Jul 3 1862
The terrible battle is at last over. Complete Victory is Ours by the help of the God of Battles.
The fighting of the Confederates is without record. Batteryafter battery was stormed and successfully taken by the bayonet. North Carolinians especially distinguished themselves but suffered fearfully. Branch lost every Field officer in his brigade, save three. It was a desperate contest. The purest & noblest blood of the Old North State was freely poured forth – But thank God they all fell with the chant of Victory in their ears, desiring no nobler death.
Gen. Lee commanded –
O God I believe – I trust in Thee. Thou art purifying us through such suffering –
Forget not the field where perished
The truest – the last of the brave.
All gone-& the bright hopes we cherished
Gone with them & quenched in their grave
O: could we from Death but recover
Those
In the face of high heaven to fight over
The combat for Freedom once more
Source: Elizabeth Collier Diary, Southern Historical Collection, UNC-Chapel Hill.
