Special July 4th Watch Party Part 2

➡ In a tense battle situation, the soldiers are running low on ammunition and many are wounded. Despite the odds, they are ordered to charge down the hill with bayonets, surprising the enemy. They manage to hold their ground and even capture some prisoners. The hill they defended is named Little Round Top, and despite the hardships, there is a sense of camaraderie and respect among the soldiers.
➡ The text is a dialogue from a war scene where soldiers are strategizing and reflecting on their experiences. They discuss their missions, the challenges they face, and their relationships with each other. They also express their fears and hopes for the future, while preparing for another battle.
➡ The text is about a military strategy discussion during a war. The generals are planning an attack on the enemy’s center, which they believe is the weakest point. They plan to use all their artillery and then send in their troops. However, there are concerns about the plan’s success due to the challenging terrain and the enemy’s strong defenses.
➡ The text describes a tense and dramatic scene from a war. Troops are preparing for a difficult battle, facing long-range artillery fire, musket shots, and shrapnel. Despite the odds, they hope their own artillery will break up enemy defenses. The text also reveals personal stories and connections among the soldiers, including friendships and family ties across enemy lines. The soldiers are aware of the high risk and potential for loss, but they are determined to fight for their homes and their state, Virginia.
➡ This text describes a chaotic and intense battle scene, where various military figures are giving orders, rallying their troops, and dealing with the aftermath of the fight. There’s a sense of desperation and determination, with some characters expressing regret and taking responsibility for the losses. The text ends with a philosophical reflection on the purpose and consequences of war.

It’s Sam. Falling back. Falling back. They won’t be for long. They’ll be back in a minute. How we doing? We’re doing fine. We’re doing fine. Colonel. Camp clock. Anybody hurt? Head and shoulder wounds. They didn’t hit. The left didn’t hit at all. Wait a minute. I think they’re moving out that way. Can you see them, sir? They’re coming again, boys. They’re coming again. Sam. Colonel. Look there. I think a new regiment’s arrival. It’s moving against the left. Yeah. Yes sir. Clearly you see that? I don’t think we’re going to be able to hold another one. Get all the company commanders up here on the double.

On the double. Sergeant Owen. Sergeant Owen. Yes, sir. Get up to the top of that hill and appointment situation. Come up there. We’re about to be flanked. Now here’s what we’re going to do. I want you to keep up a good hot masking fire. And keep a tight hold on the 83rd. On old Pennsylvania over there. I want no break in the line. Captain Clark, that’s you. You understand? No breaks. Alright. The right wing is going to sidestep to the left. Thinning out to twice the present distance. Now you see the colors? The colors are going to end up down to the extreme left.

When you reach that point, we’re going to refuse the line. Understand? We’ll form new line at right angles. We’ll pull up as much of a reserve as possible. We’ve got to be able to counter attack whenever there’s a hole. Is that clear? Any questions? No, sir. Fine. Move. Okay. Switch colors. And a double click. Come on boy. Andrew. I fight you, Andrew. A bit worn bit war. I’ll tell you this, Colonel. The boys are putting up one hell of a fight. They are indeed. It’s it. You got me one. I got me a will. Monster. Are you all right, Arnold? I’ll be fine in a minute place.

Hell with me. Target practice though. Surgeon will take them. No, no, no, no. Just a little bandage is all I’ll be needing a few minutes off my feet. My Grogans are killing me. Girl. Sir, I’m not getting one ammunition. Tom, go over to the 83rd. Ask them to send what they can. Lieutenant, you go get from the wounded and from the other fellas anything you can. Just pick up what you can from anywhere. Here comes up it. There they go. I’ll be damned. Hey. Keep coming. How long are they going to keep coming? I don’t have much left.

I got two shots. That’s What I got, I got too. They keep coming on the flanks. They keep moving to the left more. What? They can’t send no help from Diddy, so the Pennsylvania boys said they got trouble to their own. We’d like to report. What? What? What? Colonel Vincent is badly wounded. Yes, sir. Got hit a few minutes after the fight started. We’ve been reinforced at the top of the hill by Weed brigade up front. This is what they tell me. But Weed is dead. And so they moved Hazlet’s battery, that artillery up there. But Hazard’s dead.

It as far as I can tell. Is there any way you can get ammunition from up there? I don’t know, sir. Everything’s a mess. But they’re holding good. The rebs are having a hard time coming up that hill. It’s a steep hill. Well, we’re going to need the ammunition. Colonel, sir, third of my men are wounded. If the rebs come up that hill and he’s stronger, sir, I don’t think we can stop them. Send out word to take ammunition from the wounded. Make every round count. Go. They come again. Ready, boys? It’s it. Pour it on, boys.

