Friend to Friend – A Brotherhood Undivided

A poignant and reflective Monument to Masonic Friendship originating from a battle 161 years ago

Each year, especially on 3rd of July, the ideal of Friendship among Freemasons is often reflected upon. With nearly 8,000 members in over 280 lodges based in Essex and around six million members worldwide, Freemasonry is unique in having its own dedicated Friend to Friend monument on one of the world’s most famous battlefields.

During the American Civil War, the three-day Battle of Gettysburg culminated on the 3rd July 1863 when 12,000 Confederate soldiers marched in rows, shoulder to shoulder, across one mile of open ground towards the centre of the Union line. They were decimated by strong Union fortifications and artillery.  To implement Robert E Lee’s battle strategy, Longstreet’s Assault began when he ordered three of his generals, all Freemasons, to attack.

In the centre was Major General George Pickett, leading to the action being forever remembered as Pickett’s Charge. At a walled place called The Angle, which is regarded by many as the high watermark of Confederate military achievement, only one of Pickett’s officers, also a Freemason, Brigadier General Lewis Armistead with only 150 of his men still with him, broke the Union Line but was mortally wounded.

At the same time, Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, commanding the defending Union troops saw his old friend and Masonic brother, Armistead fall.  Hancock was also wounded but sent his staff officer and Freemason, Captain Henry Bingham to Armistead’s aid. Despite receiving medical care in a field hospital, Armistead died on 5th July leaving his watch to Hancock who also ensured Armistead’s belongings were distributed according to his wishes.

Sheldon Munn, an official Gettysburg guide said, “The Armistead-Hancock story is most unusual, especially when you consider that they were, in fact, enemies. But it is not unusual when you consider that they were Masons. Again, we witness the power of brotherly-love, care and concern … transcending the most severe hatred and hostility associated with battle.”

There are many lifetime friendships in Freemasonry with its membership from different backgrounds, religions and political persuasions, none of which need to be compromised, as they meet together with respect and do good works in their local communities and support worthy causes. The four guiding principles of Freemasonry are Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. These principles are ideals which cannot be quantified but are feelings guiding the actions of Freemasons throughout the world and have done so for more than 300 years and will continue to do so in the future. 

Photos

Top: Friend to Friend Memorial, Gettysburg, showing Union Captain Henry Bingham, a Mason and staff assistant to General Hancock, himself wounded, rendering aid to the fallen Confederate general. Armistead is shown handing his watch and personal effects to be taken to his friend, Union General Hancock  

Left: The Angle plaque inscribed “General Armistead and a few Confederate soldiers charged across this wall, reached the Union Cannon behind it and were soon overwhelmed”

Right: Shaking hands in friendship across The Angle. Old veterans at the Gettysburg 1913 Reunion

Bottom: Close up of the passion and expression clearly visible on the Friend to Friend Memorial