Free The Last Full Measure by Jack Campbell

“Things have changed since Mexico, Lo. You know that. A lot of people don’t. They think it’s still about marching troops in tight formations straight at the enemy and trading volleys at close range. But it’s not smooth-bore muskets anymore. There are rifles now. Breech-loading carbines, even repeaters. One man under cover can hold off a dozen.”
    “There’s truth to that,” Armistead agreed.
    “Most of your men have weapons they don’t need to load standing up. Keep them spread out, shooting from behind any cover they can find. That’s my advice. Damn, Lo. I want to stay and do this myself. It’s my fault we’re here.” Longstreet frowned toward the south. “I don’t like it, Lo. Fighting Bobbie Lee. Helluva thing.”
    “We have all chosen this, James. I am not happy about it, either. I pray that God has given me the wisdom to make the right choice, and that He have mercy on us all no matter our choice.”
    “Hmph.” Longstreet turned his horse with a final look southward. “There’s no mercy in this world or the next, Lo. All that awaits us is whatever destinies our choices dictate. Good luck.”
    “Good luck, James.”
    As Longstreet rode off, Hancock returned, also mounted, looking so magnificent that Chamberlain finally fully understood why he had heard Hancock referred to as ‘the superb’ by some of the men. Hancock sat in his saddle, looking south. “Lo, your orders are to hold Bobbie Lee. Hold him until sunset if possible, but not longer than that. You are to withdraw and follow us after sunset, establishing any further blocking positions as you deem necessary given the state of your command and the situation regarding the enemy. Don’t worry about Buford. If anyone can tie down the regular cavalry, it’s him. Just coordinate your movements with Buford and all should be well.” Hancock turned his eyes on Armistead. “I wish I could leave you more men. There will be a lot of pressure on you.”
    “We will give you the time you need, Win,” Armistead assured him.
    “As God is my witness, I wish I could stay here and fight beside you.”
    “You have your own responsibilities and you’re a good enough officer to know that. In any event, you will be here in spirit, and by the Lord’s grace we’re on the same side,” Armistead replied with a smile.
    Hancock grimaced, then speared Chamberlain with his gaze. “What of you, professor? You have volunteered to fight here, and Captain Armistead could use help in commanding the defense of this position.”
    “Commanding?” Chamberlain looked from Hancock to Armistead in surprise. “I’m no West Point man, sir.”
    “Neither is Mosby. I’ve been watching and listening to you, and you’ve skill despite your lack of training, an understanding of the difference between theory and action which many an armchair warrior lacks.” Hancock nodded grimly to Chamberlain. “And unless my instincts are wrong, sir, you are a leader men will follow. Will you accept a field commission and serve as Major Armistead’s deputy?”
    “Major?” Armistead asked.
    “A field promotion, Lo. I just decided on it. It’s not right I should be a colonel and you a captain. Would you be right with Chamberlain as a deputy?”
    “I would.”
    Chamberlain swallowed, thinking of the regular army column marching toward this location. He knew too much history to believe that victory here would be easy or inevitable. Far from it. Hancock clearly hated to leave his friend Armistead here, but both men understood the need.
    As did he, Chamberlain realized. Words meant nothing if men were not willing to personally sacrifice for the principles in which they believed. He took a deep breath and faced Hancock. “Yes, sir. I would be honored to accept a field commission.”
    “Then raise your right hand, sir. Do you swear to serve faithfully in the Army of the New Republic, to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign