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PENNSYLVANIA AT GETTYSBURG
CEREMONIES
Dedication of the Monuments
ERECTED BY THE
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
TO MARK THE POSITIONS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA COMMANDS ENGAGED IN THE BATTLE
There is a heritage of heroic example and noble obligation, not reckoned in the wealth of nations, but essential to a nation's life."
VOLUME I
\^
1893
r
VV YORK
LflSliAJiY
I 94?6454
JiONS
Entered according to the Act of Congress
by the Editor aud Compiler Bvt. Lt. Col. John P. Nicholson
Secretary Board of Commissioners
HARRISBURG, PENNA. K. MEYERS, STATE PRINTER.
addrp:ss delivered at the dedication of the cemetery at gettysburg
N()VK^rI!KR 19, 186^
FOUR score and seven years ago our fathers broug-ht forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedi- cated 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 should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not conse- crate— we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, 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 Avhich they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedi- cated to the great task remaining before us, — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that 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 peoj)le, by the people, for the people, shall not i^erish from the earth.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Under the Act approved June 15, 1887
For the erection of Monuments to mark the positions of the Pennsylvania Commands engaged in the Battle of Gettysburg
Brevet Brig.-General John P. Taylor President Brevet Brig.-General J. P. S. Gobin
Brevet Lieut.-Colonel John P. Nicholson Secretary Brevet Colonel R. Bruce Ricketts
Brevet Brig.-General Wm. Ross Hartshorne May, 1891 Major Samuel Harper Secretary (Died May 16, 1889)
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T
P R E F A C E
HE General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Penn- sylvania at the session of 1887, passed the follow- ing:
1. " He it enacted, ttc, That the sum of one hundred and twenty- one thousand five hundred dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby specifically appropriated out of any funds of the state treasury for the purpose of perpetuating the par- ticipation in, and marking, by suitable memorial tablets of bronze or granite, the position of each of the commands of Pennsylvania volunteers engaged in the battle of Gettysburg. ****** ******
3. " That immediately after the passage of this act the Governor shall appoint five Commissioners, whose duty it shall be to select and decide upon the design and material for monuments of granite or bronze to mark the position of each Pennsylvania command upon the battle-field of Gettysburg, and the said Commissioners shall serve without compensation, and they shall co-oj^erate wdth five persons repi'esenting the survivors of the several regimental organizations or commands of this state engaged in the said battle, in the location of the said monuments and the selection thereof, and when such monuments shall be completed and properly erected the Auditor-General shall, \\\)on proper voucher to be presented by the said Commissioners, draw his warrant upon the State Treasurer for the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, which sum is hereby appro- priated for the paynient of the monument of each Pennsylvania command or organization participating in said battle ; and should the survivors of any of the said commands fail, for a j^eriod of twelve months after the passage of this act, to agree upon the lo- cation or to co-operate with the said Commissioners as provided herein, then the said Commissioners shall have a suitable monu- ment erected, of the material aforesaid, to mark the position of such Pennsylvania command on the said battle-field, and a Avarrant for the cost thereof shall be drawn 1)V the Auditor-General in the manner hereinbefore ])rovided."
On the 15tli day of June, 1887. the CTOvernor of the Com-
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vi Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
monwealth, Hon. James A. Beaver, approved the act, and on the 27th of June, 1887, issued commissions to Brevet Briga- dier-General Jolm P. Taylor, Brevet Brigadier- General J. P. S. Gobin, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel John P. Xicholson, Bre- vet Colonel R. Bruce Ricketts and Major Samuel Harper as tlie Commissioners.
Tlie Board was organized by the selection of Brevet Brig- adier-General Jolm P. Taylor, president, and Major Samuel Harper, secretary.
Monuments were dedicated under the appropriation dur- ing 1887-1888.
At a meeting of the Board, in November, 1888, Lieutenant- Colonel i^icholson submitted a resolution providing for a committee to confer with Governor Beaver, having in view the setting apart a day, for the dedication of the monuments, in 1889, under the auspices of the state and with appropriate ceremonies, to be styled "Pennsylvania Day." The Gover- nor entered heartily into the suggestion and, at a conference with the Commissioners, May 11-12, 1889, was agreed upon.
The Legislature at the session of 1889, in furtherance of the celebration, generously and patriotically passed the fol- lowing :
Whp:reas, That the act of the Legislature of one thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven, provided for the erection of suitable monuments on the battle-lield of Gettysburg, to mark the positions held by Pennsylvania organizations in said battle, which monu- ments are to be dedicated at such time during the present year as may be designated by the Governor of tliis Commonwealth, at which dedication the i:)resence of all Pennsylvania soldiers who participated in the battle of Gettysburg is greatly desired ;
And 'Whereas, The people of this commonwealth have always venerated the patriotic and heroic deeds of her soldiers and now desire not only to commemorate the sacrifices of the fallen heroes of the Republic, but also to honor the surviving veterans and make their remaining daj^s comfortable and happy ; therefore.
Section 1. lie it enacted, t&c. That at the time of the dedica- tion of the monuments of the Pennsylvania organizations on the battle-field of Gettysburg, there shall be provided and furnished, at the expense of the commonwealth, transportation to all the sur- viving honorably discharged soldiers now residing in Pennsylvania whose names were borne upon the rolls of such organizations pre.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. vii
viously to, and at the date, of tlie battle of Gettysburg, on July- first, second and third, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, such transportation to cover distance from t he stations at which such soldiers live or from the railroad stations nearest to their places of residence, by the shortest or most convenient route, to Gettysburg and return, and shall be so arranged as to terms of passage that the said veterans shall have the privilege of remaining at Gettysburg not less than one week and shall have the privilege of stopping off at any station en route.
Sbctiojt 4. That the sum of tifty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereb}'- appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to defray the expense of transportation provided for in this act and expenses of the Gettysburg Battle-tield Commission incurred in making ar- rangements for dedication of said monuments ; the money to be paid on requisition of the Adjutant-General and warrant of Auditor- General, drawn in the usual manner, providing that duly verified vouchers, showing the detailed disbursements under this act, shall be made and filed in the Auditor-General's office.
The act was approved by the Governor May 8th, 1889.
The Commissioners at once proceeded with the details of the programme, but the serious ill it ess of the secretary of the Commission and the impracticability of the distribution of the transportion by the Adjutant-General in the short period of time elapsing between the passage of the law and the date of the ceremonies agreed upon, induced the Commissioners in conference with the Governor, to postpone the dedication to September 11-12, 1889.
Major Harper died May 16th, 1889, and Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholson was elected secretary.
The details of the ceremonies were at once arranged and the programme for September was announced.
The orders for transportation under the law were distrib- uted by Brigadier-General D. H. Hastings, Adjutant-Gen- eral. The Board desires to express its hearty thanks for the faithful performance of this duty, which, to a great extent, made the occasion a success.
On the 5th of June, 1890, a conference with the repre- sentatives of the Pennsylvania Reserves was held at Har- risburg, having in view a "Pennsylvania Reserve Day" at Gettysburg, uj^on the occasion of the dedication of the monu-
viii Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
ments of the Reserve regiments. At this meeting, Tues- day, September 2d, 1890, was agreed uj^on and a committee appointed to act in conjunction with the Commissioners. On the day designated a large representation of this gallant corps assembled at Gettysburg and participated in the cere- monies in the National Cemetery. The success of the re- union was largely due to the active co-operation of Colonel John H. Taggart, Eleventh Reserves, Captain John Taylor, Second Reserves, the Honorable President of the Pennsylva- nia Reserve Association, Ex-Governor Andrew G. Curtin, and the Secretary of the Association, Sergt. James McCormick. Governor James A. Beaver, in his annual message, January 6tli, 1891, to the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, said :
The dedication of those memorials upon Pennsylvania Day and Pennsylvania Reserve Day has resulted in a large amount of regi- mental history, covering principally the part taken hy the several organizations in the battle of Gettysburg. This mass of material should be systematized, edited and carefully preserved. If pub- lished in a single volume, with lithograph cuts of the several monu- ments erected by Pennsylvania to her military organizations Avhich participated in the battle of Gettysburg, it would of itself constitute the most striking monument illusti'ative of and perpetuating the memory of the part taken by the representatives of our common- wealth upon her own soil in the greatest struggle of the War of Secession. I recommend a liberal appropriation for this purpose, to be expended under the direction of the Commission heretofore organized for the erection of monuments, the members of which, in their study of the subject, have qualified themselves for the in- telligent and efficient discharge of such a duty.
Upon January 26th, 1891, Hon. J. P. S. Gobin, Senator from Lebanon, introduced the following in the State Senate : Ax ACT to provide for the publishing of the report of the proceed- ings of the dedication of the Pennsylvania monuments upon the battle-field of Gettysburg, providing for the distribution thereof and making an appropriation for the same.
Section 1. Be it enacted hy tJie Senate and House of Represen- tatives of the Commonioealth of Pennsylvania in General Assem- bly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That there shall be published under the direction of the Gettysburg Battle-field Commission heretofore organized for the erection of monuments, nineteen thousand copies of its report of the proceed- ings of the dedication ceremonies of the Pennsylvania monuments
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. ix
upon the battle-field of Gettysburg. To be published in one vol- ume not to exceed one thousand pages, to be bound in half morocco, and to contain lithographs or other cuts of the several monuments, and such regimental history as may be necessary to properly per- petuate the memory of the part taken by the several Pennsylvania organizations.
Sectiox 2. The distribution of the aforesaid edition shall be as follows : Five hundred copies for the use of the Governor, one huiidred and fifty copies for the use of the Lieutenant-Governor, one hundred and fifty copies for the use of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, three hundred copies for the use of the State Li- brarian, fifty copies each for use of Attorne^'-General, Auditor- General, State Treasurer, Secretary of Internal Affairs, SujDerinten- dent of Public Instruction, Adjutant-General, Commissioner of In- surance, and Superintendent of Public Printing and Binding ; one thousand copies for the use of the School Department for distribu- tion to school superintendents, normal schools and school libraries in the commonwealth, six hundred copies for use of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the State of Pennsylvania, six hundred and fifty copies for use of the Grand Array of the Rejiublic for distribution among the Posts of the Department of Pennsylvania, fifty copies for the use of the encampments of the L'niou Veteran Legion of the State of Pennsylvania, two hundred copies for the use of the members of the Battle-field Monumental Commission, five thousand copies for the use of the Senate, and ten thousand copies for use of the House to be delivered to the members of the present Legislature.
Governor Robert E. Pattison appreciatively approved tlie bill for publication, Maj^ 7tli, 1891.
In this abstract of the Commission" s work they express their thanks to Brevet Major-General David McM. Gregg, chief marshal, and his chief -of-staff, Brevet Lieutenant-Col- onel Sylvester Bonnaft'on, Jr., for the imj^ortant part they took in making "Pennsylvania Day'' memorable.
To Brevet Brigadier- General James A. Beaver, as Governor of the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania owes a debt of grati- tude, for to him it is due in a great measure that the battle- field of Gettysburg is marked with memorials and the ser- vice of her sons recited in this volume.
John P. Nicholsox,
Brevet Lieut.-Colonel U. S. V.,
Secretary.
PENNSYLVANIA COMMANDS ENGAGED IN THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG OR PRESENT ON THE FIELD.
Eleventh Regiment Infantry. Twenty-third Regiment Iniantry. Twenty-sixth Regiment Infantry. Twenty-seventh Regiment Infantry. Twenty-eiglitli Regiment Infantry. Twenty-ninth Regiment Infantry. Thirtieth Regiment Infantry (First Reserve). Tiiirty-first Regiment Infantry (Second Reserve). Tliirty-fourth Regiment Infantry (Fifth Reserve). Thirty-fifth Regiment Infantry (Sixth Reserve). Thirty-eighth Regiment Infantry (Ninth Reserve). Tliirty-ninth Regiment Infantry (Tenth Reserve). Fortieth Regiment Infantry (Eleventh Reserve). Fortj'-first Regiment Infantry (Twelfth Reserve). Forty-second Regiment Infantry (Thirteenth Reserve, First Rifles.) Forty-sixtii Regiment Iniantry. Forty-ninth Regiment Infantry. Fifty-third Regiment Infantry. Fifty-sixth Regiment Infantry. Fifty-seventli Regiment Infantry. Sixty-first Regiment Infantry. Sixty -second Regiment Infantry. Sixty-third Regiment Infantry. Sixty-eighth Regiment Infantry. Sixty-ninth Regiment Infantry. Seventy-first Regiment Infantry. Seventy-second Regiment Infantry. Seventy-third Regiment Infantry. Seventy-fourth Regitnent Infantry. Seventy-fifth Regiment Infantry. Eighty-tirst Regiment Infantry. Eiglily-second Regiment Infantry. EigJity-tliird Regiment Infantry. Eiglity-fourtli Regiment Infantry. Eighty-eiglith Regiment Infantry. Ninetietli Regiment Inlantrj'. Ninety-first Regiment Infantry. Ninety-third Regiment Infantry. Kinety-fil'tli Regiment Infantry. Ninety-sixlh Regiment Infantry. Nmety-eiglitli Regiment Infantry. Ninety-ninth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Second Regiment Infantry One Hundred and Fifili Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Sixth Regiment Infantry.
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Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
One Hundred and Seventh Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Ninth Keginient Infantry. One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Eighteentli Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Nineteenth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Thirty-nintli Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment Infantry. One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment Infantry. Twenty-Sixth Emergency Regiment Infantrx-. First Regiment Cavalry. Second Regiment Cavalry. Third Regiment Cavalry. Fourth Regiment Cavalry. Sixth Regiment Cavalry. Eighth Regiment Cavalry. Sixteenth Regiment Cavalry. Seventeenth Regiment Cavalry. Eighteenth Regiment Cavalry. •
Twenty-First Regiment Cavalry. Battery B, First Artillery. Battery F, First Artillery. Battery G, First Artillery. Battery C, Independent Artillery. Battery E, Independent Artillery. Battery F, Independent Artillery. Battery H, Third Heavy Artillery.
GETTYSBURG
PENNSYLVANIA DAY
September 11-12 1889.
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PENNSYLVANIA DAY Gettysburg, September 11-12, 1889
Wednesday, September iith
Dedication of the Monuments
of the Pennsylvania Commands enKajred in tho Battle
Uy tho Survivors' Associations
Ceremonies in National Cemetery Thursday, September i2TH, i 30 p. m.
PllESIDINQ
Brevet Lieut, (^)lonel George Meade Staff of Major-General George G. Meade, commanding' Army of tho Potomac
MUSIC
The Star-spangled Banner
The "Arioii Singing Society"
Prof. J. C. Frank, Leader
PKAYEK
Reverend John K. Paxton, D. D,
Second Lieutenant 140th Penna. Infantry
ANTHEM
" Praise tho Lord " The"Ariou Singing Society "
TRANSFER OF THE MONUMENTS TO THE GOVERNOK
Honorable J. P. S. Gobin
Brevet Brigadier-General ; Colonel 47th Penna. Infantry
acceptance ON BEHALF OF THE COMMON\VEALTH
Governor James A. Beaver
Brevet Brigadier-General ; Colonel USth Penna. Infantry
POEM, "Gettysburg" Isaac R. Pennypacker, Esq.
THE FIItST DAY, July 1, 1863
Brevet Cautaiti Joseph G. Rosengarten
First Lieutenant liilst I'enna. Infantry;
Aide-de-Camp Staff of Major-General John F. Reynolds
THE SECOND AND THIRD DAYS. July 2-3, 1863
Brevet Brigadier-General Henry H. Bingham
Major and Judge- Advocate Staff of Major-General Wmtield S. Hancock
MUSIC Dedication Quartette
TRANSFER TO BATTLE-FIELD MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION Governor James A. Beaver
ACCEPTANCE ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION Edward McPherson, Esq
MUSIC Dedication Quartette and Perseverance Band
BEMEDIOTION
Reverend David Craft. D. D.
Chaplain Ulst Penna. Infantry
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
PRAYER.
Rev. John R. Paxton, D. D.
ALMIGHTY God, Great Ordainer of all thinprs, Mighty Sus- tainer of all Thy creatures, we are Thy people, preserved by Thy power, cared for by Thy love and redeemed by Thy ^-ace. And whatsoever we do, whether we eat or drink, whether we cultivate the art of peace, or hasten unto battle, whether we celebrate a birth or commemorate the dead, what- soever we do, we sincerely desire to do all in Thy fear and to Thy g-lor}', thou Omnipotent God without whose blessing- we can do nothing well and against whom Ave can do nothing long.
We bless Thee as the God of Righteousness and Truth, whose presence can be discerned on battle-fields, enforcing just judg- ment by the sword and bayonet as well as in the houses of mourning inspiring hope, and soothing sorrow, or by the beds of dying men offering pardon and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We bless Thee as the God of Nations as well as of personal destiny. We see Thy hand moving amongst the affairs of the world, overturning dogmas of false worship, inflicting defeat upon wrong and wicked causes, and visiting with retributive i3unish- ment all unholy enterprises that offend Thy justice and truth.
In times past we see Thy hand moving amongst our affairs as a nation. Friends and allies of Thine assisted at our birth as a nation, and by Thy care and favor we have prospered as a people and grown great and powerful in the eyes of all the world, because we have, in the main, loved righteousness and truth and hated in- justice, oppressions and lies.
Almighty God, continue to us, we pray Thee, as a nation, through all future generations. Thy favor and Thy care, then with God on our side Ave shall not fear the wrath of men nor the gates of hell, and the Great Republic, the land we love, shall abide forever.
And now, O God, our father's God, our country's God, for the occasion before us, and upon these memorial services, we confi- dently invoke Thy presence and Thy blessing, firmly believing
6 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
that this day, and the dead around us, deserve Thy approbation, and are worthy of Thy consenting" presence and Thy loving smile. Almighty and most Holy God, the Eternal Father, the Sovereign Ruler in Heaven, and on Earth, Lord of Lords, Great and Su- preme God against whom no star ever rebelled, nor any sea ever mutinied, daring to overleap its ijrescribed boundaries, to Thee we boldly and confidently appeal; and on this memorial, this historic, this sacred field where our dead comrades sleep we fear not to claim Thy presence and Thy blessing.
Hide not, O God, Thy face from us, nor keep back Thy smile and benediction, while we, survivors of this tremendous and ter- rific battle-field, on which treason and rebellion were fatally wounded, and the Union and the right assured of their final triumph, in grateful memory of our comrades who fell here, on the soil of our own state, and from our own homes, dedicate these monuments to their everlasting remembrance. O be with us in all these solemn and tender services, for in Thy power we begin them, and under Thy smile have to conclude them. The battle was fought and won by our comrades who sleep sweet beneath Thy smile, under the sod, and by us who survived to mourn their death, and pay them loving tribute to their memory. May these marble and bronze monuments, erected in loving memory of our fallen comrades, stand while the Republic endures, and preach patriotism to unborn generations on this eventful and sacred field.
We thank thee, O God, for the faithfulness unto death of the heroic dead whose bones repose in this hallowed ground. May their memory be green in our hearts while life lasts. May the country for which they voluntarily and gladly shed their blood prosper, and survive the vicissitudes of time, and the calamities of fortune, great, united, enduring. May we be as loyal and patri- otic in peace as we were in war, by the side of our comrades at rest under our feet. May the children cherish and perpetuate the institution, the constitution, the liberty and love, and equality our comrades died to maintain.
And now Thy holy, helpful blessing we claim and crave on the day, on our dead, on our country, north and south, on our President, our Governor and the dear old State, which we and our common brothers who sleep in well-earned graves on this sacred battle-field, are proud to call our own, we ask in Christ's name. Amen.
ANTHEM: " Praise the Lord. "
The Arion Singing Society.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
THE TRANSFER OF THE MONUMENTS TO THE GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
By Hon. J. P. S. Gobin.
GOVEKNOK BEAVER: The Commission appointed by yourself under the provision of the act of assembly ap- proved June 15, 1887, desire to present to the State of Pennsylvania, throug-h you, as its executive, the result of their labor. They were directed to "select and decide upon the design and the material for monuments of g-ranite and bronze to mark the position of each Pennsylvania command upon the battle-field of Gettysburg," and the object of the erection of these monu- ments was declared to be "for the purpose of perpetuating the participation in and marking by suitable memorial tablets of granite or bronze the position of each of the commands of Penn- sylvania volunteers engaged " in that battle.
From the earliest era of which we have historical data, nations and individuals have delighted to honor heroic deeds, and endur- ingly mark the spot upon which the fate of governments was in- volved in the shock of battle. Even though the result, in many instances, impeded the onward march of progressive thought and shackled the limbs of advancing freedom, the natural pride with which was beheld the prowess of her soldiery upon that field, demanded of the nation suitable commemoration of the event, and a definite location of the scene. In the memories and traditions of past centuries, the legends of the middle ages, the histories of the ancient rulers, or the struggles of nations for a better civili- zation, the one place made sacred is that upon which their armies fought and conquered. Every nationality has insisted upon tributes of this character, and many have learned impor- tant lessons from them. We remember the story of one of the old conquerors of Greece, who, when he had traveled in his boy- hood over the battle-fields where Miltiades had won victories and set up trophies, upon his return, said, "These trophies of Mil- tiades will never let me sleep." Each feature of the chiseled granite was an inspiration to him as a soldier, and, doubtless, had an inspiring effect upon his subsequent career.
