This Mighty Scourge

Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to have business in New Jersey.  This provided all the incentive necessary for me to take a day off of work to visit Gettysburg.  Less than two hours from Philadelphia, Gettysburg is easy to visit.  It amazes me when I talk to my friends, who live within several hours of Gettysburg, that they have never visited this national treasure.  Many of these friends have younger children that would really enjoy visiting the battlefield.

I was also fortunate to meet with author, and friend, Jim Hessler for dinner and few adult beverages.  If you have not picked up Jim’s new book, “Sickles at Gettysburg” (published by Savas Beatie, LLC in June), I would recommend that you do so.  It has really improved my knowledge of the second day’s fight and I have a new found appreciation for how tenuous the situation was in the III Corps’ sector.  Check out my review of “Sickles at Gettysburg” and interview with James Hessler by clicking HERE.

While with Jim, I met some new Gettysburg friends.  John Hoptak, Tim Smith, Eric Lindblade, Jim Glessner and Erik Dorr.  John Hoptak is a National Park Service Ranger at Antietam and has recently published “Our Boys Did Nobly: Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Soldiers at the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam.”  This is a wonderful book and I plan on reviewing it soon.  Tim Smith is not only an author, but the Gettysburg Historian Extraordinaire and knows just about everything about the Battle of Gettysburg – and he proved it to me in a very short time!  Eric Lindblade and Jim Glessner recently formed a new publishing house, Ten Roads Publishing.  I definitely look forward to working with them in the future.  Lastly, Erik Dorr is the curator of The Gettysburg Museum of History.  This museum is a “must see” for anyone with an interest in Gettysburg – or American Military History.  Hopefully my next visit to Gettysburg will provide me enough time to visit Erik’s museum.

This was my third trip to Gettysburg during 2009.  It has been interesting to watch the transformation of some areas where the National Park Service is clear cutting ground to reestablish the sight lines of the summer of 1863.  This is especially noticeable southwest of the Devil’s Den, over the ground that CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Georgian’s approached Houck’s Ridge and Devil’s Den.  The National Park Service has been quite busy in the area and the results are very evident.

Click HERE to read an official report from Gettysburg National Military Park on the rehabilitation effort and the status of the project.

CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Approach – May 2007

Here is a photo that I took, from Little Round Top, in May 2007.  If you look over the Devil’s Den area, you can see how wooded the area of Benning’s attack was.  In 1863 this area was primarily rocky fields with small woodlots scattered about.  By 2007, the woodlots had grown together giving the area a much different look than Benning’s Georgians would have seen as they pushed towards Houck’s Ridge, and the Devil’s Den.

 
 

This is a much closer view, from May 2007, of the fields that Benning’s Georgians pushed through to reach Houck’s Ridge and the Devil’s Den.  While this is a rocky field, the woods in the distance were not there in 1863.  From this angle on Houck’s Ridge, above the Devil’s Den, you would have been able to see the Slyder farm in the distance.

 

 

 

 

 
CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Approach – April 2008

This view is nearly identical to the picture taken in May 2007, from Little Round Top.  In May 2007 (see the first photo above), the area southwest of Houck’s Ridge was nearly a continuous woodlot, running from the east to the west (L-R).  In this photo, the highlighted area is clearly much more open, with views unimpeded to South Confederate Avenue.

 

 

CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Approach – October 2009

This view is from October 2009, from the point of approach of CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s Georgia Brigade.  Taken at the Slyder Farm, you can clearly see Houck’s Ridge on the left, and the south slope of Little Round Top, via the Slaughter Pen, on the right.  The large tree behind the arrowhead, is the “witness tree” on Houck’s Ridge, above the Devil’s Den.  This sight line would have been much as Benning’s Georgians would have seen as they approached US Major General David B. Birney’s III Corps Division, on the afternoon of July 2, 1863.

 

A Study In Contrasts – Gettysburg Then and Now

After spending some time researching my pictures of CSA Brigadier General Henry Benning’s approach to the Devil’s Den, I decided to look at other areas of the battlefield that have changed significantly over the previous 14 decades.  I determined the best way to do this would be to compare pictures of fixed objects to old photos of the same area.  Fixed objects would be no problem as I have hundreds of pictures of regimental, cavalry, artillery and brigade monuments – many of which go back several years.  The dilemma was to find historical pictures of the monuments.  After searching the internet, I came across a great site, Stephen Recker’s Virtual Gettysburg.  This site is a wonderful Gettysburg site and one that I will continue to reference for articles I write about Gettysburg.  Besides Virtual Gettysburg, Recker also has a similar site on Antietam, Stephen Recker’s Virtual Anietam.  Virtual Gettysburg offered access to many historical pictures of the monuments at Gettysburg.  All of the pictures in the following photo essay come from Virtual Gettysburg.  I am deeply indebted to Stephen for allowing me to use them.  It should be noted that none of the monuments were erected during the war years.  The first monuments began appearing in the years after the war, but most were placed in the 1880’s and some as late as the latter part of the 20th Century.  I do not know the dates of the “THEN” monument pictures so this is not a scientific study – just something fun and interesting to look at.  So, let’s begin to explore some areas of Gettyburg battlefield that have changed significantly over the years.

143d Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Monument

The 143d Pennsylvania Infantry was heavily engaged in the first day’s fighting at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.  This monument is located facing Chambersburg Pike, from the south, near South Reynolds Avenue on McPherson Ridge.  The most noticable difference between “THEN and “NOW” is the cedar tree growing behind the monument.  More significant is the expansion of the Reynolds Woods in the distance.

