The most promising young man of the South

James Johnston Pettigrew was the quintessential Southerner, regarded by many who knew him as the most promising young man of the South. After finishing first in his class at the University of North Carolina, Pettigrew traveled widely in Europe and noted many similarities between the Old South and the romantic cultures of Spain and Italy. In time, Pettigrew became a lawyer, scholar, poet, and soldier - a rare combination of intellect and courage in the tradition of the Cavaliers.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, Pettigrew and his men personified the undaunting bravery of the Confederate cause. Clyde Wilson makes a case that "Pickett's Charge" should, according to the harsh realities of combat, be called "Pettigrew's Charge," and the reader is drawn inexorably into this climactic battle and the dashed hopes of the Confederacy. Although their effort failed, Pettigrew and his men took their places in the pantheon of American heroes.