Keep fighting, man. Keep up your fire. The cowboy sam. Go plug that hole over there. Come. Sir, half my men are down. Most of the rest are wound. The left is too thin. Sir. How are we fixed for ammunition? It’s almost gone, sir. We’re running out. You don’t have much left to do with some of the boys got nothing at all. Sir. Sir, what do we do for ammunition? Sir, my boys have bread muskets and they’re fry. Back with them. Sir, we ought to pull out. No, we can’t do that. We can’t hold them again, sir.

You know that. Well, if we don’t, they go on by and over the hill and the whole flank caves in. Sir, here they come. Well, we can’t run away. If we stay here, we can’t shoot. So let’s fix bayonets. We’ll have the advantage of moving down the hill. They got to be tired, the revs. They got to be close to the end if we so fix bayonets. Ellis, wait. Ellis, you take the left wing. I’ll take the right. I want a right wheel forward of the whole regiment. What do you mean, charge? Yes, but here’s what we do.

We’re going to charge swinging down the hill just like we pulled back this left side of the regiment. Now we’re going to swing it down. We swing like a door. We’re going to sweep them down the hill just as they come up. Understand? Does everybody understand? Yes, sir. Okay, Ellis, you take the left wing. And when I give the command, I want the whole regiment to go forward swinging down to the right. All right, sir. Fine. Move. SA left wing, right wheel right way up. John, it’s Sam business. Wait here. The boys are still advancing. You better go on and stop them.

Yes, sir. But they’re on their way to Richmond, sir. Richmond? Today? They’ve done enough for today. Why don’t you meet this fellow from LA about Captain Hawkins? This is my brother, Colonel Chambers, sir. May I have some more? Yes, sir. Tom, get this man a canteen. Yes, sir. Right this way. Fall in there. How you doing? Twice. Would you believe, For a Love of Mary? Twice. And how are you, Colonel, Daniel, this fine day? I got it in the armpit. For the love of God, in the bloody armpit. It’s an arm. Only an arm. Gotta lose something.

Might as well be an arm. I can part with that easier than the other mechanics in nature. That’s the truth. What I could do with a nip right now. Well, I’ll see what I can do. You do pretty good. Colonel. Colonel. I’m right here, buster. I’m right here. I’m right here. The army was blessed. I want to tell you, just in case, that I never served. I’ve never served with a better man. Don’t worry, sir. He’ll make it. He’s on top of me. Colonel, sir, if you would so honor me. Colonel, sir. I’ve been moving these Rebs with an empty musket.

Not so loud, Colonel. Your order is to go up to the top of the big hill. My New Yorkers will take over your prisoners. Yes, sir. Colonel. We watch from our position above. It’s the damnedest thing I ever saw. May I. May I shake your hand, sir? Colonel, one thing. The name of this place, this hill. Has it got a name? This hill? This is Little Round Thug. That’s the name of the hill you defended. The big one you’re going up to, that’s Big Round Tub. Yes, well, I guess I’ll remember that. Let’s move the man out.

I’m gonna go it. It’s Sam. We drugged him, sir. He better be slapped. Didn’t see much. Boys went in. Hit the rocks. How’d it go, Pete? All right, Sam. We take those rocks. Most of them. Worst ground I ever saw. You know that? They call it Devil’s Den. Good name for it. Casualty. What? Casualty. Hello. Yeah. Gotta give my boy his credit. You should let me Go to the right. We should have gone to the right. He needs to rest. Son it, Sam. You summoned me, sir? Harrison, I did. Got some night work you up to.

All the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun. When this is all over, I do look forward to seeing you on the stage. What are the General’s wishes? I want you to go out on the right, scout the fiddle position. Their condition, what they got in reserve, what they’re bringing up. It’ll probably take all night. But I want it right. I want it clear. You’re obedient servant, General. Good. Now, Harrison, it’ll be dangerous. And I do appreciate this. Why thank you, sir. But I must confess, sir, the thing that bothers me about this job is the absence of an audience.

When you do it right, no one knows you’re doing it. Nobody watches your. Do you see? That’s very hard on an actor. This current creation is marvelous. I’m a poor half witted farmer, do you see? Terrified of soldiers. And me lovely young wife has run off with a carpal. And I’m out to scour in the countryside for her. Sorrowful, pitiful sight I am. People looking down there now. Grinning behind me back. And all the time telling me exactly what I want to know about. Who’s where, how many, how long ago, them not even knowing they’re doing it.

