Col. Haskell wrote the first and, according to many, the best eyewitness account of the most pivotal event in American history. His unique position and duties required him to be in many sectors during the three-day battle. He was Aide-de-camp to 2nd Corps commander General John Gibbon. Within a few weeks of the battle, he wrote his brother this accurate and very moving account of what he had experienced. Col. Haskell was killed in action on June 3, 1864 at Cold Harbor,Virginia.He is credited with writing one of the most detailed and vivid accounts of Pickett’s Charge.