The Romans who placed the busts of their successful leaders
8 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
upon their coin, the Swiss who employed the genius of Thor- waldsen to boldly hew from the granite face of the Alps a lion to perpetuate the courage of their countrymen in a foreign land, the nations embodying their patriotism or skill at arms by tri- umphal arch or mem orial column, were all actuated by the same motive. Even beyond these, upon the banks of the Nile, as re mote as the days when the Pharaohs ruled, and amid the sands of old Assyria, can we find the remains of magnificent specimens of memorial architecture.
In how many instances, however, were these but the work of hands which had been held aloft with glee as the conqueror passed in triumphal procession through the capital, with his en- slaved prisoners bound to his chariot wheels ; or, at best, were but the tribute to the ambition of kings, or, still more to be re- gretted, the result of the superior prowess of disciplined forces over hastily-gathered levies defending their homes from ruth- less invaders ? Happily, upon this field every tablet represents loyalty to country and flag — a sublime devotion to duty never excelled in the world's history. They have been erected in re- sponse to the sentiment of the nation, demanding that which should be a patriotic remembrance for all time. Where the men of their state fought and died Avith the nation's life in deadly peril — where rebellion against it reached the noon-tide of its progress, and from thence went reeling out to meet its inevitable sunset at Appomattox — should the granite and bronze arise. They represent a united country cemented by the ordeal of battle — refined, clarified and strengthened in the furnace of war, and the circle of fire in which armies fought and navies sailed. Each block stands for a unity of interest in every part of the land, and a national future one and indivisible. Whatever may have been the opinion of the individual as to the primal cause of the rebellion, they rest in the graves of the fallen, with the memo- rial tablets of the various states keeping watch over the places in which they lie buried forever. Thus the lives of those we repre- sent on this occasion were not lost to their country or their kindred — they are eloquent even in their nameless graves. They crowd about as with all the incentives of honor and patriotism. They survive in our admiration of their deeds, in our respect for their sacrifices, in love for their patriotism and devotion to country. As the representatives of principles which are eternal, so will their memories remain. Through the efforts of the dead and living but one flag floats, or dare float, in this, our common country. To do justice to them, it should be so planted as to
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 9
wave above all error, sectionalism, injustice or division of senti- ment as to the righteousness of the cause for Avliich those we represent yielded up their lives.
In this, however, we by no means desire to confine our allusions to this immediate vicinity. It is but part of such a line, or series of lines of battle as the world never beheld. The rig-ht resting- at Douelson, it encircles a'vast extent of country, until the left is reached here in this quiet valley of the Kej'^stoue State, in the vast circle that sweeps down the Mississippi to the gulf, diverges to the Rio Grande, and eastward through to the Atlantic, coursing along its coast, and, by the familiar Potomac, leaping the wide rivers and high mountains — lines of natural defense — to where we at present stand. Its entire length is marked by honored graves — veteran sentinels of liberty — whose challenges will be heard forever and aye by all disturbers of the nation's unity, or conspirators against its honor. They will speak with the au- thority of the embattled hosts who fell in that line resisting the advance of error, and with the result that all now sit in peace and comfort.
But with reverent respect for all, we are, to-day, desirous of doing honor to the soldier of our own state. These are their monuments. Those graves contain the dead of the state who fell upon this field. Men of Pennsylvania, they were of your flesh and blood, they went out from your homes, they battled for the preservation of your firesides, and the vacant chairs remain Avithin your house- holds. Their comrades claim them in memory and friendship, and it is a claim as far-reaching as the warm-throbbing h(?art of the old soldier can make it. With tear-dimmed eyes they range over this field as over no other spot in all the laud, and would say to the trespasser, " put off thy shoes f)'om off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."
This being Pennsylvania's battle-field, what more fitting than to properly commemorate the deeds of Pennsylvania's soldier sons upon her soil ? Here, as everywhere, at the call of duty, during the entire period of the rebellion were the men of Pennsylvania conspicuous. It has been contended that the battle of Gettysburg is of much greater scope than that which the hills around us en- compass, vast as that is. Some would even include the entire extent of territory lying between the battle grounds and the fords of the Rappahannock in Virginia. Full of interest and impor- tance as the days preceding Avere, it culminated in the struggle which began on the 1st and ended on the 3d of July, 18G3, and to this history will confine it.
10 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
Take a view of whatever portion of the field within the rang-e of your vision, and you behold Pennsylvania's memorial tablets. Upon the cavalry skirmish-line with Buford, in the column which Reynolds led to its position, and in the line which formed as his prostrate form was carried to the rear — upon the extreme right and left flank of the First Corps were regiments from the Keystone State, and the first infantry fire poured into the advancing- enemy was from another of them. In that corps death reaped a rich harvest of gallant Pennsylvanians. When the Eleventh Corps was hastily thrown into action they were in the advanced line, and the losses recorded attest the manner in which they fought. One of her batteries took possession of east Cemetery Hill, and the first day's fighting sullenly ended amid the shotted salutes with which the enemy were greeted from these guns.
Upon the second day, amid all the fighting on every part of the field, their record was well maintained. In the volume of battle which began on the left of our line and surged along the Third Corps, involving it and parts of others, no more heroic deeds were witnessed than those which Pennsylvania soldiers performed. Clinging to the lines at the peach orchard, surging back and forth through the wheat field, changing front under terrific fire, amid the rocky sides of the Round Tops, were heard the crack of their rifles and their shouts of defiance. And at this point the sun of battle went down as the Pennsylvania Reserves charged down the slope and over the valley of death, driving before them the last line of the enemy attacking this position. As they planted the Maltese cross of the Fifth Corps,the men of the Sixth displayed their Greek cross in support, and the left was safe. Away on the right was the Twelfth Corps, and its star waved over Culp's and Wolf's Hill. Here the battle raged fiercely, and there, too, were Pennsylvanians, and not an inch of ground was yielded, until, under orders, they vacated it to aid another part of the line. As if to fittingly close the second day, it remained for her sons to meet the charge of the enemy upon east Cemetery Hill, and over the guns of her batteries men fought with a courage and desperation never exceeded, and using weapons unheard of in such warfare. Here, also, nightfall beheld the enemy defeated and discomfited, and the position of regiments and batteries which had fought upon every part of the field could have been marked at that time by the dead, who lay as they had fallen, with their faces to the foe.
The morning of the third day was ushered in by the deter- mined efi'ort of the Twelfth Corps to re-occupy their vacated lines. Aided by detachments of the Sixth they obscured the sun
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. H
with their smoke of battle, aud after live hours of incessant fig-ht- ing" they were back in the entrenchments, and tlie right of the line was secure.
You cannot fail to recognize the Pennsylvanians, who, at this part of the field, represented their state and nation. And now, in the quiet which prevailed until after the mid-day hour, bat- teries, cavalry and infantry gird their loins for the final con- test all knew to be impending. When, from Seminary Ridge, the cannonading of over one hundi'ed guns shook the earth, quickly and effectively was it responded to. When the enemy sought to move troops from their rig-ht to strengthen and reinforce their center they found cavalry there to prevent it, and they did pre- vent it. Away off to the right the mounted legions seek to turn that flank and reach the rear of our line. There, also, were our cavalry, and the Rummel Farm became the scene of one of the most determined and sanguinary conflicts of man and horse ; and the several lines of infantry, with which this attack co-operated, as they emerged from the woods and swung across the plain, headed directly for the troops of the same old state over whose head floated the well-known trefoil of the Second Corps. In brig-ade line they awaited the attack. It came, and with their comrades of the east and west they rent the clouds with their shouts of victory as the decimated lines disappeared in the smoke of the conflict, and the battle of Gettysburg was over.
At the headquarters of the army — of corps, division aud bri- gade— were the men born on the soil of our state. In every grade, as well as at every point, Pennsylvania soldiers were in the forefront, and when we have completed the work in hand, and the memory of men in the ranks have been rendered immortal to the full extent of our ability, can we not, will we not, all unite in efforts to place
"Under the dome of the Uniou sky The American soldiers' temple of fame
in a most prominent place upon this field a just tribute to the valor, ability and devotion to duty of that g-lorious son of Penn- sylvania whose name is so indelibly associated with Gettysburg" and with the Army of the Potomac wherever it fought 1 Until Georg-e Gordon Meade has a fitting monument upon this battle ground Pennsylvania will not have entirely performed her duty. Pardon this digression. I have not attempted to picture or de- scribe the battle of Gettysburg. I disclaim any such intention. My object has been to present with the monuments which rise at every point of the field brief reasons for their being, and to as-
12 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
sure you that each one occupies the position it is entitled to through the valor of the men who followed the flag-. Wherever may be seen the bronze coat-of-arms of the state, there stood and fought at one period or another in the desperate struggle the command represented by tlie memorial, and the soil has been rendered sacred by the patriotic blood there expended. In honor of the service rendered have these enduring tablets been erected. It is a fit and just tribute. The armies have long since struck their tents and silently merged with the masses in every part of the nation. The fields upon which they struggled gleam to day with the glory of peace, and death no longer gathers the rich har- vest which springs from their fruitful soil. Many have ended life's battle since then, and the lines are fading away swiftly be- fore the ravages of time and disease. They stand but in antici- pation of a speedy reunion with those file-leaders who have crossed the dark river, and with whom we hope to again fall into ranks in the great hereafter. Let the gratitude of the nation con- tinue to go out toward these men. It should be proportioned to the benefit received, as well as tlie purity of intention which im- parted the benefits.
Predicted as an inevitable conflict, the war came, and was fought to the bitter end. The logic of events clearly proves it to have been an epoch in the nation's life, which, under Divine Providence, was to result in either liberty to all or death to the nation. The result could not have been otherwise. It was a tribute to the splendid civilization of the American people, which, by the efforts of a centmy, had developed the country, educated the masses, created a vast internal commerce, all culminating in placing the nation upon a plane of greatness never before reached by any government. Through the future gleam the possibilities, which, may we not claim, will mantle the earth with such achievements as will make this the undisputed, the eternal lioj^e of liberty.
We have learned the true value of nationality. Like our own mountain ranges, we Avill recognize the different peaks as they rise in various altitudes and claim specific names, the Avliole forming an indivisible body conspicuous in its greatness as a whole. These monuments represent this great nationality, and will stand forever as testimonials of a state and nation's gratitude to the valor of its citizen soldiers.
Let the morning and evening sun, which shall greet, gild and linger on their sides, and play upon them from base to capstone, symbolize the showering benedictions of their countrymen, which
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 13
will stream from age to age iu honor of the fame and memory of the dead and living- they represent.
The duties of your Commission have almost ended. I dare claim for it a single purpose to perform them fairly, honestly and impartially. One of its members, Major Samuel Harper, passed away ere the work was completed. He was a true soldier, a firm patriot, earnest in his devotion to his work, which, upon this field, must ever be recognized.
To the people of this great state we now present the result of our labors in these memorial tablets. Each one tells its own truthful story, and will to future generations. It is a record as com- plete as it is accurate. As they stand here overlooking these scenes, telling of the silent battalions represented, with yonder green mounds, the perpetual reminder of heroic immolation, may we not hope that in all the land, everywhere, loyal devotion to country and flag shall prevail with a new-born intensity, capable of any sacrifice, and all may realize fully as was said of old, "It is the high reward of those who have risked their lives in a just and necessary war, that their names are sweet in the mouths of men, and every age shall know their actions."
ACCEPTANCE ON BEHALF OF THE COMMONWEALTH. Governor James A. Beaver.
(COMRADES AND FELLOW-CITIZENS: No official duty which has devolved upon the present executive of Penn- ^ sylvauia is more significant, and at the same time more pleasant, than the one which he now performs on behalf of our goodly Commonwealth. Granite and bronze are not necessary, nor can they, iu a large sense, perpetuate the memorj'" of the men dead and the heroism of those living, who stood for the consti- tution and the enforcement of the laws, upon this field. They have a significance and value, however, as showing the apprecia- tion of a grateful Commonwealth for the service of her sons in de- fending her soil and in aiding to perpetuate the unity of the gov- ernment of which she is a constituent part. Ou every portion of this historic battle-field Pennsylvania acted a prominent part. Her sons, as was meet, were the heroes of the field. Meade com- manded the army, Reynolds fell in the fore-front of battle in the
14 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
first day's fight, and Hancock directed the details of preparation for the heroic and stubborn resistance which was made to the de- termined assaults of the enemy, upon the second and third days. Pennsylvanians were prominent in the First Corps at the opening of the battle on the first day; Pennsylvania regiments played a prominent part in Sickles' gallant forward movement; Pennsyl- vanians predominated in the First Division of the Second Corps and constituted the Third Division of the Fifth Corps, which made the impetuous assault through the "wheat field" and the "devil's den" upon Hood's Division, in its determined and well-directed efforts to turn Sickles' left flank, on the second day, and Penn- sylvania received the shock of Pickett's heroic, but ill-fated and foolisli, charge on the third day. Pennsylvania batteries occupied vital points in our defensive line, and Pennsylvania cavalry was conspicuous under a gallant Pennsylvanian in their brilliant opera- tions upon our right flank and rear. Li every offensive move- ment made by the Army of the Potomac during the Gettysburg campaign ; in every defensive position taken by it ; in brilliant skirmish, in gallant assault, in heroic fighting or in stubborn re- sistance, Pennsylvania was found everywhere doing her duty and bearing her full share of the heat and burdens of the day. We do not claim that she did more than her duty or that she per- formed more than her share of the work to be done. Without the assistance and co-operation of her sister states she would have been utterly powerless to repel the invasion of her soil. We make no invidious distinctions in emphasizing Pennsylvania's share in the campaign which found its climax within her borders. This is Pennsylvania Day, and we simply emphasize her part in the work here done without in any way detracting from or min- imizing the part taken by others or the credit due to them there- for. The description of the details of Pennsylvania's share in the glory of this field belongs to the historians of the occasion and I shall not trespass upon their theme or sphere in this direction. The Commonwealth does well in recognizing the devotion of her sons. Shejias been none too liberal in her gifts for such a purpose. In accepting the results of the work of the Commission ap- pointed to supervise the erection of the memorials of the patri- otism of Pennsylvania's sons, it may be well to say a word as to the manner in which the work has been done and of its charac teristic features. Charged with a delicate, a diflicult and respon- sible duty, it is not too much to say that the Pennsylvania Gettys- burg Memorial Commissioners, so far as the results of their work are apparent upon this field, have discharged their duty in a
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 15
niauner alike creditable to them and acceptable to the people of the Commonwealth. Few who have not given thoug-ht to the subject can realize the difficulties under which they labored, or appreciate the value of the work which they have done. This work was characterized, first, by a broad intellig-ence. The posi- tion occupied by each of the eighty-six Pennsylvania organizations participating in the battle of Gettysburg was to be carefully studied and definitely ascertained in order to determine the loca- tion of their several monuments. The part taken by each organ- ization must be thoroughly understood in order that the truth of history, and nothing but the truth, should be displayed upon these ■memorials. The materials to be used; the design to be adopted; the details of construction and the perpetuity of results, were all to be considered and right conclusions in regard thereto reached. Those who have carefully and critically followed the work of the Commission will, I am sure, join with me in commending the rare intelligence which has marked its labors in all these respects.
The work of the Commission has been characterized, moreover, by unquestioned fidelity. Charged with the execution of a law, with the framing and passage of which its members had little to do; with the expenditure of a sum exceeding an eighth of a million of dollars, in such a way as to secure full and satisfactory returns to each regimental organization, and to the Common- wealth which placed her funds in their hands ; with the preserva- tion of the truth of history, and, at the same time, with the vin- dication of the honor and reputation of Pennsylvania organiza- tions, where history had failed to do them justice; with deter- mining the truth as to conflicting claims for position, and antag- onistic interests on the part of contractors and committees i-epre- sentiug the various organizations who contracted with them, it will be seen that the work of the Commission required rare dis- cretion and ability. In all these respects, and others which can- not be mentioned for want of time, the Commission has, in all its work, fully met the demands made upon it, and can confidently point to the results which confront us on every hand for the evi- dence of the fidelity with which these demands have been met.
The Commonwealth has in every instance had a full return for the money which was appropriated for these memorials, and iu most of them has received a large percentage of increase from the voluntary contributions of the organizations themselves. So it is safe to say that no state, when the work of the Commission shall be finished, will present more substantial, more enduriug and more tasteful memorials of the devotion of her sons, than Penn- sylvania.
IG Pennsylvania at GcUyshurg.
The zeal manifested by each and every member of the Commis- sion is also a characteristic of its work. Voluntarily accepting- a position to which no pecuniary compensation of any kind was at- tached, the gentlemen Avho composed the Commission q-ave them- selves unreservedly to the Avork before them. They have spared no effort; have stopped at no sacrifice of time or convenience; have assisted in the org-anization of regimental committees; have furnished designs for the adoption of such representatives, and have stimulated their efforts to secure better and more enduring results than could have been obtained through the expenditure of the appropriation made by legislative authority alone. Such energy and zeal are worthy of commendation, and should be here and now recorded and acknowledged. There has been much patient forbearance with, and sometimes a judicious yielding to, the demands of zealous and enthusiastic regimental organizations. Such demands were the evidence of a proper interest in the truth of history and in the faithful acknowledgment of the contributions which have been- made by those who were thus represented and the results which history records. They were found, on careful examination, in many instances, to be correct, and official records have been thereby corrected through the careful and persistent efforts of the Commissioners.
Without dwelling upon other characteristics of the work of the Commission, which will suggest themselves to the thoughtful ob- server, it is safe to say, finally, that success hascro\vned its work in an eminent degree. The organizations for Avhose benefit pro- vision was made by the legislature have not, in all instances, availed themselves of it. Some memorials have not yet been erected. Designs for others have not yet been adopted, and to this extent the work of the Commission is not finished; but so far as the memorials which surround us are the evidence of the work of the Commission, we join to-day, as the survivors of those whose memory is thereby enshrined, in pronouncing their work an unqualified success. As already intimated, the work is not finished. The distinctively Pennsylvania organization in which all Pennsylvania, whether connected with it or not, takes pride, and which played such a distinguished part upon this field — the Pennsylvania Reserve Coi'ps — has not yet erected its me- morial. It is the desire of the various regimental organizations composing that corps to erect a common memorial. In this de- sire I personally cordially sympathize, and Avill be glad to co-op- erate. The original provisions made for the erection of our memorials did not seem to authorize such a use of the funds
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 17
appropriated, and an unfortunate misunderstanding- as to the bill passed bj'^ the last leg-islature in relation thereto, which gave rise to certain constitutional and other difficulties, made necessary its disapproval. I wish, however, here and now, as a Pennsylvaaian, proud of the forethought which organized the Pennsylvania Re- serve Corps, and of the record which it made for Pennsylvania, to say that, so far as I am able to do so, officially or personally, I wish to co-operate with the survivors of that distinguished body of Pennsylvania soldiers in carrying out their wishes. The Ver- mont Brigade has its magnificent Corinthian column, to be sur- mounted finally by a statue of Stannard ; New York's Excelsior Brigade has its distinctive monument ; the New Jersey Brigade, distinguished alike for its brave deeds and the bravery of its great commander, perpetuates its memory and that of Kearny at the same time by a monument which combines the memorials of its several regiments ; so I would say, speaking for myself, let the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps perpetuate the memory of the part which it took upon this field and elsewhere throughout our great struggle for the preservation of the Union, in a memorial build- ing which shall be distinctive and appropriate. Consultation and cordial co-operation can bring this about without difficulty, and in harmony with the requirements of our state constitution and the work of the Commission appointed in accordance with the pro- visions of the act of assembly relating thereto.
It only remains for me, gentlemen of the Commission, to accept at your hands, as the representative of the Commonwealth, the work which you have here and now transferred to me. Pennsyl- vania is satisfied with what you have done; Pennsylvania con- gratulates herself upon the success of your efforts. I accept on her behalf these memorials erected under your supervision and control, and in doing so I beg to thank you in her name for the intelligence, the fidelity, the zeal and the patience whicli have crowned vour work.
18 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
POEM. GETTYSBURG.
Isaac R. Pennypacker.
'Twas on the time when Lee, Below Potomac's swollen ford, Had beaten down the broken sword
Of his baffled enemy
His long line lengthened luster
Than the days of Jnne, O'er valleys varied, mountains vaster,
By forced marches night and noon ; Any morn might bring him down Captor of the proudest town ; Any one of cities three At noon or night might ))rostrate be.
Then to Meade was the sword of the north
Held hiltward for proof of its worth ;
O'er the vastness of masses of men All the glorious banners of war.
All the battle-dags floated again ;
All the bugles blew blithely once more,
Sounding the stately advance ;
Village doorways framed faces of awe
At the trains of artillery pressed
On earth's leverberent breast,
And the sun sought the zenith, and saw
All the splendors of war at a glance.
How .soon the first fierce rain ol" death
In big drops dancing on the trees Withers the foliage ! At a breath.