Too busy feeling contemptuous. There are many people, General, don’t give a damn for a human soul, you know that. Strange thing is, after playing this poor fool farmer for a while, I can’t help but feel sorry for him. Him? Cause no one cares. No one cares. Well, we all have our sacrifices to make, don’t we? Indeed we do, sir. All right, Harrison, on your horse. Keep going, Harrison. Sir. You be real careful, you here. Thank you, sir. No one. General. I’m very glad to see you. Well. I just come by for my order, sir. Would appear General Stewart has returned.

Prodigal sermon. It was very close this afternoon, sir. They nearly broke. I could feel them breaking. And there for a moment I thought I saw our flags go up the hill. But it wasn’t that close. The attack attacks were not properly coordinated. I do not know why. And nevertheless we nearly won the day. I could see a clear road all the way to Washington. How is it with General Hood? I think he’ll live. May lose an arm. Dear God. I couldn’t spare General Hood. So many a good man were lost this day. Sir. Claus did take the peach orchard in the wheat field.

But he Couldn’t get up that ridge. And Hood, he seized the Devil’s Den, but he couldn’t take the little rocky hill. The federals still hold the heights. And they’re reinforced, General. That way around the right is still open. I don’t think on, General. We have enough artillery for one more good fight, but just one. I know. Let me think on it. General, I’m very glad to see you well. We will speak again in the morning. You know, here in these talk about monkeys and trees, I’m remembered of a time during a cannonade on the peninsula when there was just one tree for the men to hide behind.

And it was a skinny little tree and the boys are just fell in behind in a long thin line which ruled just like a pigtail. It would sway to one side and then tell it if a shell came this way, the lion would sway that way. Come that way, the lion sway back this way. It was a hell of a thing to see. George. What has that got to do with what we’re talking about? About, General. Carry on, gentlemen. Don’t let me interrupt the revival. General, you’re just in time. I have been trying to persuade George here of the modern scientific theories of Charles Darwin.

The theory evolution. The notion that all mankind is the same from the ape. He does not subscribe. That’s so. I do not. And I’ve ordered General Armstead to cease filling his head with such heathen blasphemies. Henceforth, sir, you are to devote your reflective moments to study in matters of military significance. Ordered me. Or perhaps appropriating some more of this fine Pennsylvania whiskey here. Absolutely, General. Would you care for. No, thank you, Jim. Surely the commanding general shares my deep of disgust at this Simeon suggestion. Well, George, I suppose there’s some pretty smart folk that take Darwin for the gospel.

They will not be invited to join George’s ever shrinking circle of friends. General Longstreet, sir. I intend to lay this matter to rest for once and for all time. Oh, good sirs, perhaps there are those among you who do believe that you are descended from an ape. I suppose it is even possible there are those among you who believe that I am descended from an ape. But I challenge the man to step forward who believes that General Robert E. Lee is descended from an ape. Hear, hear. Not likely, George. All science trembles before the searing logic of your fiery and lick.

So exactly how many of you relatives out of that are apes? Well, what do you hear about? Sam Hood may lose an arm. Dick Garnet ain’t fit. Can’t hardly walk. Thing is, if there’s a fight, he can’t stand to stay out of it. But if you ordered him to stay out. Don’t suppose you could do that. Morning. The great dawn is breaking the horn of the hunter is heard on the he the lark from the light that boy can sing. That’s Kathleen Mourning. What do you hear about Hancock? Ran into him today. He’s out there about a mile or so.

Just a mile or so. He was tough. Very tough today. He’s the best. Like God. God don’t make him any better. And that’s a fact. Well, I like to go over and see him as soon as I can. Last time I saw Wynn, we played that song. That very song. Back in California, we were all together for the last time before we broke up. Spring of 61. Elmira Hancock. You remember Elmira, Hancock’s wife. Beautiful woman. Most perfect woman I ever saw. They were a beautiful couple. Beautiful. Garnet was with me that night. A lot of fellas from the old outfit.

People standing around singing in the blue uniform. We were leaving the next day. Day. Some going north, some going south. Splitting up the soldiers. Farewell. Goodbye. Good luck. I see you in hell. You remember that? Oh, towards the end of the evening, we all sat around the piano. And Myra played that. That song there. That was the one she played. Maybe for years, maybe forever. I’ll never forget the Jeff. You know how it was, Pete. Wynn was like a brother to me. Remember? Towards the end of the evening, things got a little rough. We all began to.

