettysburg. Both accts just amazing to realize

[@Nyoshi219]

Great content! Good flow

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

For me nothing beats the eyewitness accounts. Doubleday gives account of folding the Union flank around on the Confederate right which is mentioned here. Both Reb flanks were in the air.

[@tomsharoncox2785]

Thank you for your excellent work Sir. From the Canadian confederate.

[@layla7802]

A WHAT????

[@bernardprice8551]

Thanks you for yet another informative, its going to be hard going waiting for the next one.. video

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much. You will not have to wait long. One will be available in the morning.

[@zackw2619]

I love this channel, thank you for sharing these historic moments with us.👍

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel. I will always strive to bring great content to you and other history buffs.

[@caryswansong2197]

Thank you for your videos, you do an excellent job!!!!

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much. Please consider subscribing to the channel if you have not done so already. Also, you can support me and the channel by joining the patreon page.

[@theGameDad2385]

A full frontal assault with a whole division against a well dug in enemy with artillery support and reinforcements that could plug any gaps. Over open ground with a fence halfway through that would slow down the advance. Absolute madness. You have to wonder what Lee was thinking when he ordered this, even Longstreet knew it wouldn't work.

[@johnbender5356]

I love this .. new subscriber

[@Northman1963]

Can't imagine marching slowly into cannonballs and cannister fire blowing people away left and right. Those guys were nuts.

[@jbolf6]

I enjoy your videos so much. I had never heard this account of Pickett's Charge. Outstanding job of narration

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much. I will be putting out another one Monday that is probably my favorite account.

[@williamaustin1]

Excellent video, very well done.

[@bavarian7603]

Cool video 👍

[@dcloukey]

Hey man I watch your videos all the time and wanted to say thank you for all you do. Very few cover history correctly. Thank you sir.

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much for the compliment. I try to go more in depth than stuff found on TV or KZbin and let you hear history straight from the people who witnessed it. Thank you again for all of your support.

[@christopherfritz3840]

This might be an oddly placed comment. I was stationed at Ft Myer, Va with 3rd US Inf, The Old Guard and remember one particular "job" (burial) RIGHT BELOW Arlington House (historicly Gen Lee's family home). 'Full Honors', Colonel or higher, TWO platoons, etc slowly positioning into place amongst ancient grave markers. FIRING PARTY, TAPS.. it was surreal. The HUGE Mansion/pillars within a stones throw. I was filled with the thought of the Civil War.. Gettysburg... WAR.. Death..

[@frankofva8803]

“...When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made! All the world wondered. Honour the charge they made!”

[@1i1HrnPrpPplEater]

General Longstreet told Pickett before the battle started that Colonel Alexander will give the order when the charge shall begin? I guess someone should have told Colonel Alexander this because he doesn't mention this in his book at all, matter of fact he was upset that General Longstreet was trying to put that responsibility on him AFTER the artillery had started firing. Colonel Alexander said in his book that another officer was with him(i can't recall the officers name) but when he read the note from Longstreet, that he also said that Longstreet was trying to put the responsibility of when to make the charge on to Alexander. Also, according to Alexander he didn't say he told Pickett "now is the time to charge", he said he wrote to him "if you are coming, come now! or I won't have the ammunition left to support your charge" Alexander said in his book that they didn't really silence the Union artillery, that the Union artillery just moved off some cannons and brought up some new ones. Also, Alexander had left 6-8 smaller cannons in the woods behind his position that he planned to use to support the charge, but when he sent for them to be brought up it was reported back to him that they weren't where they left them. He states he later found out that General Pendleton had come and took them and never told him. If this is true or not i do not know, but this is Alexander's claim. I don't understand why a Lieutenant General commanding a corp and a Major General commanding a division would try to make a Colonel of Artillery make such a decision, supposedly because Alexander was closer to the action and could see the effect his artillery was having, but couldn't either Longstreet or Pickett come to that same position to see for themselves? Was getting that close beneath them?

[@LKaramazov]

That must be why Clifford Dowdy in Lee and His Men at Gettysburg included a map pointing out “where Longstreet slept”. Lol!

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@LKaramazov Clifford Dowdey (you can't even spell the man's name right, but you "apparently" read his book?) is a known "Lost Causer"! Are you? You say you're a black man? Your comments here don't jibe with that.