About the 143d Pennsylvania Infantry
* US Major General John F. Reynolds’ I Corps
* US Major General Abner Doubleday’s Third Division
* US Colonel Roy Stone’s Second Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Edmund L. Dana
* Strength: 465 Casualties: 253(i)

 

Today, the 143d Pennsylvania Infantry regiment monument looks unchanged from the earlier picture.  The most noticeable change, as mentioned above, is the cedar tree growing southwest of the monument – providing it shade 365 days per year.  The most significant change, however, is the density and size of Reynolds’ Woods, in the distance.

 

 

 

 

The 76th New York Infantry Regiment Monument

Like the 143d Pennsylvania, the 76th New York was part of John Reynolds’ I Corps and was heavily engaged during the first day’s fight at Gettysburg.  Fighting north of the railroad cut, it would engage CSA Brigadier General Joseph R. Davis’ 3d Corps Brigade.  This picture, likely from the late 19th century, clearly shows some trees in the background, south of present day Wadsworth Avenue.

About the 76th Pennsylvania Infantry
* US Major General John F. Reynold’s I Corps
* US Brigadier General James Wadsworth’s First Division
* US Brigadier General Lysander Cutler’s Second Brigade
* Commanded by Major Andrew J. Grover (killed)
* Strength: 375 Casualties: 234

 

Standing on McPherson Ridge, north of the railroad cut, the 76th New York Infantry monument looks much the same as it did after it was erected.  The most significant difference is the expansion, and thickening of the woodlot, in the distance, south of Wadsworth Avenue.

 

 

 

 

 
The 104th New York Infantry Regiment Monument

The 104th New York Infantry regiment would be sent to the northern spur of Oak Ridge, to support US Brigadier General Henry Baxter’s Second Division, I Corps brigade.  Baxter was heavily engaged with CSA Brigadier General Alfred Iverson’s 2d Corps brigade when the 104th New York arrived.  This period specific photo, probably from the late 19th century, clearly shows a landscape clear of trees, all the way to Barlow’s Knoll.

About the 104th New York Infantry
* US Major General John F. Reynolds’ I Corps
* US Brigadier General John C. Robinson’s Second Division
* US Brigadier General Gabriel R. Paul’s First Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Gilbert G. Prey
* Strength: 286 Casualties: 194

 

Today, the 104th New York Infantry monument sits on a shaded knoll below Brigadier General John Cleveland Robinson’s monument.  This picture is taken from a slightly different angle, but you can clearly see trees in the distance, towards Barlow’s Knoll.

 

 

 

 

 

The 1st U.S. Sharpshooter’s Monument

On the afternoon of July 2, 1863, US Major General David B. Birney sent Colonel Henry Berdan’s 1st U.S. Sharpshooters, and the 3d Maine Infantry, to scout near the center of the Confederate line, close to the Pitzer Woods.  When they reached Seminary Ridge, they engaged CSA Brigadier General Cadmus Wilcox’s Alabama brigade.  The “THEN” picture, to the left, clearly shows the 1st U.S. Sharpshooter’s monument on a hill, as written in Berdan’s after action report.  The view is to the northeast and there are few trees in the picture.

About the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters Regiment
* US Major General Daniel E. Sickles’ III Corps
* US Major General David B. Birney’s First Division
* US Brigadier General J. Hobart Ward’s Second Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Hiram Berdan
* Strength: 313 Casualties: 49
 

Today, Colonel Hiram Berdan’s 1st U.S. Sharpshooters’ monument sits on a shaded hill on Berdan Avenue, just west of West Confederate Avenue.  While this view is towards the south, the entire area around the monument is surrounded by tall trees, much like those in this picture.  This area of West Confederate Avenue has changed significantly over the years.

 

 

 

 

The 5th New York Cavalry Monument

The 5th New York Cavalry was part of US Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth’s Cavalry Brigade.  Farnsworth was ordered to attack CSA Lt. General James Longstreet’s right flank on the afternoon of July 3.  The attack would be initiated from Bushman Hill, where the 5th New York Cavalry monument is located.  The changes in the landscape here are quite visible.  This picture, likely from the late 19th century, shows scattered trees on this hill.  They have since grown up significantly.

About the 5th New York Cavalry
* US Major General Alfred Pleasanton’s Cavalry Corps
* US Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick’s Third Division
* US Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth’s First Brigade
* Commanded by Major John Hammond
* Strength: 420 Casualties: 6
 

Today, the 5th New York Cavalry monument, on Bushman Hill, has darkened.  Additionally, the trees surrounding the monument have grown significantly.  Standing at the monument you cannot see the fields around the Slyder Farm.  At Gettysburg, the trees were thin enough that Longstreet’s soldiers could be seen.  This is one of the most dramatic areas of change at Gettysburg.

 

 

 

 

The 52d New York Infantry Regiment Monument

The 52d New York Infantry was part of the reinforcements sent to the III Corps by II Corps commander, US Major General Winfield S. Hancock.  Part of Samuel Zook’s brigade, the 52d would fight near the present day Loop.  This is another dramatic change at Gettysburg.  The woods here have thickened considerably.  The older photo shows significantly less trees.

About the 52d New York Infantry
* US Major General Winfield S. Hancock’s II Corps
* US Brigadier General John Caldwell’s First Division
* US Brigadier General Samuel K. Zook’s Third Brigade
* Commanded by Lt. Colonel Charles G. Freudenberg
* Strength: 134 Casualties: 38

 

Today, things have changed significantly in the area of the Loop, on Sickles Avenue.  The woodlot has filled in dramatically over the past several generations impeding the sight line towards the Wheatfield.

