Today is the 146th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln delivering a “few appropriate remarks” at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  When Lincoln received an invitation, from David Wills, to attend the dedication, he believed it was an opportunity for him to connect with the American people, providing them with an explanation for the long, bloody war and his evolving position on the dreadful conflict.  Most importantly it was his desire to honor all of the casualties of the fratricidal war.(i)

Lincoln received Wills’ invitation on November 2, 1863, leaving him less than three weeks to prepare his speech.  There is some evidence to suggest that he was aware of the upcoming invitation a full month earlier.  However, at the time, there was speculation that Wills, and Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin, had ulterior motives for inviting the president so late.  This probably was not the case, as Wills also included a personal note, with the invitation, inviting Lincoln to stay at his home.

President Lincoln left for Gettysburg on November 18.  Popular myth has it that Lincoln wrote his famous address on the back on envelope, while on the train.  This has been dispelled over the years as several early drafts of the speech were found on White House stationery.  Arriving with his Secretary of State, William H. Seward and Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, they were greeted at the Gettysburg train station with ringing bells and well wishers, as dusk settled over the quaint town.  The president’s group was escorted to the home of David Wills.  While putting the finishing touches on his speech, Lincoln was encouraged by a throng of people to come out and make a short speech.  He did not.  Instead Seward came forward and spoke for several minutes about the solemn occasion.

The president was not the keynote speaker for the dedication of the National Cemetery.  This honor was given to Edward Everett.  Everett had been Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative and Governor of Massachusetts.  Well known for his oratory skills, there was much anticipation ahead of his speech – a speech that would stretch to two hours.  Lincoln’s short address would officially set aside the ground as a National Cemetery.

At 9:30 a.m., on November 19, the dignitaries left Wills’ home.  Proceeding south to the cemetery, their group would also include six governors from the 24 northern states.  With a crowd estimated to be near 15,000 people, the events began with music by Birgfield’s Band and an invocation by Reverend T.H. Stockton.  Next, while Lincoln sat in his chair, observing the events, Everett delivered his long oration.  After Everett finished, with the crowds cheering, a hymn by B.B. French was sung.  Lincoln would slowly stand up, and walk to the podium.  While several versions of the Gettysburg Address exist, the so called Bliss version is accepted as the short speech he delivered.  Less than 300 words, the speech was said to take between two and three minutes to deliver.  In fact, it was so short that most of the crowd did not realize Lincoln had concluded until he stepped away from the podium.  As Lincoln started speaking, his high-pitched voice could be heard clearly by the gathered spectators….

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.  We are met on a great battle-field of that war.  We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.  It is altogether fitting and proper that we do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate - we can not consecrate – we can not hallow – this ground.  The brave me, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.  The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.  It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.  It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take an increased devotion to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

It is said, that as Lincoln walked back to his seat, he believed that his speech would not be well accepted.  As might be expected, the opposition Democrat newspapers claimed it was parochial and embarrassing.  The Republican papers, however, offered much praise for Lincoln’s address.  But, Edward Everett summed it up best in a letter to Lincoln, on November 20, “I should be glad if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes.”(ii)  After the speech, Lincoln provided two drafts and three copies of the speech.  One draft went to each of his secretaries, John Hay and John Nicolay.  Three copies were written for Edward Everett, historian George Bancroft and Bancroft’s stepson, Colonel Alexander Bliss.  The Hay and Nicolay drafts are located in the Library of Congress.  Everett’s copy is at the Illinois State Historical Library, in Springfield, Illinois, Bancroft’s is at Cornell University and the Bliss copy is in the Lincoln Room, at the White House.

The Gettysburg Address is considered one of the greatest speeches ever given in American history.  While it was given nearly 150 years ago, its tenets still ring true in the United States today, “Liberty,” “all men are created equal,” “freedom,” “government of the people, by the people for the people.”  These are the underpinnings that make the United States the best country in the world.  While I nearly know the Gettysburg address by heart, the words still move me – making me proud to say I am an American.  Thank you, Abraham Lincoln.

(i) The Gettysburg Address, at the Library of Congress, was used to research this article.
(ii) A Gracious Compliment, at the Library of Congress, for more information, click HERE.

As a follow up to my recent article, “Gettysburg National Military Park – A Study In Contrasts,” I received an update today on the ongoing battlefield rehabilitation efforts at Gettysburg National Military Park.  Sent to me by Katie Lawhon, of the Gettysburg National Park Service staff, it provides a glimpse into the goals of their extensive rehabilitation efforts.  The National Park Service should be commended for their efforts to restore the Gettysburg Battlefield to its wartime appearance.  Thank you Katie for providing this update to This Mighty Scourge.

The following is an outline of the goals of their rehabilitation project.

