G.E. Pickett to Thomas J. Goree, April 23, 1863 [Goree Family Papers MSS. - LS.] Hd. Qrs. Picketts Divn. April 23d. 1863. Captain Your note of this date in reference to the Rifle guns taken from Macon's Battery is received. In reply I must state that I am more than surprised at its purport and the apparent censure contained therein. I had two conversations with the Lt Genl Comdg. on the subject of the Batteries in this Division in, which, he not only agreed with me about the necessity of having the rifled guns in the Art'y Battalion consolidated but feel confident that in the first conversation suggested it. In our last conversation which took place the day before we crossed the Blackwater, and while on the subject of the Art'y on the Division I told him Blunt had two rifled pieces and Macon two, he said he thought it would be much more effective to have them all in one battery. I then said to him Genl I will order those two pieces of Macon's to Blunt giving him then a Battery of Rifle guns to which he replied yes. Without his acquiescence and advice I should have made no change. If an order did not come directly from the Lt. General it was virtually one. Had he have had any objections to it a simple word or intimation from him would have been sufficient to have prevented its publication. On the contrary I thought I was carring [sic] out his wishes distinctly and plainly expressed. I have ordered Maj Dearing to report to Genl. Longstreet in person and should be happy if the Lt. Genl. Will give him such instructions as he may deem necessary for the efficiency of his Battalion. The copy of the order referred to is enclosed and it does not appear that the Lt. Genls name is mentioned. I am Captain Very Resply You Obt Serv GE Pickett Captain T.J. Goree Maj Genl A.D.C. Comg Hd Qrs Dept N.C. & Va.
Special Collections - Thomason Room
