The News And Observer

Avery's Brigade on the Second Day at Gettysburg.

Cor. of the News and Observer.

RALEIGH, N. C., April 30.

In your editorial on yesterday you claim that North Carolina soldiers won position in the first day's fight and were conspicuous in the desperate charge of the third day, but you omit to mention what Gen. Early, himself a Virginian, said of the conduct of the brigade under the command of Isaac Avery, Colonel of the Sixth North Carolina, on the afternoon of the second day of the Gettysburg fight. By reference to General Early's report, or an extract from it published last year in the University Magazine, you will find that this brigade, together with a portion of Hays' Louisiana brigade, actually drove the enemy out of their entrenchments on Cemetery Heights and occupied their position until 9 o'clock at night, when for want of support and in order to avoid being surrounded and captured, they retired in good order. Col. Avery, commanding the brigade, fell mortally wounded in the charge. My friend, Col. Tate, led the 6th North Carolina into the entrenchments. A large number of living and reliable witnesses will attest the truth of Gen. Early's report. I submit this statement because of those who won distinction in this gallant charge were many friends and members of the Haw-field Company of the 6th North Carolina, of which I was the first Captain. I trust you will cheerfully correct the mistake and claim the credit due to our State. The body of Col. Avery was carried from the field by Lt. Brown of his regiment, and buried in the cemetery at Williamsport by Lieut. B., myself and his faithful servant.

JAS. W. WILSON.