 

 

 

 

 

The 118th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Monument

The 118th Pennsylvania was part of the reinforcements sent by US Major General George Sykes.  Part of the V Corps, it would also fight in the area of the Loop – west of the Wheatfield.  Like the area around the 52d New York, the differences between this historic photo, and the picture I recently took are stunning.  The entire area has been filled in with woods.

About the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry
* US Major General George Sykes’ V Corps
* US Brigadier General James Barnes’ First Division
* US Colonel William Tilton’s First Brigade
* Commanded by Lt. Colonel James Gwyn
* Strength: 235 Casualties: 25

 

Today, the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry monument has shade most of the day.  In the intervening years since the “THEN” photo was taken, the trees have slowly encroached on the monument.  The Loop is a beautiful area of the battlefield, but an area that has changed drastically since the Civil War.

 

 

 

 

The 140th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Monument

The 140th Pennsylvania Infantry was another supporting regiment from US Major General Winfield S. Hancock’s II Corps.  Ordered towards the Wheatfield area, with the rest of the II Corps’ First Division, they would be ordered to the area between the Wheatfield, and the Peach Orchard, by General Sickles.  In this historic picture, very few trees can be seen, and there is a clear view north towards Wheatfield Road.

About the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry
* US Major General Winfield S. Hancock’s II Corps
* US Brigadier General John C. Caldwell’s First Division
* US Brigadier General Samuel K. Zook’s Third Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Richard P. Roberts
* Strength: 515 Casualties 241

 

Today, the view towards the north, is dramatically different.  The most noticeable difference is the overhanging trees.  More significant, however, is the dense woodlot visible in the distance near the base of the monument.  These pictures were taken from the same angle, but the distant woodlot is not present in the historic photograph.

 

 

 

 

The 10th Pennsylvania Reserves (39th PN) Infantry Monument

The 10th Pennsylvania Reserves Infantry (39th Pennsylvania in Federal Service) was part of US Major General George Sykes’ V Corps.  It would help defend the Federal line on Little Round Top on July 2, 1863.  This historic picture clearly shows the monument in a fairly open clearing in the woods.

About the 10th Pennsylvania Reserves Infantry
* US Major General George Sykes’ V Corps
* US Brigadier General Samuel W. Crawford’s Third Division
* US Colonel Joseph Fisher’s Third Brigade
* Commanded by Colonel Adoniram J. Warner
* Strength: 401 Casualties 5

 

 

Today, the 10th Pennsylvania Reserves monument is in a somewhat constricted clearing in a section of deep woods just east of South Confederate Avenue, south of Crawford Road.  It is a very detailed monument that can be easy to miss as it sits between the two Round Tops and is not well marked.  The woods have closed in on this monument, as can clearly be seen when comparing the “THEN” photo to the “NOW” photo.

 

 

 

 

The 137th New York Infantry Regiment Monument

The 137 New York Infantry was part of US Major General Henry W. Slocum’s defensive line on Culp’s Hill.  Part of US Brigadier General George S. Greene’s XII Corps brigade, the 137th saw action on July 2 and 3, 1863.  The monument is located on North Slocum Avenue, with a view towards the north.  The contrasts between the historical picture and my picture, from May 2007, are evident.  Culp’s Hill has become significantly more wooded.

About the 137th New York Infantry
* US Major General Henry W. Slocum’s XII Corps
* US Brigadier General John W. Geary’s Second Division
* US Brigadier General George S. Greene’s Third Brigade
*Commanded by Colonel David Ireland
* Strength: 423 Casualties: 137

 

Today, the changes of Culp’s Hill are dramatic.  The lines of approach for CSA Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell’s 2d Corps are covered with woods.  In fact, you cannot see the ground north of Culp’s Hill from the 137th New York Infantry monument.

 

 

 

 

Personal Observations and Commentary:
While there is no doubt, that the National Park Service, and the Gettysburg National Battlefield Park, have done a fine job restoring sight lines to certain areas of the battlefield, there is much work left to do.  Serious Civil War buffs and Gettysburg scholars have little trouble visualizing troop movements during a visit to the park.  However, casual enthusiasts, students and first time visitors will have difficulty visualizing the same things.  Gettysburg was a very complex battle and without the aid of the original sight lines, a visit to the park may be interesting, but may not be readily comprehended.  We need to continue to encourage the National Park Service to continue their efforts to restore the original landscape so our current generation, and future generations, will leave the park with a more complete understanding of what happened here nearly 150 years ago.

If you haven’t done so already, check out my Gettysburg Collection on Flickr.  I have organized and cataloged my most recent trips to Gettysburg, placing them on Flickr to make them easier to view and easier for search engines to find.  Let me know what you think!

(i) Trudeau, Noah Andre, Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage, published by Harper Collins in 2002, The Opposing Armies section starting on page 565. (for all troop strengths and casualties)

Recently I visited Andersonville National Historic Site.  I was fortunate that I had a business meeting in Columbus, Georgia and could take a slight detour to Andersonville on my return to Atlanta.  One of the reasons the Confederate government chose Andersonville as a site for a prison was its remote location.  Today, while it is a leisurely 2 1/2 hour drive from Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport, it is in an area that time has changed little since the Civil War.

A Brief History on Andersonville Prison

Known in the Confederacy as Camp Sumter, the prison became more commonly known as Andersonville – named after the nearby town.  By late 1863, other Confederate prisons, especially Belle Island and Libby prisons in Richmond, were suffering from extreme overcrowding.  Additionally, it was hard to receive enough food in Richmond for the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and all the Yankee prisoners.  In early 1864, construction began on Camp Sumter.  The Confederacy believed they could utilize the prison to relieve the crowding in other prisons and food would be more readily available.  CSA Captain Henry Wirz was in command at Camp Sumter and was known as strict, severe and cruel.