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GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK
BATTLEFIELD REHABILITATION GOALS

One of the most important purposes of Gettysburg National Military Park is to preserve the topographic, landscape, and cultural features that were significant to the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg.  However, many of these features have been obscured or changed over the years, as the natural processes have been allowed to take over.  As just one example, fields that have not been farmed over the past 65 years have become forests.  In many cases, the lack of an accurate understanding of these historic topographic features and their significance has led to their loss.  That loss, in turn, meant that neither visitors nor historians could fully understand the Battle of Gettysburg.

The National Park Service (NPS) is bringing back missing features that affected the fighting of the Battle of Gettysburg, a multi-year project with historical benefits and environmental benefits as well.  The goals of the project are:

Restoring Gettysburg’s historic integrity – Changes to the landscapes have occurred over time including the growth of trees, changing field sizes, and missing fences, orchards, and farm lanes.  These changes obscure the key terrain, avenues of approach, and fields of fire that affected the outcome of the battle.  As a result, some portions of the battlefield have changed physically.  They can no longer convey to people today what it was like for the soldiers who fought here.

The project is being phased and includes the replacement of historic fencelines, orchards, and farm lanes as well as the return of grasslands, farmlands, orchards and woodlands that played important roles in the battle.

Enhancing visitor opportunities and understanding – Restoring the integrity of key battle areas contributes to improved educational experiences, and an overall greater understanding of the events as they unfolded on July 1, 2, and 3, 1863.  Battlefield rehabilitation is allowing visitors to have a more accurate understanding of obstacles faced by those on the field as well as the command decisions made by both armies.  Over time, the project will offer new opportunities for visitors to see the battlefield through the soldiers’ eyes.

Creating a sustainable historic environment by improving wetlands, water quality and wildlife habitat – Since the time of the battle, non-native species, hardwood stands, and changing agricultural landscapes have had a negative effect on the historic terrain.  If left alone, the environment will continue to change and potentially obscure more historic lands.

The historical benefits of the battlefield rehabilitation are obvious to many but there are clear environmental benefits as well.  The project calls for reestablishing grasslands, restoring wetlands, and replanting orchards.  Long term improvements to the environment include restoration of up to 100 acres of wetlands; fencing cattle from streams to improve water quality; and increasing habitat for grassland species, ground nesting birds and native plants.  The plan is in compliance with the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Water Pollution Act and Water Quality Act, floodplain management, protection of wetlands, and all other applicable laws and policies that protect the environment.

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The following table provides an update on the progress of the battlefield rehabilitation project at Gettysburg.

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)

Over the past week, I have been working diligently to catalog, and label, nearly 650 pictures from my most recent trips to Gettysburg National Military Park.  As I mentioned in an earlier blog article, I have decided to include most of my collection of battlefield photographs on my Flickr site, so they would appear in more search engines.  By far, Gettysburg is my largest collection.  Included in this collection of photos are pictures from a trip to Gettysburg earlier this month.  Watch for an article, later this week, on my October 2009 trip to Gettysburg, and the official launch of my Gettysburg photo collection.

I recently read Dr. Bradley Gottfried’s newest book, “The Maps of First Bull Run: An Atlas of the First Bull Run (Manassas) Campaign, including the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, June-October 1861.”  This is the second in the series of Gottfried’s “map books,” having released “The Maps of Gettysburg” in June 2008.  Dr. Gottfried holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from Miami University and is president of the College of Southern Maryland.  An avid historian Gottfried has published seven books on the American Civil War.

Having enjoyed “The Maps of Gettysburg,” I was quite excited to learn that Savas Beatie, LLC was publishing the “Maps of First Bull Run.”  Working for a company based in Centreville, Virginia, I have always considered Manassas to be my “home-away-from-home” battlefield.  Over the years I have had the opportunity to visit Manassas National Battlefield more times than I can count.  Visiting our corporate headquarters at least six times per year, I almost always stay in Manassas, so I can be close to the battlefield.  Like most of you that visit battlefields regularly, I try to learn as much about the battles as I can, before visiting.  With that said, I have read numerous histories of both battles of Bull Run.  Unfortunately, the First Battle of Bull Run has not been written about extensively and the books that are currently available offer little in the way of maps.  While I possess a solid understanding of the battle, I have always felt like I could have a better feel for the battle if another book were published – one with more maps!  “The Maps of First Bull Run” fulfilled my needs and exceeded my expectations.  Gottfried has designed this book based on the successful format of “The Maps of Gettysburg.”  Written in chronological order, starting with each army’s movements around Washington, D.C., the author provides a stirring narrative on each time frame with a wonderful color map on the facing page.  Unlike most other battlefield maps, Gottfried’s maps include fields, woods, creeks and other major features of the landscape.  Additionally he has included the time-frame on each map.  All told, “The Maps of First Bull Run” contain 51 maps and the accompanying narratives.  Unlike most Civil War scholars Dr. Gottfried created all the maps himself.

