CHAPTER XXVIII.

GETTYSBURG--THIRD DAY.

The Stroke of Arms that shook the Continent--Longstreet opposed the Attack as planned and made--The Confederate Column of Assault--It was weak in Numbers but strong in Spirit-- Tremendous Artillery Combat begins the Day's Fighting--Charge of Generals Pickett, Trimble, and Pettigrew--Armistead falls by the Side of the Federal Guns--The Federal Cavalry Charge of General Farnsworth--The Commander falls with Five Mortal Wounds--Could the Assaulting Column have been safely augmented from Longstreet's Right?--Testimony as to that Point--Where rested the Responsibility for Disaster?--Criticism of the Battle as a Whole--Cemetery Hill stronger than Marye's Hill at Fredericksburg--Controverted Points--Casualties of the Three Days' Fight--Organization of the Forces engaged 385