A bit of cooperation between the lines

[Brian Downey]

The original story is ...

"... In a little while bonfires were flaming from the Federal line. A few days later there was taken through the lines a baby's silver service, engraved: 'To George E. Pickett, Jr., from his father's friends, U. S. Grant, Rufus Ingalls, George Suckley.' "

The story is attributed to Sally Pickett, and you can find it in Heart of a Soldier (1912 transcribed). I've believe it's been shown since to be just a story - one of those beautiful myths - and not actually true.

[Brian Downey]

I found another version of the story elsewhere on the Web. You can see how these things gain lives of their own:

One of the most intriguing individuals who fought during the Civil War was Confederate General George E. Pickett. He was a flamboyant character, romantic and brave. He led the famous 'Pickett’s Charge' at the Battle of Gettysburg.

At Gettysburg, Pickett’s army was drawn up for battle, prepared to face Ulysses S. Grant, when Pickett’s first baby, a son, was born. All along the two-mile Confederate front, cheers were shouted and bonfires were built in celebration of the event. It was a beautiful sight, as the bonfires illuminated the thick darkness.

General Grant, curious to know what was happening in the Confederate Army, sent out scouts to investigate. They reported that General Pickett had a son, his first child.

General Grant replied, 'Have we any kindling wood on this side of the line? Why don’t we strike up a row of lights?'

Soon bonfires were blazing all along the Union line. Not a shot was fired that night; not a gun was aimed at an enemy. Bright lights and peace reigned because a baby was born. A few days later, a baby’s silver service, engraved to George E. Pickett, Jr., was sent through the lines - a gift from General Grant and two other Union generals. A baby’s birth produced peace - if only temporarily.

Anybody tell me what's wrong with this version?

Hint #1: see brief bio of GEP, Jr., from Arlington.

[samgrant]

I suppose Grant and Pickett went to Gettysburg in July 1864 to buy some baby shoes?

[Miss Markie]

Now William, just which of those 'bits' was specifically for me? I did enjoy listening to them ALL. I am an unapologetic fan of the film, owning several versions (VHS, DVD sets) and have the music sound track on vinyl, CD, and cassette.

Now what were we talking about? Oh well, I'll think about that tomorrow.

I must admit, I have looked through several of my books and cannot find the informational back up on Grant sending a gift to the Picketts upon the birth of their son, and yes, I am familiar with LaSalle having a bit of a 'romantic' flair in her writings about her soldier, so I guess I cannot vouch for the story. I know I have read it, but you are right, whoever said these stories take on lives of their own, that may be the case here I concede. But I stand by my statement of soldiers from West Point having a comradeship that transcended sides. One story that I always recall is that of Joseph E. Johnston being a pallbearer for W.T. Sherman, and not wearing his hat in the pouring rain, only to die five weeks later of pneumonia. And Buckner visiting Grant whilst the latter had only weeks to live. Those fellows stuck togther.

[Miss Markie]

After I shut down the computer for the night, I took down E. Longacre's book on Pickett, named Pickett, Leader of the Charge, and he definitely says the silver tea service/silver spoons/ bonfires story is just a lovely story, made up by LaSalle C. Pickett herself.

Oh well.

Another myth busted.

[samgrant]

The Wilderness:

"I saw, in the heat of this fight, wounded men of the opposing forces aiding each other to reach the protective shelter of trees and logs, and, as we advanced, I saw a Confederate and a Union soldier drinking in turn out of a Union canteen, as they lay behind a tree."

- Recollections of a Private, Frank Wilkeson