Before I endorse a book like this, I like to take it for a test drive.  I was able to do this on a recent trip to Centreville, this past June.  The book truly allowed me to understand the minutiae of the troop movements.  With the “Fighting 69^th” New York being one of my favorite regiments, I was able to trace their movements with Colonel William Sherman’s brigade, from the Farm Ford to their actions near the intersection of the Warrenton Turnpike and the Manassas-Sudley Road.  This enhanced my visit to the battlefield as I was able to walk in the same paths as the Sherman’s brigade.  The book is set up to take the reader on a long tour through the battlefield or can easily be used to drill down into one part of the engagement.  It provides enough detail, especially with the maps, to be a valuable resource for the serious Civil War student and its engaging prose is very easy for the casual enthusiast to conceptualize the flow of the battle.  While Dr. Gottfried did not write this book to be a complete narrative of the battle, it is very nearly one.  “The Maps of First Bull Run” is organized in three parts with separate subsections in each part.

Part 1: Maps of First Bull Run/Manassas

• Preliminary Movements – 6 maps
• Skirmish at Blackburn’s Ford (July 18) – 3 maps
• Bull Run Preliminaries – 3 maps
• Matthews Hill Fight – 5 maps
• Henry Hill Fight – 15 maps
• Chinn Ridge – 2 maps
• Blackburn’s Ford – 1 map
• The Federal Retreat – 1 map plus a summation

Part 2: August-September 1861 – 3 maps

Part 3: Ball’s Bluff – 12 maps

I highly recommend “The Maps of First Bull Run” to anyone with an interest in the first major battle of the Civil War.  Additionally, if you are interested in having the same resources for Gettysburg, please check out “The Maps of Gettysburg.”  Please consider supporting Savas Beatie, LLC and purchase the books directly from them.  You can do so by clicking HERE.  The books can also be purchased from Amazon.com by clicking on the book covers, below.

Details about “The Maps of Bull Run”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 10, 2009
ISBN-10: 193271460X

 

 

I had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Gottfried on August 31, 2009.  The interview, like my previous interviews, is separated into several parts.  You can read the contents of each part, and listen to the interview below.

Dr. Bradley Gottfried Interview – 10 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes, 50 seconds

Part 1: 

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Time: 3:51
Contents: Welcome and introduction | About Dr. Bradley Gottfried | Books by Gottfried

Part 2: 

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Time: 5:48
Contents: Discussion on “The Maps of Gettysburg” | Why write “The Maps of First Bull Run” | Dr. Gottfried’s grand mapping plan for the Eastern Theater

Part 3: 

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Time: 6:50
Contents: Battles in the Eastern Theater put in context | The importance of maps in Civil War narratives | Brad’s mentors | Significance of first hand accounts

Part 4: 

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Time: 6:51
Contents: Discussion on the design of “The Maps of First Bull Run” | How Dr. Gottfried came to make his own maps | Creating his own niche

Part 5: 

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Time: 6:12
Contents: Researching “The Maps of Bull Run”

Part 6: 

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Time: 6:31
Contents: Narrative or not a narrative? | Using quotes and primary source material

Part 7: 

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Time: 8:06
Contents: Using digital books for research | Preliminary movements and preparations for the Battle of First Bull Run

Part 8: 

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Time: 5:40
Contents: Magic numbers – constraint by design | The value of end notes | Skirmishes around Washington City and the Battle of Ball’s Bluff

Part 9: 

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Time: 7:00
Contents: What are you working on now? | What battle or campaign should be covered in the next map book?

Part 10: 

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Time: 6:01
Contents: Continued discussion on future books | Future generations will benefit from Dr. Gottfried’s map books | Kudo’s for Savas Beatie, LLC | Working with Ted Savas | Wrap up and closing

Check out other great Civil War titles by Bradley Gottfried

Details about “The Maps of Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Softcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 19, 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714359

 

 

Details about “The Artillery at Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing
Date of First Edition: February 1, 2008
ISBN-10: 1581826230

 

 

Details about “Kearney’s Own”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover:  320 pages
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Date of First Edition: September 9, 2005
ISBN-10: 0813536618

 

 

Details about “Brigades of Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 704 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Date of First Edition: December 24, 2002
ISBN-10: 0306811758

 

 

Details about “Roads to Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 300 pages
Publisher: White Mane Publishing Company
Date of First Edition: October 2002
ISBN-10: 1572492848

 

 

Details about “Stopping Pickett”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 270 pages
Publisher: White Mane Publishing Company
Date of First Edition: September 1999
ISBN-10: 1572491647

James Barton Wiley was born in Ohio between 1836 and 1838.  By 1850 he was living with his parents, Jacob and Mary Wiley, in Noble, Ohio.  He was the oldest of seven siblings.  He was the only son of Jacob and Mary.  He would marry Catherine Coffee on February 2, 1854 in Noble County, Indiana.  Together they would have three children: Mary Jane (1856), John M. (1859) and William S. (1862).  Wiley would often go by his middle name on official records, including his marriage certificate and the 1860 Federal Census record which listed the Wiley residence in Baker, Indiana.(i)

With the outbreak of hostilities, Wiley would enlist as a private in Company H, 59th New York Infantry.  His date of enlistment was September 20, 1861 at Bellville, Ohio.  In speaking with a couple of his ancestors, this author has been unable to determine why he would enlist in a New York regiment when he lived in Indiana and entered the service in Ohio.  The only logical conclusion is that Ohio had filled her volunteer requirements and the state had not authorized the formation of additional regiments by his enlistment date.