[@LKaramazov]

david u.s. grant you’re a sick puppy for calling me out for missing an “e”, something nay sane person would call either a typo or an easily excusable error. And you’re as demented as Joe Biden. You think you can tell ME how to be black? You can define my blackness. But the rebels are the racists. You’re a very sick individual. I feel sorry for the people who have to be around you, you are quite mad.

[@nathanfisher1826]

Thank you

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

You're welcome. Please check out my other videos.

[@ArthurWright-uv4ww]

Thanks

[@k.plunkett3563]

I have walked the ground of where Lanes Brigade went forth that day knowing that my grandfather who was with the 33rd North Carolina went forth on that fateful day. Have been on the battlefield many times since childhood but this time was the last probably as I must accept his wounding and capture and death 22 June 1864 as the only way that I exist now. But having gone forth, possibly in his exact footsteps and stopping at the Emmitsburg road then looking to my right and seeing absolutely no one out there I realized the awful length of that mile and what sight and sound of bullets hitting the rails of the fence was enough to give me peace at last. The one question I have searched for but never found the answer was the "outcrop of rocks" where Pickett was at during this charge, so sadly as with Garnett and what happened to him I do not believe there is anyone who truly knows where Genl Pickett was during Picketts charge

[@MomentsInTrading]

That was really interesting.

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel. Please consider subscribing to the channel if you have not done so already and check out my other videos. I think you will enjoy them.

[@graff324]

As a little boy, I knew a man from my father's masonic lodge who had watched Pickett's charge as a 6 year old boy.

[@jonpage4029]

It's tedious and awesome research. The narrative sometimes makes you feel like you were there

[@HistoryGoneWilder]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate them greatly.

[@michellejean11]

Have History, I don't know if you have seen the Battle Field Detectives video on Pickett's charge but you might find it interesting.

[@brutusbuk]

Why is there a caption in the opening scene of "wounded President Lincoln". Just curious!

[@ldg2655]

GREAT narration! I could see it! I wonder how many of those statues are still standing today.

[@roryhertzog5282]

All of them! I was on Confederate Avenue yesterday. Homeland Security was obviously present.

[@JB-hl1qx]

Every last one! Gettysburg national battlefield will NEVER allow any Confederate monuments to be taken down. Rightly so!

[@willoutlaw4971]

How many statues of Japanese and German Generals adorne Pacific and European WW2 battlefields? Is there a Yamamoto Harbor in Hawaii? Is there a Rommel or Hitler statue at Normandy?

[@willoutlaw4971]

@@JB-hl1qx Not so fast sir. Change is inevitable. Monuments should not desecrate battlefields where soldiers of the U.S.A died fighting to preserve the Union against traitors of the C.S.A.

[@JB-hl1qx]

@@willoutlaw4971 well ... in this case we're gonna have to agree to disagree. After all csa and usa were both Americans. Just like you and I.

[@KevinCave-rj8eq]

It is amazing to me what these men went through now we got Queen stories it's amazin how far we have failed???

[@AbrahamLincoln4]

"Virginians! Virginians!!!! With me, who will come with me?!?!!!!"

[@Joseph-eh4rs]

To six feet under!

[@HobbyMagpie]

Wonderfully read, have a subscribe good sir!

[@zach7193]

Great.

[@larrypriser6413]

Good video, to bad some uneducated people are trying to erase history, by today's standards we all know slavery was wrong and history should forever show it as so, but to erase it and the lives both sides gave in our struggle as a nation to learn from it would be a shame. Maybe the reason is, that those trying to erase it have never been taught with videos like this. It doesn't matter which side you were on, all men gave it there all to protect their their community.

[@manilajohn0182]

How does the removal of statues constitute the erasing of history?

[@LKaramazov]

“Old Virginia!” How can you have anything but respect for men who would march against entrenched positions like that? I don’t care if they were fighting for slavery, if that’s what it was about. You have to respect these heroes!

[@USGrant-rr2by]

I would say any man in his right mind that did that was not!

[@LKaramazov]

david u.s. grant haha, that’s because your a coward! Lmao!

