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We Gained Nothing But Glory -
Gettysburg by Bradley Schmehl ~
It is 2:30 pm on July 3rd, 1863, and it is hot, nearly 90, and the
humidity is smothering. But, today the Battle of Gettysburg will be
decided. General Richard B. Garnett, commanding the First Brigade in
Picketts Division, is clad in an overcoat to fight off the chills.
Despite the fact that he is ill, he insists on leading his brigade in
the charge. Beside Garnett rides Colonel E. Porter Alexander who is
charged with determining whether the artillery has the desired effect of
driving the enemy off. Beyond the two riders, Captain Simkin Jones holds
his sword aloft and shouts to the men to close ranks and press forward.
One of Picketts regimental officers summed up his appraisal of the
doomed assault in these words: "We gained nothing but glory, and
lost our bravest men.¨
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