Civil War memorials

Donald Abbott, of Invergowrie, has been on an interesting trip down memory lane. “A number of years ago my wife Jean and I visited Virginia and Pennsylvania and took in a number of places with American Civil War connections in which I have always had an interest,” he comments.

“One of the hotels we stayed in while in Virginia had a huge Confederate redoubt in its substantial grounds which we both scrambled over with great interest.

Donald continues: “I also recall how seeing a Confederate two dollar banknote inspired us to explore the American Civil War battlefield in Pennsylvania with its many artefacts, museum and memorials.

“It particularly recalls in my mind the famous daring charge of Confederate troops towards the Union lines led by Major General George Pickett, CSA, which was repulsed.

“The unsuccessful charge took place on the last day of a three-day engagement and happened on July 3 1863. It saw more than 40,000 killed from both sides.

“The heights of Round Top and Little Round Top were held successfully by Union forces and, despite valiant efforts, the Confederate soldiers were unable to dislodge their opponents.

“This battle was preceded by a huge Confederate artillery barrage which proved to be largely ineffective. The saw the end of the Pennsylvania campaign of General Robert E Lee, CSA the commander in chief of the Confederate Army.”