The 59th New York was officially mustered into Federal service in November 1861 and would leave New York City on November 23.  Proceeding to Washington City they would serve in US Brigadier General James Wadsworth’s command, defending Washington, through May 1862.  In July 1862 the 59th New York would join the Army of the Potomac and be assigned to the Third Brigade (Brigadier General Napoleon J.T. Dana), Second Division (US Major General John Sedgwick) of US Major General Edwin Sumner’s II Corps.  Commanding the 59th New York was Colonel William L. Tidball.  Leaving Washington City, they would join their new command at Harrison’s Landing on the James River Peninsula.  By this time The Seven Days was over and the Army of the Potomac, commanded by US Major General George B. McClellan was preparing to leave Harrison’s Landing to return to Alexandria, Virginia.  Private James Wiley would see no action while at Harrison’s Landing.(ii)

By August 28, 1862, the II Corps was located at Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and would be involved in covering US Major General John Pope’s retreating Army of Virginia from their rout at Second Manassas.  After the defeat of Pope’s army, CSA General Robert E. Lee determined to invade the North in an effort to recruit troops and provide relief for wary Virginians who had suffered through nearly all of the fighting in the Eastern Theater.  Pushing into Maryland during the first days of September, Lee would begin an effort to recruit Marylanders who were loyal to the Confederacy – an effort that turned out to be in vain.

Meanwhile, in Washington City, McClellan began to organize the remnants of Pope’s Army of Virginia using some of them to fill the ranks of his Army of the Potomac.  A master of organization, McClellan quickly had his army back in shape.  With intelligence mounting, that Lee had pushed into Maryland, McClellan quickly began planning his movements.  On September 6, the Army of the Potomac left Washington, in several columns, to find Lee’s army.  The first action of the Maryland Campaign would occur at South Mountain on September 14, when US Major General Joseph Hooker’s I Corps would engage portions of CSA Major Generals James Longstreet and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s army wings.  The fighting at South Mountain would take place at Fox’s Gap, Crampton’s Gap and Turner’s Gap and would be intense.  Hooker was severely pressed while trying to push through the gaps.  The II Corps, including the 59th New York, would be sent to reinforce Hooker, but would arrive to find the I Corps alone at South Mountain – Lee having pulled his forces back.

On September 16, Sumner’s II Corps would be on the east side of Antietam Creek, facing the majority of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia (CSA Major General A.P. Hill’s Light Division was at Harpers Ferry) deployed around Sharpsburg, Maryland – just west of Antietam Creek.  On the morning of September 17, Hooker’s I Corps, having crossed Antietam Creek north of the Confederates, pushed south towards the left flank of Lee’s forces.  Pushing through the “Corn Field” they would be heavily engaged against Jackson’s Left Army Wing.  With the fighting going back-and-forth, across the Corn Field, the I Corps would suffer terrible casualties.  At 7:20 a.m., McClellan would order the II Corps to reinforce Hooker’s I Corps, and US Major General Joseph Mansfield’s XII Corps which had become engaged east of the Corn Field, near the North Woods.  The plan was for Sumner’s II Corps to push towards the Dunker Church, slamming into the left of Jackson’s Confederate lines.  Two of the II Corps divisions were to attack in force.  Unfortunately, US Major General William H. French’s division would veer to the left instead of staying on Sedgwick’s Second Division’s left flank.  This would leave the Second Division, including Wiley’s 59th New York, unsupported as they pushed through the Corn Field towards the West Woods.  Crossing the Hagerstown Pike, the general order was to keep the Dunker Church on their left, and rear.  Pushing straight forward, the three brigades of Sedgwick’s division would not find the enemy in their front, but with their left flank refused and facing north into Sedgwick’s left flank.  Confusion reigned throughout Sedgwick’s division and it became especially pronounced within Dana’s brigade.  His troops, including Wiley’s 59th New York, were receiving heavy enemy fire from a direction they did not expect – their left - enfilading their lines.  Additionally, the division was receiving heavy artillery fire from CSA Major General J.E.B. Stuart’s horse artillery located on a rocky rise to their right.(iii)  Sumner, maintaining his composure, rode up and down his lines, encouraging his soldiers to remain steady.  One of Dana’s soldiers wrote home describing Sumner’s actions, “We were completely flanked on the left and in two minutes more could have been prisoners of war if Gen Sumner himself had not rode in through a terrific fire of the enemy and brought us off……My men fell around me like dead flies on a frosty morning.”(iv)  The 59th New York’s baptism of fire was harsh.  The regiment did not handle themselves well.  With the field shrouded by smoke, they fired unknowingly into the backs of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry.  Not hearing the Massachusetts men yelling at them to cease firing, they would continue to fire into them until Sumner rode up and “cussed them out.”  Sedgwick’s division was able to retreat across the Hagerstown Pike and reform.  The fighting at Antietam would move south to the Bloody Lane, where the II Corps divisions of French and US Major General Israel Richardson would continue the fight.  The fighting on the Federal right would diminish as the action at the Bloody Lane intensified.  US Major General Ambrose Burnside’s IX Corps would attack on the far left, after which the Battle of Antietam sputtered to a close.  Sergeant James Wiley, along with the 59th New York, had experienced their first major fighting, on a grand scale, at Antietam.

