This Mighty Scourge

Happy 2010!  We have much to look forward to in the coming year.  But let us take a quick look at what happened in 2009.  According to Time magazine, the Top 10 ten news stories of 2009 were:

10. The end of Sri Lanka’s Civil War

9. H1N1 – The Swine Flu

8. Mexico’s Bloody Drug War

7. Pakistan: On the Verge of Breakdown

6. The Death of Michael Jackson

5. Massacre at Fort Hood

4. The Divisive Debate Over Healthcare Reform

3. Iran’s Tumultuous Election and Its Aftermath

2. Afghanistan: Can the U.S. Avoid a Quagmire?

1. America’s Economic Crisis

While most news stories, that would make an annual Top 10 list, are going to involve bloodshed, or death, two of last year’s top stories, at Time magazine, did not: “The Divisive Debate Over Healthcare Reform” and “America’s Economic Crisis.”  Obviously these stories will continue to make news headlines over the coming year.

After reading Time Magazine’s Top 10 list of news stories for 2009, I decided to assemble my own list.  The Top 10 most popular articles on This Mighty Scourge for 2009.  While totally unscientific, it certainly points out which articles my readers liked the most.  As I have done in previous lists, I have left out the articles on the Wilderness Wal-Mart, and other “calls to action,” as they always tend to enjoy a huge spike with little follow-up readership after a couple of days.  My top 10 list for 2009 are articles that have enjoyed consistent readership over long periods during the year.  If you haven’t read all of these articles, they are each hyperlinked so you can do so today.

2009 Top 10 List of Articles on This Mighty Scourge

10. Interview with James A. Hessler, author of “Sickles at Gettysburg” (Click HERE to Read)

9. The Battle of the Crater (Click HERE to Read)

8. Interview with Sally Jenkins & John Stauffer co-authors of “The State of Jones.” (Click HERE to Read) This article has been quite controversial and has been picked up by many news outlets due to the ongoing bickering between Stauffer & Jenkins and Vikki Bynum.

7. Gettysburg National Military Park – A Study in Contrasts (Click HERE to Read)

6. Interview with J. David Petruzzi, author of “The Complete Gettysburg Guide” (Click HERE to Read)

5. Antietam – One Bloody Day in September 1862 (Click HERE to Read)

4. Andersonville Prison – A Photo Essay and History (Click HERE to Read)

3. The Fighting 69^th New York Infantry and the Irish Brigade (Click HERE to Read)

2. Interview with Earl J. Hess, author of “In the Trenches at Petersburg” (Click HERE to Read)

1. Interview with Jim Lighthizer, President of the Civil War Preservation Trust (Click HERE to Read)

It should be noted that a few articles had very impressive finishes, reaching the top 10 list over the past couple of weeks.  Obviously articles that were published earlier in the year, had more time to gain readership.  For those of you interested in the articles that round out the top 20, on This Mighty Scourge, continue reading.  It’s interesting to note, that my mid-December article, on the Battle of Fredericksburg, came in at 14.  A very respectable position for only being available for two weeks.

Filling Out the Top 20 at This Mighty Scourge

11. The Battle of Chancellorsville – Joe Hooker’s Legacy (Click HERE to Read)

12. William T. Sherman – US Major General (Click HERE to Read)

13. Second Manassas – Again the Fields Turned Red (Click HERE to Read)

14. Battle of Fredericksburg – Ambrose Burnside’s First Foray (Click HERE to Read)

15. Robert E. Lee, General – CSA (Click HERE to Read)

16. Battle of the Wilderness – Grant Takes it to Lee (Click HERE to Read)

17. Robert E. Lee Surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia (Click HERE to Read)

18. Wilson’s Creek – the Civil War Breaks Out in the West (Click HERE to Read)

19. Interview with Scott L. Mingus, Sr. – Author of “Flames Beyond Gettysburg” (Click HERE to Read)

20. Albert Sidney Johnston – CSA General (Click HERE to Read)

Thank you for making 2009 a successful year at This Mighty Scourge!

Mike Noirot

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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)

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.

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.

I recently finished reading “Flames Beyond Gettysburg: The Gordon Expedition, June 1863.”  Written by Scott L. Mingus, Sr., the book is a narrative of an often forgotten portion of the Gettysburg Campaign – CSA Brigadier General John B. Gordon’s expedition to the Susquehanna River.  Part of CSA Major General Jubal Early’s campaign against Harrisburg, Gordon’s expedition, if successful, would have significantly altered the forthcoming Battle of Gettysburg.

