A Yankee Describes His Experiences behind Pickett’s Division on Seminary Ridge

A Yankee Describes His Experiences A dismal silence reigned during that forenoon, the forerunner generally of violent catastrophes. In the aft ernoon a fearful cannonade was heard, which shook the earth. Our hearts were beating fast, our anxiety was at fever heat, for it was clear to us that this day was signifi cant. We had the presentiment that this would be the critical day, the decisive battle. When night approached, cannon and musketry fi ring ceased. What was the result? Th e musicians remained silent. Could we base any hopes on this? No news came to us. In utter despair, tired and hungry, we spent the night lying on the green sward. Th e sun woke us on July 4th. But what a 4th was this! At home it was a day of jubilation, while here we did not know whether the enemy had not succeeded in shaking the foundation of our republic. We were huddled together on a fi eld, surA Yankee Describes His Experiences behind Pickett’s Division on Seminary Ridge