Wiley would continue to serve with the 59th New York through upcoming battles at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville – each being terrible Federal defeats.  Once again, after the Battle of Chancellorsville, Robert E. Lee decided to invade the North.  From July 1–3, 1863, the Army of the Potomac, commanded then by US Major General George Gordon Meade, would battle Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in the small southern Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg.  US Major General Winfield S. Hancock now commanded the II Corps.  The Second Division was now commanded by US Brigadier General John Gibbon with the Third Brigade being commanded by Colonel Norman J. Hall.  The 59th New York was in Hall’s brigade and was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Max Thoman.  Brigadier General John Caldwell’s First Division would see action on the second day of Gettysburg, the other two divisions would not be involved.  On the third day of battle, the II Corps other divisions, commanded by US Brigadier General Alexander Hays, and Gibbon, would see significant action during CSA Major General George E. Pickett’s famous charge.  Positioned along Cemetery Ridge, Hays division held the II Corps right flank while Gibbon’s division held the left.  Gibbon received some support from US Colonel Edmund Dana’s I Corps’ brigade.  Pickett’s combined command, which included his 1st Corps Division and CSA Brigadier General J. Johnston Pettigrew’s Division and portions of CSA Major General Richard H. Anderson’s Division, both of the 3d Corps, totaled approximately 12,500 soldiers.  After CSA Colonel E. Porter Alexander’s 1st Corps artillery bombarded the Federal lines for over an hour, Pickett’s troops dressed ranks along Seminary Ridge and pushed towards Hancock’s II Corps.  It was approximately 3:00 p.m.  Crossing the fields between Seminary Ridge and Cemetery Ridge, the Confederates would start to receive artillery shelling.  Crossing a fence along the Emmittsburg Road, they pushed towards the Federal line, its soldiers well protected behind a stone wall.  As they closed to within small arms range, they received a terrible storm of lead as the Federal infantry opened on them.  The Confederate charge would be repulsed, with only a handful of regiments breaking through the II Corps’ line.  The 59th New York would receive a direct assault from the 48th Georgia Infantry regiment.(v)  During the hard fighting here, some of which was hand-to-hand, Wiley would capture the Georgia regiment’s battle flag.  He would receive the Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg, on December 1, 1864.  His citation reads, “Capture of flag of a Georgia regiment.”

Meade’s Army of the Potomac would repulse Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg, ending the bloodiest battle on American soil.  Lee would retreat back into Virginia, with Meade’s army slowly pursuing them, essentially “nipping at their heels.”

Wiley, and the 59th New York Infantry, would continue to serve their country.  They would be engaged in all the remaining battles in the eastern theater including Mine Run, the Overland Campaign, Petersburg Campaign and Appomattox Court House.  On June 22, 1864, during the fighting at Jerusalem Plank Road, 1st Sergeant James Wiley would be captured.  He would be sent south to the Confederate Prison at Camp Sumter – better known as Andersonville.  He would suffer, with his fellow prisoners, from malnutrition, poor drinking water and exposure to the elements.  On February 7, 1865, Wiley would die from dysentery – most likely never knowing he had been awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry at Gettysburg.  James Barton Wiley is a true American HERO.

(i) James Barton Wiley, at Ancestery.com was used to research this article.
(ii) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System was used to research this article.
(iii) Walker, Francis A., History of the Second Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac, Second Edition, published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1891, Pgs. 100–107.
(iv) Sears, Stephen W., Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietam, published by Ticknor & Fields in 1983, Pgs. 227–228.
(v) Hess, Earl J., Pickett’s Charge: The Last Attack at Gettysburg, published by the University of North Carolina Press in 2001, Pg. 91.

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.