After the Battle of Chancellorsville, CSA General Robert E. Lee decided to strike north of the Mason-Dixon Line.  Using the Shenandoah Valley to screen his Army of Northern Virginia’s movements, Lee pushed north across the Potomac River, through Maryland, and into south central Pennsylvania.  Arriving in Pennsylvania, Lee would send Early’s Division, of CSA Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell’s 2nd Corps, on a raid towards Harrisburg.  It was believed that Harrisburg would fall easily, leaving Lee with other potential targets, including Philadelphia and Baltimore.

The Federal civilian authorities in Washington City, having determined Lee was moving north, alerted Pennsylvania Governor Andrew G. Curtin who called in his state militia.  US Major General Darius Couch, commanding all activities in Pennsylvania, went to work organizing the troops available to him – mostly invalids, college students and green militia.

Quickly planning his movements on Harrisburg, Early determined to push his division, less John B. Gordon’s command, on a direct route towards Harrisburg.  Gordon’s command, including his brigade, Captain William Tanner’s four gun artillery battery and Lieutenant Colonel Elijah V. White’s Cavalry (35th Virginia Battalion and 17th Virginia Cavalry) was to push through Gettysburg, York County and across the Susquehanna River, at the Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge.  From there he would press on to Harrisburg, from the south, joining forces with Early.  The first shots of the expedition, would be fired near Gettysburg.  The expedition would end at Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, on June 28.  Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, with the ultimate result being the Battle of Gettysburg.

Scott Mingus’s narrative describes the expedition in splendid detail, using many firsthand accounts, from soldiers, and civilians.  Much of the source material that Mr. Mingus uses has been untapped and makes the book an exciting, quick read.  I would encourage all Civil War buffs to add this book to their library – especially those with a interest in Gettysburg.

On the evening of June 28, 2009, the 146th anniversary of the skirmish at Wrightsville, I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Mingus.  He provides a great detail of information on his new book and the John B. Gordon Expedition.  You can listen to the interview by clicking on the links below.

Details about “Flames Beyond Gettysburg”
Written By: Scott L. Mingus, Sr.
Paperback: 624 pages
Publisher: Ironclad Publishing
Date of First Edition: March 2009
ISBN-10: 0967377080

 

 

Scott L. Mingus Interview – 8 Parts
Total Time: 55 minutes, 0 seconds

Part 1: 

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Time: 6:59
Contents:  Introduction | How Scott became interested in history and the Civil War | Mentors and historians that influenced Scott | Overview of “Flames Beyond Gettysburg” | Why the John B. Gordon Expedition? | Early’s tactical plan | Federal and Pennsylvania State Militia preparations | Federal delaying actions

Part 2: 

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Time: 8:06
Contents:  Importance of Gettysburg | US Major General Darius Couch – did he receive proper credit? | Use of “green” troops at Gettysburg | Death of George Washington Sandoe | Use of firsthand accounts from civilians | Researching first hand civilian accounts

Part 3: 

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Time: 7:46
Contents:  Discussion on Scott’s writing style | Negotiated settlement to surrender York | Early acquires a cloth map of Adams County | United States Flag at York

Part 4: 

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Time: 6:32
Contents:  Raid on Hanover Junction | Federal troops spread out over a wide area of York County | Spies in York County

Part 5: 

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Time: 7:58
Contents:  John B. Gordon’s actions in York County | Gordon’s push towards Wrightsville | Federal preparations and fortifications at Wrightsville | Plans for protecting Columbia by destroying span on Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge

Part 6: 

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Time: 6:07
Contents:  Confederate attack on the Federal flanks at Wrightsville | How did the Federals perform at Wrightsville? | How were the Federals outfitted? | Gordon’s attack plan – hit the unexperienced militia

Part 7: 

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Time: 5:55
Contents:  Wrightsville forfeited – destroying the Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge | Confederates soldiers turned firefighters in Wrightsville

Part 8: 

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Time: 5:37
Contents:  “Flames Beyond Gettysburg” – the Epilogue | Mr. Mingus’s future book on the Louisiana Tigers | Wrap up

On February 14, 2009, we celebrate the 185^th birthday of Winfield Scott Hancock¹.  Hancock, a major general, would contribute significantly to Union successes in the Eastern Theater of the war.

Winfield, and his identical twin brother, Hilary Baker, were born on February 14, 1824, to Benjamin Franklin Hancock, and Elizabeth Hoxworth Hancock.  Natives of Pennsylvania, they were born in Montgomery Square, Pennsylvania – a small hamlet northwest of Philadelphia.  Young Winfield was named for famed U.S. General Winfield Scott.  After teaching school, Benjamin would move his family to Norristown, where he would practice law.  Winfield would attend Norristown Academy, later transferring to a public school.  In 1840 Hancock would be nominated to attend West Point, where he would graduate in 1844 – 18^th in his class of 44.  After graduation, Hancock would be appointed brevet second lieutenant in the 6^th U.S. Infantry.

