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Forever destined to be called "Pickett's Charge," the great frontal assault which ended the Battle
of Gettysburg contained Southern Soldiers from two divisions of Lee's army.
Boys and men from Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Mississippi stood adjacent
to Pickett's Virginians on July 3, 1863. Side-by-side, soldiers of Trimble's and James J. Pettigrew's Divions marched
into the Union line located at Cemetery Ridge.
The 11th Mississippi Volunteer Infantry Regiment, having missed the fight of July
1, now waited patiently for the order to advance against the Federal position just a short mile in the distance. These
veterans of First Manassas and Malvern Hill were to embark on the fight of their life. At 3:00 p.m., the Mississippians
marched with the utmost precision straight to the enemy works, and soon their perfect formation was cut to pieces by the artillery
fire from nearly 100 guns. As they edged closed to the Federal works and crossed Emmitsburg Road. Union riflemen
opened a sheet of musketry into their ranks.
| IMPERISHABLE GLORY |
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Suddenly, First Lieutenant William Peel noticed he was in front of the main line. Already
four color bearers had fallen carrying the battle flag of the regiment, and now a precious baker's dozen rallied on the banner.
Peel recorded in his diary the climactic moments which led to his band of soldiers directly in front of the Union works.
"Immediately before us was a small framed house (the Abraham Brown House) about twenty feet square, the further end of
which joined the (rock) fence. Spring forward, we secured its shelter...." Once behind the barn the soldiers
had reached their objective, and with their supports retiring, Peel had no choice but to surrender the heroic group.
"Imperishable Glory" illustrates the determination, gallantry, and visible
courage of the 11th Mississippi. This set gives proper recognition to one of the mant Southern regiments that marched
next to Pickett's command.
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