When I recently read about a new book on US Major General Daniel E. Sickles, that Savas Beatie, LLC. was publishing, my interest immediately sparked.  Like many of my readers, I have read a significant amount about Dan Sickles, but only as it pertained to larger battle narratives.  Searching Amazon.com, for titles on Sickles, there were few to choose from.  While there have been a couple of Sickles biographies over the past couple of decades, they are few, and far between.  Since I hadn’t read any of the other biographies, I contacted Sarah Keeney, at Savas Beatie, to request an advanced copy.  While I have about a dozen books, in my queue, awaiting review, I was anxious to get my copy, and start dissecting it.  Written by James “Jim” A. Hessler, a licensed Gettysburg Battlefield guide, it is his first full length book.  Doing a quick Google search on Mr. Hessler, I found several videos of him at one of my favorite blogs – Gettysburg Daily.  After watching these videos, I quickly understood that Jim has an authoritative knowledge base on Sickles, and the Battle of Gettysburg.  Sarah also stated that Jim would be pleased to let me interview him.

Starting the book, I realized that this was not going to be a “Pro Sickles” biography, but a balanced study of his life.  A life, that had its share of controversies: the murder of Philip Barton Key, back-room maneuvering for promotion in the Army of the Potomac, his abandonment of Little Round Top at Gettysburg , his wounding, his efforts to regain command of the III Corps, and his participation in the hearings of the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War – the list goes on, and on.  In the first chapter, I came upon a quote from George Templeton Strong, that I believed set the tone for the entire book, “(Sickles belonged) to the filthy sediment of the [law] profession, and lying somewhere in the lower strata.  Perhaps better to say that he’s one of the bigger bubbles of the scum of the profession, swollen and windy, and puffed with a fetid gas.”(i)  OK, so I was hooked.

For the next several chapters, Hessler reeled me in.  He does not spend a great deal of time detailing his early life but jumps right into Sickles activities recruiting what would be the Excelsior Brigade, in chapter two, “The Making of a First Class Soldier.”  Chapters two, and three, deal with his back-room politicking to obtain a brigadier generalship, which was initially not confirmed by the US Senate, his actions in his first battle at Fair Oaks (Seven Pines), his leapfrog style promotion to division command, dissension in the high command of the Army of the Potomac and his command at the Battle of Chancellorsville – a brave, but less than stellar performance where he claimed CSA General Robert E. Lee was retreating, when in fact CSA Lieutenant General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was making his legendary flank march which would annihilate US Major General Oliver O. Howard’s right flank – which would lead to US Major General Joe Hooker’s terrible defeat.

Chapters four, through twelve, cover his promotion to command of the III Corps (after only fighting in two battles!), his command decisions at Gettysburg and finally his wounding at the Trostle Farm.  These chapters represent the “meat” of the book – his controversial decision to place his corps nearly a mile in front of the Federal line at Gettysburg, in an effort to protect his flank.  In my interview with Mr. Hessler, he offered his learned opinion that this move may have been attributable to Sickles’ concern that his flank would be rolled up, as Howard’s was at Chancellorsville.  The author provides a great amount of detail, in these chapters, about the tactical placement of troops, troop movements and the actual fighting that took place in areas of the Gettysburg battlefield that will forever be burned into our memory: The Wheatfield, The Peach Orchard and Devil’s Den.  This makes for some exciting reading that draws the reader into Sickles’ reasoning, and state-of-mind.  It is very well bolstered by first hand accounts.  As Hessler quickly pointed out, in our interview, he wanted to “get out of the way,” and let the soldiers tell what happened on that fateful day, in early July 1863.  In much of the narrative of the battle, the author provides differing battlefield accounts, that cannot be reconciled, advising the reader to make their own judgments on what actually took place.  This is especially the case with the wounding of Sickles, and the story that has since be perpetuated by historians of Sickles asking for a cigar, and being readily visible to his soldiers as he is carried to the rear.  Again, Hessler provides several firsthand accounts, that cannot easily be reconciled, allowing the reader to decide what is fact, and what may be fiction.

Chapters thirteen, and fourteen, dive into Sickles maneuvering to regain command of the III Corps, or any other position, “….appropriate to my rank and in a position where I can Communicate easily with influential people who will be in Washington this year…”(ii)  This was part of a letter written to Abraham Lincoln regarding the rumor of an opportunity for him to command the garrison protecting Washington City.  As detailed in these chapters, the command would not materialize and he would be pulled into the hearings of the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War.

The remaining four chapters cover Sickles postwar efforts to regain his reputation, his efforts to preserve battlefields – especially Gettysburg, his return to Congress and his twilight years.

“Sickles at Gettysburg” provides a fresh, unbiased evaluation of Major General Daniel E. Sickles.  With much new material, and a fluid prose, Hessler has written the definitive work on this controversial figure in American politics, and military history.  I highly recommend this book to any serious student of the American Civil War.  I am confident that you will enjoy reading it as much as I have.

On the morning of July 3, 2009, I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Hessler.  Unlike my other interviews, which have always been done by phone, this interview was recorded live, at the Trostle Farm, where Sickles had his III Corps headquarters, on July 2.  Originally, one of two sites recommend by Jim, the other being the Peach Orchard – both of which Jim states, “…ARE Sickles to me.”  I am pleased that he chose the Trostle Farm, as this is the site of his wounding.  Plus, it set the mood for a wonderful conversation on Dan Sickles.  Listeners will quickly note that horses can be heard throughout the interview, and at times wind can be heard blowing past my digital recorder.  This does not detract from the quality of the recording, but creates a certain ambiance that can be felt by the listener.  I invite you to take time to listen to all twelve parts of the interview. 

