Garnett's Brigade at Gettysburg.
[The following letter explains the report which follows, and which will be an addition to our series of reports on that great battle.]
To the Secretary of the Southern Historical Society:
Dear Sir—In looking up some old papers a few days ago, I found the inclosed report of the part taken by Garnett's brigade (first Cocke's, then Pickett's, then Garnett's, and lastly Hunton's) in the battle of Gettysburg.
I am not sure who is the author of the report, as it is unsigned, but am under the impression that Lieutenant-Colonel Charles S. Peyton, of the Nineteenth Virginia infantry, wrote or dictated it. Colonel Peyton (at that time Major of the Nineteenth Virginia) was the senior field officer who escaped from the charge on Cemetery Hill and took command of the brigade after the battle. Colonel Henry Gantt was badly wounded in two places, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis was killed, as is reported in these papers. Major Peyton was afterwards promoted to the vacant lieutenant-colonelcy. He had lost an arm at second Manassas, but returned to duty as soon as he was sufficiently recovered to do so, and did good service during the charge at Gettysburg. He was slightly wounded in the leg, but not disabled to such an extent as to prevent taking command of the brigade.
I was Adjutant of the Nineteenth Virginia during the greater part of the war, and presume that the report fell into my hands in that way, although I had entirely lost sight of it.
Very respectfully,
Camp Near Williamsport, Maryland, July 9th, 1863.
Major C. Pickett, A. A. G. Pickett's Division:
Major—In compliance with instructions from division headquarters, I have the honor to report the part taken by this brigade in the late battle near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 3d, 1863.
Notwithstanding the long and severe marches made by the troops of this brigade, they reached the field about 9 o'clock A. M., in high spirits and in good condition. At about 12 M. we were
