58 pages 1 hour read

Michael Shaara

The Killer Angels

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1974

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 3Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3: “Thursday, July 2, 1863”

Part 3, Chapter 1 Summary: “Fremantle”

Fremantle wakes up at three o’clock in the morning, struggling to remember where he is though he senses the coming battle. When he finishes breakfast with Longstreet’s staff, he rides to the battle line with Sorrel. They pass through Lee’s headquarters and then climb a ridge where the generals are meeting. Fremantle climbs the same oak he observed the battle from the previous day and sees Lee, Longstreet, and Hill, among others, discussing their plans for the day. He also sees the Union Army preparing breastworks at their position on the hills.

Sorrel informs Fremantle that the army won’t attack for a couple of hours, so Fremantle mounts his horse. As he does, he sees Longstreet mounting, as well, so he asks Longstreet if he may ride with him. When Longstreet says yes, Fremantle feels a rush of pride that Longstreet likes him. They ride along the ridge accompanied by several people including Major General John Bell Hood. When Fremantle hears a small burst of gunfire, he is startled but delighted. Eventually, he leaves Longstreet to join a group of other Europeans. They gather in the shade of a tree, and Fremantle lies on his back, chatting with the others.