Well, there were a lot of tears. I went over to Hancock. I took him by the shoulder. I said, win. So help me, if I ever raised my hand against you. May God strike me dead. He’d seen him since he was at Malvern Hill, White Oak Swamp, Sharpsburg. Friggs at Fredericksburg. One of these days I will see him, I’m afraid. Cross that small, deadly space. I thought about sitting this one out. I can’t do that. I wouldn’t be right either. I guess not. Thank you, Peter. I had to talk about that. Yep. I am sending Almira Hancock a small package to be opened in the event of my death.

You’ll drop by and see after all this is over, won’t you, Pete? Thank you. What day is it now, major? It’s long after midnight, sir. It’s already Friday. Friday, July 3rd. Yes, sir. And tomorrow is the 4th of July, sir. Independence Day. Huh. I’d quite forgotten. Good Lord has a sense of humor. I’m very sorry to keep you up so late? It is my pleasure. We should have a larger stay. I’d be offended, sir. I can do the work, Mark. That way. General Stewart is waiting to see you, sir. Shall I bring him in? Of course.

Major. Yes, sir. General Stewart and I must not be disturbed. Very well, sir. Thank you. General Lee will see you now, sir. You wish to see me, sir? It is the opinion of some excellent officers that you have let us all down. General east, sir, if you’ll please tell me who these gentlemen are. There will be none of that. There is no time, sir. I only ask that I be allowed to defend my. There is no time. General Stuart. Your mission was to free this army from the enemy cavalry. And to purport any movement by the enemy’s main body.

That mission was not fulfilled. You left here with no word of your movement. Or movement of the enemy for several days. Meanwhile, we were engaged here. Drawn into battle. Without adequate knowledge of the enemy’s strength or position. Without knowledge of the ground. Sir. It is only by God’s grace that we did not meet disaster here. Generally, there were reasons. Perhaps you misunderstood my orders. Perhaps I did not make myself clear. Well, sir, this must be made very clear. You, sir, with your cavalry, are the eyes of this army. Without your cavalry, we are made blind. That has already happened once.

It must never, never happen. Sir, since I no longer hold the general. I have told you there is no time for that. There is no time. There’s another fight coming tomorrow, and we need you. We need every man. God knows. You must take what I have told you. And learn from it as a man does. There has been a mistake. It will not happen again. I know your quality. You are one of the finest cavalry officers I have ever known. And your service to this army. Me, has been invaluable. Now let us speak no more of this.

The matter is concluded. Good night. Sa. What are you doing up here? All right. Sure. Can’t see a ways from here. Where have you been? We sent out a detail. Found some more divided souls down there. They were carrying coffee to which they had no more use for. So. Oh, you’re a ghoul. Dance. You did real good yesterday. The way them rebs just kept coming. I didn’t admire them. You think they’re gonna come again today? Look like they’re planning to leave? I don’t have but 100 men. Even with the whole flock from the second main. This position’s good.

Diversion. Go alert the pickets. There may be a diversion down there. They may be coming this way again. All Right. Where’s that ammunition I asked for, huh? Go check the hospital, see about the boys. And check on Buster. Hello, sir. Gonna need ourselves another runner. Keep going up and down this hill, my legs are gonna fall off. Good morning, general. Ride with me, if you will. Yes, sir. General Longstreet, you have General Pickett. Now, he is fresh. I want you to bring your corps forward. Take those heights in the center and split the Federal lines. Sir, my two divisions of hoods and McLaws.

Well, sir, they executed a force march yesterday and went straight into the fight. Lost half their strength. Sustained 50% casualty, sir. They are tired and need a rest. There are now three Federal corps on those two rocky hills on our right flank. If I move all my people forward, well, we won’t have a flank at all. They’ll simply swing around and crush us. They are well entrenched up there. They aim to fight. They got good artillery and plenty of it. Sir, any attack we make will be uphill over open ground. How do we communicate? How do we coordinate attack? They’re all massed together, damn near in a circle.

Good interior lines. Anywhere we hit them, they’ll bring up reinforcements in a matter of minutes. But we try to bring up support. They have to come from miles away and their cannon will see every move. Their cannon are looking down on us right now. In the center. They will break. Sir. They will break in the center. Those people will be gaining men from all directions, guns by the thousands. And Richmond has nothing left to send us. So if we stay, we fight. If we retreat now, we will have fought here for two days and believe knowing we could not drive him off.