The original prison was 16.5 acres in size and was completed in February 1864.  In June 1864, the prison was expanded by 10 acres with the new area located directly to the north of the original plot.  The stockade walls that surrounded the prison were 15 feet tall and were made of pine logs sunk five feet in the soil.  The original stockade walls were built from timber that was custom cut and formed, to allow no view of the outside environment.  The northern expansion was done much more quickly, to accommodate the rapidly growing prison population, and was not as precise - with many gaps appearing between the logs.  Sentry boxes, also called “pigeon roosts,” were placed at 30 yard intervals along the top of the stockade walls.  Manning the sentry boxes were Confederate invalids, children too young to be in the army and Georgia State Militia.  Within the stockade walls was a light fence, called a “dead line.”  If a prisoner crossed the “dead line” they were shot by the sentries.  This “dead line” was approximately 19 feet from the stockade walls.  The first prisoner to die, crossing the “dead line,” was Caleb Coplan.  Coplan, a private in Company A, 1^st Ohio Infantry, was captured at Chickamauga on September 19, 1863.  While searching near the northeast corner of the stockade for supplies to repair his shelter, a small scrap of material caught his eye at the “dead line.”  Coplan quickly ducked under the rail to grab it.  A sentry watching him quickly brought his .75 caliber smoothbore musket to his shoulder and fired.  Coplan was shot through the breast and died the next day – April 10, 1864.(i)

The first prisoners arrived in February 1864, with approximately 400 new prisoners arriving daily.  By July 1864, nearly 26,000 prisoners were confined in the stockade at Andersonville – this in a prison that was designed to hold no more than 10,000 men.  The only water supply was Stockade Branch, which ran west-to-east through the southern sector of the prison.  The eastern side of the branch was where the “sinks” were dug and was the communal restroom, so to speak.  Additionally the same water source was used for bathing.  This created a serious health problem as most of the men were forced to drink and cook with the contaminated water.

Around the outside perimeter of Camp Sumter were heavy gun emplacements.  Lunettes were used at three of the four corners.  Lunettes were designed to allow cannon to be placed in four directions – along the walls of the stockade, and along the approaches to the prison.  Towards the center of the north and south walls, and the center of the east wall, redans were dug.  These were designed for defensive purposes.  A single redoubt was dug on the western side of the fort, providing defensive capabilities in the event of an attack from the northwest.  Finally the fort’s headquarters was located in a larger fort on the southwest corner.  It was called the Star Fort.  Many heavy cannon were placed here, as the high ground had a commanding view of the inside of the prison and potential enemy approaches.  The cannon could be fired into the fort in the event of a large scale insurrection.

The Raiders

Besides having to deal with the threat posed by the Confederate guards, “fresh fish” (new prisoners) had to deal with a gang of Northerners called “The Raiders.”  The Raiders were led by six chieftains: Charles Curtis, John Sarsfield, Patrick Delaney, Teri Sullivan, William Collins and A. Munn.  They were estimated to have anywhere from 50–500 members and relied on intimidation and violence to get the items they desired, which ranged from blankets to clothes to books and watches – anything of value.  This could be especially hard for the new arrivals who were not used to the conditions and could quickly become sick from exposure.

John McElroy, of the 16^th Illinois Cavalry arrived shortly after Andersonville was built.  He described the suffering of the men at Andersonville during the incessant spring rains.

“For dreary days that lengthened into weary days and nights, and these again into never ending weeks, the driving drenching flood poured down upon the sodden earth, searching the very marrow of the five thousand hapless men against whose chilled frames it beat with pitiless monotony, and soaked the sand bank upon which we lay until it was like a sponge filled with ice-water…..The condition of those who had no tents was truly pitiable.  They sat or lay on the hill-side the live-long day and night, and took the washing flow with such gloomy composure as they could muster.”(ii)

The Raiders had a significant advantage in plying their torture against their own countrymen.  They were well fed, had tools and knives and roamed the prison grounds in groups.  Many of the items they stole from the prisoners would be traded to sentries and guards for favors – one of which was to turn the other way during their attacks.  Besides preying on “fresh fish” they would often use spies to track down soldiers they believed had valuables.  Once they confirmed their suspicions they would wait for the subject to go to sleep and sneak into the tent.  If the prisoner was to wake up they would threaten him with bodily harm or beat him.

To protect themselves from The Raiders small groups of soldiers, often of the same squad or company, would organize themselves to provide each other protection.  One such group was the Plymouth squad.  When one of their own was threatened or beaten, they would yell “Plymouth!” and the other members of the squad would come to their aid.

On June 29, 1864, a prisoner named Dowd was badly beaten by a group of The Raiders who stole a watch and money from him.  After the beating Dowd demanded justice from the prison guards.  Captain Wirz took an interest in Dowd’s ordeal and ordered that the raiders would receive no rations until they were turned in.  This led to the formation of a quasi police force of Federal prisoners.  Referred to as “Regulators” this group was allowed to use force to arrest the raiders.  From June 29 through July 10, 1864 it is estimated that 100–150 raiders were arrested, including the chieftains.  Each raider was tried by a court of Federal prisoners and a jury of 24 Union sergeants.(iii)  The ring-leaders were found guilty and sentenced to by hanged.  Others were sentenced to time in the stocks, running the gauntlet or head hanging.  Some of these men were beaten so badly that they would later die from their injuries.  The chieftains were executed on July 11, 1864.  Thus ended the terrible reign of the “enemy within” – the Raiders.

