The Killer Angels Summary

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Here you will find a The Killer Angels summary (Michael Shaara's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

The Killer Angels Summary Overview

The narrative is centered on the Battle of Gettysburg which occurred in July 1863 and was a pivotal event in the American Civil War. The conflict involved the Confederate army, led by General Robert E. Lee and his second in command General James Longstreet, pitted against the Union army under the leadership of figures such as Union Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain. The war was predominantly fought in and around a small town named Gettysburg, with key moments of the battle occurring on the Little Round Top. The story is ignited when a spy informs Longstreet of the Union army's movements, necessitating a swift northward advance by the Confederates. Concurrently, Colonel Chamberlain integrates mutineers from another Maine regiment into his own, persuading most to continue in the fight. The imminent clash becomes clear to Union cavalry leader General John Buford, who strategically positions his troops on higher grounds for an advantage. As the battle unfolds, Longstreet proposes defensive tactics, aiming to come between the Union army and Washington, D.C. However, Lee insists on a more aggressive approach, aiming for a single decisive strike against the Union. The battle reaches its climax when the Confederate attack on Buford's men commences, resulting in the Union forces retreating into the hills surrounding Gettysburg. Despite Longstreet's concerns, Lee pushes for a continued attack rather than repositioning their forces. The second day brings further carnage as the Confederate forces attack the Union’s flanks, resulting in heavy losses. Chamberlain's regiment, now at Gettysburg, is sent to hold Little Round Top, which they do successfully with a frenzying bayonet charge. By the third day, Lee still refuses to change tactics, even after Longstreet warns him of their impending defeat. The final Confederate assault, led by Pickett, ends disastrously, signaling the end of the Battle of Gettysburg.

introduction

The initial part of the book, “To the Reader”, has the author, Michael Shaara, explaining that his motivation for writing the book was to understand “what it was like to be there, what the weather was like, what the men’s faces looked like.” He further mentions that due to the myriad historical analyses of the Battle of Gettysburg, he relied heavily on the correspondence, diaries, and personal accounts of those who experienced it first hand while crafting The Killer Angels.

foreword

Shaara lays out the state of affairs in late June 1863 in the Foreword. General Robert E. Lee, following a series of triumphs, has guided the Confederate army into Union region, primarily in Pennsylvania. His master plan is to annihilate the Union army and then propose a truce to the Union President, Abraham Lincoln, under the condition that the Confederacy be acknowledged as a sovereign nation. Shaara proceeds to introduce the key characters and provides a peek into their past and personal lives. The most crucial among these are General Robert E. Lee, Confederate General James Longstreet, Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, and Major General George Meade, who was the chief officer of the Union army.

june 29 1863 chapter 1

In the town of Taneytown, Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg, a Confederate spy named Harrison spots a large contingent of Union soldiers heading north, dangerously close to the Confederate forces. Harrison hurries back to the Confederate base under the cover of darkness to alert General James Longstreet. Initially dubious, Longstreet is eventually persuaded by Harrison's report. He wakes General Robert E. Lee, the Confederate army's chief, who also expresses doubt as General J. E. B. Stuart and his cavalry were assigned the task of monitoring the Union army's progress. Longstreet, however, suspects Stuart is merely gallivanting. He urges Lee to shift the army westwards. Lee concedes and chooses to head towards a town known as Gettysburg.

june 29 1863 chapter 2

Several miles south of Gettysburg in the daylight, Union Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain is roused by Buster Kilrain, a demoted private, who tells him that 120 men from the disbanded Second Maine regiment have joined their own, the Twentieth Maine. These men, previously mutineers, had hoped to head home but are now under watch, with orders for Chamberlain to execute any who refuse to march. Joined by his younger sibling, Tom, also a Twentieth Maine soldier, Chamberlain arranges food for the newcomers before conversing with their leader. The head of the mutineers conveys their exhaustion with the war and dissatisfaction with the Union's ineffective generals. They want to return home but Chamberlain is caught in a dilemma. He can neither free them nor bring himself to execute them. He shares his dilemma and delivers an impassioned speech, requesting them to join his regiment. All except six men agree.