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@LKaramazov Yea, I'm the coward. You can't even reply back to me directly! It doesn't make a man a coward because he has enough Fk'n sense to know that marching across a mile of open ground into 10,000 waiting guns is madness! And that's what I said MORON! I think you have a major reading comprehension problem? I know you absolutely don't know jack shit about the CW! LMAO

[@phoradio1277]

Lee broke Sun Tsu's general rule. He should have withdrawn and found ground more favorable for him. After the Union took the high ground on the first day the battle was lost. Unfortunately history has shown through the loss of many young lives that military tactics are forced into change only after exhausting all other options. I remember a famous general who said that tanks were a passing "fad".

[@robertthomas5196]

I guess Pickett ended up selling insurance after the war. Appropriate some how.

[@margeconnors1505]

some say the Confederate charge in 1864 at the battle of Franklin,Tennessee was longer and bloodier

[@LKaramazov]

The picture at 7:05 is a union counter attack? How fierce was the enfilade fire from Little Round Top?

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Not much! It was very difficult to even get one gun up!

[@robertschultz6922]

Did Pickett himself ever write about his part in Gettysburg?

[@taylorkessen8772]

You should REALLY cover the stand of the 9th Massachusetts Battery at the Trostle House on the second day. It is really an amazingly heroic and relatively unknown story despite it's importance.

[@1i1HrnPrpPplEater]

Interesting conflict of memories of this charge. I read an account from an officer(can't recall his name now but can find it if anyone is interested) who was an aide to General Trimble, he stated that Trimble's division was still on the field when they looked to the right and seen Pickett's division was falling back, so they had to fall back themselves because their right was then exposed. Also, at the 2:55 minute point of this video it shows Trimble to the right of Pettigrew, every other battle map i have ever seen shows Trimble behind Pettigrew. Which also goes along with the account i mentioned, this officer stated they came in behind Pettigrew and meet the retreating troops of Pettigrew's division. I know the Virginians and Longstreet always blamed the North Carolina's of Pettigrew and Trimble divisions for the lose is this charge. But the North Carolina's under Trimble claimed they went further than the "high water mark" because the stone wall in their area of the field was about 75 yards further back. Supposedly years later some of the veterans of Trimble's division went back and marked the spot where they went to. There is a website with all the NC regiments listed on it and each one gives an account of the history of the battles their regiments were in, this is where i read the above account. So who is telling the truth here?

[@LKaramazov]

I don’t know, but god knows the Virginians are famous for lying. From what I remember, they controlled the historical societies after the war. This was how they pinned the blame on Longstreet, and created the cult of Lee. I could be wrong, I haven’t studied this material in years!

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@LKaramazov OR AT ALL!

[@garycombs5721]

Pickett’s charge was one of the stupidest acts in the history of warfare

[@idontcare1762]

Being a multigenerational west Tennessean and an avid military history buff I have questioned many things concerning the Army of Nothern Virginia. For one, I disagree that Richmond should have been made the capital of the Confederacy. I think that happened as a means to insure Virginia would join. It was a very stupid decision. Two, Albert Sidney Johnson was the only capable general sent to the western theatre. He as killed in April of 1862. Only second rate generals who Lee did not want to work with were sent west from then on. Third, far too many troops from Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Lousianna were sent to the east. Many of these brigades turned out to be the best that Lee's army had. However, too many were sent east to properly defend the very land they left. Fourth, it is painfully obvious that Lee's main concern of the Civil War was his precious Virginia and not the south as a whole. Finally, for lack of time, I will point out one important point about Pickett's Charge. The confederate attack lines were drawn up in such a way as to give Armistead the most likely chance of reaching the wall. The attack plan was intentionally drawn up for the Virginia regiments to have the most success. This has historically been a difficult fact for a southerner like myself to point out. It would take a southerner from the west to finally speak up on this. I have spent much of my life pointing out the elephant in the room and then proudly taking the consequences for doing so. However, if one looks at the way in which the attack was designed then there is absolutely no doubt that I am wrong. For Lee and too many of his staff, Virginia was all that mattered. I ask that any readers look at the design of the attack of Pickett's charge and then disagree with me.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Wow! That is one of the most coherent, fact based opinions I think I've ever seen from you. What'd you do with Dick? If you keep making comments like this one(w/o the usual, and, ifs, and buts) I may actually have to start taking you seriously. Not being originally from the south or VA. I have never really considered how or why the Brigs. for Pickett's charge(which people need to stop calling it, it should be renamed Lee's Debacle) were stacked? That's a good theory. And most definitely, if Davis and Lee would have had a broader interpretation of the whole war, instead of just VA,VA,VA...I still don't think the south would have one, but it would have been much more difficult(and it was already difficult). I also agree with the AS Johnston assess. Have fun at your "weenie roast" or whatever you must get to "for lack of time".