The Miracle of Providence Spring

June and July 1864 were terribly dry and hot.  Relief came in early August when heavy rains made Andersonville a muddy qaugmire.  Prisoners used cups, tent flaps and canteens to capture the falling rain.  After weeks with no fresh water, and many prisoners dying of thirst, it was a relief for the Northerners to have the clean water.  The rain would continue nearly a week, turning Camp Sumter into a muddy quagmire.  Survivors of Andersonville claimed that Stockade Branch rose five feet in one hour during the torrential rains.

On August 13, a large cloud appeared east of Camp Sumter.  It was described as being tall, with a sharp shape and a color that resembled gun metal blue.  The huge anomaly moved slowly over the stockade, hovering over the Dead House for a time, before moving north towards the North Gate.  The emaciated prisoners and guards stood awestruck by the sight.  Normally loud with the cries of the suffering, yelling and camp talk the entire stockade became eerily quiet.  As light rain once again began falling, a deafening roar broke the silence.  Men that had become used to the boom of cannon claimed it sounded like the simultaneous explosion of a thousand heavy guns.  The shock wave from the crash threw men, near the west wall, to the ground.  Almost instantaneously a blinding bolt of blue-white light burst forth from the cloud, hitting the ground near the Dead Line at the North Gate.  This was followed by another large explosion, causing dirt and steam to shoot into the air.  As if by the hand of God, a flood of cool, clean water poured from the ground.  The lightening apparently hit exactly at the high point of an underground stream.  The water that flowed from the ground would be called Providence Spring and still flows unabated today.(iv)

Interesting Facts About Andersonville Prison(v)

 +  With US Major General William T. Sherman’s army moving into Georgia, in the summer and fall of 1864, the Confederate garrison at Andersonville began to prepare for an attack.  Sherman would send US Major General George Stoneman’s cavalry on a raid toward the prison.  They would be defeated north of Macon with many of the liberators becoming prisoners at Andersonville.  While a full fledged attack never transpired, Captain Wirz ordered two additional lines of stockade walls built.  They were never finished.

 +  While no large escapes ever occurred at Andersonville many were attempted.  Prisoners tried to escape by climbing or tunneling under the walls.  Today, there are still spots within the stockade where evidence of tunnels can be seen.

 +  A mailbox was located within Andersonville so prisoners could communicate with friends and relatives.

 +  Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia had their sons held in captivity at Andersonville.  While the vast majority of prisoners were from the Northern states others were from the south.  Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana all had men imprisoned that had fought for the Union.

 +  The commanders at Andersonville did not supply a chaplain.  Several priests, and a Methodist missionary, would minister to the soldiers’ spiritual needs.  Father Peter Whelen, a Catholic priest, spent four months at the prison during the hottest season.

 +  While some prisoners were shot for crossing the Dead Line, most died of disease.  The most common killing diseases were diarrhea, dysentery and scurvy.

 +  Any prisoner willing to take an “oath of allegiance” to the Confederacy would be released.  Very few ever took the oath.

 +  During the period of time Andersonville was in operation over 45,000 Federal prisoners of war would be held at Camp Sumter.  In August 1864, over 32,000 prisoners were confined at the prison – indeed a very pitiful record.  12,920 Federal soldiers died while in captivity at Andersonville.  They were buried in large trenches.  After the war, they were re-interred at Andersonville National Cemetery.

 +  It is claimed that Stockade Branch is still contaminated today.

 +  Andersonville Prison was closed in May 1865.  Captain Henry Wirz was court-martialed after the prison was closed.  US Major General Lew Wallace, who after the war became famous for writing Ben Hur, presided over the trial.  Accused of cruelty, murder and acts of inhumanity he was found guilty.  He would be executed, by hanging, on November 10, 1865.

Common Terms Used At Andersonville(vi)

 +  Deadrun – the section of ground between the Dead Line and the stockade wall.

 +  Graybacks – body lice

 +  Mess – A group of 30 men.  Three messes were combined to form a squad and three squads formed a detachment.

 +  Mud Burrow – A small cave dug as a shelter.

 +  Scorbutus – A disease that caused bleeding gums, loose teeth and bleeding from mucous membranes and the skin. (also known as scurvy)

 +  Shebang – A primitive dwelling

 +  Sinks – Ditches for carrying away raw sewage.

To view my complete set of photos from Andersonville National Historic Site click HERE.

To view my complete set of photos from Andersonville National Cemetery click HERE.

(i) Marvel, William, Andersonville: The Last Depot, published by The University of North Carolina Press in 2006, Pg. 50.
(ii) McElroy, John, Andersonville: A Story of Rebel Military Prisons, published by D.R. Locke in 1879, Pg. 152.
(iii) See Andersonville Prison and American Prisoners of War, written by members of the staff at Andersonville National Historic Site, published by Eastern National in 1999, Pg. 28.
(iv) For additional information see the Miracle of Providence Spring at Bivouacbooks.com.
(v) See Andersonville Prison and American Prisoners of War, written by members of the staff at Andersonville National Historic Site, published by Eastern National in 1999.
(vi) See Andersonville Prison and American Prisoners of War, written by members of the staff at Andersonville National Historic Site, published by Eastern National in 1999, Pg. 17.

