General Peck was outraged and would not let the hangings drop. He reported them to his superior, General Benjamin Butler, who approached Grant, who was reluctant to act. Farther deliberations determine that General Pickett alone is culpable for the hangings (many of the men had not sworn allegiance to the Confederacy and had been in state militia units.
After the war, George Pickett flees to Montral, Canada, where he lives with his wife under the name Edwards. His case goes before Congress, but Grant intercedes saying his surrender terms at Appomattox exonerates any criminal acts done during the war. However, some Confederate officers were tried. Some believe it was Grant's friendship with his fellow West Pointer that saved Pickett.
Pickett returns to Virginia where he lives until 1975, selling insurance. He is snubbed by Robert E. Lee. Noted for his hard-drinking, Pickett died at age 50 in a Norfolk hospital. His body was brought to Richmond where he was interred at Hollywood Cemetery.
A Sad Thing. --Old Secesh
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