Hot as the blasts that dried old seas The clover falls like drops of blood From mortal hurts, and stains the sod ; The wheat is clipped, but the ripe grain Here long ungarnered shall remain. And many who at the drum's long roll
Sprang to the charge and swelled the cheer. And .set their flags high on the knoll.
Ne'er knew how went the fight fought here For them a knell tumultuous shells
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 19
Siiook IVom the consecrated bells, As here they formed that silent rank. Whose glorious star at twilight sank.
And night, which lulls all discords — night.
Which stills the folds and vocal wood. And. with the touch of finger light.
Quiets the pink-lipped brook's wild mood, Which sends the wind to seek the latch, And seals young eyes while mothers watch — Night stays the battle, but with day Their lives, themselves, foes hurl away. Where the thousands fell, but did not yield, Shall be to-morrow's battle-field. E'er dying died or dead were cold New hosts pressed on the lines to hold, And held them — hold them now in sleep
While .stars and sentinels go round, And war-worn chargers shrink like sheep
Beside their riders on the ground. All through the night — all through the north Speed doubtful tidings back and forth. Through north and south, from dusk till day, A sundered people diverse pray.
So gradiuil sink the deliberate stars.
The sun doth run the laggards down. As sleep's still meadows bursts the bars,
And floods with light the steepled town. Blow ! bugles of the cavalry, blow ! Forward the infantry, row on row ! While every battery leaps with life, And swells with tongueless throats the strife !
Where grappled foes, one flushed with joy From triumphs fresh, and come to destroy, And one by blows but tempered fit To keep the torch of freedom lit. The battle-dust from heroes' feet. Brief hiding rally and last retreat. By the free sunlight touched became A golden pillar of laniV)ent flame.
Glorified was this field, its white Faces of victors and of slain,
And these and Round Top's luminous height That glory flashed afar again.
Around the world for all to see
One nation and one wholly free.
And branded deep with flaming sword
Its primal compact's binding word.
"Neath F'reedom's dome that light divine,
20 Pennsylvania at Gettysbiirg.
Borne here from dark defiles of Time, From here upblazed a beacon sign To all the oppressed of every clime ; And dulled eyes glistened ; hope upsprung Where'er ills old when man was young
Against awaking thought were set,
Where jjower its tribute wrongly wrung,
Or moved on pathways rank even yet With martyr's blood, where'er a tongue
Hath words to show, as serf, slave, thrall,
How great man's power ! how deep man's fall.
Long will be felt, though hurled in vain,
The shock that shook the northern gate, Long heard the shots that dashed amain,
r>ut flattened on the rock of fate. Where Lee still strove, but failed to break The barrier down, or fissure uiake, And never grasped by force the prize Deferred by years of compromise. Long will men keep the memory bright Of deeds done here ; how flashed the blade Of Hancock from South Mountain's shade To the sheer heights of unfading light ! That martial morn o'er yonder ridge Reynolds last rode face towards the foe, And onward rides through history so ;
For Meade, even as for Joshua, suns The unmindful gulf of Time abridge. While still its depths fling back his guns'
Victorious echoes. The same wise power Which starts the currents from ocean's heart,
And hurls the tides at their due hour. Or Iiolds them with a force unspent.
Made him like master, in each part, O'er all his mighty instrument.
Chief leaders of the battle great !
Three sons of one proud mother state ! Tliese epoch stones she sets stand fast.
As on her field her regiments stood ; Their volleys rang the first and last ;
They kept Avith Webb the target-wood, And there for all turned on its track The wild gulf stream of treason back ; Or on the stubborn hill-sides trod Out harvests sown not on the clod ; Hearts shall beat high in days grown tame, At thoughts of them and their proud fame,
And watching Pickett's gallant band Melt like lost snow-flakes in the deep.
Pennsylvania at Gef/yslnirg. 21
Pity shall grow throughout the land, And near apace with joy shall keep.
Baffled, beaten, back to the ford,
His own at last the broken sword,
Kode the invader. On his breast
His head with sorrow low was pressed ;
On his horse's tangled mane
Loosely hung the bridle rein.
At Gettysburg his valiant host
The last hope ol" their cause had lost ;
In vain their daring and endeavor,
It was buried there forever ;
Right well he knew the way he fled
Straight to the last surrender led.
So ended Lee's anabasis, And all he hoped had come to this ; — As well for master as the driven That not by him was victory given. So Right emboldened and made known Hurled the whole troop of Error down, And here held fast an heritage ;
So on that course may all hold fast 'Till no man takes an hundred wage,
And each one has his own at last, 'Till the last caravan of the bound.
Driven towards some Bornuese market place, Happily shall leel their bonds unwound,
And steps of woe in joy retrace.
In the cities of the north
The brazen cannon belched forth
For the defeat of Lee ; When the smoke from this field Unfolded, Lo ! fixed on the shield Each w^andering star Avas I'evealed. And the steeple bells pealed
Inland to the further sea ; In the villages flags waved
For Meade's victory, — A thousand, thousand flags waved
For the souls to be froo, For the Union saved,
For the Union still to b«.
22 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
THE FIRST DAY— JULY i, 1863.
Brevet Captain Joseph G. Rosengarten.
PENNSYLVANIA DAY marks the completion of the official relations of the State of Pennsylvania with the battle-field of Gettysburg-. Ever}^ position occupied by Pennsylvania soldiers throug-h the scenes and events of that great battle is now marked by a memorial of the regiment or battery that took part in it. Thanks to the generosity of the State, the wise choice of its Governor, the industry and care of the Commissioners ap- pointed by him, the task is done, and well done. Now, in final conclusion of all this labor, of the years spent in securing the ground, in preserving its natural features, in making a lasting record on the spot of the force that occupied each part of the long line of battle, we are gathered here to renew the memories that made Gettysburg dear to every soldier who fought here. The field of Gettysburg is within sight ; the vantage ground g-ained by the first day's battle was the position on which the battles of the succeeding days were fought, and the victory finally won. The campaign of Gettysburg covered the whole territory over which her great contending armies moved. From the fords of the Rap- pahannock and the passes of the Blue mountains, through Vir- ginia, across the Potomac, through Maryland, into Pennsylvania, up the Cumberland valley, and as far east almost as the Susque- hanna river, the strategic operations of the Army of Northern Virginia, under General Lee, and of the Army of the Potomac, under General Hooker and General Meade, will deserve careful study. The Union cavalry won especial distinction as it masked the movements of the Union army, and forced the Confederate leader to disclose his well-conceived and well-matured plans. When Meade took command he unfolded his army like a fan, keeping it always between the invading enemy and the great cities threatened by Lee. *
First then let us pay tribute to the memory of General Meade, the commander on whom rested the responsibility, made the weightier by the unexpected order which put him at the head of tlie Army of the Potomac, only three days before the great battle
*Newhairs address before the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 23
which practically was the crisis of the war. His generalship was of the highest order, and his strategic and practical operations the best, yet one other element of his success has been too little regarded. His great moral and personal excellence was uni- versally felt and recognized throughout the army, and when he was put at its head, that great body Avas at once lifted on a higher plane and became thoroughly inspired with a lofty purpose, and an earnest will to do all that should be asked. All joined in a silent thanksgiving that General Meade was their commander, for by that mental revelation which permeates great masses of disciplined men, his fitness as a leader was universally recognized, and Gettysburg yet needs a final memorial of General Meade to mark his great victory.
Next in our retrospect let us pay tribute to General Reynolds. The advance, the left wing of the army, was given to General Reynolds, Meade's closest friend. Unlike as were the two in mental and moral qualities, in physical appearance and military bent, each perfectly supplemented the other. When he fell his place was given to General Hancock, again totally unlike either Meade or Reynolds, a soldier of the highest excellence, who on this as in so many other trying positions, did his part in winning the victory. One other name must always be honored in speaking of the First Day at Gettysburg. — John Buford, gallant soldier, typical cavalry leader, fearless fighter, for with him rests the special distinction of first clearly forseeing that Gettysburg was to be the scene of a great battle ; prepared for the Confederate onset, he shortly resisted an overwhelming force, called confi- dently on Reynolds, his immediate commander, for the support that promptly came to his help, notified Meade of Reynolds' death, advised him of the need of some one to command, and in every way helped to save the field and win the victory, even at the price of the First Day's Battle.
Standing here, no words are needed to show the strategic im- portance of Gettysburg, the reasons for the tactical movements, and the limits which the nature of the country imposed on Meade and his army, alike in coming to Gettysburg as they did in hold- ing and defending their line, and in gathering the fruits of the victory. The hills and mountains that hid the advancing enemy as he debouched from the gaps beyond, also sheltered his shat- tered forces as they withdrew to the Potomac, and found safety in retreat across its waters to Virginia. The vigor with which Gen- eral Meade concentrated his army at Gettysburg, the ability with which he won the victory, show that it is not for want of will that
24 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
his pursuit was not swift enoug-h to turn the defeat into a rout. The central facts and the figures of the first day's battle, however are all that can now be briefly told. Assigned (for the second time) oh the morning- of June 30, to the command of the left wing, General Reynolds led his OAvn Corps, the First, followed by the Eleventh, close after Buford's Cavalry Division, to the front. He sent Buford through Gettysburg to find the enemy. The old rule had been for the cavalry to keep near the infantry, but Buford went boldly forward, knowing that wherever Reynolds sent him he was sure to be supported, and that in falling back, if he must do so, he would meet the infantry on its way out. It was Buford who first called attention to the concentration of roads at Gettys- burg that gave it such strategic importance. It was his energy in pushing forward, his foresight in thrusting his force out, not in- vited, that almost compelled the Confederate army to come to Gettysburg, and thus brought the battle on there. At daylight on the morning of July 1 his advance picket saw the enemy ap- proaching on the Chambersburg road, and at 5.30 the first fire came from our side, as the dismounted cavalrymen took refuge behind the abutments of the bridge over Willoughby run. Fall- ing back to higher ground, the advance of the leading division, Heth's, of Hill's Corps, was seriously disputed. Devin's Brigade, holding the line from the Chambersburg road to the right. Gamble's that to the left, Buford maintaining a firm front with his few guns and his thin line of cavalry, General Reynolds came promptly to the front, had a brief, but significant, interview with Buford, saw that the time had come to put in his infantry, promptly accepted the responsibility of engaging the enemy, re- turned to meet the leading division, Wadsworth's, led it to the front, relieved Buford's hard-ijressed lines, ordered up the rest of his command, hurried up the troops, by brigades, and even by single regiments, put them into his lengthening lines, placed the batteries in position as they arrived, and put Buford in support of his horse batteries in reserve and on the flanks. Thus rapidly developing his line, the enemy, advancing in largely superior numbers, was held at bay, while the First Corps was put in posi- tion. The Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, under Colonel Hofmann, opened the infantry fire at 9:30 a. m. The Iron Brigade was put forward by Reynolds himself, and then, returning to meet his ad- vancing division, Reynolds fell by the hands of a sharpshooter on the spot now marked by a memorial shaft Almost at the same time two Confederate regiments, the bulk of Archer's Brigade, with General Archer himself, were captured and marched to the
Pennsylvania at Geftynhurg. 25
rear, and as the dead body of General Reynolds was carried oil" the Held, the captured Confederates manifested their marked re- spect for the fallen Union general. At the outset, Wadsworth's Division, with Hall's battery, were all the infantry between Get tysburg" and two strong- Confederate divisions, with larg-e rein- forcements coming- in on the Carlisle road. Robinson's Division arrived in time to support the hard-pressed little force on the rig-ht. Doubleday's Division came in on the left, Stone's Brig-ade going: into position beyond Seminary Ridge, Riddle's Brigade on the extreme left. There it maintained its position, and from 11 a. m. until 4 p. m. fought and manoeuvred until it, too, was forced to retire. About 1 p. m. the leading division of the Eleventh Corps took up its place on the right, followed by a second di- vision, with the batteries on their right and left, another division and a battery being placed in reserve on Cemetery Hill.
Heth's Division of Hill's Corps was the advance of the Confed- erate force, and it was promptly followed by Pender, while Rodes' and Early's Divisions of Ewell's Corps came on our ex- treme right, Rodes, about 2 p. m.. Early, about 3 p. m., meeting at the time and place above designated, after long marches from different points, with wonderful accuracy. The First and the Eleventh Corps of our army each numbered little more than some of the Confederate Divisions. General Doubleday points out that the Confederate army had but three corps, while the Union army had seven, so that each of their corps represented about a third, each of ours a seventh of the whole force, and the same propor- tion extended to divisions, brigades, and even regiments. Gen- eral Doubleday, who succeeded Reynolds in command of the First Corps, saj'^s it took 8,200 men into action. General Heth says his division numbered some 7,000 muskets. The Compte de Paris says the Union forces numbered about 11,500 against more than 30,000 Confederate troops. Colonel Chapman Biddle, in his exhaustive study of the first day's battle, puts the Confederate force at over 30,000 ; the Union force was about 14,000, 8,200 in the First Corps, barely 1,000 in the Eleventh engaged. In spite of such odds and such inequality, the first day's battle was a suc- c;essiou of well-contested struggles at each point. Baford's cav- alry held their position against Heth's Division from 8 to 10 a. m., relieved by the First Corps, that in turn held its own against Heth and Pender until nearly 1 p. m. About that hour the Eleventh Corps on the right fought Rodes' and Early's Divisions, and even after it fell back, the First Corps still stoutly resisted until past 4 o'clock, when, outflanked by the heavy force of the Confederate
20 Pennsylvania at (rettyshury.
cumy, it was oblig-ed to retreat to Cemetery Hill. What might have been the issue if Reynolds had been spared can only be mat- ter of conjecture, yet it must be borne in mind that on more than one hardly-contested field his presence had converted apparent defeat into victory. Of him it mig-ht well be said, he never can be deathless till he die. It is the dead win battles. Be that as it may, his place was finally taken by Hancock, who arrived on Cemetery Hill between 3 and 4 p. m., and promptly put the forces in hand into position — sent Wadsworth's Division and a batterj^ to Culp's Hill, on the right, with fresh troops, and extended the lines to the left at Hound Top.
The divisions of the Twelfth Corps, under Geary and Williams, took positions on the extreme left and right respectively, and Buford made a strong cavalry demonstration on both flanks. The timely arrival of Stannard's Vermont Brigade added fresh strength to the troops. Leaving Washington on the 25th at noon, after an exhausting march of seven days, rain falling every day, under orders to report to General Beynolds, it reached Gettys- burg late on the afternoon of the 1st of July, and the tired troops were placed in position in column by regiments, connecting with the divisions of the Third Corps just hurried to the front, and in rear of the line of battle of the First and Eleventh Corps on Cem- etery Hill. Thus the Confederate army, in spite of its successes, saw the Union army strong in its new position, and while Gen- eral Lee conditionally ordered an advance, his corps and division generals were content to prepare for it for the next day. By midnight of the 1st the bulk of the Army of the Potomac was in its place, and General Meade himself followed soon after, and at once surveyed the field and prepared to hold it. Buford had sent word that here was the place to fight a battle, Reynolds had confirmed it, Hancock seconded it, Warren, too, found that they were right, and General Meade promptly gave orders for the con- centration of his army there. The first day's battle had se cured the position on which the succeeding days' battles were to be fought and won. It was thus on Pennsylvania soil that the great and decisive battle was fought, with a Pennsylvanian, Meade, at the head of the army, with another Pennsylvanian, Reynolds, leading the advance, and falling at the very fore-front at the outset. It was another Pennsylvanian, Hancock, who took his place and secured the line on which he himself fell desper. ately wounded later on ; it was a Pennsylvania regiment, the Fifty -sixth, that opened the infantry fight on the 1st of July. In the First Corps th ere were twelve Pennsylvania organizations ;
Peimsylvania at Gettyd)nrg. 27
in the Eleventh Corps there were five, and eighteen more were in the Twelfth and Third Corps, whose timely presence counted for so much in the closing- scenes of that eventful day at Gettysburg-. Pennsylvania Day, by its very name, recalls their presence and their services. But the forces that took part in the first day's battle included men of New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Indi- ana, Michig-an, Wisconsin, Ohio, Connecticut, New Jersey, and the regular army, so that no state lines, no local history, limits the interest of the first day. Pennsylvania has always recognized its duty as gimrdian of the field of Gettysburg, and while it honors its own sons who fought and fell here, it honors equally the mem- ory of those of other states, for all alike fought in defense of the Union. The State of Pennsylvania invites its citizens to meet here again to consecrate themselves in the presence of all these memorials, testifying better than any words can tell, the loyalt}-^ of its sons to the Union, and the tender regard piously cherished for all who died that the Union might live. The years that have passed since the battle are full of great events, but much of their importance is due to the issue of that contest, and that issue is in turn largely due to the events of the first day and its influence on the result. Reynolds set the example, sealing a glorious life by a glorious death, and his men were worthy of him. No more preg- nant tribute was ever paid than that of General Meade, when, in his dispatch of July 4, he said: "We have been engaged with the enemy for three days — July 1, 2 and 3. On the 1st our forces met and we lost Reynolds." Thus he puts the loss of Reynolds by itself, showing that even after the successes of the second and third days, the death of Reynolds was a heavy price to pay for the final result of a crowning victory. On another occasion he said : " Reynolds was the noblest, as well as the bravest, gentleman in the army. When he fell at Gettysburg the army lost its right arm." That Reynolds was appreciated as highly by his own sol- diers as by the commanding general is testified by the fact that here his old First Corps erected the heroic bronze statue that stands in the National Cemetery. The State of Pennsylvania has marked, by a suitable memorial, the spot on which Reynolds fell, and near it are the memorials of the organizations that fought on the first day in the front on the lines he formed.
The death of Reynolds led General Meade to do an act which exhibited his best qualities as a commander. Himself but three days at the head of the army, he selected General Hancock, who had but three days before left his division to take command of a corps, and sent him to assume the command of the left wing in
28 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
succession to Reynolds. The result fully justified the choice, but to make it required moral courag-e, insight into character, and rapidity of decision. Hancock on his arrival at the front did just the work which was needed — rallying- the troops, addressing- and encourag-ing- them, assig-ning- positions to those already there, hastening- into line the fresh troops as they arrived. Anticipating- Lee's order to Ewell, he sent Wadsworth to occupy Gulp's Hill, and having- put all in order, reported to General Meade that he could hold the position till nig-htfall, and that here was the place to fig-ht our battle, and received a prompt reply that the army was ordered there. Thus Buford and Reynolds and Hancock all united in the work that made the first day's battle so mo- mentous. *
It was not a sm'prise nor an accident — it was the opening- en- g-agement between two contending- armies. Over the Army of Northern Virg-inia General Lee exercised supreme command for more than a year, during- which he had won four g-reat victories. Over the Army of the Potomac, General Meade had been in com- mand for three days, and he was hampered by orders from Washington, and the necessity of conforming- to them. He was looking- for the enemy, his main point, as he said to Halleck, "to find and fig-ht the enemy." He sent Reynolds on that eiTand, and Reynolds in turn despatched Buford with his cavalry to be the eyes of the army. He found them, and with his clear prescience saw the opportunity and the occasion, and quickly seized it, and Reynolds in turn helped to bring- Lee's forces out of their mount- ain shelter, to hold them, and, in conformity with Meade's or- ders, bettered in their understanding- by Buford and Reynolds of what was before them — an enemy rapidly concentrating- at a position of g-reat importance, they held on for the whole of that first day, while General Meade was enabled to prepare for that offensive defense which he had at the outset determined on.
Even as g-reat a military writer as Lord Wolseley speaks of the first day as a surprise to the Confederate army, and not to the Union army, but he is not borne out by the facts. General Lee says, in his report, that his whole force was ordered to concen- trate at Gettysburg-. Two divisions of General Hill's Corps were sent to Gettysburg- by the Chambersburg- road, and the Third Di- vision was held in reserve. The two divisions of Ewell's Corps, Early's and Rodes', were ordered there, and coming-, one from York the other from Carlisle, their concentration was effected
* General F. A. Walker in Battles and Leaders of the Civil War.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 29
with admirable precision. Of tlie Union Army, Buford's Division of cavalry was sent tlnoug-li Gettysburg- on the 30th of June to observe the enemy, and his movements were closely watched and fully reported both to Reynolds and Meade. Reynolds put his own corps, the First, into action on the morning of the first day, and under his orders the Eleventh Corps came up to its support, while the Third Corps, later on, followed, and by nightfall, with the Twelfth Corps and the Vermont Brigade, were on the ground and in position. Surely, then, there was no surprise in the battle, and it was foug"ht just at the time and place where it best effected its object. True up to the 1st of July, the Confederate Army had met little but militia, and the people of Pennsylvania might well have asked :
Why have they dared to march so many miles upon her peaceful bosom, frighting her pale-faced villages Avith war, and ostentation of despised arms ? Richard II., act 2, -sc. 3.
But the end to the invasion came when the Army of the Poto- mac and the Army of Northern Virginia met in front of Gettys- burg-. It may be true that some of the Confederates expected to encounter only militia, yet the general officers, its leaders, knew that General Meade was looking for the enemy and for a place to fight, and both were found at Gettysburg. There the Army of the Potomac for three days contended for the supremacy which finally crowned the long struggle, and the issue ^vas larg-ely due to the sturdy valor of the small body of troops that on the first day withstood double their number Both Meade and Lee were manoeuvering for positions on which to deliver battle ; General Lee, to gather the fruits of his invasion of the north, to mass his forces before the Union Army could be concentrated, and, fighting it in detail, to win a victory which should enable him to exact terms that would give a new lease of life to the Con- federacy ; General Meade, to protect Washington and Baltimore, to relieve Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and to drive Lee across the Potomac. Buford, with his cavalry, the eyes of the army, saw at a glance that Gettysburg was the best jjoint for concentration and for a decisive battle. Reynolds, its right arm, saw that the time had arrived, and, with his corps, struck the first blow, mean- ing to follow it up with the help of the Eleventh and Third Cor]3S. Hancock, in turn, seized the position on Cemetery Ridge, and by nightfall secured it, so that at the close of the first day, although the enemy had largely outnumbered our force, yet the substantial advantage was ours, for here Lee was brought to bay, and the successful battle of the second and third days were largely the outcome of that of the first day.
30 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
The hard fig-htiug of the first day is measured by that best test, the casualty hst, striking-ly aHke on both sides, in spite of the contrast of the numbers engaged. Much of the details of this kind will be found in Fox's Book of Begimental Losses, well called Fox's Book of Martyrs, and it deserves close and dilig-ent study on this and on the other great battles of the war, for its ex- haustive study. The First Corps took into action 8,200 and lost 6,025. The Eleventh Corps, out of 9,197, took into action, Gen- eral Howard says " hardly 6,000," and lost 3,801. On the Con- federate side, in Hill's Corps, Heth says he took in 7,000 and lost 2,850, and Pender lost 1,690 out of 4,260 engaged. Ewell's Corps was 20,000 strong (according to General Meade's letter to Colonel Benedict), and Bodes' Division, out of 6,207, lost 2,853, and Ear- ly's, 1,188 out of 5,477. The First Corps lost over 70 per cent., the Eleventh Corps over 60 per cent. Of the First Corps, the Iron Brigade lost 61 per cent., 1,153 out of 1,883 ; the First Di- vision 2,128, and the Second Division 1,686, out of 2,500, while the smallest, the Third Division, consisting, with the exception of one New York regiment, entirely of Pennsylvania regiments, lost 1,748 out of 2,069, over 80 per cent., and the other divisions were little behind the same heavy percentage. Biddle's Brigade of the Third Division lost 897 out of 1,287, nearly 70 per cent., leaving only 390, a fragment of a regiment. Stone's Brigade, by Colonel Wister's report, went in with 1,300 men and lost 852, over 66 per cent. It had but three regiments, the One Hundred and Forty-third, One Hundred and Forty-ninth and One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania, and no command fought more desper- ately or suffered greater losses. At its head its commander. Col- onel Roy Stone, was wounded, and his successor, Colonel Lang- horne Wister was also wounded. After taking position to the right of Biddle's Brigade, and rendering effective assistance to Wads worth's hard-pressed division, Stone's little brigade was made the point of a concentrated attack in force by double its number; against its three small regiments were brought six regi- ments the average strength being over five hundred each.
The Confederate reports lay stress on the severity of their losses. General Heth speaks of losing 2,700 out of 7,000, nearly 40 per cent., in twenty-five minutes. Colonel Hopkins of the Forty -fifth North Carolina, says that regiment suffered more than it ever did before in the same time. The Second North Carolina reported a loss of two-thirds. The Twenty-sixth North Carolina lost over 76 percent., Pender's old brigade over 48 percent., Dan- iel's over 43 per cent., and the regimental losses in both Hill's and
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 31
Ewell's Corps were very heavy. On our side, of the losses of the Pennsylvania regiments, the following- were in the First Corps :
Eleventh Pennsylvania lost 117 out of 292, or 40 per cient.
Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania lost 183 out of 252, or 50 per cent.
Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania lost 106 out of 296, or 35 per cent.
Ninetieth Pennsylvania lost 94 out of 20.S, or 45 per cent.
One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania lost 165 out of 255, or 65 per cent.
One Hundred and Twenty-first Pennsylvania lost 179 out of 263, or 68 per cent.
One Hundred and Forty-second Pennsylvania lost 211 out of 362, or 59 per cent.
One Hundred and Forty-third Pennsylvania lost 252 out of 465, or 55 per cent.
One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania lost 336 out of 450, or 75 per cent.
One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania lost 264 out of 397, or 68 per cent.
One Hundred and Fiftj'-flrst Pennsylvania lost 335 out of 467, or 73 per cent.
The Union troops at various points won sig-nal success, for they captured parts of three brigades of Confederate troops, Archer's, Davis' and Iverson's.
The One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania reported the cap- ture of more prisoners than the regiment numbered.
Of the Pennsylvania regiments in the Eleventh Corps,
The Twenty-seventh lost 111 out of 324, or 45 per cent.
The Seventy-third lost 34 out of 332, or 10 per cent.
The Seventy-fourth lost 110 out of 381, or 32 per cent.
The Seventy-fifth lost 111 out of 258, or 40 per cent.
The One Hundred and Fifty-third lost 211 out of 569, or 39 per cent.
On the Union side of the greatest regimental losses at Gettys- burg the First Corps is represented by the One Hundred and Fifty-first, One Hundred and Forty-ninth, One Hundred and Fiftieth, One Hundred and Forty-seventh, One Hundred and Forty-third and One Hundred and Forty-second Pennsylvania, and the Eleventh Corps by the Twenty-seventh, Seventy-fourth, Seventy-fifth, and One Hundred and Fifty-third Pennsylvania. On the Confederate side, the Twent3^-sixth North Carolina lost, according to General Hoke's report, 708, but by the War Depart- ment's list, 588 out of " over 800," over 75 per cent., for these North Carolina regiments went into the field of great strength, some as high as 1,800, others 1,500 ; one company of the Twenty- sixth North Carolina lost out of 3 officers and 84 men, all of the officers and 83 of men ; another company, of the Eleventh North Carolina, lost 36 out of 38. The Second North Caro- lina Battalion was reported by General Ewell as losing 200, by the War Department 153, out of 240, 75 or 65 per cent. ; Lane's
32 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
North Carolina Brigade of Pender's Division, lost 660 out of 1,355, nearly 50 per cent.; Daniel's Brigade lost 916 out of 2,100, over •43 per cent. ; Pettigrew's Brigade lost 1,105, uearh' the whole strength of Biddle's. The total loss in the Union Army at Gettys- burg was 27 per cent. ; that of the First Corps on the first day was over 70 per cent., that of the Eleventh Corps over 60 per cent. Compare these with the losses in famous foreign battles. At Balaklava the Light Brigade lost 37 per cent., at Inkerman the Guards lost 45 per cent., the heaviest German regimental losses in the Franco-Prussian war were 49 per cent. The Twenty-sixth North Carolina lost 72 per cent., the One Hundred and Forty- ninth and One Hundred and Fifty-first Pennsylvania about as heavily. Nor did these Pennsylvania regiments fight any better on Pennsylvania soil than elsewhere, while their comrades from other states fought as bravely here as in any other field during the war. It has been the habit to speak of the first day's battle as if it had been an accidental encounter, in Avhich horse, foot and artillery were driven in and through Gettysburg. In point of fact there was no accident, no surprise, no easy victory. Buford went by Reynolds' order to find the enemy, and his report on the 30th showed where Lee's forces were concentrating. From the dawn of July 1st, when Buford's cavalry first met the advance of Hill's Corps, mitil nightfall, when the Army of the Potomac was concentrated at and near Gettysburg, there was stui'dy fighting, stout resistance against a largely superior force, and an all-im- portant position and time to concentrate on it gained. The Con- federate Army fought to win the first day, but the Union Army fought to win the next day and the next, and the final victory.*
The battle of Gettysburg was a varying series of successive en- gagements, with alternate gains and losses, but the final result was that crowning success which was largely due to the good fight fought on the first day against heavy odds.
The first day's battle was a series of distinct contests, and, like every battle, it was a compound of victory and defeat ; every sol- dier killed, wounded or captured, every inch of ground gained or lost, being part of the final result. It was, indeed, "the soldier's battle," for it was the fixed determination of the soldiers to hold the ground that counted for more than any skilful manoeuvres of military art or the best tactical methods. Buford's two brigades of cavalry fought and held in check Heth's Division, ard when Buford was relieved, the First Corps fought Heth's and Pender's
*John C. Ropes'. "The Caiiipaigu under Pope."
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 33
Divisions. When the Eleventh Corps came to the front it met Rodes' and Early's Divisions, and then the right of the First Corps also became engaged with these strong Divisions. Meredith's Brigade of the First Division of the First Corps captured part of Archer's Brigade, Cutler's Brigade captured part of Davis' Brig- ade, Baxter's Brigade of the Second Division of the First Corps captured part of Iverson's Brigade of Rodes' Division of Ewell's Corps. Meredith's Brigade fought in turn the whole or part of Archer's, Pettigrew's, Brockenbrough's and Daniel's Brigades.
Stone's Brigade and the Sixth Wisconsin, Ninety-fifth New York and Fourteenth New York fought Davis' and Daniel's Bri- gades, and the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania and the Seventy-sixth New York also encountered them, while Baxter's and Cutler's Bri- gades were pitted against the brigades of Iversou, O'Neal and Ram- seur. Of the artillery engaged on the first day, the record is one of pre-eminent service. Tidball's Horse Battery, under Lieu- tenant Calef, fought almost unaided, and the batteries of the First Corps bore the brunt of a largely superior number and weight of guns ; Cooper's Battery B, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Stevens' Fifth Maine, Reynolds' L, First New York, Stewart's B, Fourth United States, and of the Eleventh Corps, Wiedrich's I, First New York, Dieckmann's Thirteenth New York Light Artillery, Wilkeson's G, Fourth United States, Dilger's I and Heckman's K, First Ohio Light Artillery, greatly helped to secure the weak Union forces from the strong Confederate lines that steadily gathered there confident of success. Paul's Brigade captured part of several brigades of Pender's Division. Stone's Brigade of the Third Division fought in turn Davis' Bri- gade of Heth's Division, Daniel's Brigade of Rodes' Division and Scales' Brigade of Pender's Division. Biddle's Brigade of the Third Division on the extreme left, fought Pettigrew's and Mc- Gowan's Brigades of Heth's Division, while Brockenbrough's and Lane's and Scales' extended the Confederate line and overlapped the Union left, just as Early's Brigades overlapped the LTnion right. There Barlow's Division fought Gordon's, Hays' and Avery's Brigades, and Ames' fought Doles' and Daniels', and the right of the First Corps, Baxter and Cutler, and the left of the Eleventh, fought Iverson's, Daniel's, Doles', Ramseur's and O'Neal's Brigades. Coster's Brigade of Steinwehr's Division was pitted against Hays' and Hoke's and Ramseur's Brigades. While the First Corps was put in almost to the last man, and the Elev- enth Corps had only a weak reserve on Cemetery Hill, the Con- federates had two divisions, Johnson's of Ewell's, and Anderson's 3
34 Pennsylvania o,t Gettysburg.
of Hill's Corps, estimated by General Fitz. Lee at over 10,000 each, and the foiu- divisions that had been engaged, Heth's, Pen- der's, Rodes' and Early's, at the close of the action, at over 4,500 each. The First Corps then was reduced from 9,000 to 3,000, and the part of the Eleventh Corps actually engaged from 6,000 to 3,800. The actual losses of the Union forces on the first day were proportionally far heavier than those of the Union Ai-my on the other days of the three days of fighting, and both Union and Confederate forces on the first day lost more heavily than on almost any other battlefield. The Second Corps lost 4,350 out of 10,500 engaged, over 42 per cent., in the battles of the second and third days; the Third Corps lost 4,210 out of less than 10,000 actually engaged on the second day, 42 per cent. ; the Fifth Corps lost 2,187 out of 11,000, less than 20 per cent.; the Sixth Corps lost only 242, for it was wisely held in reserve ; the Twelfth Corps lost 1,801 out of 8,000; on the Confederate side on the first day, Heth lost 2,850 out of 7,000, 40 per cent. Pender lost 1,690 out of 7,000 ; Early lost 1,188, and Eodes 2,853 out of their divisions which went into action each 8,000 ; 35 per cent, for the latter, and about 12 per cent, for the former.
Pickett's loss in his famous charge was 65 per cent., 2,888, of of which 232 were killed, 1,157 wounded and 1,499 captured or or missing ; but on the first day the Iron Brigade lost over 60 per cent., and Biddle's Brigade, and Stone's Brigade lost nearly 70 per cent. each. The First Corps with six brigades, and the Eleventh with five, fought eight brigades of Hill's Corps and nine of Ewell's, and yet at the close of the first day, the fresh troops of Lee's Ai'my were held off from gathering the fruits of their hard-earned success by the strength of the forces before them and those placed on the right and left. Even Wadsworth's Division, beaten and outnumbered, still held on to Culp's Hill, and prevented Ewell from seizing it. Thus, too, Buford's little cavalry force made sufficient demonstration on the flanks to arrest the Con- federate advance, and even the Union guns at the foot of Semi- nary Bidge, manned by the men of the Iron Brigade, though hard pressed, were saf el y withdrawn. Thus the Union forces were out- numbered and forced to retreat, but neither dismayed nor driven off hastily. Thus, too, was gained the practical fruits of the first day's battle, in the rapid concentration of Meade's Army on the position in the rear of Gettysburg, where General Meade turned his offensive defense into a final repulse and defeat of Lee's Arm3^ It was the first day that prepared the way for this result, and dearly purchased as it was, the price was none too great to pay
Pennsylvania at Gettyshwg. 35
for the infinite advantage. There is glory enough for all who took part in the battle of Gettysburg, but for those who fought on the first day there is the special glory of having fought against over- whelming numbers, and yet with such firmness and pertinacity that the forward movement of Lee's Army was arrested, time secured for the arrival and concentration of Meade's Army, and the expected easy onset of the Confederates resisted at every point. To the events of the first day is largely due the final issue of the battle of Gettysburg, and therefore it deserves a special record to-day here.
No one thinks of limiting the significance of the battle of Get- tysburg to the spot where it was fought, yet the fact that the field of battle lies within the limits of the State of Pennsylvania im- poses a special duty which has always been fully recognized. As far back as 1864 the Battle-field Memorial Association was or- ganized to secure the ownership of the ground. State after state has joined in the solemn duty of marking, by permanent memo- rials, the position of every organization, and the dedication ser- vices have been memorable for eloquence and pathos. The State of Pennsylvania now marks the final act of a long series of legis- lative and executive measures, by inviting the veteran soldiers of all its organizations that took part in the great battle, to join in this reunion, and to set the seal of approval on its work. By its generous aid and under the watchful care of a Commission com- posed of able officers, every one of its eighty-six organizations will be represented on the field by suitable memorials of its ser- vices here. Let us gratefully acknowledge the way in which the State of Pennsylvania has recognized and fulfilled its obligation. It has freely given money, and more than that, the Governor and the Commission appointed by him, have given time and thought, and have fulfilled to general satisfaction, a long, difficult and deli- cate task. The Commission closes its report with an urgent appeal for a memorial of General Meade and his great services. Let us heartily second that appeal. The same honor, too, is due to Gen- eral Hancock. Great as is the work that has been done in mak- ing Gettysburg a permanent historical record in bronze and gran- ite, that record is incomplete until statues of Meade and Han- cock are placed on the field where the great victory w^as won. History has enrolled their names high on the list of those who deserved well of their country, and in its great and growing pros- j)erity the country should not fall short in paying the tribute due them here. Meade and his able lieutenants earned here the gratitude of the nation, and he and they should stand forever in
36 Pennsylvania at Oettyshurg.
living" bronze, keeping- watch and ward over the memorials of their soldiers.
The men of the First Corps put Reynolds' statue here in mem- ory of their deep sense of his g-reat qualities, and of the affec- tion that endeared him to his soldiers. The first day's battle was largrely due to his inspiration, and his spirit ruled the field long- after his dead body had been borne from it. To his succes- sor in command there, sent in answer to Buford's warning- note, 'there seems no commanding- officer here,' to Hancock, both for his services in the closing- hours of the first day, in snatching- the substantial fruits of victory from the enemy, and for his still more shining successes on the succeeding- days of the battle, there is still due the acknowledg-ment best to be made in a bronze heroic statue. Then to complete the work, Meade himself should stand here, that the long- list of memorials on the field he won, should at last be completed by one worthy of the g-reat comman- der. That done, and only then, may we feel that the history of Gettysburg- is finally told in bronze and g-ranite, and that to all justice has been fully meted out.
Yesterday we dedicated our reg-imental monuments, to-daj'- we recall the operations of each of the three days of the g-reat bat- tle. Honor has been duly paid to the org-anizations that fought here. Here stands the statue of Reynolds. There at Round Top is the statue of Warren. We look in vain for Meade and Hancock. Their names are forever associated -with Gettysburg, and it is due to them, to the men who fought under them, that here at Gettysbury due honor should be paid them. Until that is done, we cannot feel that the task is yet complete. Let us then see to it that before another Pennsylvania Day is celebrated, the statues of Meade and Hancock shall be put in place here. That done, then indeed, will the work be completed, and Gettysburg will no longer need the crowning memorial that is still wanting. In leaving Gettysbui-g let us all bend our best energies to the requisite measures for securing suitable honors to Meade and Hancock, and may we meet here at no distant day to join in un- veiling- their statues on the field forever connected with their names.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 37
THE SECOND AND THIRD DAYS- JULY 2 and 3, 1863. Brevet Brigadier-General Henrv H. Bingham.
IN the great metropolis of the nation but a few months ago, amid joy and thanksgiving, speech and song, peace and pros- perity, hallelujah and prayer, the official representatives of the people and assembled thousands of the populace, celebrated the centennial of the inauguration of George Washington, first Presi- dent of the United States. A g-overnment of the people, by the people and for the people, liberty for all, but exacting loyalty from all, the American Kepublic had lived one hundred years. Our Declaration of Independence was a masterful reality, our con- stitution a matchless charter of freedom, and that God inspired utterance that three millions of patriots gave to mankind and humanity : " We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish j ustice,insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States," found at the incoming of the second century, sixty -five millions of freemen, "a family at peace among ourselves," who could with reverent acclaim send greeting to the g-enerations to come and with bended knee and uplifted eyes, in spirit humble, but voice firm and unwavering, declare, "We have foug-ht a good fight, we have kept the faith, glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men." We are to-day a happy people. A constitution preserved, the integrity of the Union maintained — liberty and law our cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. But the path has been no easy one to follow; the roses that have lined the way have had many thorns, and their colors have been darkly red, and on the hill side and in the valley, the unnumbered and nameless graves with monumental shafts and simple stones, cover all that remains of a patriot dead who sacrificed their all for human rights, that here assembled to-day, we "May hail the coming- century with hope and joy."
The limitations of the constitution, the integrity and indepen- dence of the states, the legislation enacted by the sovereign Con. g-ress, the statutes enforced within the borders of the common- wealths, the discussions in church and from the public rostrum upon
38 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
the construction of our fundamental law, the variety and diversity of interests in our industries and large communities; labor in its many forms and conditions, all, all contributed to consummate, upon the election and inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, that physical and moral climax of forces, known in our history as the War of the Rebellion or the American Civil War of 1861-1865. It was the greatest war of modern times. Its field of operation meas- ured almost a continent in territory ; eight hundred millions of treas- ure— a people's toil, but paid its living moving needs — its dead and dying reached six hundred thousand men and permanently disabled and destroyed the health of over one million more— it covered a land with widows and orphans — it begot suffering never to be estimated and privations countless; it exhibited bravery unparalleled, courage and endurance unsurpassed ; its leadership was magnificent, its soldiery heroic. Such was the nation's tragedy of the nineteenth century in which you played so well your part. Greatest of all, in the fulness of time it came, be- cause in the destiny of our civilization and national life it had to come that American constitutional liberty might live^ — "The Union, one and inseparable, now and forever."
Amen to the mightj^ sacrifices — amen and all hail the mightier consummation.
The contending armies cover bodies of men in action and bat- tle, in suffering and slaughter, in camp and hospital almost be- yond human conception or understanding. The Union forces enrolled during the four years number two millions seven hun- dred and seventy-tM'o thousand four hundred and eight men (2,772,408) and estimated upon a basis of three years' service, 2,320,272, or about two thousand regiments.
The Confederate armies from the best attainable sources are estimated at 700,000 for the period of the war, or 786 regiments on the ten-company basis.
The military population of the states on the Union side was 4,559,872, and from the eleven states of the Confederacy 1,064,193.
There were killed or died of wounds on the Union side —
Officers, 6,365
Enlisted Men, 103,705
Aggregate, 110,070
Died of disease on the Union side —
Officers, 2,712
Enlisted Men, 197,008
Aggregate, 199,720
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 39
Making- the g-rand aggreg-ate from all causes duriug the war 359,528, or 15.4 of the entire army.
There were 275,175 wounded, but not mortally.
The estimated loss of the killed or mortally wounded in battle on the Confederate side was 94,000, and death from disease 59,297.
