The Fate of a Virginia Company at Pickett's Charge

160 years ago today, July 3, 1863, Pickett's Charge ended after less than an hour with more than 8,000 casualties—6,555 Confederate and about 1,500 Union. The long list of killed, wounded and captured on the Southern side left a void from which the Army of Northern Virginia did not recover. It also impacted uncounted numbers of families and friends back home. I want to tell you about one of those casualties, 2nd Lt. John Vermillion of the 9th Virginia Infantry, and his Company I.

Image: Paul Russinoff Collection.

[robertwynkoop]

This personalization of civil war history is amongst the best of YouTube and the internet. 2 of my relatives were in Pennsylvania units that stopped Pickett and his men, changing history and preserving our country. We in these times would do well to listen to the lessons of history.

[blainelilly]

My great-grandfather John Dodd was in Company A of the 19th Virginia. They were in Garnett's Brigade and ended up right in front of the stone wall. He later said "there warn 't nothing left but me and a mule". The major in his company was the senior officer still standing in the Division at the end of the charge. His Lieutenant, William Wood, wrote his memoirs in the 1890s, called "Memoir of Big I". Worth a look. My great-grandfather surrendered at Appomattox.

[nathanalmond]

I'm late seeing your video. Thanks so much for sharing this story. My great great Grandfather Nathan T Bartley was a 2nd Lt in the 7th Virginia under James Lawson Kemper and he was wounded and captured at Pickett's charge and was held at the same prison camps and took the oath of legions and was paroled in Dec of 1865 and he came back to Orange county and died an old man. Thanks again.

[michaeldouglas]

Very well done. I love when an actual face and name is put on a histirical event

[nancywhitten]

My 2nd great grandfather was in VA 8th Infantry. He was wounded in the side at Gettysburg. A very sad day.

[amadeusamwater]

Official losses for Pickett's Division at Gettysburg were 232 killed, 1157 wounded, 1499 missing, a total of 2888. Armistead lost 1191, Garnett lost 941, Kemper lost 731.

[swlc]

What surprised me was that eight members of the company managed to make it across that wide open space without being wounded, only to be captured. I'm guessing they were all near the stone wall when they were taken prisoner. Thanks for this interesting video.

[martinp]

Brinkley knew... This is bravery beyond words. He stayed with his command despite the fears and vision of his own demise....

[CarolinaThreeper]

My great great grandfather was John ray from blue field Va. it’s said that he left in the spring of 62 with a small Calvary unit and was never heard from again

[devinhicks-zu]

A great view into a soldier's story at Pickett's Charge

[edwil]

Had the Confederates broke thru the Cemetery Ridge then the Union backups Corps would still be there. And Wash D.C. was the most heavily defended city in the world in mid-1863. Where would have the Confederates got more supplies and ammo to continue on? And Vicksburg battle /siege was also decided that week. Who won that? Anyways, great video!

[kenbash]

Pickett sent 4, 800 men up towards Cemetery Ridge. 800 came back. Roughly 83% of Pickett's Division were killed, wounded or captured.

[horatiogorganzola]

General Longstreet was not a supporter of Picketts charge and several other of the actions at Gettysburg and Lee should have listened to him.

[johnjacobs]

Excellent video but the Sound is Lacking quality. JJ

[danwallach]

Getting captured probably saved his life.
The odds are good he'd have stopped a bullet elsewhere.
Or, died of infection resulting from a wound.
Or starvation.
Or typhoid or any other uncontrollable disease like dysentery.

[christophervock]

I have sword, revolver & documents of Lt. Daniel D. WHITLOCK, N.Y. State Volunteers. Where do I find info source ? Thanks. Chris.

[roberthatcher]

Watler H Taylor, who was Lee's right hand man, is from Norfolk. He is also buried there.

[markallred]

I have noticed this before: Calvary is not Cavalry. This faux pas is not unique to you.

Otherwise thank you for your efforts to bring new insights and information to our awareness. Your work is significant and interesting.

[REM]

Who were the two other Brinkleys mentioned? Were Granville and Daniel, Mill's brothers? Of the three, one killed, one captured, and one survived. Amazing there were only 34 men left of Company I BEFORE the charge. If I remember, a full company was around 100 men.

[crippledcrow]

At 1:00 ; "the end of the United States ", no the ANV would have marched back to Virginia and lived life as they pleased. Not some centralized government like we have today, telling you every move to make.