And I have never yet left the enemy in command of the field. No, sir. Retreat is no longer an option. The enemy has been attacked on both wings. He has retreated, reinforced there and is strongest there on the wings. The hills and the rocks. So the weak point is in the center. They have command of the high ground. But in that long slope you see there, the long slope in the center there is where he’s most vulnerable. General Pickett’s Virginians are the only people not yet engaged yet. With General Longstreet in command, my old war horse meeting the enemy face to face on ground of his own choosing and with honor we will prevail.

So I’ve carried for Colonel Rice. Colonel Chamberlain. That’s some time, sir. My men need rations. Lieutenant. Sir, Colonel Rice has entrusted me to tell you that you’re relieved, sir. Relieved? Fresh troops are on their way up and they’ll take over Here, sir. Colonel Rice wants to give your people a rest. I want you to fall back, and I’m to show you the way. Fall back? Yes. Now, let’s have the men fall in while moving out. Yes, sir. Where are we going? Oh, sir, lovely spot. Very quiet. Safest place on the battlefield. Right smack dab in the center, it.

Yes, sir. General, we will attack the center. But I think you are right about the flank. General Hood and McLaws were both very badly damaged yesterday. What I will do is give you two other divisions. General Pettigrew and General Trimmel. They are stronger and more rested. So now you will have nearly three divisions at your command. Including General Pickett. Your objective will be that clump of trees yonder. The attack will be preceded by massed artillery. We’ll concentrate all of our guns on that one small area a foot on. Far as Napoleon would call. When the artillery has had its effect, your charge will break the line.

You will have nearly 15,000 men at your command, General. And you may begin whenever you’re ready. But plant it well. Do plant it well, I pray you, sir. We stake everything on this. Sir, with your permission. Sir, I’ve been a soldier all my life. I have served from the ranks on up. You know my service. But, sir, I must tell you now. I believe this attack will fail. No 15,000 men ever made can take that ridge. It’s a distance of more than a mile over open ground. When the men come out of the trees, they will be under fire of Yankee artillery from all over the field.

And those are Hancock’s boys. And now they have the stone wall like we did at Fredericksburg. We do our duty, General. We do what we must do. Yes, sir. Colonel Alexander is in charge of the artillery, and he is very good. We will depend on him to drive them off the rear before any of your divisions get. Yes, and the men will know what to do. All 15,000 will concentrate squarely on the center of that line. That low ridge there. The line is not strong there. General Meade has great strength on both flanks. He must be weak in the center.

I estimate his strength in the center not to be more than 5,000 men. And Colonel Alexander’s artillery will break them up. The way he did at Frederick first. Yes, sir. Farewell. What are you thinking, General? Well, sir, Pickett’s division is from my corps. But the other two units are of A.P. hill’s corps. Shouldn’t General Hill lead the attack, sir? Say again? Shouldn’t General Hill lead the attack? My apologies, sir. I’ve always been Very cautious. Very cautious. There is no one I trust more. Sir, if we can take that ridge. We can and we will. Jim. God go with you.

George. George, you are leading the task. Now get ready. George. Form up your men behind the line of trees. I’ll give you the details later. Now move. George. Come on. It Sam. It Sam. It’s sir. Gay of the torn trousers, sir. An officer riding around like this. Colonel Alexander, those federal cannon up on that little rocky hill could cause us some trouble. I want you to sign some guns to keep them silent. Then you move forward with the infantry advance, keeping the flanks clear. Porter, how old you son? Sir, I’m 28, sir. Huh. Well, Porter, we must also clear those guns off that low center ridge right there.

That is the main thing. Yes, sir. Sir. I’m relying on you, son. Sir. Yes, sir. I’ll show. Keep shooting. Sir. Good. Good. I want you to use everything you have. Maximum effort. Fire all your long range ordinance. But don’t open up till I give the word and everything’s in position. Then fire with everything you got. I don’t want to see a single gun silent. Find yourself a good observation point. Check the damage. We must clear those people off that ridge. We don’t. Anyway, you. You let me know when you’re nearing the end of your ammunition. We must conserve enough to support the infantry attack.

Is that clear? Yes, sir. It Johnson, Pettigrew. University of North Carolina. Yeah, I know. They still talk about your grades there with reverence and awe. Your reputation as a scholar has preceded you, sir. I hear you’ve written a book. Yeah, it was only a minor work. The general would care to read it, surely. You may have a copy with my compliment. Captain, retrieve my book from the back. General, my apologies, but I do not believe I will have time to read that today. Gentlemen, I want you to look at that clump of trees on that ridge.