The Union army embraced volunteers from every condition of our industrial life, but the grand measure of obligation belongs to that people who in every contest for freedom have ever been foremost.
Forty-eight per cent, were farmers, twenty-four per cent, me- chanics, sixteen per cent, laborers, five per cent, commercial pur- suits, three per cent, professional men, four per cent, miscella- neous.
Nationality formed a distinctive feature. The great body of foreig-ners, who from the days of our Revolution, have done so much to develop our industries and add to our wealth, strength and vigor as a people, responded quickly to the call for troops, and fought bravely throug-h the long- war.
Three-fourths of the army were native Americans. Of the 500,000 soldiers of foreign birth, Germany furnished 175,000; Ireland, 150,000 ; England, 50,000 ; British America, 50,000 ; other countries, 75,000.
Coming late into active warfai*e, but when once a part of the army rendering valuable and distinguished service, we find the enlistment of the black troops to have reached the larg-e number of 178,975, and their deaths from all causes to have been 86,847.
The Republic has remembered their services and in the battles of the future they will enter at the commencement of every struggle for freedom.
There were one hundred and twelve battles in which one side or the other lost over five hundred men killed and wounded, and in all there were one thousand eight hundred and eighty-two g-eneral eng-agements, battles, skirmishes or affairs in which at least one regiment was engaged. Every state of the United States and every territory sent volunteers to the Union Army.
Such briefly were the physical and statistical conditions of the two great forces fig-hting for the supremacy of their principles and moral ideas, accepting in the arbitrament of arms the final determination of the issues involved.
This mighty host — these millions who fought the fight, the hundreds of thousands Avho fell, and the million who were broken down in health and strength, came willing-ly — came for the war shouting, " We are coming, father Abraham, five hundred thou-
40 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
sand more." Yea they came and broug-ht final victory — not sim- ply the applause of the multitude from all over the land — not alone the trophies of war — torn battle-flags and smoking guns, but they broug-ht final victory full and complete.
Our Constitutional Government saved — saved not only to the victors but to the vanquished. Saved to be loved and honored, revered, respected and obeyed by all. A quarter of a century has passed and truly can we say as Milton said of Cromwell, "That war made him great, peace greater."
Throughout the length and breadth of this great common- wealth a loud appealing voice rings out — "Watchman, what of the night ?" The nation wants help ! and lo, the answer comes from mountains and valleys, from the fields ripe with the waving" g-olden grain ; from the centers of trade, commerce and manufac- ture ; from the loom, the anvil and the workshop ; from the bench, the bar and the pulpit ; from the schools and colleg-es of learning and science — from youth and age, from every condition of American manhood — "All's well, Pennsylvania will g-ive her bravest and best, the strongest and most faithful of her sons."
Call the roll : 315,017 white soldiers, 8,612 black soldiers, 14,307 sailors and marines, aggregating 337,936.
Sixty-five and nine-tenths of the military population, averaged upon the basis of three year's service, they numbered 265,517, embraced in two hundred and fifteen regimental organizations. Of the three hundred regiments in the Union army that sustained the heaviest losses in battle, including every regiment in service which lost over one hundred and thirty killed or died of wounds during the war, fifty -three are grouped from Peimsylvania. Thir- ty-seven Pennsylvania regiments lost in killed and died of wounds in battle over ten per cent, of their total enrolment.
Of the forty-five regiments in the Union army that lost over two hundred men killed or mortally wounded in the action, eleven are from Pennsylvania.
Of the twenty-two regiments in the Union army where the loss of killed or died of wounds during the war reached fifteen per cent, or upwards of their enrolment, five are from Pennsylvania.
They have the following order :
4th — One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 17.4.
9th — One Hundred and Forty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, 16.5.
10th — One Hundred and Forty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, 16.1.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 41
12th — One Huudved and Forty-eig"hth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, 15.6.
13tli — Eig-hty -third Pennsylvania Volunteers, 15.5.
Thirty -three thousand one hundred and eighty -three ag-greg-ate the number of deaths (wounds and disease) from all causes — an average of 15.4 of the troops furnished.
The percentage of killed in action of the soldiers from the Keystone State, based upon the white troops, is greater than in the quota of any other northern state.
The cavalry of Pennsylvania being- specially distinguished, exceeding in losses that of the cavalry of any other state.
These brave men who fought so gallantly were Pennsylvania's sons. They are all around us here to-day where they fell. They are buried in the sleeping- homes of the nation's dead, and in the resting places where loving- eyes can watch and loving- tears can ever water their graves. You, the living soldiers here with us, equally brave, have quietly melted into the peaceful walks of life ever performing full duty as American citizens.
Pennsylvania gave you all to the nation, and when you wore the honored blue, however much you loved your state, you be- came the soldiers of the Union.
But the time was near in the mighty contest when you, the living, and the thousands dead, were to be marshalled upon the hills and valleys of your loyal state and in a death struggle, fight the greatest battle of the war and contest in the most important strategic issue of the age, for it was upon this field — this Gettys- burg " that the star of the Confederacy reaching- the zenith turned by swift and head-long plunges toward the nadir of outer darkness and collapse."
AVaterloo and Gettysburg are marked as the two great battles of the age.
The Union army numbered 82,000 men and 300 guns ; the Con- federate numbered 70,000 men and 250 g-uns; the battle lasted three days and the casualties upon the Union side were 23,003, and upon the Confederate 27,525 men.
In detail the Union cause lost 3,063 killed, 14,492 wounded, and 5,435 missing or captured ; many of the wounded and many of the captured died. No authentic details are available for the Confederate side.
Pennsylvania's bravery upon this field embraces 26,628 men ; in detail, sixty-eight regiments of infantry, eig-ht regiments of cavalry, and five batteries of artillery.
4-2 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
The killed and mortally wounded are 67 officers, and 964 men, 1,031 total.
The general casualties number 5,907.
We are glad to be here to-day to aid in the serious and patri- otic ceremonies that will contribute to make this hallowed ground immortal. This large gathering of the living remnant of a brave soldiery; these representatives of civil authority ; these organi- zations of loyal devotion to comradeship ; this gathering of vast numbers upon the hillsides — the military display in blue, these flags and guns and all the paraphernalia of war, these s])eechless mounds and numberless graves, these monuments that proclaim a history, all attest the greatness and fitness of this occasion. We are glad to be here. How the scene has changed. What is it now ? Cemetery Hill and the Eidge, Gulp's Hill, Kound Top, Peach Orchard and Devil's Den — What it was! No one man living or dead ever saw. You were here, but the fight Avas every- where. No pen can write, no tongue describe, no artist's brush or pencil picture. In the years to come impartial history will place in imperishable record the best adjustment of all contro- versies and conflicting statements. Let us hope that is best. Better that those of us who were a part, shall hold its bloody record as a memory, and treasure the heroic deeds of our comrades, as the needed sacrifices for " nobler modes of life and purer laws." But " with malice toward none, with charity for all," we can quickly pass in review some of the fearful work of those never- to-be-forgotten days.
Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, was the first determined ad- vance to plant his standards and entire army upon free soil, and passing over the Susquehanna to capture the capital of our state, and Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, where great treasure could be demanded and exacted from these cities of wealth.
Once having established a foothold, recognition would quickly be accorded by foreign nations.
He came upon our fruitful borders and entered our rich domain, with banners flying and all the surroundings of a conquering hero. His army marshaled a leadership experienced in warfare, possessed of the highest military capacity, and a soldiery ripe from the victories of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, bold, aggressive, disciplined, and feeling the spirit of invincibility. They came to do or die. To fight and to stay. The great loyal North kneiu their purpose of invasion and trembled. The Army of the Potomac, strong in numbers, wearied and worn with long marching, remembering the severe recent defeats and hard blows
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 48
received in Virginia, lacked that morale and enthusiastic confi- dence tliat had been its companion on many a hard-fought field. But Avhen the army knew the next clash of arms was to be on the soil of Pennsylvania — their home and heritage — like a giant, conscious of strength, and restive for a final struggle, they forgot defeat and weariness, and lifting up their voices sang songs of vic- tory as they moved in compact form on marches forced and long.
The change in the command of the army had just reached the men, and with unswerving judgment and soldierly instinct they knew and felt that in General Meade the army could confidently trust and safely fight ; a confidence merited and deserved. The battle of the first of July is over, and along the many roads con- verging upon these hills the Union Army is lapidly marching, lighted by the full moon and cooled by the soft air of the summer night.
General Meade reaches the field about midnight; conferences with Hancock, Howard and others follow, then an immediate in- spection of the field, to be renewed at four (4) a. m., when the first rays of daylight appear. There has been no delay, no evi- dence of uncertainty, the battle is to be fought here and the troops are all marching on.
A supreme struggle known to soldiers and general. The troops arrive and by 9 a. m., with the exception of the Sixth Army Corps, not far away, the dispositions are made — great expedition creditable to Meade and his soldiers.
On the Union side, the right wing composed of the Twelfth Corps with Wadsworth's Division of the First Corps, based itself on the rough and wooded eminence of Culp's Hill. The Eleventh Corps with Robinson's and Doubleday's Divisions of the First Corps held Cemetery Hill. The prolongation of the line to the left along the crest of Cemetery Ridge was occupied by Han- cock's Second Corps ; the Tliii'd Corps, under Sickles, formed the left wing running from Hancock's flank to Round Top. The Fifth Corps had upon its arrival taken position on the right, in reserve. On the Confederate side Longstreet held the right, (opposite Sickles) his troops drawn along the well-wooded line of Seminary Ridg'e : Hill's Corps continued the line along the same ridge to the Seminary, opposite the Union center, and Ewell's Corps, the Confederate left, stretched from the Seminary through the town and enveloped the base of Culp's Hill.
Thus face the two giants that are to meet in a deadly contest — a grapple that will know no yielding save in defeat.
There seems to be some misunderstanding about the line Geu
44 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
eral Sickles has taken. His troops are seen advancing, and as he moves forward they are leaving- Hancock's left and a large gap is plainly visible, and Sickles' left is in advance of Round Top and an angle is made with Hancock's line instead of a compact prolongation. Is the army to change its left line, or are all to move fm'ther forward, is the inquiry of men and commanders ? The sight was a grand one, that marching mass of trained brave men; they looked invincible, although something seemed not right, for many horsemen were riding rapidly in all directions, while the movement afforded a large part of the army the oppor- tunity to see the power of a compact force.
Meade rides rapidly up to the ridge accompanied by Sickles ; an earnest conversation follows concerning the advanced position of the troops. Meade, before the Committee on the Conduct of War, states: "I told him it was not the position I had expected him to take ; that he had advanced his line beyond the support of my army, and I was very fearful he would be attacked and lose the artillery which he had put so far to the front, before I could support it. General Sickles expressed regret that he should have occupied a position which did not meet with my ap- proval, and he very promptly said that he would withdraw his forces to the line which I had intended him to take. He could see the ridge by turning around which I had intended him to take, but I told him I was fearful that the enemy would not al- low him to withdraw, and that there was no time for any further change or movement. Before I had finished that remark the enemy's batteries opened upon him and the action commenced."
Lee had resolved to attack the Union line — his own words are as follows : "It was determined to make the principal attack upon the enemy's left, and endeavor to be in a position from which it was thought that our artillery could be brought to bear with effect. Longstreet was directed to place the divisions of Hood and McLaws on right of Hill, partially enveloping the enemy's left which he was to drive in. General Hill was ordered to threaten the eneny 's center to prevent reinforcements from being drawn to either wing, and co- operate with his right divisioii in Longstreet's attack. General Ewell was instructed to make a simultaneous demonstration upon the enemy's right, to be converted into a real attack should opportunity offer."
The battle has opened, and as Longstreet has been observed by the troops posted in the orchard, our artillery opens and ere long the musketry fire grows fiercer.
The attack falls upon Sickles' line, the left front, just where it recedes from Sherfy's Peach Orchard on the Emmitsburg road.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 45
DeTrobriand and Ward's Brigades, of Birney's Division, hold this line. The attack is boldly made, and the struggle becomes close and unyielding. The enemy's line laps the left flank of the Third Corps by about two brigades, and at once it is apparent the effort will be to scale the sides of Bound Top and gain pos- session of this, the key to our line. As the battle grows in fierceness and intensity, additional troops are continually arriv- ing. Meade, upon leaving Sickles, had ordered to the left Cald- well's brave division of the Second Corps, and troops of the Fifth Corps are already arriving on the field.
Brigade upon brigade go in and come out — all around Round Top, Peach Orchard, Devil's Den, Plum Run, Emmitsburg road and the Wheat Field.
The battle opening at four o'clock p. M., on the extreme left, had extended towards the town, until by six o'clock every Confed- erate brigade had advanced from the line of battle on Seminary Ridge, including that of Law's, on the extreme right of General Lee's line, opposite Round Top, to Wright's Brigade, which had attacked Gibbon's Division on Hancock's center, and the whole intervening country from the Devil's Den, on the base of Round Top, to and above Codori's house, on the Emmitsburg road, was filled with a struggling mass of armed men.
The demons of war have been at their terrible work. Hour seems to follow hour, but there is no cessation to the booming cannon and the rolling of musketry. Wounded men are continu- ally coming back, yet the lines hold their own only to break and re-form and again attack. Birney's, Graham's and Humphreys' troops have fought hard, and Caldwell's Division of four brigades have, under a scathing fire, struggled long and valiantly. Sykes, of the Fifth Corps, has brought into action four of his brigades, and others, under Barnes, Ayres and Crawford, are soon to follow and do good work. Williams has been ordered from the right, and closely follows the Fifth Corps. A mass of troops are on the left, and our line is now strong where it was once so weak.
Our losses are appalling. Graham falls wounded, and is in the hands of the enemy. The brave Sickles has received a ball in the leg, and he has been carried off the field. Hancock is as- signed to the command of the corps. Cross and Zook, of Cald- well's Division, are killed, and Willard dies bravely. Thousands of men are liors-de-combat. Brave Humphreys, in obedience to Birney, completes his movement to fall back from his advanced position, and displays that cool intrepidity and courage that has ever marked his able generalshiiD. He reaches his line at last, but
46 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
half of his gallant force have fallen. Crawford's Pennsylvania Reserves, and a part of Hays' Division do good work ; and Hunt, intelligent and watchful soldier, with his reserve artillery, has strengthened the line. Men are worn out with the fury of the fight; the dead are everywhere; the wounded legion. Night at last comes, and around the Devil's Den, Peach Orchard, Round Top and the Wheat Field and woods where the battle boiled and bubbled like a seething cauldron, the worn-out and exhausted soldiers slept side by side with their comrades dead.
The battle on the left for the day is over. The blazing sun has sunk to rest and night takes pity and shadows all, that the fear- ful slaughter may cease. Errors of judgment may have been committed — other disposition of troops may have been wiser, and our lines may have been located giving us greater strength and greater resistance. But that is passed; no battle of the war exhibited greater bravery on the part of officers and men, than that which clustered around and upon Little Round Top and the now famous fields and woods upon our left.
The losses of the Third Corps were very great. The men fought and died, and then seemed to rise up and strike again. Brave Warren, whose rare military judgement and quickness of action saved Round Top, and Weed, Vincent, O'Rorke and Haz- lett, who, after heroic and magnificent work, yielded up their lives to hold this important citadel, will ever be held in the special honor and love. Brave men; none braver on that memorable field. Round Top will yet be crowned with their monuments in bronze and stone.
Up to a late hour the entire right of our line, extending from Cemetery Hill to and over Culp's Hill, had remained unassaulted except by the sharp artillery fire from batteries on Benner's Hill, but they were eventually silenced by the splendid practice of Union guns on East Cemetery Hill.
Wadsworth's Division of the First Corps, had occupied the northern face of Culp's Hill the night before, and early on the morning of the second, Geary's Division of the Twelfth Corps had moved over from its position, north of Little Round Top, and formed on Wadsworth's right, extending down the south- eastern face of the hill; and a little later Williams' Division, commanded by General Ruger, marched over from Wolf's Hill where it had spent the night, and formed on Geary's right, ex- tending the line in a zig-zag course to Spangler's meadow at the base of the hill.
Notwithstanding these troops had not been molested during
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. . 47
the day, they had not been idle. Immediately on taking- that position, a line of breastworks had been commenced, which by nightfall were sufficient to afford the troops ample protection. When, however, the condition of the battle on the left assumed such threatening proportion, General Meade called on General Slocum, commanding the right center, for troops to go to the as- sistance of the left, and General Williams, temporarily command- ing the corps, was ordered to send his own division, commanded by General Ruger. These troops moved out of their works ac companied by Lockwood's Brigade, and were led by General WilHams in person to the scene of action, arriving, however, after the severe fighting was over, and only Lockwood's Brigade was temporarily engaged. In the meantime General Slocum had or- dered Geary to send two brigades of his division to the same destination; and Candy's and Kane's Brigades, under the per- sonal command of General Geary, started for the same destina- tion, but through some unexplained error they marched down the Baltimore pike to and beyond Rock creek, when they threw out pickets, leaving only Greene's Brigade to hold the long line of works built and occupied by the entire corps. As these brigades moved out General Greene commenced to deploy the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh New York Volunteers in that portion of the works vacated by Kane's Brigade. At the same time that the Twelfth Corps troops were being withdrawn, John- son's Division of Ewell's Corps advancing from beyond Benner's Hill, moved to attack the Twelfth Corps' position on Gulp's Hill, Steuart's Brigade assaulting Kane's position at the moment when the One Hundred and Thirty- seventh New York was being deployed in the works, and although stoutly resisted, Steuart occupied the position and his brigade sj)ent the night inside the Union works. Although Greene's position was previously as- saulted, he successfully repulsed every attack, assisted by several First and Eleventh Corps regiments sent to him by General Wadsworth, and by ten o'clock at night the battle ended. In the meantime General Kane, hearing the sound of battle, returned with his command, and although fired upon by Steuart's men when he attemijted to go to his old position, he eventually reached it by a circuitous route and occupied a strong position among the rocks on Greene's right, and by midnight Col. Candy's Brigade also returned and extended General Kane's line. When Ruger's Division and Lockwood's Brigade returned on finding their works occupied by the enemy, they took up a position on the open fields facing the woods, except Coigrove's Brigade,
48 Pennsylvania at Gettyshurg.
which moved over to the east side of Spangler's meadows. While this contest was taking place, Generals Slocum and Williams were attending a council of war at General Meade's headquarters.
On returning and learning the state of affairs General Slocum at once ordered his artillerj^ in position to command the works occupied by the enemy, and at 4.30 a. m. it opened fire.
In the meantime General Johnson had been reinforced by Gen- eral Walker's Brigade of his own division, and Daniel's and O'Neal's Brigades of Major-General Bodes' Division, and when Slocum's artillery opened fire, Johnson having no artillery in po- sition with which to reply, ordered an attack by his infantry all along the line. A counter-attack was made by General Williams, and the battle raged with varied success until near eleven o'clock, by which time the enemy was driven out and the original line restored.
Almost simultaneously with Johnson's attack on Gulp's Hill, Hays' and Hoke's Brigades of Early's Division charged Barlow's division, Adelbert Ames in command, in position on East Ceme- tery Hill. The crest of the hill was occupied by Wiedricb's, Ricketts' and Reynolds' Batteries, while Stewart's Battery, also on the hill, was trained on Baltimore street leading from the town. But the most important position, a shoulder on the west side of Gulp's Hill, since called Stevens' Knoll, v^as occupied by the Fifth Maine Battery commanded by Lieutenant Whittier.
The assault was made at the dusk of evening and was not ob- served until the enemy was far advanced. Colonel Wainwright, chief of First Corps artillery, directed his batteries to open fire, but unfortvmately the guns were so placed that they could not be depressed, and, notwithstanding the terrible flank fire by the Fifth Maine Battery, the infantry giving way, the enemy was soon among the guns. Wiedrich's Battery was captured and one or two of Ricketts' guns were spiked. At this juncture General Hancock dispatched the brave and fearless General Carroll with his gallant brigade to the scene of action. General Carroll immediately led his troops forward attacked the enemy, and assisted by some Eleventh Corps troops quickly restored the line and recaptured the guns Avhen the battle ended for the night.
Before the firing had ceased on the Union right, on the second of July, General Meade hastened to his headquarters and called his council of war — a gathering of the ablest and greatest leaders that had ever commanded the corps of the Potomac Army. Slocum, Sedgwick, Hancock, Howard, Newton, Sykes, Birney, Williams, Gibbon, Butterfield, were all present. The conclusion
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 49
was soon reached. " Hemain iu the present position and await the enemy's attack." Out of 52 infantry brigades, 42 had been engaged and 36 seriously. Tlie corps commanders reported about 58,000 men for the next day's fight.
The losses during the day crippled, perhaps, the Union side the least, but the enemy had gained great advantages. On their right the Confederates had secured a lodgment on the bases of the Round Tops, possession of Devil's Den, and the ridges on the Emmitsburg road, a valuable position for artillery.
On the left an occupation of part of the intrenchments of the Twelfth Corps with an outlet to the Baltimore pike, by which all of our lines could be taken in reverse. At the center, partial success, effecting no lodgment because they lacked proper sup- port. Lee recognized the value and importance of the advan- tages he had secured, and having had engaged but seventeen out of his thirty-seven brigades of infantry, he felt confident a great victory could ^have been gained, if his orders had been obeyed and his generals had co-operated.
