Characterizations, personal relationships, the Cause, emotional attitudes, and beliefs make up the bulk of this chapter.
Longstreet is a deeply emotional man who is trying not to be. He tries not to care too much for his men, but is motherly. He tries not to think of his children and wife, but is overwhelmed with pain. He avoids taking a drink and playing cards with his men, but wants to do both. And he tries to be easy and open with Armistead but is jealous of Armistead’s close friendship with Hancock.
He is a romantic. Seeing a falling star, he remembers counting stars at midnight in a pasture with a girl, wondering if she loved him. At the end of the chapter, the falling stars turn to rain, a reflection on Longstreet’s life. The past held happiness, joy, life, and connection. The present is loneliness, alienation, death, responsibility, and pain. And all of this is coupled with Longstreet’s opposition to fighting an offensive battle, and a gut sense that this whole invasion and approach is a deadly mistake. His sense of foreboding is strong.
The discussions with Armistead show a number of things, including Armistead’s close friendship with Union General Hancock. So many of the opposing commanders served together for the Union before they became “us and them.” Also, you get a clear picture of southern aristocracy and of being a Virginian. There is the depth that honor and chivalry affect actions and decisions and the Cause as being about state’s rights to self-govern comes up, along with the Englishman’s misconception that the war is really about slavery.
The issue of honor is further intensified in Garnett’s plight. His honor has been stained by Stonewall Jackson when Jackson in an earlier battle, accused Garnett of cowardice. As Jackson died before Garnett could clear his name, that leaves Garnett in dishonor. Garnett’s personal struggles to deal with the dead Jackson’s accusations are foreboding. It is interesting to note how Jackson, even though already dead before this novel opens, plays such a strong role in this story. Whether it is things left over from his command or Lee and others reflecting on “if only Jackson were here,” the ghost of Jackson hangs heavily over the people and the battle itself.