june 29 1863 chapter 3

In the bright light of day in Gettysburg, Union cavalry leader, General John Buford, along with his 2,500 horse-mounted men, makes his way into the town. Unexpectedly, Buford spots a unit of Confederate foot soldiers, seemingly without cavalry backup, in the town. This prompts Buford to stay put in Gettysburg, and he informs General John Reynolds, who commands the infantry, of his intentions. He tells Reynolds that he's holding down Gettysburg and predicts a larger Confederate force will reach them by morning. Noticing the town's strategic “high ground,” Buford leads a survey of the surrounding areas. His presence brings a sense of relief to the townsfolk who are pleased to see Union soldiers in town. Deciding to secure the hilly terrain, Buford prepares his men for defensive combat on foot. His objective is to keep the Confederates from gaining control of the high ground until reinforcements, led by Reynolds, can arrive.

june 29 1863 chapter 4

As darkness falls on the Confederate camp near Gettysburg, Lieutenant Arthur Fremantle, a British observer, is introduced to poker by Confederate officers. General Longstreet is anxious about the imminent battle. His aide, Sorrel, brings news of Union cavalry sighted in Gettysburg, reported by a soldier; General Hill dismisses this as a state militia sighting, but Longstreet remains uncertain. Longstreet continues to be consumed by his thoughts, engaging in brief conversation with Fremantle. A welcome distraction arrives in the form of General George Pickett, an admired soldier and a well-groomed gentleman. His entourage includes officers Lew “Lo” Armistead, Jim Kemper, and Dick Garnett. Pickett's division, which hasn't seen much action, is currently positioned at the back of the army. Upon requesting Longstreet to bring his division forward, Pickett is denied with an explanation that his division would lead the retreat if required. Following Pickett's departure, Longstreet discusses with Armistead, whose old friend General Winfield Hancock fights for the Union army. Longstreet contemplates the possibility of Armistead confronting his friend in battle. Longstreet expresses his inclination towards defensive strategies like trenches, to which Armistead responds favorably albeit stating that the Confederate army isn't the right place for such tactics. Furthermore, Armistead explains, General Lee would reject defensive warfare considering it somewhat dishonorable.

july 1 1863 chapter 1

At dawn in a Confederate camp west of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee awakens. He's experiencing minor heart issues and is attempting to rest. He evaluates the state of the military with his assistant, Taylor, highlighting that General Stuart hasn't provided an update on the Union army's position, leaving Lee in the dark. Some of Lee's men feel Stuart should face military trial for not providing information, but Lee has a fondness for Stuart, noting his past commendable service. He reassures General Longstreet, his most trusted officer, not to put himself on the front lines. Longstreet informs Lee that the Union army's new leader is George Meade. He also mentions Union cavalry is likely in Gettysburg and proposes the Confederate army move southeast of Gettysburg, positioning themselves between the Union and Washington, D.C. This would cut off the Union from their capital and force them to launch an attack. However, Lee is frustrated by Longstreet's persistent recommendation of defensive strategies and dismisses it. As they set off to begin the day's march, they hear artillery fire in the distance.

july 1 1863 chapter 2

Early in the day at Gettysburg, General Buford's cavalry is assaulted by Confederate troops. Buford, on foot like a common soldier, manages his men. Upon the first Confederate onslaught, Buford sends a message to General Reynolds, who is en route to Gettysburg with infantry. Buford is concerned that Reynolds might not arrive in time, having previously lost battles due to late infantry arrival. He commands his artillery to shoot multiple times, and the Confederate foot soldiers launch their attack. Buford directs the warfare as he moves among his troops. The Confederates are more in number than the Union soldiers, yet their initial attacks are thwarted, having anticipated only a minor militia. But soon, with a surge in the Confederate attack, the situation starts to look grim for the Union. Just as Buford feels he's at his limit, Reynolds arrives, offering crucial support. As Reynolds's team moves to position, Reynolds is fatally shot, and the onslaught continues without a leader. Buford scouts the surrounding areas to assure no more Confederate troops are advancing.

