Take the time to read the bio of Brig. Gen’l. James Johnston Pettigrew, CSA at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863 as to the possible perfection of a true leader, whose birthday was July 4th and was then 35 years old,killed leading the last unit to cross the Potomac after the battle, on July 14th dying on the 17th. An example of what the nation lost:
https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/pettigrew-james-johnston
An amazing quite short and brilliant life. Who did not support slavery but did support his state.
On July 4th Independence Day thoughts of Thomas Jefferson’s brilliant writing (edited by Franklin & Adams) in our Declaration of Independence from the worlds largest Empire.
Thomas Jefferson’s and John Adam’s deaths on the same 4th of July in 1826- Jefferson at noon, Adams several hours later with last words said to be inarticulate save for “Thomas Jefferson”
And, sadly- of J. Johnston Pettigru (Huguenot ancestry).
Wow! Fascinating individual. My already long reading list just got longer.
“And, sadly- of J. Johnston Pettigru (Huguenot ancestry).”
Huguenots played a bigger role in Colonial America than many realize. John Jay and Paul Revere were of Huguenot ancestry. So was George Washington. His earliest American ancestor is a Nicolas Martiau, Huguenot, who is my ancestor as well.