The morale and discipline of his men were excellent — they wanted to fight and looked forward to a victory on the morrow. Lee's language is as follows : " The operations of the second of July induced the belief that with proper concert of action, and with the increased support which the positions gained on the right would enable the artillery to render the assaulting columns, we should ultimately succeed, and it was, accordingly, determined to continue the attack."
The same bright moon that had lighted the way of the thou- sands of brave soldiers, gayly singing their songs of triumph as they marched, July first, to these memorable fields, shone out again with equal brilliancy, upon scenes of activity and unceas- ing labor. The wounded were carried to the rear and the lines re-formed among the dead, too numerous to be cared for. Sleep came to the eyes of few. It required the vigor of youth to with- stand the strain.
Throughout the loyal states consternation was in the minds and fear in the eyes of men. The Army of the Potomac had suf- fered reverses on the first and second of July, and nothing save that shattered and worn army stood between the march of Lee's victorious legions and the great cities of the North.
The Sixth Corps supplies reserves to various parts of the line. The Fifth Corps, on the left, extends itself so as to occupy the acclivities of Great Round Top, and protect the flank from sur- prise. The Third Corps, worn out and disabled, is iu reserve. 4
50 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
At early dawn the fig-ht commences on the right, for orders have been sent to dislodge the enemy. Slocum commands the right wing, and he voted last night at the council, "stay and fight it out." It is most important that our line be maintained, and for almost five hours a determined and courageous struggle continues. Finally the enemy are compelled to move back, and our troops regain their position. This is an unexpected loss to Lee.
Pending the formation of Longstreet's column on the 3d, Gen- eral Lee directed General Stuart to move with his cavalry beyond the left of his infantry, and endeavor to secure a position from which to co-operate with the attack about to be made by General Longstreet. This movement was made, but was met by a counter- movement by General Pleasouton who, under orders from Gen- eral Meade, had taken up a position to meet any flank attack by the enemy, and protect the Union flank and rear. Simultaneous with the great cannonade Stuart's command, consisting of Hamp- ton's, Fitzhugh Lee's, W. H. F. Lee's and Jenkins' Brigades, ad- vanced to the attack. They were met by Mcintosh's Brigade and Custer's Brigade, of Kilpatrick's Division, and, after a des- perate hand-to-hand engagement, were repulsed.
Later in the day General Meade ordered General Kilpatrick to take up a position to threaten the Confederate right. General Kilpatrick moved with Farnsworth's Brigade, and was subse- quently joined by Merritt's Brigade, of Buford's Division. A demonstration was made hj General Kilpatrick's order, during which General Farnsworth was killed.
The whole cavalry movement of the 2d and 3d of July, exhib- ited on the part of officers and men, not only bravery and cour- age, but able leadership, making memorable their record as indis- pensable adjuncts to the great battle and victory. Pennsylvania's contribution to the corps embraced many troops, and under the fighting qualities of fearless Pleasonton, the names of Generals John Buford, David McM. Gregg and Colonel J. Irvin Gregg, will ever be cherished and loved.
It is now eleven o'clock, and our lines are firmer and stronger than on the 2d of July. The men have had rest and food, the ground is better understood and the troops are resolute, knowing that another disaster may or v;ill be complete defeat. Extreme quiet reigns, and behind the low earthworks the men wait the coming storm. Hancock rides his line, and his appearance, like an inspiration, gives confidence to his soldiers. About one o'clock two cannon shots are fired — the men know they are signal guns. Suddenly, amid smoke and flame, there belches forth a thunder
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 51
cannonade as if the very elements were in battle, and the air is filled with exploding- shells. Pandemonium has commenced, and will so continue for the next two hours. Fifteen minutes pass for all is quiet along- the Union front, then there is a return of death-dealing- hospitality, and the seventy-seven g-unsof the Union Army join the one hundred and thirty-eight g-uns of the Confed- eracy. What seemed thunder before now seems a hundred times more deafening, for the troops are all lying- near the artillery.
Men hug- the ground, for death and destruction are flying all around — a sight so jnagnificent has never been seen by this g-en- eration upon this continent. Our guns, after an hour's incessant storming, gradually cease firing. The enemy believe our artillery has been silenced, but it has been the wise foresight and judg-- ment of Meade and Hunt who had directed the ammunition to be saved.
Under the cover of the smoke wafted by a soft lig-ht breeze, the enemy advanced. Pickett's fighting men, fresh, strong and determined to reach our lines, move forward as if on a holiday parade. They look like the brave Third Corps as it looked yes- terday. The direction of the line is distinct — not a turning of the left flank, but the assault is to fall upon Cemetery Ridge and Han- cock's Corps. These soldiers are like their superb commander — they fight to win — die if need be, for they have faced danger on many fiercely contested fields. There are ten regiments of Pennsylvania troops in that old Second Corps, and he is a Penn- sylvania soldier who commands them. Across the open plain the enemy marches with front apparently compact. Pickett leads, and then comes Armistead, Garnett, Wilcox, Kemper, Pettigrew, Trimble and a number of fearless men. It is their last heroic charge. That line of determined men lying along the Second Corps' front intend to allow no return.
How the banners flaunt, but they will soon drop, for the hands that hold them will be stricken down. It is death or victory, and the soil is Pennsylvania.
The enemy make a movement, a half wheel, our artillery opens upon the right flank, and McGilvery's forty guns are demoraliz- ing the steadiness of the forward movement. Other Confederate brigades now appear. Archer, Davis and Brockenbrough are seen in single line with Scales on the right and Lane on the left. Pickett's skirmishers are ordered back for real work is about to begin.
Forward, forward, here they come. No fear, no indecision — their eyes are fixed on the ridge and they will not waver save in death. They are fourteen thousand strong.
52 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
They are within two hundred yards of the line on the ridge and Hazard, from his artillery, Rorty, Brown, Gushing-, Arnold and Woodruff blaze canister into their ranks, the infantry pour musketry and McGilvery's guns drive them with shot and shell and roll up their flank.
They are now upon us. We can see their faces — long, color- less, gaunt — their clothing covered with blood and dirt.
The muskets bayoneted, carried at a charge, the look upon their firm set faces, resolute, defiant, fearless. Up men of Penn- sylvania! up soldiers of the Second Corps! you or they must win this day; there is no retreat now.
Harrow's and Hall's men strike them on our left, Stannard's flank fire rolls them up on our right, and brave Alexander Hays with soldiers worthy of the gallantry of their leader, with a fire concentrated and fearful in its havoc, wedges them into a solid column, which, driven like a massed weight, falls Avith a fearful force, impelled, upon the front of Webb's Brigade. They now seem irresistible, and they mean to kill.
Webb, in the midst of his soldiers, fights as they fight, yet he is ever the leader. The fearful thunderbolt has driven back his first line, but it readily re-forms on the second and brave Webb falls wounded.
The scene passes description — shot and shell and canister and musketry, every implement of warfare and death play havoc and let loose the dogs of war. Battle flags drop, men throw up their arms and fall upon their faces within our lines.
The fight is over, the victory of victories is won. Well done, sagacious Meade — bravely done, Hancock, master leader in the battle front of this the battle of the century — your blood has hallowed this ground ; and you, heroic Gibbon, and Webb, and Gushing, and Hays, and the long line of living and dead leaders, well done. A nation thanks you and thanks your great army. Soldiers of Peimsylvania, your valor has been seen in many bat- tle fields, but on none has it been greater or grander, nobler or more heroic than on the July days of 1863.
Again we hear the call, and in its tones a wail of anxiety, al- most grief — " Watchman, what of the night ?" The answer is heard all over the land — " All's well. The Army of the Potomac has gained a great victory," and like an ocean's roar comes back response — "Thank God and the Army of the Potomac."
MUSIC. Dedication Quartette,
Pennsylvania at Gettijsburg. 53
TRANSFER OF MONUMENTS TO GETTYSBURG BATTLE- FIELD MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION.
Governor James A. Beaver.
Y COUNTEYMEN: You have heard, in eloquent phrase, from the Hps of personal participants in the battle of Gettysburg-, what Pennsylvania's sons did here in con- nection with their comrades from other states, to preserve the heritage of our fathers for transmission to our sons. The mem- orials erected, and yet to be erected, upon this field, are designed to transmit this story, so far as perishable materials can, to the coming g-eneratious. The story itself will be transmitted in other and more enduring- ways. We recog-nize it as proper, how- ever, that the spot upon which men proved their devotion to principle by the surrender of their lives, should be marked by something distinctive and appropriate. This has been done in accordance with the wishes of the people of Pennsylvania, as voiced in the acts of their representatives, and it now devolves upon me, as their chief executive, to transfer the custody of these memorials to a body of gentlemen composed of representatives of the different states, whose troops participated in the battle on the side of the Uuion, and organized for the express purpose of preserving the battle-field and its surroundings, and of per- petuating- the memory of the deeds of its participants.
The Gettysburg" Battle-field Memorial Association has done a great work in preserving this field for the study of patriots, heroes and soldiers for all time to come. The organization is not distinctively Pennsylvanian. In its management are found the representatives of the several states contributing to the pur- chase and care of the battle-field. Its work, althoug-h confined to a given locality, is of interest to the people of the country and the world. For historical purposes, and for the study of strat- egy and tactics, Gettysburg is to be the great battle-field of the country and of the world. This fact has long been recognized by the Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association, and is be- coming recognized more and more by the people of the entire
54 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
country. Gettysburg- does not belong to Pennsylvania. Just as the principles of right for which men here fought were universal, and the results here won of general value to our common coun- try, so the battle-field of Gettysburg is the heritage of our coun- trymen everywhere. Their representatives control it now. and it is to be hoped that their official representatives in Congress will make provision for its further development for historical pur- poses, until the location of every military organization which fought upon the field will be designated and permanently marked.
Pennsylvania has entire confidence in the present organization charged with the duty of preserving and maintaining this battle- field, and she, without hesitation, transfers to its custody these memorials, erected by her official bounty and the contributions of the survivors of the several organizations which participated in the battle. She has, by legislative enactment, sanctioned the organization of the Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Associa- tion; she has contributed of her funds to its support; she has pride in its work, and will, doubtless, continue to co-operate with it and through it for its continued development, and the enlarge- ment of its scope and efibrts.
To you, as the representative of this Association, I beg to transfer the custody of Pennsylvania's memorials, assured that they will be properly cared for and faithfully preserved, and that so long as these perishable materials shall continue to do so they will be permitted to tell their story of heroism, sacrifice and de- votion to the generations yet unborn.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 55
ACCEPTANCE OF THE MONUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE BATTLE-FIELD MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION.
Hon. Edward McPherson.
GOVERNOR BEAVER : The Battlefield Association willing-ly accepts the care of the memorials which you have con- fided to it. These tasteful and enduring- monuments of bronze and granite, are an appropriate expression of the profound emotions with which a grateful people regard the great work done here by a noble soldiery. They vividly recall to this generation, as they will suggest to future g-enerations, the anxieties and griefs which, in the midst of war's alarms, disquieted the homes of om- broad and busy commonwealth. They will as vividly re- call the numberless privations and fatigues of camp and march, the suffering in hospital, the constant strain of expectation, the awful carnage of battle, which those brave hearts endured for us and for the possession of g-enerations who are to come after us. And they will also forever testify the precious fruits of victory^ our Union saved, our constitution purified, our institutions im- measurably streng-thened, the whole people firmly bound in an indissoluble union of indestructible states.
This lofty thought had, before the War of the Rebellion, no place in the accepted theories of our g-overnment, but is a gift from that war. Before that event the Union was flippantly and frequently threatened from within, in both the North and the South ; and if the states were boasted as indestructible, it was be- cause they were claimed to be independent and sovereign — and not at all as indestructible because an integ-ral part of a union in- dissoluble in whole and equally indestructible in every part. So far as we are, therefore, this day fused into unity and have a cloudless future, we owe it primarily to the constancy and valor of the armies of the Union, who thereby made the nation their debtor to an amount which cannot be computed or paid.
How much of the great result due to our many victories may be directly due to this victory, it is not possible accurately to state. But there were then existing circumstances of peculiar
56 Pemisylvania at Gettysburg.
gravity which made this victory indispensable to the cause of the Union. We know that long before this battle several European cabinets had considered the policy of unfriendly intervention in our affairs. We know, definitely, that six months before this battle the Emperor of France had taken a step in that policy of hostil- ity to which he was impelled by ambition for his dynasty, now happily sunk from sight. And we knov/^, further, that the gov- erning classes in most European states then complacently re- garded the end of the Great Republic as inevitable and awaited only a sufficient pretext to decide the issue and glean the profits. Our dangers from within were hardly less serious. Delays and defeats, debt and the draft, had sorely tried and deeply discour- aged the hopeful and faithful, and had driven the timorous, the time-serving and the treacherous to look for peace through surrender. The invasion of Pennsylvania was made at this su- preme crisis — the supreme crisis of the war, diplomatically, po- litically and militarily, and was timed so as to be adapted to these various exigencies. In all the war there was no moment so big with the fate of empire as July, 1863. If at that pivotal period, with foreign and domestic enemies of the Union alike crouching for its destruction, the Ai-my of the Potomac had been subdued and beaten, and if on the fourth of July, 1863, the victorious army of Northern Virginia had been in quick ijursuit of its flying foe to the then probable capture of Baltimore and of Washington, there can be no reasonable doubt that the fact would have become the long-sought pretext for foreign intervention with its horrid brood of consequences. But the Army of the Potomac stood in its tracks — shaken but yet firm, weakened but yet defiant, threat- ened but yet victorious. It remained master. The Army of Northern Virginia it was which sped its way to the camps from which it came, and whence it never afterward took a northern step. As it disappeared there also disappeared all opportunity for intervention. And Gettysburg, having escaped the misfor- tune of witnessing the wounding unto death of Liberty and Union, rose to be the venerated spot on which free institutions received their efficacious baptism of fire and blood.
In order to comprehend Gettysburg as a great historic name, and as a special place in the world, it is necessary to know ex- actly what each side represented in this death struggle. For this the official data are available — data which cannot be confused or denied, and must not be forgotten. The differences between the two were radical and unmistakable; were written down at the time in justification for action taken, and were put in issue when
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 57
appeal was made to the God of Battles. The "other side," by its declarations of that date, fought for the theory that our common constitution had created a confederacy of states, and had not formed a union of the people of the states. They fought for the existence in that confederacy of an indefeasible right in each state to secede from it on every pretext deemed good by each state, and against the right of the Union to prevent the with- drawal from it of the people of any state on any pretext. They fought for the right of two governments and two peoples, to di- vide between them the territory of the Union, and against the right of one government and one people to preserve as its per- petual home, the magnificent empire won and given by the fathers. And they fought that human slavery, instead of remain- ing a system local to, and controlled by, states, and with only qualified but defined rights in the Union, should be made the universal dominating interest in the confederacy — absolute every- where as to rights, its characteristic institution, the very "corner- stone" of its fabric, the dictator of its policies, and a chief ob- ject in its life.
These fundamental differences were brought by common consent, at Gettysburg, to the point of the bayonet and the mouth of the cannon, to be settled, after gigantic combat, by those grim and imperious judges from whose decision there is no appeal. Every soldier who fought in either army, therefore, fought willingly or unwillingly, consciously or un'consciously, for or against the ideas involved in these differences. And Gettysburg has thenceforth stood, and will stand while history endures, as a synonym for an indivisible government under the constitution, with freedom and equal rights for all as the pervading" purpose of the former, and as the perpetual inspiration of the latter.
Feelings of unspeakable thankfulness for this great gift have impelled the participating states to mark this field, as no field has been marked from the beginning of the world unto this day. Already there are upon it two hundred and eighty-seven memo- rial stones and structures, which are located with historical accu- racy upon the lines of battle of the Union Army, twelve miles in extent. Every regimental position has been or will be marked. And every tragic spot will be indicated upon this unique locality now known to have been the point expected and preferred by the commander of the invading army for the collision — the conver- gence to it of roads from all directions within a radius of fifty miles, having indicated it as the probable seat of battle with the defensive army of the Union.
58 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
Thus by a series of military events not specifically planned by either side, this battle of the giants came to be within the lines of Penn, but few miles from the lines of Calvert — the line be- tween the two having- long been the separation betwen the states of the free and the states of the slave. The distinction which then came to Pennsylvania, and which will be to it as a crown throughout the ages, found it neither unprepared nor unworthy. No region in the Union has a prouder political lineage than this in which we are. It was solemnly dedicated, over two hundred years ago, by its wise, unselfish and humane founder, to "kind- ness and goodness and charity," through forms of government in- tended to give freedom in order that the colonists might be happy. As colony and as commonwealth, the record of Penn- sylvania is radiant with acts of mercy and justice and virtue. Early in the struggle for independence, patriotic fervor drove it to the front, and troops from this neighborhood were among the first to hurry, in 1775, after Bunker Hill, to the help of the colo- nists of New England whose cause they made their own. When independence was proclaimed, it was on the soil of Pennsylvania that its language was first heard. While the country was in the throes of the revolution, in 1780, seven years before the passage of the great northwestern ordinance, it was Pennsylvania — a name "already dear throughout the world as a symbol of free- dom " — which, first of the thirteen, " led the way towards intro- ducing freedom for all," by passing the act of emancipation, which restored and established within it the rights of human na- ture— giving as reasons therefore thankfulness for escape from danger and a desire to give a substantial proof of gratitude, the duty of proving the sincerity of their professions in favor of freedom and the peculiar pleasure of adding "one more step to universal civilization."
When independence was won, and the convention of 1787 pro- duced, within its chief city, the Constitution of the United States, "the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man," Pennsylvania, in its deep yearn- ing for nationality, was one of the first two states, and the first of the large states, to greet and ratify it; and from that august moment to this it has, without default or stint, given to the safety of that constitution and to the growth of that union the sturdy service of its strong hands and the measureless wealth of its rich heart.
It must, therefore, be regarded as a supreme historic felicity that upon a territory so dedicated, among a people so molded
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 59
and so trained, aud iu a state so distinguished, in which over eighty years before, had been struck the first ringing- blow for human freedom, was here struck the decisive blow, in the fulness of time and in a Titanic struggle, for the salvation of our consti- tution, the maintenance of our union, and the rescue of the im- perilled rights of human nature; aud that, in this mighty con- test, it was from out these peaceful and beautiful hills, for years the silent watchers and the shielding friends of fleeing bondmen, bondwomen andbondchildren, when, suddenly, as in the twinkling of an eye, transformed by the subtle alchemy of battle, into quak- ing, smoking, cloud-capped, blood-drenched mounts, there issued in clear and resolute voice, amid the lightning flashes of artillery and the thunderous roar of musketry, the thrilling but just sen- tence that, as the expiation for all this suffering and as the pun- ishment for all this wrong, both our Union and our constitution shall remain inviolate, and our country shall no longer contain a slave. Then, and therein, had Gettysburg its consecration.
Honored Governor of our illustrious commonwealth ! I accept from your hands, by direction of the Battle-field Memorial Asso- ciation, the gifts which are the embodiment of the people's grati- tude; and, fully realizing what they represent and what our duty is and will be towards them, jjromise you to devote ourselves to their care as to a religious duty of liighest obligation.
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Pennsylvania
Reserve day
GETTYSBURG,
September 2d, 1890.
(fii)
Pennsylvania Reserve Day,
Tuesday, September 2, 1890, 1.30 p. m.
Ceremonies at the Rostrum of the National Cemeh kry, Gettysburg, Pa.
Hon. Andrew G. Curtin, Presiding,
War Governor of the Commonwealth, 1 861—1866.
Music, Frankford Band, of Philadelphia.
Prayer, Chaplain J. Hervey Beale.
Choir, "Dropping from the Ranks."
"The Organization of the Reserves," Hon. Andrew G. Curtin.
"The Commanders of the Reserves,"
Colonel John H. Taggart.
Music, Frankford Band.
"The First Brigade at Gettysburg,"
Brevet Brigadier-General Robert A. McCoy.
"The Third Brigade at Gettysburg,"
Lieutenant W. Hayes Grier.
Poem, "Major and Surgeon G. B. Hotchkins, Read by First Lieutenant and Adjutant W. P. Lloyd.
Presentation of Monuments to Battle-field Association,
Hon. James A. Beaver, Governor of the Conwiomvealth.
Acceptance on behalf of Battle-field Association,
Brevet Major Chill. W. Hazzard.
Music, Frankford Band.
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THE FIRST BRIGADE AT GETTYSBURG.
Brevet Brigadier-General Robert A. McCoy.
ON the 3d of June, 1863, Brigadier-General S. W. Crawford, of the regular army, an able and gallant Pennsylvanian, who had won distinction at Fort Sumter, in 1861, and later, as an officer on General Rosecrans' staff, and also as a brigade commander in Banks' army, was assigned to the division and proceeded to prepare it for active service in its camps, near Washington, D. C, to which it had been withdrawn at the ur- gent solicitation of Governor Curtin, who always vigilantly looked after the welfare of Pennsylvania troops, in order that its ranks might be repleted after the many hard-fought battles in which it had participated.