july 1 1863 chapter 3

Lee reaches Gettysburg during a heated battle between General Heth's soldiers and the Union infantry assisting Buford. Lee is frustrated due to the absence of reports from Stuart, the cavalry chief. Stuart's location is unknown, leading Longstreet to suspect he's off having a pleasurable time. Lee observes that Heth's forces are being pushed back by Union troops through his binoculars. Heth arrives and shares that he entered Gettysburg expecting to confront a militia but instead encountered Buford's foot cavalry. Despite putting up a solid fight, Heth's troops were forced back by Reynolds's infantry. Meanwhile, Lee gets updates from General Rodes. His division has joined the battle against the Union army's northern flank and Jubal Early's division will soon be with them. Everything seems to be happening according to some unseen plan, prompting Lee to order Heth and General Pender's division to strike again. The fighting intensifies until it's reported that Heth has been injured and the Union is fighting stronger than ever. The Confederate army counters, pushing the Union back to Cemetery Ridge, Cemetery Hill, and Culp's Hill. Lee instructs General Ewell to chase the retreating Union forces and, if feasible, capture the hill. Longstreet proposes the Confederate army should reposition behind the hills and between the Union forces and Washington, D.C. However, Lee dismisses the idea of withdrawing during battle. They receive a message from Ewell who has not seized Cemetery Hill due to fears of a possible Union attack from the south. Ewell's lack of action distresses Lee.

july 1 1863 chapter 4

Bodies stacked as a shield against gunfire; does the sound ring a bell? In the southern vicinity of Gettysburg, Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain leads his soldiers. His brother, Tom, describes the unique brigade bugle call to a novice. Aboard his horse, Chamberlain reflects on his newfound fondness for military life, yet he also remembers using bodies as bullet shields, reminding him of mortality's omnipresence in warfare. He ponders if he has developed an affection for this harsh reality as well. Memories of his youth resurface, recollecting the quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet, "What a piece of work is man!...in action, how like an angel!" His father had responded, "Well, boy, if he's an angel, he’s sure a murderin’ angel." This led young Chamberlain to title a school speech "Man, the Killer Angel." The troops march through Hanover, greeted joyously by its locals. Nearing Gettysburg, they receive news of the day's battle, prompting them to hasten their movement towards the town. They establish a camp on the outskirts and anticipate the dawn.

july 1 1863 chapter 5

In the Confederate camp near Gettysburg, Longstreet rides his horse and contemplates the battlefield. He's troubled about the pivotal position of the hills and knows that Lee plans to attack soon. He considers Lee's impending attack a blunder, however, Lee, being stubborn as a "runaway horse," doesn't heed his advice, which fills Longstreet with gloom. Thoughts of his three children, all victims of a fever, add to his sorrow, making him realize the army is all he has left. The British observer, Fremantle, cheerfully approaches Longstreet, thrilled by the combat he witnessed earlier. He admires the Southern folks for their resemblance to the English. He regards Lee as an English general who is well-respected in Europe despite Americans' non-gentlemanly reputation. He expresses his surprise at the contrasting images of Americans and hopes for a Confederacy-England alliance. However, England remains neutral during the war due to the Confederacy's support for slavery, which England condemns. The conversation turns to "Stonewall" Jackson, Lee's former confidant, who was killed before Gettysburg. Dick Garnett, another Confederate officer under Pickett, was accused of cowardice by Jackson and has been disheartened due to the tarnished honor. Longstreet subtly refers to Lee's honor-based warfare, saying "Honor without intelligence...could lose the war." He proposes a modern fighting style, considering advancements in weaponry. However, in Longstreet's opinion, Lee "would rather lose the war than his dignity."