This past week I was in Louisville for work. After meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, I had the opportunity to visit two wonderful battlefields: Mill Springs (also called Logan’s Crossroads and Fishing Creek) on Thursday, and Perryville on Friday. I really enjoy Kentucky battlefields. The state does a wonderful job protecting and maintaining their Civil War history. Additional kudos to the Civil War Preservation Trust which has saved many acres of Kentucky battlefields.

Watch for a full length essay on the Battle of Perryville, in October, around the battle’s anniversary on October 8. I was able to take some amazing sunrise pictures that I will unveil at that time.

Lastly, as yesterday was a vacation day, I stopped at two distilleries on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. One of them was the Four Roses Distillery. There will be a very interesting blog article, about this distillery, in the coming weeks. Obviously there is a connection between it and the Civil War.

David Acheson was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on January 10, 1841.  He was the third of nine children born to Alexander and Jane Acheson (Wishart).  With the outbreak of the Civil War, the Acheson boys began enlisting in the army.  John Acheson, the oldest of the Acheson boys, enlisted in the 85th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment on November 14, 1861.  John would be promoted to the rank of captain, in Company A, on February 29, 1864.  He would serve through the end of the Civil War, reaching the rank of brevet major.  David would enlist in the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry, as captain of Company C, on August 22, 1862.  Alexander (Sandie), David’s younger brother, would enlist in the 140th Pennsylvania on the same day.  Sandie would serve his entire three year enlistment, mustering out on December 9, 1864, with a rank of captain.

Captain Acheson would be well regarded by the soldiers in his company.  Through his leadership, drilling and training he would earn their trust.(i)  After a brief stint guarding the North Central Railroad the 140th Pennsylvania would be assigned to the V Corps, Middle Department, reporting to Falmouth, Virginia on December 15, 1862.  Arriving too late to participate in the debacle at Fredericksburg, the first major action the 140th would participate in would be at Chancellorsville, April 30 – May 6, 1863.  Having been transferred to the Third Brigade, First Division of US Major General Darius Couch’s II Corps, Acheson would see hard action at Chancellorsville.(ii)  US Major General Joseph Hooker’s Army of the Potomac would be brutally repulsed, retreating north across the Rappahannock River.

In June, CS General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia would take the war north of the Mason-Dixon Line.  Arriving in Pennsylvania, in late June, Lee would be opposed by a new Federal commander, US Major General George Gordon Meade.  All roads pointed to Gettysburg, where from July 1–3, 1863, 160,000 men would give battle.  On the second day of battle, new II Corps commander, US Major General Winfield S. Hancock would be ordered to support US Major General Daniel E. Sickles’ III Corps which was nearly a mile out of position.  US Brigadier General John Caldwell’s First Division would be sent to support the III Corps.  Captain David Acheson’s Company C, 140th Pennsylvania would be part of US Brigadier General Samuel Zook’s Third Brigade.  They would be sent through the retreating remnants of Sickles’ III Corps, into a rapidly advancing enemy.  Acheson, leading from the front, would be shot twice by a soldier in the 3d South Carolina Infantry.  Unfortunately, due to the speed of the approaching Confederates, Acheson’s mortally wounded body would be left on the field.  When the Confederates retreated, on July 3, Acheson’s body was recovered, and buried on the John T. Weikert Farm.  One of his soldiers carved his initials in a small boulder used as a temporary headstone.  Acheson would be re-buried near his home, in Washington, Pennsylvania, on July 15, 1863.  Fortunately the carved boulder allowed his family to find his remains.  Five years later, a member of Company C returned to Gettysburg.(iii)  Finding the boulder used as Acheson’s temporary headstone, he carved the initials deeper into the rock, allowing future generations to know where Acheson was originally buried.

Captain David Acheson served with distinction at Gettysburg, and is a true American HERO.

(i) Captain David Acheson: 140th Pennsylvania used to research this article.
(ii) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System was used to research this article.
(iii) U.S. Civil War Soldiers Records and Profiles, from Ancestry.com, was used to research this article.

Earlier this week, I was on the road – as usual.  I had a business meeting in Columbia, South Carolina.  When I checked flights, it was significantly less expensive to fly into Charleston.  Obviously this gave me a great opportunity to visit Fort Moultrie.  My plan was to also visit Fort Sumter, but the rain put a quick end to those plans.

Fort Moultrie is an earthen fort, with masonry walls.  Originally built on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, it traces its roots back to the American Revolutionary War.  The original fort was constructed of palmetto logs, which inspired the state flag and nickname – Palmetto State.  During the early 19th century, the fort would get modern guns and an update to its parapets.  In late 1860, Moultrie was garrisoned by Federal troops under the command of US Major Robert Anderson.  After Abraham Lincoln was elected president, South Carolina quickly seceded from the Union, on December 20, 1860.  Anderson, determining that Moultrie was untenable, evacuated the fort, moving his garrison to Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, on December 26.  South Carolina troops were installed in the fort, many of which were young cadets from the Citadel – the only trained artillerists in South Carolina.  After Lincoln’s inauguration, in March 1861, one of the first things he learned was that Anderson’s garrison, at Sumter, was running low on rations and supplies.  Deciding to resupply the fort, Lincoln advised the Confederacy of his plans to resupply.  Their would be no additional troops brought in, no ammunition or other military necessities – food only.  This was an ingenious move by Lincoln, who in his inaugural address vowed not to assail the south.  On April 12, 1861, at 4:30 A.M., Confederate troops under CSA Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard started an artillery bombardment of Sumter.  The Civil War had started.

For additional information on Fort Sumter, please refer to my article, published on the anniversary of the bombardment, by clicking here.  Watch for a detailed article on Fort Moultrie, later this year.

