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It was imperative to strike before we were struck by this overwhelming force in a hand-to-hand fight, which we could not probably have withstood or survived. At that crisis, I ordered the bayonet. The word was enough.

— Joshua Chamberlain

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More quotes by Joshua Chamberlain

The enemy seemed to have gathered all their energies for their final assault.

My darling wife I am lying mortally wounded the doctors think, but my mind & heart are at peace Christ is my all-sufficient savior. I go to him.

We pass now quickly from each other's sight; but I know full well that where beyond these passing scenes you shall be, there will be heaven!

It did not seem possible to withstand another shock like this now coming on. Our loss had been severe.

This is the great reward of service, to live, far out and on, in the life of others; this is the mystery of Christ, - to give life's best for such high sake that it shall be found again unto life eternal.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Joshua Chamberlain (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.