That is where all units will converge. You will be spread out in a long line, perhaps a mile, about 15,000 men. All units converging on that point on the crest of that ridge. Now look here. The Yankee center. Stonewall. Small grove of trees. General Trimble, commanding Pender’s division, will be on the left. Pettigrew’s brigade’s in support. General Pickett’s division will be on the right side of the attack and no additional. George, I want you to put two brigades in front and one in back, like so. Yes, sir. Garnett’s brigade. That’s Jimmy Kemper. Armistead’s in support. Good.

All Right. Then Garnett will dress off a Trimble’s flank. He will be the hinge, so to speak. In a series of left obliques. Somewhere about the Emmitsburg Road. You will execute your first left oblique. Then direct, then left again. And so on at your own discretion. In order to deceive the Yankees and spread them out in a long line. Here. Any questions? All right, gentlemen. Gentlemen, that is the conversion point. That clump of trees. We will use all the artillery. They will center on that point right there. Fire every gun they have until the ammunition runs out.

When that is done, I will give the order and you all go in. Yellowman. I do believe this attack will decide the fate of our country. All the men who have died in the past are with you here today. I want to say so. It’s an honor to serve under your command. I want to thank you, sir, for giving me the opportunity of serving here. I pray, sir. George, can you take that bridge? Sir. Nurse. Sir? Would you mind giving someone an order to give me a musket? I think today I’d like to join the attack.

I could even borrow a hat, sir, from some soldier. Or just a jacket with some stripes on it. Sir? Just once. Cause I think, sir, today might be the last day. Haven’t I earned it? Thanks, sir. You know what’s gonna happen? I’ll tell you what’s gonna happen. Troops are now forming behind the line of trees. When they come out, they’ll be under enemy long range artillery fire. Solid shot. Percussion. Every gun they have. Troops come out under fire. With more than a mile to walk. And still within the open field. They be under range of aim muskets.

They’ll be slowed by that fence out there. And the formation, what’s left of it, will begin to come apart. When they cross that road. They’ll be under short range artillery canister fire. Thousands of little bits of shrapnel wiping holes in the lines. They get to that wall without breaking up, there won’t be many left. Mathematical equation. Maybe, just maybe. Our own artillery will break up their defenses. It’s always that. Hopefully. That’s Hancock out there. He ain’t gonna run. So it’s mathematical after all. If they get to that road or beyond it. Suffer over 50% casualties. But Harrison.

I don’t believe my boat boys will reach that wall. Sir, with your permission, I’ll give myself that musket. That’s General Meade’s headquarters down there, sir. Now, you’re to take a position in reserve. Back this way. You don’t have to entrench. But please, don’t go away. Major, spare you have a. Yes, sir. I’ll place the men. You, sir, are to report to General Hancock. If you will follow me. General Hancock, sir. Colonel Chamberlain, 20th Main. Chamberlain. Yes. I’m beginning to hear from the ranks that you may have been a bit more involved than anyone up in staff has told me.

We were involved. They tell me you ordered a bayonet charge. Well, there’s nothing to be ashamed of, I might tell you. I’m gonna look into it, Colonel. We need fighting men in this army. And one damn thing is sure. We’ll be needing some brigade commanders. Meanwhile, well done. Well done. Thank you. Thank you, sir. How’s your outfit? We need provisions. The men need a meal, sir. And ammunition. We’re out. See to Colonel Chamberlain’s request. I want you to write a report. Yes, sir. You say you’re a schoolteacher? Oh, Alec. Seems like a long time ago. Sometimes I’m not sure how long I’ve been in this war.

Three years or three lifetimes. What do you teach up in the. Rhetoric, sir. Rhetoric And Natural and Revealed Religion. Bowdoin College, sir. You tell. Tell me, professor, can you recall a story from antiquity where two men who are best of friends, almost brothers, where these two men find themselves, by a trick of fate, on opposing sides in a great war, and then on a given day find themselves facing one another on the very same battlefield? Well, if the Greeks did not tell us of such a story, surely the Romans did. But, sir, I think it must be found in the Bible.

There isn’t an officer on either side who hasn’t known someone wearing the other uniform. I know that. This morning when I looked through my glass and saw the fluttering colors of the 9th and 14th Virginia regiments on those ridges before us, directly facing us, right over there. It was as if I could hear. Hear his voice, see his old crumpled hat. Lewis Armistead commands one of Pickett’s brigades. And he’s out there for sure. I somehow thought this day would never come. I thought the war would be over in a month. It’s three years and how many more? Who could have dreamed it could go on for so long? What would you do, Chamberlain? What do the books tell you to do? You go and rest up.