Additional photographs from this week’s visit to Fort Moultrie.
 

 

 

 

 

Fort Moultrie as viewed from the outside.  These large guns point towards Fort Sumter, in Charleston Bay.

 

 

 

 

 
Fort Moultrie as viewed from Charleston Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Fort Moultrie as viewed from Charleston Bay.

 

 

 

 
Fort Sumter as viewed from Fort Moultrie.

Earlier this week, I was in Gettysburg.  As my frequent readers may recall, I reviewed J. David Petruzzi’s newest book, “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” on June 1. (click here for the review and an interview with JD)  Deciding that any good review includes a “test drive,” I decided to take JD’s book with me.  It should be noted, that anytime I visit a battlefield, I try to have a game plan ahead of time.  I spent about thirty minutes, with the “Complete Guide,” before I arrived at the battlefield.  I’m glad I spent time doing this, as I was quite focused on what I wanted to see while I was there.  Since I knew Gettysburg would be extremely busy, during the 146th anniversary week, I planned on visiting some lesser traveled areas of the battlefield.

1. Marsh Creek
2. Barlow’s Knoll
3. Coster Avenue and the Brickyard Fight
4. Spangler Springs/Culp’s Hill
5. Sedgwick Avenue

My first stop was at Marsh Creek, which is where the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia battled CSA Brigadier General John B. Gordon’s detachment on June 26.  This was the opening phase of Gettysburg, before the Army of the Potomac arrived, and was part of Gordon’s Expedition to Wrightsville.  Using the driving directions, and reading the text of the “Tour of Marsh Creek” chapter, I found it easy to find the monument for the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia.  I enjoyed reading JD’s narrative of the actions that took place here.  Heading back to Gettysburg, I found the statue for the 26th with no problem.

Next, I skipped ahead to the “Tour of the First Day of the Battle of Gettysburg” chapter.  Thumbing ahead to page 44, I read about the fighting at Barlow’s Knoll.  While I have been a student of Gettysburg, for a very long time, I went ahead and read through the narrative on this portion of the battle.  Since I had read the book, before my interview with Petruzzi, I knew what I wanted to look for at Barlow’s Knoll.  But I was pleasantly surprised, while reading the section on Barlow’s Knoll, that I felt much more connected with the fighting that took place there, which is an often overlooked portion of the first day’s fighting.  Standing near the Old Almshouse Cemetery, which is on high ground, I really appreciated the maps that cartographer, Steve Stanley, produced for the book.  You can easily visualize the troop movements of Brigadier Generals Doles and Gordon, and the hard fight that Barlow’s division encountered here, along Rock Creek.  To wrap up my visit to Barlow’s Knoll, I walked over to the flagpole where the 17th Connecticut fought.  While there was no flag flying, I experienced a new appreciation for the devotion the 17th Connecticut had, for their lost comrades, when they dedicated this flagpole.

From Barlow’s Knoll, I followed JD’s directions to the Brickyard, at Coster Avenue.  Considering myself somewhat of a veteran Gettysburg battlefield wanderer, when I first read the book, I was surprised to learn about the fighting here.  This fighting is seldom mentioned in narratives on the battle.  Following the directions provided in the book, I drove right to Coster Avenue (it should be noted that Coster Avenue is not listed in a Garmin GPS – it is, however, easy to find by following the directions).  While there are only two monuments here, I again felt very close to the men that fought at the Brickyard.  Perhaps it was because of Steve Stanley’s detailed map!  This small section of the battlefield is owned by the National Park Service, and if you search hard, you can find it on their map.  During the 30 minutes or so, that I was there, no other tourists visited.  This is amazing as Gettysburg was very busy.  It was quite peaceful, and the mural of the fight is amazing.

Leaving the Brickyard, I ventured into the heavy traffic of the main battlefield.  One of the things that I really looked forward to was searching for some of the rock carvings.  I decided to search for Captain David Acheson’s temporary headstone, at the John T. Weikert Farm.  The Weikert Farm is on Wheatfield Road.  While the area was very busy, I was the only person at the Weikert Farm.  Using my Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS, I was disappointed that I could not find the headstone.  After checking the coordinate defaults, I realized that I did not have it set up correctly.  Once I changed the GPS settings, I walked right to the headstone.  Taking some pictures, I headed for the “carved initials” near the 93d Pennsylvania Infantry monument.  After entering the coordinates, provided in the book, I walked right to the rock with the initials on it.  Talk about feeling close to the action!  These were carved by soldiers on the battlefield….  On my way back to the car, I encountered another battlefield wanderer carrying JD’s book.  He did not have a GPS, so I pointed him to the Acheson headstone.  This was one of many occasions, while I was at Gettysburg, that I encountered someone referring to “The Complete Gettysburg Guide.”

From there, I headed to Sedgwick Avenue.  While not detailed in “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” this little traveled road had many monuments.  I took pictures of all of them, as I inevitably will write blog articles on the regiments from the VI Corps, and III Corps, that were positioned there.

My journey to Gettysburg finished with a trip to Spangler Springs/Culp’s Hill.  Once again, I used my GPS to find rock carvings in this area.  When I interviewed Petruzzi, we spoke at length about the rock carvings, and his use of GPS coordinates.  He had mentioned that he envisioned these being used as a modern treasure hunt.  I have to agree with him.  While the coordinates get you very close to the carvings, you still have to search.  Many of the carvings will have weeds, or brush, grown up around them.  This made it fun.  You find the area that JD provides coordinate for, and then you have to search for the rock that holds the carving.  With so many boulders, and rocks, strewn throughout Gettysburg, this is not always as easy as you might expect.

