Longstreet speaks, deliberately looking at Lee, and tells Lee that from all his years of service he feels the attack will fail. Lee is angry. Longstreet tries once more, and Lee tells him "that's enough" and then turns away.
Since both Heth and Pender have been wounded in previous battles, Pettigrew and Trimble will lead those two divisions. Lee repeats the plan and is fired up now, radiating faith and confidence.
Riding back to his command, Longstreet's hands shake, and he struggles to control himself before facing his men. A commander must be in control in front of his men. But this is the worst situation he's ever been in. Longstreet speaks with Alexander about the artillery barrage, emphasizing that the artillery must drive the Union men off the hill. He subtly implies that Alexander must judge whether the artillery has succeeded so that the attack can begin. Longstreet then meets with Pickett, Pettigrew, and Trimble to lay out the plan. Pickett is excited; Pettigrew is pale, calm, and still; Trimble is emotional and moved, grateful for the honor to do this. They go off to ready their commands. Armistead remains alone, looking out toward the Union line, and Hancock.
Longstreet, in his thoughts, sees what is going to happen as a mathematical equation. He sees what weapons will wipe out what men along the way. There won't be many left to storm the wall when they get there, and it is simple math as to how it goes from there.
