General Pickett directed me to ride to
General Longstreet and say that the position against which he had been sent would be taken, but he could not hold it unless reinforcements be sent to him. As I rode back to
General Longstreet I passed small parties of
Pettigrew's command going to the rear; presently I came to quite a large squad, and, very foolishly, for I was burning precious time, I halted them, and asked if they would not go up and help those gallant men now charging behind us. Then I added, ‘What are you running for?’
and one of them, looking up at me with much surprise depicted on his face said, ‘Why, good gracious,
Captain, ain't you running yourself?’
Up to the present time I have not answered that question, but will now say, appearances were against me.
I found
General Longstreet sitting on a fence alone; the fence ran in the direction we were charging.
Pickett's column had passed over the hill on our side of the Emmettsburg road, and could not
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then be seen.
I delivered the message as sent by
General Pickett.
General Longstreet said: ‘Where are the troops that were placed on your flank?’
and I answered: ‘Look over your shoulder and you will see them.’
He looked and saw the broken fragments.
Just then an officer rode at half-speed, drawing up his horse in front of the
General, and saying: ‘
General Longstreet,
General Lee sent me here, and said you would place me in a position to see this magnificent charge.
I would not have missed it for the world.’
General Longstreet answered: ‘I would,
Colonel Freemantle; the charge is over.
Captain Bright, ride to
General Pickett, and tell him what you have heard me say to
Colonel Freemantle.’
At this moment our men were near to but had not crossed the Emmettsburg road.
I started and when my horse had made two leaps,
General Longstreet called: ‘
Captain Bright!’
I checked my horse, and turned half around in my saddle to hear, and this was what he said: ‘Tell
General Pickett that
Wilcox's Brigade is in that peach orchard (pointing), and he can order him to his assistance.’
