Richard Brooke (“Dick”) Garnett Character Analysis in The Killer Angels

Dick Garnett served with Longstreet, Pickett, Armistead, and Kemper in the Mexican War. At the Battle of Kernstown, he withdrew his brigade without orders, earning a reputation for cowardice from an enraged Stonewall Jackson—a stain he cannot erase in the eyes of many other men. Longstreet, however, believes in him and assigns him to lead a brigade under Pickett. He chooses to ride his horse during Pickett’s Charge, knowing it will make him a perfect target. Though he survives longer than expected, he dies during the battle.

Richard Brooke (“Dick”) Garnett Character Timeline in The Killer Angels

The timeline below shows where the character Richard Brooke (“Dick”) Garnett appears in The Killer Angels. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...but Longstreet doubts this will happen. Suddenly George Pickett arrives with his brigade commanders, Armistead, Garnett, and Kemper. Longstreet has known these men since they all served together in the Mexican... (full context)

Garnett tells Longstreet, with formality, how much he appreciates Longstreet assigning him as a brigade commander... (full context)

...Armistead is jokingly introduced as an elderly “Lothario,” though he is actually a shy widower. Garnett is known for being sickly, and Kemper for being a politician (a former member of... (full context)

...who “knew how to hate.” They discuss various other men in the army, such as Garnett. Longstreet is troubled that Garnett believes his honor is gone and that he “will have... (full context)

Longstreet feels depressed when he sees that Fremantle agrees with Garnett. Longstreet sees Garnett’s fate as “unturnable, ridiculous.” He goes on to tell Fremantle, “Honor without... (full context)

Just then, Garnett comes up on his horse. He is still having trouble walking and says he will... (full context)

...all soldiers must make the charge on foot. Armistead asks what he will do about Garnett. Pickett says he cannot order Garnett not to ride and feels helpless to intervene, as... (full context)

...brigade to its feet, feeling oddly sleepy. He moves up and down his line, seeing Garnett still on his horse, knowing the man will not last five minutes. Then the orders... (full context)

Armistead goes over to Garnett one final time, saying, “Dick, for God’s sake and mine, get down off that horse.”... (full context)

...their way up the rise, the line beginning to break. He sees Kemper riding, because Garnett rode. Kemper rides over to Armistead, pleading for help, but they can barely hear each... (full context)

...in the thigh, but it doesn’t hurt, and he can still walk. Then he sees Garnett’s bloodied horse, riderless, coming down the ridge. (full context)

Armistead looks for Garnett, but there is so much smoke he can’t see. The charge comes to a halt;... (full context)

...there is no support left to give; all the brigades have gone in. He sees Garnett’s horse. He instructs Pickett’s men to fall back and sends word for a battery of... (full context)

...sits by the fire drinking coffee. Sorrel brings the figures from the day: Armistead and Garnett are dead; Kemper is dying. Seven of Pickett’s thirteen colonels are dead and six are... (full context)