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

the only real competent commander in modern warfare the whole south had was PGT Beauregard

[@mustlovedogs272]

@@USGrant-rr2by David, your momma has your meatloaf ready son. And McDonalds called and wants you to come in an hour early.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@mustlovedogs272 Oh, "mustlovetoddlers" haven't heard from you for awhile. Did they let you out early for "good" behavior"? Just in time for you to preside over the yearly NAMBLA convention, you know, you being the founder & president and all! Yes, my mother makes a mean meatloaf, but she can't hold a candle to the way your mother "Needs the Meat!" And yes, McDonalds called me in early. Apparently your relatives are adding their own "special sauce" to the Special sauce! Always something when you hire the criminally insane! Happy 4th you troglodytic parasitic heretic!

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@ragimundvonwallat8961 NO

[@franklinarchambault-ik5xg]

I have read the many books about the so called charge and all it was was a slow walk to hell and I cuss Ewell for not following Buford up seminary ridge

[@mito88]

what happens @ 8:07? The scene is shown and immediately vanishes.

[@JohnnyReb]

What was the writer's full name and unit?

[@vm.999]

❤

[@kenbash2951]

Pickett's men showed courage beyond measure. Trimble and Pettigrew's- not so much:(

[@gregcarnes80]

Be prepared that which you love the most to certain death....

[@robertsmith6068]

just sad and hard to listen to. good narration.

[@timd4709]

Virginia Bias. Pettigrew’s Division did not break and run. Perhaps the VIRGINIA brigade of Pettigrew’s did. Fry’s, Davis,’ and Pettigrew’s own brigade was wrecked. Elements of Tennessee and Mississippi and North Carolina did all they could.

[@Jukeboxxxz]

LONG LIVE THE UNION!

[@JB-hl1qx]

That Virginia monument is AWESOME! Today's the 4th of July and the Bonnie blue flag is flying high in my front yard.

[@tedperry6466]

the Virginian monument is really good, but the North Carolian monument, which is nearby, is my favorite. It was done by the same sculptor of Mount Rushmore

[@samiam619]

What’s wrong with flying the American Flag?

[@JB-hl1qx]

@@samiam619 not a thing. I love the American flag equally.

[@JB-hl1qx]

@JAG lol. She flies just under the state flag in Louisiana, Alabama. At the Virginia monument in Gettysburg, under the Mississippi state flag, at the Alabama statue in vicksburg, the south Carolina monument in Antietam ,down the Tennessee monument.. geez I could go on & on all the places she still flies..

[@kneedeepinbluebells5538]

As A Matter Of Fact, I DO Prefer Civil War Scholarship From A Southern Voice - Even BEFORE My Beloved Shelby Foote. I Shan't Apologize.

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

If they only moved between Washington and the Potomac army and dug in

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Oh, really? The Union army had already done that at Pipe Creek 18 miles to the East!

[@paul-we2gf]

A lot of what is being said is of the "what could have happened " . This accoun is of benefit in that that is an eye witness account not.speculation. It could be interesting to collect other accounts it would make interesting reading

[@dennis7511]

Where is the memorial honouring all the poor horses that perished in the battles of man's perfidy and foolishness throughout time?

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Unfortunately my friend, MOST Americans consider the lives of their beloved pets expendable! You and I and a lot of others don't, but alas, we will always be in the minority on this issue! I personally would give up my life for my horses and my dogs, and they would gladly do the same for me! All for one, and one for all.......

[@sarahartbower3453]

if Longstreet had

[@MarkJonesisjustaman]

Pecos?

[@robkunkel8833]

How did Lee just ride around on Traveler and neither of them were ever hit? And all horses. Wouldn’t most soldiers aim for horses? Then, shoot the guy on the horse, while he’s dealing with the fall?

[@LKaramazov]

There the question of where exactly was Lee? I’ve always had the idea that the commanding generals weren’t really that close to the action. In most books that I’ve read, there’s not much on Meads role either. I haven’t read that many books though, and am not an expert.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

They were there! Sometimes dangerously close to enemy fire, sometimes observing attacks on hills and ridges behind. Lee had to be pulled back physically from the front by troops threatening not to attack until Lee moved back! There are many instances of high rank generals being wounded or killed because they exposed themselves to fire. Leonidas Polk(Lt. Gen. CSA) was hit in the chest with a cannonball at the battle of Kennesaw Mt.!(Pine Mt.)