july 1 1863 chapter 6

Lee has a discussion with generals Ewell, Early, and Rodes. The question arises of why Ewell has not secured Cemetery Hill, to which he responds it seemed impossible. Early mentions reports of Union forces nearby making them hesitate before making a move. They chose to wait for another general, Johnson, to arrive with his forces. Anticipating the strength of Union forces, Early claims Cemetery Hill “will be a very strong position." A bit frustrated, Lee questions if Ewell can launch an attack on the Union army's right (northern) flank the following day. Early is skeptical about the move being tough but suggests that if Longstreet hits the left flank, it could distract Union troops, aiding Ewell's and Early’s attack. Lee brings up Longstreet’s idea of shifting the army southeast to separate the Union army from Washington, D.C. Ewell and Early reject this idea, fearing that leaving the town they just won would lower troop morale. They also deem it risky to navigate the entire army around the Union’s fortified position. Lee privately concurs, thinking it would be extremely challenging to relocate the army without Stuart and his cavalry. After the meeting, Lee encounters General Isaac Trimble, who is livid with Ewell for not capturing Cemetery Hill. Trimble shares that he proposed taking the hill with merely a regiment, but Ewell froze and did nothing. Lee retires to his headquarters pondering his next move. He summons Ewell, who appears a bit embarrassed. Ewell claims that they should attack the right flank, as earlier suggested by Lee. Ewell apologizes for his excessive caution, and Lee, being a gentleman, accepts it without much reprimand. As he dozes off, Lee finds himself wondering about Stuart's whereabouts.

july 1 1863 chapter 7

As night falls, Buford surveys Union fortifications at Cemetery Hill. He finds officers in a farmhouse debating over the real leadership between General Howard and General Winfield Hancock. John Gibbon, under Hancock, informs Buford that Howard blames him for the day's defeat. Howard argues that Buford's troops, after fighting all morning, should have provided aid to Howard's right flank. Hancock discusses with Buford about Reynolds' death. He then instructs Buford to refurnish his cavalry. Upon General Meade's arrival, a reflective Buford departs.

july 2 1863 chapter 1

At dawn in a Confederate camp, an English observer named Arthur Fremantle wakes up, eagerly anticipating another battle and potentially another win for the Confederates. He mingles with other foreign witnesses, including a rotund Austrian, Ross. With great pleasure, he relishes the feeling of being with the supposedly victorious side. He travels to Gettysburg and scales a tree to get a better view of things. Spotting officers discussing the day's strategy, he ponders whether the Confederacy might reunite with England post-war. When Lee comes to confer with Longstreet, Fremantle descends from the tree, aware that soldiers are chuckling at his antics. He converses with Ross, who is donned in an amusingly bright, metallic helmeted war outfit. Oblivious to the serious nature of the battle, Fremantle believes the genteel South will inevitably triumph: "Fremantle knew with the certainty of youth and faith that [Longstreet] could not possibly lose this day, not with these troops, not with Englishmen, the gentlemen against the rabble." The sound of the first cannon, although slightly unnerving, fills him with excitement. Fremantle questions Longstreet over the Confederates' decision not to dig trenches, and why they aren't fearing a Union assault. Longstreet confidently expresses that Meade wouldn't attack and that the Union is so well fortified that they wouldn't leave their position. Longstreet suggests, as he frequently does, that the Confederates should flank the Union army and position themselves between the Union and Washington, D.C. This, he believes, would force the Union to attack. However, Lee dismisses this idea. Fremantle departs to regroup with the Europeans. He contemplates once more on the failure of the American "experiment" and how the concept of "equality of rabble" has reverted to a class system within a mere two generations—but only in the South. To him, the South represents "the Old Country." Fremantle feels he has discovered something significant.

july 2 1863 chapter 2

At dawn near Gettysburg, Chamberlain is with his soldiers, waiting for the next orders. He's lost in thoughts of his home in Maine and his wife. Kilrain, a private, tells him about an escaped slave they've found. The slave is big and speaks broken English, but he thanks the Union soldiers. Chamberlain offers medical assistance and food to the enslaved man but can't accommodate him in the troop. He directs the man as best as he can. The encounter leaves Chamberlain questioning his feelings, as he feels a slight repulsion towards the man, which troubles him. The regiment starts moving again when another colonel informs Chamberlain that they're heading towards a small hill known as Little Round Top.