In closing, this book is the definitive guide to the Gettysburg National Battlefield, making its name, “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” very appropriate.  If you are planning a trip to Gettysburg, anytime in the future, make sure you either purchase the book there, or preferably before you leave home.  Undoubtedly, if you follow the entire guide, you will need several days to see Gettysburg Battlefield – but it will be worth it!  If you are going for a shorter visit, having the book ahead of time will allow you to plan your visit, making it that more more enjoyable.

Thanks JD, and Steve, for such a great book!

Details about “The Complete Gettysburg Guide”
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714634

Today, I had the opportunity to visit Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.  We vacation in southwest Missouri every June, so I consider this my “home” battlefield.  I truly enjoy traipsing around this battlefield, as it is so well preserved.  While it is close to Springfield, Missouri, near the small community of Republic, it has not been subjected to the urban sprawl that so many other battlefields are enduring.  The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was the second major battle of the Civil War, and the first in the Western theater.  I will be writing a feature length article on the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, for its 148th anniversary, on August 10.  In the meantime, I have some pictures of this pristine battlefield to share with you today.

Picture 1: Wilson’s Creek – Near Gibson’s Mill 

 

 

 

 

 

This area is the northern end of the Confederate camps.  The Confederates would be surprised here by US Major General Nathanial Lyon’s Federal troops.

Picture 2: Ray Cornfield 

 

 

 

 

 

Significant fighting took place around the Ray cornfield.  From the south end of the field, the Confederate troops pushed part of the Federal forces north across Wilson’s Creek.

Picture 3: The Ray house 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ray family was able to watch much of the fighting from their front porch.  CSA Colonel Richard Weightman died here.  US Brigadier General Nathanial Lyon’s body was brought here and laid in a bed, after the fighting ended.

Picture 4: Backoff’s Battery 

 

 

 

 

 

Backoff’s Battery pounded the Confederate soldiers caught between US Colonel Franz Sigel’s troops, approaching from the south, and Lyon’s troops from the north.  The battery was part of Sigel’s command.

Picture 5: Guibor’s Confederate Battery 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry Guibor’s Battery was unlimbered near the base of Bloody Hill.  From here, they dueled with Federal artillery commanded by James Totten.  After four charges, the Confederates would find the Federals had abandoned Bloody Hill.

Picture 6: Bloody Hill from the Federal position 

 

 

 

 

 

The view from the Federal position on Bloody Hill.  This high ground commanded the surrounding terrain, allowing the Federals to withstand multiple Confederate charges.

Picture 7: Totten’s 2nd U.S. Artillery Battery 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd U.S. Artillery Battery commanded by James Totten.  These guns poured a devastating fire into the charging Confederate troops.

Picture 8: US Brigadier General Nathanial Lyon’s monument 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stone tablet marking the approximate spot US Brigadier General Nathanial Lyon was killed.  After his mortal wounding the Federal position deteriorated and they were forced to retreat towards Springfield, Missouri.

Watch for a complete article on the fascinating battle of Wilson’s Creek, around August 10 – the anniversary of the battle.

I was very fortunate, to be in Pennsylvania over the past few days.  I had work appointments, in Philadelphia, Marietta and King of Prussia.  Fortunately, I was able to get about one hour on the battlefield, and had

lunch with Gettysburg National Battlefield ranger/guide, John Nicholas.  What a treat it was, to finally meet John.  John is a frequent contributor, on my Facebook group – American Civil War Battlefields.  We had a great lunch and were able to chat about – you guessed it – battlefields.

I must say, when I got up, on January 7th,  I doubted I would make it to Gettysburg.  There had been freezing rain overnight, and trees, and grass, were covered with ice.  Fortunately PennDOT had been working overtime, and the roads were fine.  As I arrived, in Gettysburg, I realized that this might be a perfect opportunity to catch the battlefield looking much different than I’ve previously seen it.  I have been here many times over the years, and I knew where I wanted to go.

My first stop, was the base of Little Round Top, in front of US Colonel Strong Vincent’s 83rd Pennsylvania monument.  This is one of my favorite spots, and the trees, grass and rocks were covered in ice.  The pictures came out incredible.

My next stop was at Houck’s Ridge.  There is a “Witness Tree” there, above Devil’s Den, that is always beautiful.  This picture is taken looking east, towards Little Round Top.  The tree was perfectly covered in ice, and the gray skies and black cannon, make it look monochrome.

As my visit was short, I next drove to Cemetery Hill, walked among the

monuments and looped through Culp’s Hill.  The picture, on the right, was taken looking due east, on a line north of Culp’s Hill.  This was the area of CS Lieutenant General Richard Ewell’s late afternoon attack, on the July 2nd.  The picture is a study in contrasts, with the trees, grass and black ice-covered cannon.

I was amazed with the solitude of Gettysburg.  While this is certainly a slow time of the year, there is generally many more people at Gettysburg.  It was quite the treat, and helped ease the post Christmas cabin fever.

The last picture, was also taken on Cemetery Hill, at the point of Ewell’s July 2nd attack.  The cannon stands out very well, against ice covered Culp’s Hill, in the background.   This is an area of the

battlefield that I enjoy a great deal.  It is often overlooked, by tourists, as it doesn’t have the “sex appeal” of Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top or the Devil’s Den.  I have walked this area during the busiest months, at Gettysburg, and often have the fields here to myself.

Watch for all of the new Gettysburg pictures, on my web site: BattlefieldPortraits.com.  I should have them up, over the next couple of weeks.

Mike Noirot