Note from Longstreet to Alexander: July 3.
Hd. Qrs., July 3rd, 1863
Colonel:
If the artillery fire does not have the effect to drive off the enemy or greatly demoralize him so as to make our efforts pretty certain, I would prefer that your should not advise General Pickett to make the charge. I shall rely a great deal on your good judgment to determine the matter, and shall expect you to let General Pickett know when the moment offers.
Respectfully,
J. Longstreet, Lieut-General
General:
I will only be able to judge of the effect of our fire on the enemy by his return fire, for his infantry it but little exposed to view and the smoke will obscure the whole field. If, as I infer from your note, there is any alternative to this attack, it should be carefully considered before opening our fire, for it will take all the artillery ammunition we have left to test this one thoroughly, and, if the result is unfavorable, we will have none left for another effort. And even if this is entirely successful it can only be so at a very bloody cost.
Very respectfully, &c.,
E.P. Alexander, Colonel Artillery.
Hd. Qrs., July 3rd, 1863
Colonel:
The intention is to advance the infantry if the artillery has the desired effect of driving the enemy’s off, or having other effect such as to warrant us in making the attack. When that moment arrives advise General P[ickett], and of course advance such artillery as you can use in aiding the attack.
Respectfully,
J. Longstreet, Lieut-General, Commanding.
Note to General Pickett
If you are coming at all, come at once, or I cannot give your proper support, but the enemy’s fire has not slackened at all. At least eighteen guns are still firing from the cemetary itself.
Source: From Manassas to Appomattox
Alexander knew that acting on Longstreet's initial note would place responsibility for ordering the charge unduly on his shoulders. He was not comportable taking such a position, and, in fact, could not correctly reccommend for or against the charge. His reply to Longstreet was precisely worded so as to make his commander aware that the decision must finally be his, and that if the attack was to be made, it must be made in full force for there would be no other opportunity.
Longstreet, apparently realizing what he had done with his original note, restated his intentions, telling Alexander he was simply to advise Pickett when the most opportune time for the attack was.
After receiving Alexander's final note, Pickett went to General Longstreet and requested the order to advance. There was nothing more that could be done, and General Lee was adamant that the attack be made. Words failing him, with a simple nod to Pickett, Longstreet ordered the assault to begin.
Commentary
His repeated pleas to Lee not to make the assault on the Union center on July 3rd unheard, Longstreet finally put into motion his commanders plan. E.P. Alexander, the commander of Longstreet's artillery, would play a vital role in the assault, pounding the Union position with an artillery barrage that, it was hoped, would drive the Federal cannon off Cemetary Ridge and allow the Confederate troops a better chance at the attack.
Longstreet, however, still feared for the safety of his men and maintained that if the artillery was not successful, the attack should not be made. He looked to Alexander to give him some reason, any reason, to avoid making the attack. The series of notes between Longstreet and Alexander follows: