1 Chapter One South July 1st, 1863
Everything you are about to read is historically correct. The places, dates, and generals are real. Only the main character and this around him are fake.
You will see the battle through the eyes of the soldier. I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter One
Letters to Home
My Dearest Francis, June 4, 1863
It is hard to believe it is June ready. I am anxious to get back to you. I fear that this war will last much longer. I might not be coming back to you. All I ask you is to pray for me. There have been rumors about General Lee finally getting President Davis and the council to approve of an invasion of the North. I will keep you updated as I am able. Kiss the kids for me.
Your husband,
Willet
My Dearest Francis, June 9, 1863
We will be moving more northern to cross the Blue Ridge and towards Winchester, Virginia, near the Shenandoah Valley by tomorrow. There is talk about how we will confront the Union in the next few days if I survive the upcoming confrontation if you get a letter dating after June 15.
Your husband,
Willet
My Dearest Francis, June 14, 1863
I worried you in my last letter but only wanted to prepare you if I perish in battle. We are moving again towards Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to cross the Potomac River. There is a rumor that General Lee wants to use Ewell or, more specifically, my unit to be the front of the army. Would it not be wonderful if that were true? We would be the envy of all the other units since we are entrusted to be in front. I will keep you updated as much as I can. Give my love to the kids.
Your husband
Willet
My Dearest Francis, June 29, 1863
I am pretty close to being prepared to move on north like I would like to be. On General Lee's orders, we head to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. That was yesterday morning. By nightfall, Ewell got a new directive to stop and move to South Mountain. We are moving as I write this from Carlisle to Cashtown or Gettysburg. There is this nervous tension in the air. I might not be able to write for the next few days. Tell Sarah and Michael I love them. Pray for my safe return. I love you.
Your husband,
Willet
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Day One
July 1st, 1863
South
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As we moved towards the town. What I think is the town of Gettysburg. We are advancing toward what looks like a ridge to the North. I can hear the fighting ahead of us. I look around at the face of my friends around me. They knew what was coming—a battle of life and death.
I know we are north of the town. I turn my head to ask Bobbie, "Bobbie, you studied the map last night, right?" I see him nod his head. "Then where are we?" Bobbie pulled out the map he was in his pack. He unfolds it to show me. "Look here, and this is the Western Maryland Railroad." He points at the map, then points to the right of us where the railroad tracks are. He looks at the map again. "I think we are between Oak Ridge and McPherson Ridge," Bobbie told me. "Thanks," I respond to him.
Off to the distance, but to the right of us was the enemy (the Union). The smell of gunpowder was heavy in the air. Much louder booms of cannon fire followed the more little pops of musket fire. Filled the previous silence up ahead on the right of us, about half a mile away. I felt dread in my gut about what was to come.
General Ewell orders General Johal Early's division to move east of Harrisburg Road. I had to say goodbye to Bobbie. He was in the Early division. "Good luck. I will see you later," I tell Bobbie. He looked at me and said, "you to my friend," and with that, he was gone. I had to take a few calming breaths to center myself.
There was a loud yell coming from where Bobbie went. I turned that way only to see some of the enemy (union) running towards town. I start to run after them. I follow the railroad into town. I know I am getting close to the outskirts of town. When I see another railroad coming from the left of me, I can see they meet up a little ahead of me.
I followed behind the enemy into town. I was on edge, weaving between the buildings and homes, looking for the enemy (Union). I see Frank, a unit member, peer around the corner to see. I heard a popping sound. The next thing I knew, Frank fell to the ground. I put my hand on his shoulder to turn him over onto his back. I put my hand on his chest. It was not moving. I look up at his face. The look of shock on Frank's face was frozen because he had a bleeding hole in his left temple. I knew he was dead as soon as he hit the ground. It became more real to me. I know this is not my first battle, but I have never been so deep in a fight.
I had to leave Frank to confine deeper into the town. The rest of my unit and I went from street to street, gathering as many of the enemy (Union) as we could. I could see some, if not all, of them left the town. I saw a few who would not go. They looked like they would fire on you if you thought about coming near their home or shops. It was just the look in their eyes as they looked out open windows or doors. Some had muskets. Others had what looked like, from a small distance away, that it was a handgun. I saw a small boy holding a small scythe that could be used to cut down a wheat field. He was no older than my son, but he was prepared to defend his home and family. I, for a moment, thought I was looking at my son Michael in his place. At that moment, I longed to be at home with him.
I am shaken out of my thoughts when I see Bobbie and the rest of Early's division at the end of town. I was relieved to see him. From the look on his face, he thought the same as me. I smiled for the first time that day, and he matched me. I looked at my pocket watch and noticed it was ten minutes to four p.m.
Our units joined Rodes, Ewell, and Early shortly after 4 p.m. I saw General Ewell ride out. He was heading in the direction it was rumored General Lee's headquarters were. It was only briefly after Ewell returned to pull Rodes and Early in a meeting.
I was sitting close to them. I could overhear some things. Ewell told Rodes and Early, "General Lee wants us to be canny to Cemetery Hill. He says, "if practicable." There was a short pause, then General Early and General Rodes were urging General Ewell to attack. Ewell told them, "I am not sure if it is beneficial to attack so late in the day." By the end of the day, the opportunity to attack was gone. General Ewell took too long to decide. General Ewell ordered us to move further north near Rock Creek. It was in preparation to attack Culp's Hill the next day. Ewell convinced General Lee to let Ewell attack Culp's Hill in Ewell, Rodes, and Early's hands. Not that I think it is a good idea, but I am not in charge. I thank the Lord I am not.
The energy around camp tonight is of nervousness about what tomorrow will bring. I have decided to write to my wife. Even though I know I may only get to mail it after the battle to let her know I am alive. Or never because I happen to die here.
Dear Frances, July 1st, 1863
I am in Gettysburg. I was uninjured from today's battle. But I must tell you that I feel something different about this battle than the others I have been in. I have not had the opportunity to go through a town before. At one point, I saw a boy who could not be older than Michael. He was holding a scythe. He was standing in front of his home, ready to defeat it. It broke my heart that an 8-year-old boy had to do that. We are going into battle tomorrow. Please pray for my safety.
Your husband,
Willet
