But the Confederates gained nothing. The Federals stood
firm.
At length Lee determined to make a mighty effort to smash the
center of the Federal line, and split it in two. Collecting about a
hundred and fifty guns he massed them along a height named Seminary
Ridge, and with these he pounded the Federals on Cemetery Hill
opposite. For two hours the terrible cannonade lasted. At first
the Federal guns replied vigorously, then they almost ceased. They
ceased, not because they had been put out of action, not because
ammunition was running short, but because Meade was reserving his
strength for the infantry attack he knew must come.
In the Confederate camp there was strained anxiety. Lee had determined
to make the attack, but General Longstreet was against it. He did
not believe that it could succeed. It was, he felt sure, only the
useless throwing away of brave lives, and his heart was wrung with
sorrow at the thought. But Lee insisted, and General George E.
Pickett's division was chosen to make the attempt.
So Longstreet gave way. But when Pickett came to him for last
orders he could not speak; he merely nodded his head, and turned
away with a sob.
Pickett, however, knew neither hesitation nor fear.
"Sir," he said firmly, "I shall lead my division forward."
Again Longstreet gave a sign, and Pickett, gallant and gay, rode off
"into the jaws of death.
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