july 2 1863 chapter 3

During the early hours at the Confederate camp, General Lee and Longstreet confer about the day's battle strategy. Despite his preference for a defensive approach, Longstreet acknowledges Lee's decision to assault. They consider that the Union forces at Cemetery Hill and Culp’s Hill are too strong to attack directly, but a concentrated attack on the Union's left flank might distract enough troops for Ewell and Early to successfully seize these hills. Although General Lee is inclined towards this approach, he seeks Longstreet’s agreement, which he does not readily give. However, Longstreet doesn’t argue and Lee instructs him to attack the Union left. Longstreet insists on a short delay until another brigade arrives. He rejects General McLaws' suggestion to scout the roads to the Union’s left and also declines General Hood's idea of sending a brigade to interrupt Union supply lines; Lee concurs, emphasizing the need for a consolidated assault. As the officers depart to prepare for the battle, Longstreet and Captain Johnston, Lee’s engineer, discuss the positioning of Longstreet's corps. Longstreet emphasizes the need for stealth. He expresses his frustration at Stuart's absence, who would have conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the surrounding roads. The march commences at midday. Riding together, Lee and Longstreet momentarily experience an unexpected sense of anticipation. This, however, is quickly subdued by the reflection that they are now fighting against people they had once defended. Lee justifies this by referring to their ultimate loyalty to Virginia. He also introspects the paradox of cherishing military service while sending men to their potential demise. Longstreet perceives that Lee believes his defensive strategy is rooted in his reluctance to sacrifice his men. A brief interruption occurs when Captain Johnson warns that the Union may spot the troops if they continue along the planned route. Longstreet, though irritated, orders a shift in direction, which costs them precious time. They notice the Union troops have relocated from Cemetery Ridge to a peach orchard near Little Round Top. The change in Union position complicates Lee's orders for Longstreet, but he doesn’t have the time or faith that Lee would consider a change in plan. Despite Hood's reservations about continuing the attack under the Union's watchful eye, Longstreet feels bound by Lee's orders and instructs Hood to initiate the assault. The battle ensues, bringing about swift and significant casualties.

july 2 1863 chapter 4

As the Confederate assault commences, Chamberlain and his troops are commanded to move south of Gettysburg. As they advance, they come into the artillery range. Chamberlain instructs his brother Tom to the regiment's rear, fearing it might be “a hard day for mother.” The Twentieth Maine, Chamberlain’s regiment, moves past Big Round Top and ascends Little Round Top. Colonel Vincent positions them on the southeastern side and emphasizes that they are the Union line's extreme left, stretching all the way to Gettysburg. They are strictly instructed, “You cannot withdraw. Under any conditions. If you go, the line is flanked. . . . You must defend this place to the last.” The troops hastily start constructing a stone wall. Chamberlain sends Morrill and his company further left to prevent a Confederate surprise attack from the side. After assessing the battlefield, he discovers Union forces in the peach orchard are losing, and the Confederates are approaching Little Round Top. He offers the former Second Maine captives a chance to join his regiment, which three accept. Upon hearing the infamous “Rebel yell,” Chamberlain comprehends that he is the Union line's end and must not retreat. The Confederate attack begins and the Twentieth Maine successfully rebuffs the first assault. However, Kilrain gets injured during a subsequent attack. Chamberlain also gets targeted but escapes serious injury thanks to his sword scabbard. In anticipation of an impending Confederate flank on the left, Chamberlain rallies his commanders and directs them to execute a strategic maneuver. As he returns to the weakening Kilrain, it becomes apparent that his men are running low on ammunition. Despite this, they withstand another attack, with Chamberlain's brother Tom filling a gap in the line and emerging unhurt.

july 2 1863 chapter 5

In the Confederate camp, Longstreet navigates through a makeshift hospital filled with casualties from the day's conflict. He encounters General Hood, wounded in battle, who queries if their attack was successful. Longstreet says yes, despite its failure. He learns from his aide that Hood’s officers hold him responsible for the failed offensive, never pointing fingers at Lee. His chief aide, Sorrel, shares that Hood’s division has suffered heavily, with around 8,000 men dead, injured or taken prisoner. Longstreet believes a further direct assault is not feasible given the dwindling numbers and anticipates Lee won't order one. He instructs Sorrel to gather data on casualties and remaining ammunition. On Sorrel's departure, another aide informs Longstreet of Pickett's arrival. He promises to meet Pickett soon. He heads to Lee's headquarters and sees Stuart outside, reveling in the company of reporters and fans. Ignoring Stuart, he meets Lee, who believes that the Union forces are on the verge of retreating. Longstreet disagrees and points out the three Union corps fortified on high ground. He urges Lee to shift the Confederate army to the southeast, positioning themselves between the Union army and Washington, D.C. Another general requests Longstreet to convince Lee to court-martial Stuart for leaving them uninformed about the Union's movements. Longstreet doubts this will help but agrees to talk. Fremantle naively congratulates Longstreet on his "victory." Realizing Lee plans another attack, Longstreet considers it a suicide mission. Fremantle labels Lee as the most "devious" man, to which Longstreet shares his frustration about the lack of strategic planning. He thinks winning the war would be a "bloody miracle" and decides to persuade Lee once more to move right. Longstreet meets Pickett and other officers and converses with Armistead, who resents Fremantle's perception that the Confederacy fights for slavery. Longstreet admits the war is about slavery but clarifies it's not his personal motive for fighting. Armistead shares a bond with Union general Winfield Hancock, whom Longstreet battled earlier. He recalls a promise to Hancock that if he ever fought against him, he'd wish to be struck dead by God. The men eventually rejoin the others, setting aside their concerns for a while.

