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Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander), 1862-1919

"A Story of Lee's Great Stand"

"
"I wish it from the bottom of my heart," said Harry.
"Well, well, regrets are useless. Help me up, Harry. I'm only part of a
man, but I can still fight."
"We saw you do that at Gettysburg," said Harry, as he put his arm under
Ewell's shoulder. Then Ewell took his crutch and they walked to the far
side of the glade, where several officers of his staff gathered around
him.
"Lieutenant Kenton, whom you all know," said General Ewell, "has brought
a message from the commander-in-chief that we will be attacked first,
and to be on guard. We consider it an honor, do we not, my lads?"
"Yes, let them come," they said.
"Harry, you may want to see the enemy. Clayton, you and Campbell take
him forward through the pickets. But don't go too far. We don't want
to lose three perfectly good young officers before the battle begins.
After that it may be your business to get yourselves shot."
The two rode nearly two miles to the crest of a hill and then, using
their strong glasses in the moonlight, they were able to see the lights
of a vast camp.
"We hear that it is Warren's corps," said Clayton. "As General Ewell
doubtless has told you, the enemy know that we're in front, but I don't
believe they know our exact location.


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