Details about “Sickles at Gettysburg”
Written by: James A. Hessler
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 29, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714642

 

 

James A. Hessler Interview – 12 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 14 minutes, 12 seconds

Part 1: 

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Time: 7:12
Contents:  Welcome | About Jim Hessler | How Jim became interested in the Civil War | Mentors that influenced Jim’s interest in the Civil War | What styles of Civil War authorship Jim likes | Why write about Daniel E. Sickles?

Part 2: 

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Time: 5:56
Contents:  “Sickles at Gettysburg” – fair and balanced | Recruiting the Excelsior Brigade and the use of “political generals” | Sickles’ troops and their loyalty to him

Part 3: 

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Time: 5:21
Contents:  Sickles’ use of political maneuvering | Sickles’ lack of battlefield experience | Leapfrog promotions for Sickles | Sickles’ ability to navigate around adversity

Part 4: 

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Time: 7:11
Contents:  Animosity in the upper command of the Army of the Potomac | Sickles at Chancellorsville | George Gordon Meade’s promotion to command of the Army of the Potomac | Conflicting orders on the approach to Gettysburg

Part 5: 

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Time: 6:17
Contents: III Corps approach to Gettysburg | Sickles and David Birney at Gettysburg | Political infighting within the Army of the Potomac | Firsthand accounts from the ranks | Researching “Sickles at Gettysburg”

Part 6: 

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Time: 5:58
Contents:  Sickles’ decision making at Gettysburg | Confusion with Meade’s commands on troop placements | Henry Hunt’s impact on the positioning of the III Corps | Hunt’s second analysis of Sickles’ position

Part 7: 

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Time: 5:53
Contents:  Birney’s decision to send troops to Plum Run Valley | Lack of troops to effectively hold the III Corps line | Reinforcements from the II and V Corps | Longstreet’s defective tactical attack | Lack of coordinated command structure throughout Sickles’ lines

Part 8: 

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Time: 6:51
Contents:  The ultimate blame is with Dan Sickles | The buck stops with Meade | Sickles’ confusion with Geary’s divisional placement | The salient at the Peach Orchard – was it the primary cause of the III Corps collapse? | Birney’s division placement causes concern for CSA Major General John Bell Hood

Part 9: 

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Time: 6:57
Contents:  Sickles’ wounding and the truth about the “Cigar” | Modern day accounts of Sickles’ wounding – let the reader decide | Sickles chumming with Abraham Lincoln

Part 10: 

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Time: 5:37
Contents:  Did Meade want to court martial Sickles for his performance at Gettysburg? | The Second Battle of Gettysburg | Cemetery Hill – who chose the line? | “The Circus” - the hearing of the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War

Part 11: 

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Time: 5:32
Contents:  Sickles’ efforts to preserve Gettysburg and other battlefields | Gettysburg – Sickles’ legacy? | The long-term legacy of Daniel E. Sickles | Hessler’s hope for his book

Part 12: 

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Time: 5:27
Contents:  Will Sickles’ reputation ever be revived? | Hessler’s future plans | Wrap up and closing

Check out other great Civil War titles from Savas Beatie, LLC.

Details about “Major General Robert E. Rodes”
Written by: Darrell L. Collins
Hardcover: 524 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: July 7, 2008
ISBN-10: 193271409X

 

 

Details about “Those Damned Black Hats”
Written by: Lance J. Herdegen
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: October 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714480

 

 

Details about “The Complete Gettysburg Guide”
Written by: J. David Petruzzi with maps by Steven Stanley
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714634

 

 

Details about “One Continuous Fight ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent
Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 2008
ISBN-10: 193271443X

 

Details about “Plenty of Blame to Go Around ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714200

 

 

Details about “The New Civil War Handbook”
Written by: Mark Hughes
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714626

 

 

Details about “The Maps of First Bull Run”
Written by: Bradley M. Gottfried
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 10, 2009
ISBN-10: 193271460X

 

 

Details about “The Maps of Gettysburg”
Written by: Bradley M. Gottfried
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC.
Date of First Edition: June 19, 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714308

 

 

All these Savas Beatie, LLC. titles can be purchased directly from the publisher, by clicking here. 

(i) Hessler, James A., Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg, published by Savas Beatie, LLC. in 2009, Pg 7.
(ii) Hessler, James A., Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg, published by Savas Beatie, LLC. in 2009, Pg 259.