july 2 1863 chapter 6

During the late hours at the Confederate camp, Lee ponders over his next move. He's torn between his past allegiance to the land he's now attacking and his duty as the leader of the Confederates. He contemplates a retreat but dismisses it knowing his troops wouldn't fight well after. His army, he realizes, is at its peak strength. Stuart, summoned by Lee, is reprimanded for his irresponsible behavior that left Lee uninformed. Stuart attempts to relinquish his position, but Lee rejects it, instructing him to resume his duties. Lee learns from an aide about the chaos in Ewell's camp due to Ewell's excessive deference to Early. Their delayed action messes up the strategy to distract the Union's forces. Considering his options, Lee realizes that he has already attacked the Union from both sides. He deems the wisest step forward would be to launch an attack at the center. With this plan, he aims to split the Union army in half by directing his forces to Cemetery Ridge's center. The finishing touch would be Stuart and his cavalry sweeping around to the rear.

july 3 1863 chapter 1

As dawn breaks at Big Round Top, Chamberlain, despite his bleeding foot, observes the sunrise. His troops are weary, hungry, and running low on supplies. His brother Tom brings him coffee, reminding Chamberlain of how he'd used Tom to strengthen the front line the day before. He feels the absence of his injured friend Kilrain. Tom confesses that he couldn't force himself to use his bayonet in the previous day's battle, noting Chamberlain's fearlessness. Soon, gunfire interrupts Chamberlain's musings. Anticipating another attack, he takes solace in their fortified position and ample ammo. However, an aide informs him that his unit is being replaced. The replacement brigade arrives swiftly, and Chamberlain's soldiers are led to a "safe place" for rest, "right smack dab in the center of the line."

july 3 1863 chapter 2

At the Confederate camp, Longstreet gets ready for an imminent attack. With Union cavalry closing in, he considers moving southeast. Lee, however, decides to face the enemy head-on, stating, "The enemy is there . . . and there’s where I’m going to strike him." He asks Longstreet to lead an assault with Pickett's division, intending to divide the Union line. Longstreet, having lost many men and an essential officer, Hood, in previous battles, voices his concerns about exposing the army's rear and the likely failure of a frontal assault. Despite Longstreet's misgivings, Lee insists on his plan, believing they'll break the Union lines. Suddenly, they hear gunfire from the north—Ewell's forces are engaged in a battle without instructions. It turns out that Union soldiers have initiated this surprise attack. As the battle intensifies, Lee orders Longstreet to aim for Cemetery Ridge's clump of trees. Longstreet, convinced of the attack's downfall, fails to change Lee's mind and slips into a state of near-despair. Longstreet suppresses his doubts, not wanting to share them with his officers. He instructs artillery commander, Alexander, to bombard the hill and signal him when enough damage has been done to commence the attack. When Longstreet briefs his generals on the plan, they are inspired yet oblivious to its hopeless nature. Longstreet accepts the inevitable—there will be massive casualties, and all he can do is witness the devastation.