With the outbreak, of the Mexican War, Hancock was involved in recruiting, in Kentucky.  He was so successful that it nearly prevented him from joining his regiment.  He would finally make it to the front, rejoining his regiment at Puebla, Mexico.  Performing gallantly at Contreras, and Churubusco, Hancock would receive brevet promotion to first lieutenant.  He would lead his regiment at Molino del Rey, but due to a fever, he would not take part in the final breakthrough, at Mexico City.  The 6^th U.S. Infantry would stay in Mexico until the final peace treaty was signed, in 1848.

After the Mexican War, Hancock would be assigned to Fort Snelling, in Minnesota and later in St. Louis.  He would meet Almira Russell, in St. Louis, and they would be married on January 24, 1850.  They would have two children, Russell in 1850 and Ada in 1857.  In 1855, Hancock would be promoted captain, and would be assigned to Fort Myers, Florida, where his primary responsibilities would be as quartermaster.  With the end of the Seminole War, he would be assigned to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to help quell the violence that would earn Kansas the moniker, “Bleeding Kansas.”  Later, he would be sent to Utah, during the Mormon uprising.  He would finally be stationed in California, where he would be assistant quartermaster for future Confederate general, Albert Sidney Johnston.  It was in California, that Hancock would become close friends, with future adversary, Lewis A. Armistead.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Hancock would return east, becoming quartermaster of the rapidly growing U.S. Army.  He would be promoted brigadier general, on September 23, 1861 and would be given brigade command in US Brigadier General William F. Smith’s division.  He would lead his brigade, during the Peninsula Campaign and would lead an important counterattack at the battle of Williamsburg.  His leadership here, would lead the Army of the Potomac’s commanding general, George B. McClellan to mention his action as superb.  The nickname stuck, and he would be known as “the superb” from thence forward.

In September, 1862, Hancock would be given division command, in the II Corps, following the mortal wounding of US Major General Israel B. Richardson, near the “Bloody Lane.”  After Antietam, Hancock would be promoted major general on November 29, 1862.  He would continue to lead his division, and at Fredericksburg he would lead a failed assault on Marye’s Heights, where he would be wounded in the abdomen.  In May 1863, Hancock’s division would be instrumental in covering the withdrawal, of Federal forces, from Chancellorsville – another terrible Union defeat.  He would again be wounded, during action, but would receive a promotion, to command of the II Corps, when US Major General Darius Couch asked to be transferred, from the Army of the Potomac, due to complaints against US Major General Joseph Hooker, commanding general.  Hancock would continue to command the II Corps until very late in the war.

Hancock, would provide his most important service, in early July 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg.  With the death of US Major General John Reynolds, early on the first day, new army commander, US Major General George G. Meade, would send him to Gettysburg, to take overall command of the I, II, III and the XI Corps.  Meade would not arrive until late on the first day, by which time Hancock had organized a strong line, from Culp’s Hill, on the north, down Cemetery Ridge, nearly to Little Round Top on the south.  On July 2, the second day of fighting, Hancock’s II Corps would be positioned near the center, of the Federal line.  With CS General Robert E. Lee attacking both Yankee flanks, simultaneously, Meade would be in a rough position – exacerbated by the fact that US Major General Daniel Sickles would have his entire III Corps out of position, creating an salient nearly one mile square.  Seeing the trouble, on his left, Hancock would send his First Division, commanded by US Brigadier General John Caldwell, to aide Sickles.  The second brigade, of Caldwell’s division, was the famed Irish Brigade.  Prior to marching to the relief of Sickles, Father William Corby, the chaplain of the Irish Brigade, would give the soldiers general absolution for their sins.  An officer in attendance would describe the surreal scene, “The brigade stood in a column of regiments, closed in mass.  Father Corby addressing the men said that each one would receive the benefit of absolution by making a sincere Act of Contrition and firmly resolving to embrace the first opportunity of confessing his sins, and reminded them of the high and sacred nature of their trust as soldiers…..Then, stretching his right hand toward the brigade, Father Corby pronounced the words of absolution….The service was more than impressive, it was awe-inspiring.”²

Caldwell’s division, would provide the necessary mass to thwart the Confederate assault, that gained momentum, as it pushed through the Peach Orchard, the Wheat Field and into the “Valley of Death.”  With a strong stand, at Little Round Top, the Confederates were forced back to Seminary Ridge.

