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Century Magazine for January, 1887, describing “
Pickett's charge,” says that he was “particularly cautioned, in moving the artillery, to keep it out of sight of the signal-station upon
Round Top.”
In a foot-note referring to this caution he says:--
This suggests the remark that I have never understood why the enemy abandoned the use of military balloons early in 1863, after having used them extensively up to that time.
Even if the observer never saw anything, they would have been worth all they cost, for the annoyance and delays they caused us in trying to keep our movements out of their sight.
That wretched little signal-station upon Round Top that day caused one of our divisions to lose over two hours, and probably delayed our assault nearly that long.
During that time a Federal corps arrived near Round Top, and became an important factor in the action which followed.
In a note addressed to the historian of the Signal Corps Association, to whom
General Alexander has furnished a sketch of the organization of the
Rebel Signal Corps, he says:--
You are more than welcome to the compliment I paid the signal-station on Round Top in my article in the January Century. I have forgiven all my enemies now; and though you fellows there were about the last that I did forgive, I took you in several years ago, and concluded to “let by-gones be by-gones.”
Thy work is done; along Virginia's river
No more thy signal flies;
From Georgia's hills by night no more the quiver
Of thy red torch shall rise.
There came a noon when from the bastions frowning
Of every fort and bay
Flung out a banner; hurrying on and crowning
The mountains far away.