Nothing’s gonna happen today anyway. Everybody’s too tired, too hot, too worn out. Both sides? Yes, sir. We are placed in reserve. Just over there, sir. Thank you for your sentiments, sir. It Lawrence. I just got back from the hospital. God awful mess they got. No Room. They got no shade. They got men lying everywhere. They cutting off arms and legs right out there in front of everybody. I had enough of that in public. Laws, man. I’d have some privacy at a time like that. You see. Kill rain. Well, how is he? Well, how much? He died.

He died this morning before I got there. A couple of fellas that it was with him. He said to tell you goodbye and he was sorry. Yeah, I tell you lots. I sure was fond of that man. Yeah. Sam. General, please get down. We cannot spare you. There are times when a core commander’s life does not count. How are you? Low. Well, that’s good. How’s the leg? Ah, it’s all right. Can’t walk. Guess I’ll have to ride. You can’t do that. You’d be the perfect target. We’re going up there today and we’re going to break that line.

And when the Yankees run away, there’s going to be an open, open road all the way to Washington. Maybe we’ll win it today. And today will be the last day. Maybe today I got a ride or low. I’ll see you at the top. My God. Blow. Ain’t it marvelous? I thought we’d missed it all. Any questions? No. All right, then. When the firing ceases, we step off real quick. No halt. No stopping a fire. Want to get up there quick as we can. What about Garnet? What about him? He can’t hardly walk. Damnation. George, order him not to make the charge.

Rod. General Armistead, how can I do that? General Armstead, sir, My compliments. I hope Her Majesty’s emissary passed a comfortable night. Step like the dead, sir. A baby. Step like a newborn babe, sir. Lie still, man. Keep down. There’s no safety base here. One spot’s as good as the next. We’ve been firing for a good while, sir. It’s apparent neither the federals nor we are going to gain a clear advantage in this business. If we continue to expend our ammunition at this rate, we may endanger our ability to support the advance. Did you not have enough ordinance when this was begun? Federal fire compelled us to remove the artillery train farther to the rear, sir.

It’s taking us longer to refill the case of. So we must slow down our fire now or we will have to cut back on the guns sent in to support the infantry. See, I’m gonna have to order General Pickett to halt his attack until these guns can be replaced. The trains have a little ammunition. It would take an hour to redistribute it in the meanwhile, the enemy would improve the time. The longer we delay, the more time the federals have to strengthen their own line. And even if we were coming more supplies from the ordinance trains, how much more damage can we inflict on them than they on us? They’re bringing in fresh batteries as quickly as we drive them off.

Just get some more ammunition and keep it hot. I cannot sit in pickus division or the others until we clear some of those guns off that bridge. It I’m told you’re descended from an illustrious military family. Who told you that? Kemper. He tells me it was your uncle who defended Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and that he was therefore the guardian of the original Star Spangled Banner. I must say I do appreciate the irony of it all, Colonel Freemannell. It does not begin or end with my uncle or myself. We are all sons of Virginia here.

That major out there commanding the cannon, that’s James Deeren, first in his class at West Point before Virginia seceded. Then the boy over there with the color guard, that’s private Robert Tyler Jones. His grandfather the president of the United States. The colonel behind me, that’s colonel William Aylett. Now, his great grandfather was the Virginian Patrick Henry. It was Patrick Henry who said to your king, George iii, give me liberty or give me death. There are boys here from Norfolk, Portsmouth, small hamlets along the James River. From Charlottesville and Fredericksburg, the Shenandoah Valley. Mostly they’re all veteran circles soldiers now.

The cowards and shirkers are long gone. Every man here knows his duty. They would make this charge even without an officer to lead them. They know the gravity of the situation and the metal of their foe. They know that this day’s work will be desperate and deadly. They know for many of them, this will be their last charge. But not one of them needs to be told what is expected of him. They’re all willing to make the supreme sacrifice to achieve victory here. The crown in victory and the end of this war. We are all here.

You may tell them when you return to your country that all Virginia was here. There on this day. Message from Alexander. Hurry up, for God’s sake, or the artillery can’t help you. Your order, sir. General Longstreet, should I commence the attack? I shall lead my division forward, sir. Low. For the glory of Virginia, form your brigade. Gentlemen, form your battalions. Battalion. Forward it. Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. Up, men. Up into your posts. And let no man forget today that you Are from old Virginia. Virginia. Virginia. Virginians. Virginians. For your lands. For your homes.