On July 3, the third, and last day of battle, Hancock’s II Corps would receive one of the most famed of all charges.  CS General R.E. Lee, not succeeding in flank attacks, believed that the Federals had weakened their center, to strengthen their flanks.  After a quiet morning, CS Lieutenant General James Longstreet would have his artillery chief, CS Colonel Edward Porter Alexander signal the start of what would be forever known, as Pickett’s Charge.  With nearly three Confederate divisions, CS Major General George E. Pickett, would cross nearly a mile of open ground, under intense fire, from the artillery massed on Cemetery Ridge.  Pickett’s charge would be directly into Hancock’s II Corps.  Hancock would be wounded, in the groin, in the action, and his friend, CS Brigadier General Lewis Armistead would be mortally wounded, within a few yards of his friend.  Unfortunately, the two would not be reunited before Armistead’s death.  The Confederate assault, would be unsuccessful, as the II Corps would stymie the attack – with only a few Confederate soldiers breaking through their line.  The U.S. Congress would vote a letter of thanks, to Hancock, “…for his gallant, meritorious and conspicuous share in that great and decisive victory.”

Hancock would return home, to Norristown, to recover from his Gettysburg wound – a wound that would bother him, for the remainder of the war.  While he was recovering, he would be involved in recruiting soldiers, until his return, in the spring of 1864, to his II Corps.  While still reporting to Meade, a new commander now commanded all the U.S. armies – Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant.  The war had entered a new phase – “hard war,” and some of the hardest fighting would be in the eastern theater.  Hancock would lead his corps at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor.  His leadership, at Spotsylvania Court House, would help destroy the Confederate salient, called the “mule shoe,” and would decimate Stonewall Jackson’s 2^nd Corps, commanded by CS Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell.  At Cold Harbor, the II Corps would suffer significant losses during futile charges against a well entrenched Confederate army.

After Cold Harbor, U.S. Grant would push his army, south of the James River, in an attempt to cut Lee’s supply line.  The II Corps would join US Major General William F. Smith, near Petersburg, but would fail to take advantage of CS General P.G.T. Beauregard’s small garrison, with Hancock deferring to Smith’s judgment.  This was an unfortunate turn, as Hancock had a chance to firmly entrench, behind Lee’s supply lines, effectively cutting him off from the fertile south, and possibly ending the war.  During the coming months, when the Federals laid siege to Petersburg, and Richmond, Grant would continue to expand his lines, while Lee was forced to constrict his.  On August 25, 1864, Hancock, and his II Corps, would be tearing up track, south of Petersburg, when they would be overrun by CS Major General Henry Heth’s division.  Known as Ream’s Station, this would be the only defeat that Hancock would suffer, during the Civil War.

Due to the lingering effects, of his Gettysburg wound, Hancock would transfer from command of the II Corps, to recruiting duty.  Eventually, he would command the First Veterans Corps, a largely ceremonial post and would relieve US Major General Phil Sheridan, in the now quiet Shenandoah Valley.  He would also oversee the executions of the Lincoln assassination conspirators.

In 1866, U.S. Grant, would have Hancock promoted major general in the regular army.  He would be sent west, to command the Military Department of Missouri, based at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.  His time in the west, was brief, as President Andrew Johnson would have him replace Phil Sheridan, as military governor of Louisiana.  It was in this position, that he would issue General Order Number 40, that would essentially allow the civilian government to quickly replace the military government.  This would be well received by the conservative Democrats, but would be excoriated by the Republicans.  He would be considered a possible Democratic Presidential candidate, in 1868, but would not win the nomination.

With Grant winning the presidency, Hancock would be transferred to the Department of Dakota, essentially a muddy outpost.  With the death of Meade, in 1872, Hancock would become the senior major general in the U.S. Army.  He would be transferred, by Grant, to the Department of the Atlantic, headquartered at Governor’s Island, New York City.

Hancock would become the Democratic nominee, for President, in 1880.  He would be unsuccessful and would be defeated by James A. Garfield, another veteran of the Civil War.

After his defeat, Hancock would return to command the Department of the Atlantic.  He would not seek public office again.  He would become president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), in 1881.  His last major public appearance, would be at the funeral of U.S. Grant, where he presided over the ceremonies.  Hancock died, on February 9, 1886 of complications from diabetes.  He was at his post, on Governor’s Island, when he died.  He would be buried in Norristown, Pennsylvania. 

Winfield S. Hancock was a very able military commander.  He successfully commanded the II Corps, Army of the Potomac, during some of the most critical battles of the Civil War.  He cared about his men, and would most often be seen, leading from the front, such as when he was wounded, at Gettysburg.  Hancock is a true hero, and definitely a PATRIOT.

¹ Winfield Scott Hancock at Wikipedia, and BattlefieldPortraits.com were used to research this article.
² Noah Andre Trudeau, “Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage”, p. 303.