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@LKaramazov see my reply to Rob.

[@cacyc90]

The thought sounded really good but it was a complete disaster.

[@johnh4143]

The Lee statue is gone now

[@Joseph-eh4rs]

Good riddance to a traitor.

[@LKaramazov]

It IS???? Are you kidding???? It can’t be!!!!!!

[@LKaramazov]

Joseph you’re a coward.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@LKaramazov Why? Because he called a spade (Lee was called the "King of Spades" because of his propensity for digging trenches early in the war) a spade? Lee, himself, in his own personal writings declared: "Secession is nothing but Rebellion, and Rebellion is Treason". Look it up!

[@johnh4143]

@@LKaramazov yep. It's time to erase history that we don't agree with. May be slightly taliban

[@GarrettRC5thscaler]

Union could have destroyed them had they pressed

[@thomasfx3190]

What a waste of men and horses. Doomed from the start.

[@LKaramazov]

Was it the Minnie balls or the new rifles that made attacks on entrenched positions doomed. These were new realities that I don’t think they truly appreciated or understood at the time.That said, it’s incredible that they made it as far as they did. Now that I think about it, did Lee have diarrhea that day? Didn’t the union line almost break. What I seem to remember is what was confirmed in this video, you can take the hill but can you hold it. The interior lines made counterattacks to easy for the union.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@LKaramazov half the men on both sides had diarrhea (dysentary)! It was the most common ailment of the CW!

[@LKaramazov]

david u.s. grant I know that and that more died of disease than battle, but having it that day was the problem.

[@LKaramazov]

Lord in Heaven, will the communists, anarchists and similar discontents destroy our beloved Park at Gettysburg? Will anything noble be left in this country to bear witness of our culture through the ages?

[@Melrose51653]

Wake up. Nothing like that is happening.

[@Ettoredipugnar]

all of those lives wasted Napolionic tactics

[@kevinsteele8447]

God bless the south

[@carolhernandez8156]

Coincidence red barn. I don’t know this history but I just don’t like the name Pickett

[@cacyc90]

It was a complete disaster

[@willoutlaw4971]

Lee spent his evenings cavorting with the widow Mary Thompson at Gettysburg.

[@gengreb75]

BS

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Flirted, would be the term back then. And Lee certainly"flirted" with a lot of ladies. Particularly his wife's friends and his own female relatives.

[@johnfoster535]

@JAG ......Lee wrote that he would do whatever Virginia decided. Virginia had voted to NOT secede 5 times. Once they DID secede, they became a target of Lincoln's Federal Army and Lee saw his duty to defend his home, his family, and his friends in Virginia. Lee wrote he " would sacrifice all but honor" to preserve the Union,but, NOT at " the point of a sword". Lee was no politician and cared little for the destiny of slavery.......he saw an attack by a powerful Federal army on Americans as being DISHONORABLE and that is why he refused to lead it and intended to sit out the war. if Virginia remained in the Union.....he would NOT fight for the South in that case. Lee kept his honor and his dignity and gave all he had in the war. He was beloved in the South and RESPECTED in the North, especially by his foe Grant, who threatened to RESIGN if Lee would be accused and prosecuted for treason ! Lee' s honor and dignity were what enabled the South to rejoin the Union, as he set a model of the acceptance of defeat and the necessity for the country to be reunited. What would YOU do if your home, family, and friends were threatened by attack and you were a soldier ???......the state where his father was governor for three terms and whose family helped FOUND Virginia !!

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@JAG What did I say that offended you? I said he flirted! Not had ANY TYPE of sexual relations with any woman other than his wife! If YOU misinterpreted my response then you have obviously NEVER READ a Lee biography because EVERYONE of them state this. How bout do a little more reading and research before you shoot your ignorant mouth off, like you've been doing!

[@manilajohn0182]

@@johnfoster535 Virginia "...became a target for Lincoln's Federal Army..." after the Confederates began the war by firing on Fort Sumter. It's something worth remembering.

[@markadams8041]

Ken Burns did it better.

[@LKaramazov]

Ken Burns is over rated.