For your sweethearts. For your wives. For Virginia. Forward. March. It. It’s sa It. Get over the fence. Quickly. Tell him General Trimble sends his compliments and says that if the troops he had the honor to command this day could not take that position all hell can take it. Give a double canister. That’s it, boy. Take that to dinner. Long street, quick as you can. With my compliments. This damn n. Pump that line. Dress. Keep up your fire. Colonel. Colonel. Bring your men forward. We’ll flank these bastards. Bring your men forward. Colonel. Yes, sir. My God. We’ll flank it.

Damn it all. I will not be moved until this engagement is decided it before I bleed to death. What are you doing? Gotta come up, Mom. You gotta come up. Captain. God’s name. They’re flanking it. They’re flaking it. They’re coming down on the right. You’re firing right into it. Head for the trees. Head right for the center. I’ll call for Double Click. We’ll go around. Double Click. Nobody waits. Everybody goes. March. Come on, boys. Go it. Come on, boy. Come on. Or you think of yourself tomorrow. Virginians. Virginians with me. Who will come with me? Let’s go.

Boom. Sa it. Ra. Sam it. What’s happening? My kids. What’s happening to my boys? What’s happening to my boys? Need to give me your glasses. There’s a rebel. Take a prisoner. It Sa it. Sir. Sir, would you help me up, please? Sir, could you tell me what your name is? Who you are? I would like to speak to General Hancock. Do you know where General Hancock may be found? I’m sorry, sir. The general’s down. He’s been hit. No. Not both of us. Not all of us. Please, God, sir. So we’re having a surgeon come as quickly as we can.

Can you hear me, sir? Yes, sir. I can hear you. Will you tell General Hancock that General Armistead sends his regrets? Will you tell him? Oh, very sorry. I am. I will tell her, sir. I will tell her. General Webster. Go. The horse, major. Sorry, Major Sorrel. I said let go of the horse. Now, you form up here, put fire down on them. They’re coming, and I’m going to meet them. Captain Green. Come on. Come on. General. What do you order, sir? What do you want me to do? Where do you want me to go, sir? Gotta pull back, sir.

Pull back, sir. Place the guns. Bring up the gun. God. How are you, T.J. untowardable, sir. They ain’t Coming. Too bad. Yes, sir. General, I’ll tell you plain. There are times when you worry me. Well, no good trying to get yourself killed, General. The Lord comfy in his own good time. What are the orders, sir? Prepare for defense, but them Yankees ain’t coming. Come on, boys. Sir, I have the figures from Pickett’s command, sir. General Armistead is missing. General Garnet missing and out figuring appeared to be dead, sir. General Kemper’s down, seriously wounded. Lesser. Of the 13 colonels in Pickett’s division, seven are dead, six are wounded, no more.

You tell me to rest later. Major? Yes? Is that General Kemper there bearing towards us? I believe it to be, sir. General Kemper. I do hope you are not seriously injured, sir. They tell me that it’s mortal, General. 13. Pray God that is not the case. Is there anything I can do? There’s nothing more you can do for me, sir. But, General Lee, will you. Will you see to it that full justice is done for my men have made this charge today? I will do so, sir. Thank you, General. Thank you, Jeff. It’s my fault. It’s my fault.

I thought that we were invincible. Friend. It is all my fault. Hear me, I pray you. It is entirely my fault. Hear me. Hear me. Please, friend. We must rest now. We must retire and fight again another day. And there will be another day. Meanwhile, friends, we must show good order. Never let them see you run. Never let them see you run. Let us see them again, sir. Let us reform and hit him again. I know we can do it. I think they’re foaming over there. M. I do fear they may attack. Yes, sir. General Pick.

Sir. You may reform to the rear of this ridge and set up a different defensive position. General Pickett, sir, you must look to your division. General Lee, I have no division. Sam. Sa Sam. We will withdrawal as soon as we have secured all those wounded. We’re well enough to be moved if we can reach the Potomac and cross over into. But, Jim. There will be no more immediate danger. But I’m gonna need your help. Pete. I’m so there to ask. What can I do, sir? We must look to our own deportment. Spirit of the army still.

Very good. Very good indeed. We will do better another time. They do not die for us. Not for us. That, at least, is a blessing if this war goes on. It will. It will. What else can we do but go on, you and I? It’s always same question forever. What else can we do? If they fight, we must fight with them. Does it matter? After all who wins. Was that ever ready to question when Almighty God asked that question in the end, Sam Sa Sa Sa sa.
[tr:tra].