From the Battle of Pickett’s Mill: Not War, but Butchery

The experience of Sgt. Maj. Andrew Gleason of the 15th Ohio Infantry give an intimate view into the savagery of the fighting in the ravine:

“We were ordered to double quick and soon became exposed to a galling cross fire of musketry and artillery . . . . Moving forward to the crest of a ridge, a severe cross fire was encountered and the line advanced into a ravine close to the rebel works, where it met with a decided check, and having little protection was in a literal slaughter pen. Here fell gallant Sergeant Ambers Norton, our color bearer, with his life blood staining the flag a deeper crimson. One by one all the color guard, with one exception, were either killed or wounded. Company H, the left color company, seemed almost annihilated. Orderly Mumaugh, Sergeant Miller, Corporal Updegrove and several others were killed, while Capt. Updegrove and many of his men were wounded. The only protection was to lie close to the ground or seek cover behind trees and rocks-by no means plenty-until the fire had slackened. No supports had come up and our bugle had sounded the recall as soon as it was apparent the works couldn’t not be carried. A galling cross fire scorched the ravine and ridge alike, rendering it almost useless to seek shelter of trees or rock . . . . This is surely not war, it is butchery.”