All then existing vacancies in field and line officers were filled. With some recruits, and the return of many from the hospitals who had been absent, wounded or sick, the division was soon in good condition for the field; and both Reynolds, of the First Corps, and Meade, of the Fifth, applied to the War Department to have it assigned to his individual command. After four mouths of monotonous picket duty experienced on the outposts of the defenses of Washington, it became irksome to the spirit of the corps, accustomed, as it had been, to most active and se- vere service at the front, and when rumors of a threatened inva- sion into Maryland and Pennsylvania followed close upon the battle of Chancellorsville, fought on the 3d of May, 1863, which were made significant by a call for the militia of the state by Governor Curtin, on the 12th of June, for her defense, the old veterans became restive and petitioned the general government to return them to the Army of the Potomac. On the 12 th of June, coincident with the state proclamation, though no danger was then apprehended at Washington of any invasion, Lee, flushed and emboldened by his past successes, which he believed augured well for the success of other plans that were far-reach- ing in their effect, left his position south of the Rappahannock, and started on a cautious movement toward the Shenandoah Val-
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64 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
ley tendmg- towards the north. By the next day Hooker was also on the move, closely watchino- the unfolding of the enemy's plan. After capturing- Winchester, on the night of the llth, the advance rebel cavalry, under Jenkins, crossed the Potomac and pushed rapidly through to Chambersburg, Pa., followed by Sw- ell's Corps, on the 16th, that raided by division, north upon Chambersbui-g, York and Carlisle, and also westward up the Po- tomac to Cumberland, Md. By these several movements Lee had hoped to draw the Army of the Potomac into Maryland and Pennsylvania, and then with the balance of his army he would move by Snicker's and Ashby's gaps, in the Blue Kidge, upon Washington, and strike from the south side. But the plan not having the desired effect upon Hooker, he suddenly pushed for- ward his whole army into Maryland on the 24th and 25th, and rapidly advanced into Pennsylvania with the purpose to plunder and destroy, if he could not succeed in transferring the battle- ground from Virginia. Hooker, who had advanced according to the movements of Lee, then started in pursuit, and on the 25th crossed the Potomac at Berlin and Edwards' Ferry, and proceeded to Frederick, Md., thus keeping between Washington and the enemy, who had crossed at Williamsport and Falling Waters. On the 23d, orders were issued from the War Department for the Pennsylvania Reserves to join the main army at Frederick, though the Second Brigade was detained for defense at Wash- ington. The regiments of the First and Third Brigades were withdrawn from their various out-posts, and by five o'clock that afternoon were on the move. On the 27th, the Potomac was crossed at Edwards' Ferry, and on Sunday, the 28th, the division reached the army at Frederick, and was assigned as the Third Division, Fifth Army Corps, the same position it held through the Peninsular campaign. To their surprise they found General Sykes taking command as successor to General Meade, who, that morning, had received the appointment of commander of the Army of the Potomac, in place of Hooker, suddenly relieved at his own request. The same breath that heralded to the aston- ished troops the retirement of the one, through his own farewell order to the army, announced the appointment of the other, and his acceptance of the command. And whatever may have been the private individual judgment, not a murmur of discontent arose from that well-disciplined and loyal body of men to ques- tion the wisdom that decided the rise and fall of its command- ers. Space will not permit going into the details of this sudden change on the eve of a great battle, nor the cause that inspired
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 65
it; suffice it to say that they were neither just nor g-enerous to "fighting- Joe Hooker," nor creditable to General-in-Chief Hal- leck.
As a part of the secret and unwritten history of the selection of a successor to Hooker, when it had been determined to relieve him, it is worthy of record that from the long list of able gen- erals in the Army of the Potomac, the only names voted upon by the Cabinet for the position were Reynolds and Meade, both of whom had risen into fame as commanders of the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps. No greater compliment could have been paid to the corps than this, and the fact, that in considera- tion of its two great chieftains, a single vote alone decided which should wear the highest honors. From Frederick the division moved at noon on the 29th, as rear guard to the long artillery and ammunition trains, which at times greatly impeded progress, but, after long delays, it moved so rapidly forward that lost time was recovered in very severe marches, reaching Uniontown, Mary- land, on the evening- of the 30th, where it encamped for the night. On the afternoon of July 1st, the division was halted at the state line to hear a most patriotic and stirring address from General Crawford. Looking over into their own loved state with all the pride of their patriotic hearts, the enthusiasm of the men became almost unbounded, and as they crossed the line with cheer after cheer there was determination to fight as they had never fought before to drive the invader from the soil of their native state. The march from the state line to Gettysburg, via Hanover and McSherrystown, was almost continuous and very fatiguing, and, as but little time could be allowed for either sleep or rest, sorely tried the physical endurance of the men. But they were in most excellent spirits, and but little straggling took place. Perhaps never was greater effort made to keep up, and as they approached Gettysburg, knowing that the battle had already been forced and that General Reynolds had fallen, it proved a stimulus to more than ordinary power to overcome fatigue, and helped the sick and the weak to force their waning strength. The death of Gen- eral Reynolds was received with demonstrations of sincere sor- row by the old Reserves. He was the only one of the original quartette of her commanders that death had summoned, and from the battle-field. Brave, generous and true, his courage never failed where duty called. It was while conspicuously prominent in posting his troops, July 1st, — a target for the enemy's fire, that the fatal bullet pierced his neck and he fell— dying almost instantly. His remains were taken to Lancaster, the city of his 5
66 Peimsylvania at Gettysburg.
birth, where, on July 4th, midst tolling- bells and muffled drums, and solemn requiems sadly chanted — all that was mortal was laid away in quiet rest until that day when carnal strife is lost in everlasting- peace. The division arrived on the field of battle on the morning- of Thursday, the 2d of July, and joined the Fifth Corps at a point where the Baltimore pike crosses Rock creek, and was posted in the rear of the rig-ht of the line of the army as a support, that position being- then threatened by the enemy. About three o'clock the Fifth Corps was moved from its position near the extreme right to the left of the line where Gen- eral Crawford was ordered to mass the division near the east slope of Little Round Top, where g-uns and ammunition was inspected. The men were impatient to eng-ag-e in the terrible conflict rag-iug in their front, and into which they knew they would soon be or- dered, but for the time being the topography hid from them the panorama of bloody war taking- place in their front.
The line of battle for the second day lay along- Cemetery Ridg-e from Culp's Hill, on the rig-ht, to Round Top, on the left, and the disposition of the troops was as follows: On the extreme right, on Culp's Hill, with its rig-ht flank extending- to Rock creek and the Baltimore pike, lay the Twelfth Corps, with Wadsworth's di- vision of the First on its left ; connecting- on the left flank of this division, and along Cemetery Ridg-e, lay the Eleventh Corps, with the First, Second, Third and Fifth Corps prolonging- the line to Round Top, or rather such appears to have been the plan of the original line. But in taking position that afternoon the Third Corps, General Sickles, advanced to a ridge about three-quarters of a mile to the front, along and beyond the Emmitsburg road, into the presence of a large body of the rebel army, with his line on the right stretching along the front of a part of the Second Corps, and the left down through the peach orchard, wheat-field and woods to the Devil's Den, in the ravine in front of Round Top. The j)osition was one of extreme peril, and troops less brave and disciplined than the gallant old Third Corps would not have battled as they did against such odds until relief came. General Hancock placed his First Division to cover its right flank, and sent Caldwell's division to strengthen the line on the left. Fortunately the Fifth Coi-ps had just arrived, and Griffin's division, commanded by Barnes, and Ayres' division, regulars, were also thown in on the left, where the most desperate struggle ensued for the possession of Round Top. While this contest was raging, and the Union forces battled and held their ground as a wall of iron. General Sykes ordered General Crawford to the
Pennsylvania at Geityshur<j. 67
slope of the rocky ridge to the right and front of Little Eound Top, to cover the troops engaged in the front should it become necessary for them to fall back. This movement placed the Third Brigade pretty well down the rocky slope with the Eleventh Regiment in the rear of the brigade, and in front of the First Regiment of the First Brigade.
At this juncture, and while the division was being massed left in front, an order was received by General Crawford to send one of his bi-igades to the assistance of Vincent, then closely engaged with the enemy on the slopes of Big Round Top ; Fisher's Third Brigade was designated for this service, and filed out by regiment to the left. While this movement was being executed our troops in front, borne down by superior numbers and pressed back, though contesting every inch of ground from the peach orchard to the wheat-field and ston$ wall suddenly broke and fell back in confusion across Plum run, closely pursued by the enemy who sought to cut through the Union forces and seize the batteries on the left with Weed's Hill and Round Top. The moment of time was most critical. On it hung the destiny of the day, and the fate of the battle of Gettysburg— for a two days' loss of position would scarcely insure victory for the third. To stem the tide of disaster. General Crawford personally ordered Colonel Jackson not to move the Eleventh Regiment out with the Third Brigade, but to remain in position where he was, in front of the First Brigade. The First Brigade then moved rapidly forward to the ground vacated by the four regiments of Fisher's brigade. This placed the men within the range of the enemy's musketry fire, which was particularly severe on the Eleventh Regiment. Here Lieutenant John O'Hara Woods and a numberof enlisted men were killed, and Lieutenant-Colonel Porter and Lieutenant Fulton and many men wounded, with casualties in each of the other regi- ments of the brigade.
It was a position requiring the highest qualities of the veteran soldier, but the men who fought at Dranesville, Mechanics- ville, Gaines Mill, New Market Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Sou.th Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Mine Run held it immovable with their comrades falling about them, only eager and impatient to meet the enemy and add new laurels to those already won. During this time Colonel McCandless was forming his brigade into two lines of battle — the first line com- posed of the Sixth, Colonel Wellington Ent, which was to the right and rear of the Eleventh, Colonel S. M. Jackson, and the First Regiment, William Cooper Talley, on the left. The second
68 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
line being- massed on the first — the Second Reg-iment, Lieutenant- Colonel Georg-e A. Woodward, and the First Rifles, (Bucktails,) Colonel Charles Frederick Taylor, on the left.
But before this movement could be fully carried out, and our front being- jDractically uncovered by the broken masses of troops retreating- past us, and the enemy being- at close rang-e, the front line opened fire.
The Eleventh was armed with smooth-bore muskets, and, in ad- d'ition to the usual charge of "buck and ball," the men, realizing- that the eng-ag-ement would be at close quarters, had added addi- tional charg-es of "buckshot." Never before in the history of its service did the Eleventh deliver a volley with such terrible effect, each musket sending-, as it were, a handful of death-dealing- balls into the ranks of the exultant enemy advancing- so confidently with shouts of victory. But it was only to receive a volley that sent many of them reeling- in the ag-onies of pain and death, while their comrades, broken and dismayed, had no time to re-form be- fore the order was g-iven, Forioay^d, double quick — CHARGE.
With the furious battle yell peculiar Avith the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, and well remembered by "Stonewall Jackson's' men, against whom they were so often matched, the brigade swept down the declivity, following- their g-allant leader, General Craw- ford (who carried the colors of the First Reg-iment on horseback), over the boulders of g-ranite and swampy g-round of Plum run, deploying- as they went and hurling- back the enemy, drove him across the plain, over the stone wall, through the woods and wheat- field, until the lateness of the hour made it imprudent to push further into the enemy's lines. But it was enough, the tide was turned, a portion of the lost g-round regained, many prisoners taken, and the day saved, and by this charge, so daring, effective and decisive, was an inspiration given to the whole line that brighiened hope and renewed confidence in the ultimate success that so gloriously crowned the field of Gettysburg.
With the exception of a strong skirmish line, the command was withdrawn to the stone wall and fence skirting the woods to the right. As thej^ charged the regiments deployed so that when the stone wall was reached, the Sixth was on the extreme right, with the Eleventh, First, Second and Bucktails to its left. The Bucktails, in the charge, were met by a heavy fire on their front and on their left flank from the Devil's Den. Their brave leader, Colonel Charles Frederick Taylor, brother of the late Bayard Taylor, Avas instantly killed as his regiment took and crossed the stone wall.
Pennsylvania at Getty sJmyg. 69
The regiments remained in position back ot" the stone wall until late in the afternoon of the 3d, when General Crawford, under personal direction from General Meade, who anticipated an- other movement on his left, ordered Colonel McCandless to move his brigade, with the Eleventh Regiment of Fisher's brigade, forward, and capture the battery uncomfortably near his line, and ascertain the position and strength of the enemy beyond and skirting the wheat-field. This movement ivas one of the bril- liant dashes of the war, and is modestly and tersely told by Col- onel McCandless in his official report: " On the evening of the 3d instant, I was ordered to advance and clear the woods on my front and left, to do which the command had to cross an open field about eight hundred yards wide. The enemy, noticing this move- ment, opened a battery directly in front. I pushed the Sixth Regi- ment through the woods on the right, and drove out the enemy's skirmishers and annoyed the gunners, causing the battery to slacken its fire, and as the remaining regiments of the brigade charged in line, and at a run across the open field, they compelled the enemy to retire. Having cleared the woods in front, and finding a line of the enemy in the woods on my left and at right angles therewith, I charged the enemy directly on the left flank, routing him, capturing nearly two hundred prisoners, among them a lieutenant-colonel, also a stand of colors. The field was strewn with small arms, two or three thousand in number, the majority of which had been piled on brush heaps ready to be burned. The enemy took up a new position on a wooded ridge about a half a mile in advance on our front, and were busy dur- ing the night chopping timber and fortifying." The second charge of the First Brigade was a fitting close for such heroic deeds, and when the strength of position of the rebel right, with its great number of batteries playing over their heads, the intrepid push into the enemy's lines away from all supports, thus recovering that entire part of the field covered thickly with the dead and wounded, that from their numbers only revealed how fearful and desperate the conflict had been the day before, was truly a deed of humanity as well as of great courage. The enemy believed such dash could only be inspired by the advance of a heavy force, for it was made, as will be remembered, at a doiihle quick, with only occasional jjausings to fire on the resist- ing though retreating foe, and the woods alone prevented the enemy from discerning the insignificant number pursuing. As it was now dusk and too late to follow up the advantage gained, the command rested for the night on the position won. The men
70 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
of the ambulance corps were soon upon the field with stretchers, and began as rapidly as possible to transport the suffering- vic- tims of the lost ground of the previous day to the care of the field hospitals, where their wounds were dressed and water and nourishment supplied for the first time in more than twenty-four hours. Such are some of the viscissitudes and terrible sufferings that war imposes. The night Avas passed in the woods in impene- trable darkness, as any fire or lights would have revealed our position, and well is remembered the sensations of that strange wierd experience among the dead. Hardly a step could be taken without fear or dauger of treading on some body corporeal, whether living or lifeless, and the horror of ghostly thoughts that intruded was anything- but composing- to exhausted nerves and aching muscles. While feeling around for a comfortable place to rest, the hand was just as likely, as was the case more than once, to touch a form whose face was icy cold in death, as that of a comrade in whom the life blood was Avarmly and strongly pulsating- in vig-orous life. When the early dawn per- mitted a look around, the first sight that greeted the eye, close at hand, was the ghastly one of more than one hundred dead Confederates laid out in line for the rude battle-field burial, from which their living comrades had been driven the evening before. The next day, the 4tli of July, no advance of any importance was made by either army, beyond reconnoitering the position of the enemy in the immediate front, and sending the cavalry out on the flanks to watch and report the movements of the rebel force. Each army maintained picket lines which kept up the usual ex- change of shots, g-enerally without results. Otherwise all was quiet. Meanwhile the time was energetically employed in bury- ing the dead, caring for the wounded and distributing ammuni- tion. After being under fire for forty-three hours, the command was called in from the skirmish line and relieved, about ten o'clock, and withdrawn to the stone wall, where it was again re- lieved, at one o'clock, by the Second Division, regulars, and or- dered to the vicinity of Bound Top, where it joined the Third Brigade.
The Confederates were elated with their past successes and confident of a present victory, upon which they expected im- mediate foreign recognition and aid from the disloyal element in the North, and to transfer the seat of war from the exhausted fields of Virginia to the fertile valleys of Maryland and Pennsylvania. They fought with unusual bravery and hopefulness until after Pickett's charge, when the legions under Meade, instead of a dis-
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 71
pirited army were found immovable and equally determined to win success ; so that defeat, after most desperate and sang-uinary fighting for three days, with an aggregate loss in both armies of 54,000 men, left the Confederate army and people of the South more dejected over their cause and less sanguine of final success than ever before. Thus was the backbone of the great rebellion broken, and the historian has found in Gettysburg ilte decisive battle of the tvar.
England has her Waterloo, France her Austerlitz and Germany her Sedan, but the loyal North with equal pride can hand from sire to son for generations yet to come her glorious field of Gettys- burg. The days preceding the 4th of July, 1863, found the dark- est period in the history of the rebellion for the North. Every interest was at stake, and gloomy fears pervaded cabinet councils and hearthstones. But when on that memorable afternoon the lightning telegraph flashed from the Atlantic to the Pacific: " Gettysburg and Vicksburg are ours," despair vanished and hope again sprang into life with, a vigor never to be quenched until final victory crowned our arms at Appomattox.
Glorious 4th of July, 1776— glorious 4th of July, 1863— may their memories thus intertwined in the nation's heart, ever call forth our warmest gratitude. May the enjoyment of our world- renowned heritage of civil and religious liberty ever keep fresh the debt we owe to those who, through great tribulations, estab- lished our Declaration of Independence, and those who eighty- seven years later sealed the blood-bought treasure with a second sacrifice of blood-bought victory.
PRAYER.
Chaplain J. Hervey Beale.
GOD of our Fathers, we adore and worship Thee, and to Thee, by whose grace and providence we are what we are, as a nation; here, Father, from this sacred spot, surrounded by the thousands of known and unknown graves and a few of the survivors of this bloody field, we lift our hearts in rendering thanksgiving and everlasting prayer.
We thank Thee for our glorious national heritage, for the mag- nificent land of wealthy hills and fertile plains, and for the laws and institutions which make it a land of progress and liberty.
72 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
We thank Thee for our Christian sires, lovers of freedom and of God, men of conscience and integ-rity whose names have jew- eled history, and the memory of whose deeds is an inspiration to heroism and patriotic pride.
We thank Thee for Plymouth Rock, for Yorktown, and that in the strength of justice and the mig"ht of mercy our arms were plumed with victory at Appomattox.
We thank Thee that throug-h Thy kindness and mercy, the father of our corps and so many of its survivors are here to-day.
We implore Thee, Father, to let heaven's richest blessing- rest upon all that are present, the families of the survivors and of the fallen, upon our country and all for whom we should pray ; in the name of Christ we ask it all. Amen.
THE COMMANDERS OF THE RESERVES.
Colonel John H. Taggart.
COMRADES OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RESERVES: We meet to-day to dedicate these monuments to the mem- ory of our fellow-soldiers, our honored commanders. The flight of years but enhances their merits: nor can time dull their record on the roll of fame. These leaders of the troops raised by a great commonwealth were the sons of Pennsylvania, born under her conservative institutions, and mustered beneath her guid- ing star of equity. They were reared equally upon the princi- ples of constitutional liberty and respect for the rights of prop- erty. The first shot fired at the national flag, on Fort Sumter, fired also the northern heart. To a man, Pennsylvanians were, first of all, Americans. The Keystone State was one among many in that vast sectional strife, but all personal considerations, ma- terial interests, even the claims of kindred of her children, never caused them to waver for an instant in their devotion to their country.
While this was the general sentiment, the men who first signed the record of their principles as leaders of our armies, practi- cally staked their lives and fortunes on the hazard of the die ; and here the supremacy of moral and physical courage was strikingly displayed by Andrew G. Curtin, the War Governor of Pennsyl- vania. On his action the issue of the contest himg. Pennsyl-
PennsyliJania at GeUy,shurg. 73
vania was the Keystone of the Union, and her chief executive personally supported the arch, not only of the nation, but of the g-eog-raphical territory binding- tog-ether the North and the South.
Pennsylvania was more closely allied with the South than with the North in ante-bellum days. Her commercial interests and family connections were largely with Maryland, Virginia and other southern states. Many of her institutions were patriarchal. Her policy was one of peace, and her people were thoroughly aware of the magnitude of the impending- conflict.
No man was more personally endeared to the whole people of his state than Governor Curtin. His individual acquaintance with them was marvelous. It is alleged that he kissed every baby born in Pennsylvania in 1861 and 1862. Spared to see twenty- five years of peace, and bless his native state, he is to-day the grandest of all the historic fig-ures among- his living- countrymen.
A partisan administration had consigned to the southern ar- senals great stores of munitions of war, and in the South, too, the largest division of the regular army, under General Twiggs, had supinely laid down their arms before the power of the con- federacy of the slave states; yet Andrew G. Curtin recognized that Pennsylvania was sound to the core, and that her sons would unflinchingly fig-ht for the preservation of the Union. His work in organizing and arming- the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps was not less i^henomenal than the sagacity with which he selected George A. McCall to instruct and command them. Mc- Call was a thoroug-h soldier, a great organizer, and his strong- personality was impressed upon the Reserves from the time they entered the United States service until they were mustered out at the expiration of their term of enlistment. He was as mild and gentle as a woman, but firm as a rock in the enforcement of discipline, yet his kindness of heart made him looked up to as a father by his beloved Reserves, and his noble example of heroism in battle, endurance of fatig-ue and privation on the march and in camp was the admiration of those who felt proud of him as their leader.
