Today marks the anniversary of a pivotal and tragic moment in our nation’s history—the infamous Pickett’s Charge letter at the Battle of Gettysburg. As I pen these words, I am reminded of the immense bravery and the profound sacrifice that characterized that fateful day. It is through this letter that I hope to honor and reflect on the courage displayed and the lessons learned.
The Prelude to the Charge
The Pickett’s Charge letter date was July 3, 1863, and the air was thick with the tension of battle. The Union and Confederate armies had been engaged in fierce combat for two days, neither side willing to concede. General Robert E. Lee, in a bold and desperate move, sought to break the stalemate. His initial assault on Culp’s Hill had been repelled, leaving him with no choice but to gamble on what he believed to be a weakened Union center.
General George E. Pickett, whose name would become forever linked with this charge, was tasked with leading nearly 12,500 men in the assault. Despite the charge bearing his name, Pickett commanded only a portion of the force. His fresh troops, untouched by the prior days’ battles, were deemed ready for this daunting task.
The Confederates began with a thunderous artillery barrage, intended to soften the Union defenses. As the cannons fell silent, the infantry, led by General James Longstreet, advanced up Cemetery Ridge. They marched into the unknown, believing the Union lines to be vulnerable in this Pickett’s Charge letter.
Reaching the crest, the Confederate soldiers were met with a shocking reality. Union artillery and defensive obstacles, including fences and natural barriers, slowed their advance. Despite this, they pushed forward, aiming for what appeared to be a break in the Union defenses, only to encounter a formidable Union force lying in wait.
In less than an hour, the Confederate forces suffered devastating losses. Over 8,000 men were killed, wounded, or captured, representing a quarter of their total casualties at Gettysburg. Pickett’s Charge letter division alone lost half its men, a testament to the ferocity of the battle.
Union Lt. Col. Franklin Sawyer’s words capture the chaos and horror:
“They were at once enveloped in a dense cloud of smoke and dust. Arms, heads, blankets, guns, and knapsacks were thrown and tossed into the clear air. … A moan went up from the field, distinctly to be heard amid the storm of battle.”
The Aftermath and Reflection
The aftermath of Pickett’s Charge letter was a turning point in the Civil War. The failed assault depleted Lee’s forces and marked a significant shift in the war’s momentum in favor of the Union. The simultaneous Union victory at Vicksburg further cemented this change.
The bravery displayed by soldiers on both sides has not been forgotten. Pickett’s Charge letter has come to symbolize both the valor and the futility of war, serving as a poignant reminder of its human cost. It underscored the strategic challenges faced by the Confederacy and highlighted the resilience and tactical advantage of the Union forces.
Through the art of vintage letter writing, we can honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who came before us. Our service allows you to create and send letters that capture the essence of history, weaving famous quotes and personal reflections into beautifully crafted missives.
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