july 3 1863 chapter 3

Chamberlain's regiment moves into the heart of Cemetery Ridge. An assistant informs him of General Meade's initial intention to withdraw, which was vetoed by the other generals. They believed that another Confederate attack was imminent and could be beaten back. General Hancock even anticipated an attack on the line's center. Chamberlain sets his regiment, then proceeds to the location where Meade and the other generals are dining. His general, Sykes, commends Chamberlain's performance at Little Round Top the day before, suggesting a potential promotion to brigade commander. Chamberlain returns to the generals' location and secures some chicken. Resting alongside his brother Tom, Chamberlain learns about Kilrain's death. Abruptly, Confederate artillery begins to fire, causing chaos around Chamberlain. Scrambling to escape the artillery fire, he eventually finds shelter behind a stone wall. He slips in and out of consciousness as cannon shells rain down around him. When the firing subsides an hour later, he recognizes an impending attack and the need to assemble his regiment. But exhaustion and weakened from his foot injury, Chamberlain succumbs to sleep once more.

july 3 1863 chapter 4

Observing the Confederate attack on Cemetery Ridge, Lew Armistead spots Pickett penning a note to his sweetheart. Armistead, in a somber mood, hands Pickett his wedding band, to be passed to his own lover. He has a strong premonition of his imminent death. The artillery barrage ceases after an hour, signaling the upcoming assault. Armistead notes Dick Garnett's decision to ignore orders and ride his horse into battle, despite a foot injury and the increased risk of being targeted. Pickett and Armistead join a tearful Longstreet in the woods, where the signal for the charge is given. Pickett eagerly departs, leaving a melancholic Longstreet behind. Armistead rallies his brigade, leading them toward the Union soldiers in a determined march. As Union artillery fire intensifies, it wreaks havoc within their ranks. The Confederates valiantly maintain form, but the onslaught proves overwhelming as they approach the Union line and musket fire joins the artillery. Garnett's horse is seen riderless amidst the chaos. The Confederate march begins to crumble, with soldiers fleeing in panic. A few, including Armistead, manage to reach their designated spot near a group of trees. Here, Armistead is shot and as he lays dying, he implores a soldier to relay his final sentiments to his Union friend, General Hancock.

july 3 1863 chapter 5

Longstreet, seated on Seminary Ridge, watches Pickett's Charge's grim scene unfold. His worst fears have materialized. Desperate men plead for back-up, but he's already deployed every available soldier. He directs Pickett to retreat. Fremantle, recognizing the Confederacy's disastrous defeat, hands Longstreet a drink. Aware that the battle has concluded, Longstreet readies to join the final battery still firing at the Union soldiers. He spots Lee amidst the army, admitting the failure is entirely his own. Despite the troops' protestations, Lee acknowledges his downfall. A tearful Pickett surfaces, with Lee instructing him to reorganize his division. Pickett responds, devastated, that his division no longer exists. Determined, Longstreet rides to the last active battery shooting uphill. His staff attempts to dissuade him, but he persists, soon joined by a few aides. He presses on until an explosive dismounts one of his aides. His aides maneuver him away from the gunfire. The Union forces retreat, failing to launch an attack. Longstreet somewhat wishes they would attack and end the war. He realizes the Confederacy will never recuperate from this defeat. Lee approaches Longstreet, planning a night retreat to the river. Longstreet expresses his doubts about their chances of victory in the war, which Lee doesn't refute or confirm. Lee muses, "If the war goes on—and it will, it will—what else can we do but go on? It is the same question forever, what else can we do? If they fight, we will fight with them. And does it matter after all who wins? Was that ever really the question? Will God ask that question, in the end?" Together, the two commanders depart to supervise the withdrawal.

july 3 1863 chapter 6

Chamberlain, haunted by the image of advancing Confederates, finds himself at the battlefield's outskirts post-Pickett's Charge. His brother Tom approaches him, expressing marvel at the Confederates' tenacity in fighting for a cause like slavery. Amid the sight of fallen soldiers, Chamberlain remarks on their newfound equality "in the sight of God." He reflects on the tactical decision he made during the battle to employ his brother in filling a gap in the regiment. Despite his preference to have his brother close to him, Chamberlain considers sending him away for fear of his presence clouding his judgment. Suddenly, a fierce storm sweeps over the battlefield, washing away the aftermath of the battle and purifying the land. After the storm, both Chamberlain and Tom rejoin their troops, ready to resume the fight.

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