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

1801

U.S. Brigadier General George S. Greene(i) is born in Apponaug, New Jersey.  His parents were Caleb Greene and Sarah Robinson Wicks.  He had eight other siblings.  U.S. General Nathanael Greene, who served in the Revolutionary War, was a second cousin.  George attended Wrentham Academy and Brown University.  Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties he would not be able complete his education at Brown.  He moved to New York City, where he was employed in a dry goods store.  He became acquainted with Major Sylvanus Thayer, superintendent of West Point, while in New York City, who recommended his appointment to West Point.  He would graduate in 1823, second in a class of 35.  Many notable Civil War officers were in his class: Lorenzo Thomas, David Hunter, Albert Sidney Johnston and Joseph K.F. Mansfield.

After graduation, Greene would be commissioned second lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Artillery.  He would accept a position as assistant professor of mathematics, and engineering, at West Point – a position he held until 1827.  He would teach many notables including future CSA general, Robert E. Lee.  In 1836 he retired his commission, in the U.S. Army, to become a civil engineer.  Greene would be involved in building railroads, water systems and bridges.  He would be one of the founders of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Greene’s patriotism led him to offer his services to the Federal government.  On January 18, 1862 he was appointed colonel of the 60th New York Infantry Regiment.(ii)  At 60 years of age, many people believed he was too old to lead a regiment in active service.  In April 1862, Greene was promoted brigadier general, serving on the staff of US Major General Nathanial Banks, during “Stonewall” Jackson’s 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign.  In August 1862, he commanded the Third Brigade, Second Division (US Brigadier General Christopher Augur) of the II Corps (Banks) of the Army of Virginia.  At the Battle of Cedar Mountain, he fought his troops aggressively, holding a far larger Confederate force until the surrounding brigades started to pull back.

On September 17, 1862, at the Battle of Antietam, Greene would be elevated to division command, in US Major General Joseph K.F. Mansfield’s XII Corps.  He would again lead his troops bravely advancing towards CS Major General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s 2nd Corps, near the Dunker Church.  Commanding less than 2,000 troops, he would advance farther than any other troops, in this sector, until he was forced to pull back, suffering tremendous casualties.  After Antietam, Greene took a three weeks sick leave.  Upon his return, he would be in command of his Third Brigade.  Assigned to US Brigadier General John W. Geary’s Second Division, he would see no action at Fredericksburg.  At the Battle of Chancellorsville, Greene’s brigade would be positioned in the center of the main Federal line, when US Major General Oliver O. Howard’s XI Corps was routed, on the right flank.  Greene would supervise construction of fortifications, and abatis, that would allow his troops to withstand several Confederate assaults.  Geary would be wounded, during the action, and Greene would once again take temporary command of the division.

Performing his most valuable service, on July 2, 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg, Greene would supervise construction of field fortifications on Culp’s Hill – the right flank of US Major General George Meade’s Army of the Potomac.  With the majority of US Major General Henry Slocum’s XII Corps pulled from Culp’s Hill, to reinforce the left flank, Greene’s brigade would be left to defend nearly a mile of line, on Culp’s Hill.  That evening, CS Major General Edward Johnson’s Division, of CS Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell’s 2nd Corps, attacked Greene’s position.  His fortifications proved effective.  His single brigade was able to withstand several assaults, until darkness ended the day’s fighting.  The battle resumed the next morning, with the rest of the XII Corps now at Culp’s Hill.  For nearly seven hours the battle raged with the Federal corps holding Culp’s Hill.  The fortifications that Greene had constructed were essential to holding Culp’s Hill.

In the fall of 1863, Slocum’s XII Corps was sent west.  Arriving at Chattanooga, to reinforce US Major General Ulysses S. Grant’s Military Division of Mississippi, the XII Corps would be instrumental in the Union victory.  At the Battle of Wauhatchie, October 28–29, Geary’s division would be surprised with a night attack, by CS Lieutenant General James Longstreet’s Corps.  In the ensuing battle, Greene would suffer a serious injury, to his jaw.  After several surgeries, and court martial duty, Greene would join US Major General William T. Sherman’s army, during the Carolinas Campaign.  He would be in command of the Third Brigade, of US Brigadier General Absalom Baird’s Division, of US Brigadier General Jefferson Davis’ XIV Corps.  He would continue in this position until CS General Joseph Johnston’s surrender.

After the Civil War, General Greene would serve on court martial duty.  He returned to civil engineering and would serve as president of the American Society of Civil Engineers.  On January 28, 1899, at 98 years of age, Greene would die at Morristown, New Jersey.  He is buried in Warwick, Rhode Island, where a two ton stone, from Culp’s Hill, adorns his grave.  George S. Greene is a true American HERO.

1861

Arkansas secedes from the United States, becoming the ninth state to do so.(iii)

1862

Federal forces, of US Major General George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac occupy Williamsburg, Virginia, after a heated battle.  Also known as the Battle of Fort Magruder, it was part of McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign, designed to capture Richmond.(iv)

(i) George S. Greene, at Wikipedia, was used to research this article.
(ii) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailor System was used to research this article.
(iii) Confederate States of America, at Wikipedia, was used to research this article.
(iv) This Day In History, at History.com, was used to research this article.