General McCall was a Philadelphian by birth, a graduate of the West Point Military Academy of 1822, and an old ofticer of the reg-ular army. He served with distinction in the war against the Florida Indians in 1836, afterward in the Mexican war, and in 1850 was appointed by President Taylor, inspector-general of the United States army with the rank of colonel, which jaosition he held with great credit to himself until April, 1853, when he re- signed his commission, retired from the military service, and re-
74 Pennsylvania at Ge.Uy.sfmrg.
maineci on his farm in Chester county until the rebeUiou of the southern people called his countrymen to arms. Immediately thereafter, in April, 1861, Governor Curtin summoned Colonel McCall to Harrisburg- to advise with him on the military situa- tion and assist in the org-anization of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. His whole heart and soul were in the work. It was his ambition and his pride to make the corps the equal, if not the superior, of any other body of troops either in the regular or vol- unteer service. How well he succeeded the history of the divi- sion attests. After the first battle of Bull Hun, if the Pennsylva- nia Reserves had not been organized, armed and equipped ready for the field, Washington city would have fallen before the vic- torious foe. The capture of Washington would have been most damaging to the Union cause, as its enemies could then have dictated terms to the conquered Federal government from its capital.
When the Reserves encamped at Tenallytowu, on Georgetown Heights, General McCall, on entering the United States service, was commissioned a brigadier- general in the volunteer service. Up to that time the Reserves had not been organized into bri- gades, being composed of separate regiments, under the command of General McCall, holding a state commission as major-general. In order to perfect their organization into brigades. General McCall recommended to General Simon Cameron, the then Secretary of War, the assignment of Brigadier-General John F. Reynolds to command the First Brigade, Brigadier-General George G. Meade to command the Second Brigade and Brigadier General E. O. C. Ord to command the Third Brigade.
General McCall's selection of his brigadier-generals showed the wondei-ful perceptive and discriminating faculties of the man. These officers were all graduates of the Military Academy at West Point, but none of them had ever commanded large bodies of troops until they were assigned to the Reserve Corps. The men were green volunteers, but with such training as they received from these able and enthusiastic officers they rapidly developed into well-disciplined soldiers.
In the woids of General John Giljbon, of the regular army, ex- pressed in his address upon the unveiling- of the statue of Gen- eral Meade in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, October 18, 1887, respecting Generals McCall, Reynolds and Ord:
"Meade was especially fortunate in his associates ; for George A. McCall, one of the most distinguished officers of his time, was his commander, and the other brigade commanders were destined to
Pemisylvania at Gettysburg. 75
inscribe their uauies high on the glory roll of their country — John F. Keynolds and E. O. C. Ord
"There were regular officers, who, at the commencement of our civil war, unmindful of the different circumstances under which they were serving, seemed to think there was but one way to en- force discipline in our volunteer forces, and that was by follow- ing the old rut and routine of the regular army. Such an idea never found place in the minds of the officers I have mentioned ; and the results, as exemplified in the subsequent career of the Pennsylvania Reserves, amply justified the wisdom and sound judgment of those they were fortunate enough to have placed in command over them.
"It was frequently noted during the war and afterwards, how much of the renown gained by volunteer organizations could be traced back to the right direction given to their efforts by the sound judgment, good, hard, common sense, firm hand, and just dealings of the commanders who first took them in charge."
General McCall commanded the Reserves in the brilliant en- gagement at Dranesville, December 20, 1861, arriving on the ground soon after the action had commenced under the direction of General Ord, commanding the Third Brigade. This was the first victory of the Union troops after the disastrou? battle of Bull Run, and the massacre at Ball's Bluff. McCall also led them in the famous Seven Days' Battles in front of Richmond, and in the battle of Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862, in which the Reserves bore the brunt of the fight and achieved a great success. It was one of the brightest pages in his gallant military record. In the battle of New Market Cross Roads, June 30, 1862, he was cap- tured and taken prisoner to Richmond, and was exchanged, along with General Reynolds, who was captured at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862, and both returned to the camp at Harrison's Landing, on the James river, on the 8th of August, 1862. They were most enthusiastically received on their return by the Reserves.
The severity of the Peninsular campaign, and the close confine- ment in Libby Prison, had so seriously impaired General McCall's health, that he was compelled to return to his home in Chester county to rest and recuperate. After passing several weeks with his family, under constant medical treatment, he became con- vinced that he was not able to resume his jDOsition in the army, and he resigned his commission and retired to private life. After the battle of New Market Cross Roads, General Truman Sey- mour, who succeeded General Ord in command of the Third Brigade after Ord was promoted to major-general, assumed com-
76 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
mand of the Reserves until the return of General Reynolds, who, being- the ranking- officer, took command of the corps, at Har- rison's Landing-, on the day of his return to that camp.
General Reynolds was a high-tempered man, the ideal Hotspur, as brave as a lion in battle, and perfectly oblivious of dang-er when in presence of the enemy. His promotion to the command of the First Corps, and his heroic death on the battle-field of Gettysburg, on the first day, are too well known to need repeti- tion here. He died defending the soil of his native state, and yonder monument, reared to his memory on this historic ground by his sorrowing comrades, will attest to future generations the courage and valor he displayed on this sanguinary but glorious field.
General Meade Avas badly wounded in the battle of New Market Cross Roads, at the head of his brigade, and went to his home in Philadelphia for surgical treatment. Six weeks after this he rejoined his command, and took part in the second disastrous bat- tle of Bull Run, August 30th, 1862, in which action General Rey- nolds commanded the Reserve Corps, where he displayed the greatest bravery and courage.
After this the Confederate General, Lee, made his first invasion of Pennsylvania, in 1862. On the march of the Army of the Po- tomac to Autietam, General Reynolds, on the 12th of September, was relieved from the command of the Reserve Corps, and as- signed to command the Pennsylvania Militia. General Meade succeeded to the command of the Reserves, and fought them most gallantly in the battles at South Mountain, Antietam, and, later on, at Fredericksburg, on December 13, 1862, where, out of 4,500 officers and men going into battle, 1,853 were killed, wounded and missing.
After leaving the Reserves to command the militia. General Reynolds did not return to them, but was assigned to the com- mand of the First Army Corps.
The ability and good generalship displayed by General Meade in commanding first a brigade of the Reserves, and afterwards the whole Reserve Corps, caused him to be promoted to the command of the Fifth Army Corps.
When General Meade left the Reserves to enter upon the higher command, the parting was a sad one on both sides. The officers and men were grieved to lose him, but they felt proud of his pro- motion. On his part his feelings were truthfully expressed, in his farewell order, which was read in presence of all the compa- nies of the Reserves on Christmas Day, 1862, as follows-
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 11
•'In accordance with Special Order, No. SfiO, which separates the commanding- general from the division, he takes occasion to express to the officers and men that, notAvithstanding his just pride at being promoted to a higher command, he experiences a deep feeling of regret at parting from them, with whom he has been so long associated, and to whose services he here acknowl- edges his indebtedness for whatever of reputation he may have acquii-ed.
"The commanding- general will never cease to remember that he belonged to the Reserve Corps. He will watch with eager- ness for the deeds of fame which he feels sure they will enact under the command of his successors, and thougfli sadly reduced in numbers from the casualties of battle, yet he knows the Reserves will always be ready and prompt to uphold the honor and glory of their state."
I have now traced the commanders of the Reserve Corps fi-om its origin down to the second invasion of Pennsylvania by Gen- eral Lee and the battle of Gettysburg. Meade was suddenly called to a higher plane of duty, to command the veteran Army of the Potomac. He did not solict that honor. On the contrary, it came unexpectedly upon him as a duty, and, like the good and true soldier that he was, he promptly assumed the command on the 28th of June, 1863, at Frederick City, and three days after- ward the most decisive battle of the war beg-an, and in three days more its g-reatest victory was won.
I shall not attempt to describe the battle of Gettysburg. Other speakers who will follow and who took part in it with the Reserves will do that better than I can. In this great battle the Reserves were commanded by another gallant Pennsylvanian, General Samuel Wylie Crawford, a native of Franklin county. At the battle of Antietam, while in command of the First Division of Mansfield's corps. General Crawford was severely wounded in the thigh, from which he has not recovered to this day. He was rallying a regiment which had broken when he received his wound, but refused to be taken from the field and remained with his men cheering them on victory.
On the 3d of June, 1863, General Crawford was assigned to command the Reserves. He was their leader in the battle of Gettysburg, and here he displayed the highest qualities of a sol- dier— good generalship and heroic courage.
General Crawford also commanded the Reserves in the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House and Bethesda Church. On the 1st of June, 1864, he issued his farewell order
78 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
to liis war-worn Reserves, assuring- them that they had nobly sus- tained liim with unwavering fidelity in the many trying scenes through which they had passed. He regretted that he could not return to Pennsylvania with them, and said it would ever be his pride that he was once their commander, and that side by side they fought in campaigns which will stand unexampled in his- tory. Of all the commanders of the Reserve Corps, General Crawford is the only surviving one.
Comrades, I desire to pay a merited tribute to Brevet Major- General Horatio G. Sickel, of the Third Regiment of Reserves, who commanded the Reserve Corps for a short time in the early part of 1863, after the battle of Fredericksburg-, and was in com- mand of the Second Brigade of the corps at Alexandria, when the battle of Gettysburg- Avas fought. He was a brave, cool and faithful soldier, who entered the arm 3^ from civil life in 1861, and enjoyed the confidence of every commander of the corps. He died this year, mourned by all his comrades.
General Meade was harshly and most unjustly criticised for his management of the battle of Gettysburg. He was censured for not pursuing and destroying Lee's army. In a conversation in Philadelphia with General Meade some eight years after the battle, I asked him whether, with all the knowledge he had sub- sequently received of the strength and movements of the Con- federate Army, and of his ability to attack Lee on his retreat, he felt that he was justified in doing- as he did after the battle.
He replied in nearly these words: — "I am fully convinced that the course I pursued was right. If I had attempted to attack Lee on his retreat, in his stronghold along the Potomac, the re- sult might have been disastrous to the Union cause ; and all the fruits of our victory have been lost. It Avas too great a risk to take, and I am satisfied that I did right in not forcing another battle at that time, in the exhausted condition of our troops. You know hoAV hard General Lee tried to crush General McCiellan's army in the Seven Days'Battles, but he failed to doit uudermuch more favorable circumstances than those that existed Avith the Union troops after the battle of Gettysburg."
General Meade has never had justice done him for the vast ser- vice he rendered the nation in the victory at Gettysburg. Bum- side failed at Fi-edericksburg, Hooker made another failure at Cliancellorsville, but Meade was a triumphant success on this historic field. He Avas then at the head of a victorious army, AA'hich had achieved the most decisive triumph of the war, and broken the backbone of the rebellion ; yet he was forced to sub-
Pennsylvania at Geltyshurg. 79
mit to the indignity of haviug- General Grant placed over him as his superior in command in the army that Meade had foug-ht so well.
The authorities at Washington probably did it for diplomatic reasons. General Grant was a true soldier, and so was Meade. When Grant was ordered to command the Army .of the Potomac, Meade, as his subordinate, obeyed, as q, good soldier should, and gave Grant a hearty and uncomplaining support until the War of the Kebellion ended.
In Philadelphia, where the ashes of McCall and Meade repose, responsive to the vernal sun of each recurring year, the survi- vors of the Pennsylvania Reserves and their Grand Ai^my com- rades march abreast to deck their graves with flowers — emblems of those brightest blossoms of the soul, love, veneration and g-ratitude. But Decoration Day for us may soon be celebrated in a fairer clime, where generous fruits on trees immortal grow; and ere we pass that silent river, shining brighter with the Christian's hope, we fain would leave a grateful tribute on the battle-field of Gettysburg- to General George G. Meade. This is the duty that still remaina.
Pennsylvania owes it to herself to here commemorate the g^lory of the hero who saved her soil from the armies of the devastat- ing" foe. To Meade, who repelled the invading enemy, let the Memorial Hall be dedicated, that it may prove the shrine of pa- triotism for future generations.
A monument to Meade should also be erected in the National Cemetery as a companion piece to that of Reynolds. They were united in life, and in death their glory should not be parted. On Round Top let Memorial Hall arise, a fitting consecration to Meade's great victory on this field. Let it be a treasury of trophies and mementoes of all the Pennsylvania regiments that fought at Gettysburg.
The Board of Commissioners on Gettysburg Monuments have done their duty well in erecting the monuments we dedicate to- day. To no abler hands could the duty of erecting- a monument to Meade and a Memorial Hall on Little Round Top be entrusted.
Comrades! We stand upon the battle ground of Truth trium- phant! On the field of Gettysburg- thousands shed their blood, and gave their last sigh for freedom ! Here slavery died amid its worshippers, and here, in enduring marble, we place the record of our comrades' deeds. Words are faint to paint the glories of immortality ; but here our hands have raised and our eyes have seen the signs and symbols of lines eternal which shall bear wit- ness throuirh all the asres to come.
80 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
When the wild winds of winter hold their revels amid these sacred stones, beneath the snow's soft mantle, or decked Avith flowers of spring, these monuments will still remain the tokens of the perennial honor, love and affection in which we hold the memory of cur commanders.
In the inimitable thought of President Lincoln, Avhen he stood upon this hallowed ground, rather let us say that these monu- ments dedicate us, the fellow soldiers of the brave, to the service of a deathless memory and love of country. For these there needs no tear nor melancholy sigh. Life can give no more than death, after well-earned glory ; nor has the tomb its chill for him who sleeps beneath the soldier's flag.
THE THIRD BRIGADE AT GETTYSBURG.
Lieutenant William Hayes Grier.
COMRADES, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: You have listened to the man who called into being, as soldiers, every man who wore the blue, from Pennsylvania, during the war, and who was known in my boyhood days as the " silver- tongued orator from Snowshoe ; " you have listened to the talented editor who commanded regiments and brigades; you have listened to the scholar and soldier, who had much to do with the inside workings of the division, and you will hear from the brilliant soldier, who is the honored Governor of this Commonwealth, and last, but not least, you will hear from Major Chill W. Hazzard, the humorist from the banks of the Monongahela, and in their midst, or as it were, like the meat in a sandwich, stands the high private in the rear rank. And now, comrades, what do you think Avould have been the status of this crowd of speakers, along the Poto- mac, in 1863? I can tell you, with the exception of the private, all of them would have been sitting in a marquee, sipping Apol- linaris water, and your humble servant, with a gun on his shoulder, would have been marching up and down in front of the tent, giving them that protection they so much needed. And as long as the soldier kept guard they would have been safe. They may need care to-day and that may be the reason why a private was injected into the programme, as a little leaven sometimes leavens the whole lump. They won fame in their country's service, but back of it all stands the private soldier. They, no doubt, appreciate
Pennsylvania at Gettyslmrg. 81
the fact that without the work of the private soldier they would yet be with us, in the ranks of the common herd.
We do not envy them their good luck, and hope each one may yet be invited to go higher and hig-her.
To sing the story of a brigade's heroic deeds in battle may seem to be an easy task, but when it is considered that over twenty-seven years have come and gone since the battle of Gettysburg- was fought and won, you may well ask one another whether it is pos- sible for memory to enable you to give any of the details of the action or services of any brigade with which you may have been connected. Those of you who were, as I was, an enlisted man in the ranks, can readily appreciate the fact that the duty assig-ned me is about as hard as was the scaling" of Round Top at mid- nig-ht. A private soldier knew but little of what occurred outside of his own company or regiment, and when he did g-et any infor- mation concerning" his brig-ade, division or corps, he received it from the newspapers. He read it to-day and forg-ot it to-morrow, because it was not impressed upon his mind with the vividness and distinctness that came from actual experience.
When the g-enial secretary of the Monument Commission wrote me extending an invitation to "make an address that should re- late to the services of the Third Brig-ade in battle," I was surprised, and when in his invitation he further said that these "addresses will be embraced in a volume in connection with other dedicatory services to be published by the state, and will therefore be matters of history," I was more than surprised. The secretary knew full well that I was not in sympathy with the project of placing- tomb- stones or markers as monuments for the Reserve regiments, and I concluded that his kind invitation was a trap in which to catch a fellow who would not otherwise work well in harness. I hesi- tated about accepting the trust, and can explain in a very few sentences why I did not show my usual alacrity whenever any- thing pertaining- to the old Reserves was on the tapis.
The grand idea of a "Memorial Hall" on the battle-field orig-i- nated in the mind of the great and glorious War Governor, An- drew G. Curtin, and he presented the idea so strongly to the different committees of the different regiments, that they followed him almost unanimously. They obeyed his call in 1861 and never regretted that they had him for their god-father ; they fell in with his idea of a "Memorial Hall," and it became part of their nature. The glorious " old man " met the boys in different sections of the state, always carrying with him the plans and specifications for his cherished "Memorial Hall." Shortly after the assembling- of 6
82 Pennsylvania af Oeffi/shurg.
the Legislature in 1889, he again met representatives of the regi- ments in the Adjutant General's office, at Harrisburg, and then and there was drafted a bill that, if passed and approved, would give us a "Pennsylvania Memorial Hall" that would be a credit to the state, and overshadow any and everything erected by other states on the battle-field of Gettysburg. In that bill we were not selfish, but had a genuine feeling of comradeship for our brother soldiers of Pennsylvania, as it contained a provision that " each and every regiment from our glorious old state, engaged in the battle, should have a tablet in the wall to recount its services, and relate its history." When the bill was finished and presented to the Legislature we went home feeling happy. Under the pro- visions of the Kauffman bill providing for the erection of monu- ments on the battle-field, the Reserves were entitled to a lump sum of $13,500, and the amount asked for in the Memorial Hall bill was but $25,000, and in asking for the additional $1 1,500 we purposed, as I have before stated, taking care of the other regi- ments from our state. The Legislature kindly passed the bill, and again we were in high feather, for now our "Memorial Hall" was regarded as a certainty. Kind friends flocked to our aid. One party offered us the ground, another the granite, another the glass, and a fourth one came in with an offer of all the iron neces- sary for its erection. The building was to have been built of granite, iron and glass, and with the generous tenders of all the articles needed, we saw our way clear to erect with the $25,000 granted us by the Legislature, a soldiers' monument or memo- rial hall worthy of the memory of the dead who surrendered their lives in repelling Rebel invasion of the old Keystone.
But on a bright May morning the papers of the state sent a cold chill down the backs of every Reserve soldier. There, in cold type, was spread out the fact that our soldier comrade. Governor Beaver, had vetoed the bill giving us our Memorial Hall "for constitutional reasons." We were displeased, disgruntled, and some of us condemned him in severe terms. We were probably wrong, for he was too good a soldier to do us an injustice, and we must be content in believing that he was doing his duty as he saw it, in vetoing the measure. We regret that he found it nec- essary to dash to the ground our fondest hopes. We have every reason to believe that he was, personally, in sympathy with our project, for "he himself hath said it."
That veto dampened our ardor but did not entirely submerge us. We met again and again and made several attempts to de- vise ways and means to get our Memorial Hall, but in the end the
Fennsylvania at Gettysburg. 83
veto was victorious. The law authorizing- the erection of the monuments and the appointment of a Commission, g-ave the Com- mission appointed under that law no alternative but to go ahead and execute it. They exceeded their authority in granting us time to ajjpeal to the Leg-islature, and patiently awaited our venture in that direction. While some have been disposed, your speaker among- the number, to censure the Commission for what they deemed an attempt not to g-ive proper recognition to the Reserves, we now feel like saying that it was merely a case of diamond cut diamond. The Reserve committee did not like the Commission, or some parts of it, and to a certain extent ignored it, and received the same treatment in return when the plans for the monuments of some of the regiments were ready for the chisel of the sculp- tor. We never saw the desig-ns, and we suppose it was because we had no business with them.
But to-day we are here to dedicate the monuments. We have them in place of the Memorial Hall, and we are indebted to the Commission for them. It is our duty to thank them for their work, for it was a labor of love, and not of emoluments, but, on the contrary, vexation of spirit was often their portion. Their work has been completed and they can rest content in the knowl- edg-e of the fact that they performed their whole duty under the law.
The "services of the Third Brigade " in this battle can be told in a few sentences. On many another hard-foug-ht field the " Third Brigade " performed greater work and lost many more brave men than it did at Gettysburg, but that was not the fault of the brigade. It was because the opportunity for actual conflict was not presented us, although the places occupied by the different reg-iments were positions of importance and were held and would have been held ag-ainst all comers. The brigade was under the command of General Joseph W. Fisher, and was composed of the Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Reg-iments. The first day's fig-ht found us on the road, having left Uniontown, Md., at 5 o'clock in the morning. We were on the extreme rig-ht of the army, and at 6 o'clock in the evening we were within five miles of Hanover. Here we exchanged our cartridges and prepared for an emergency, and then started again and marched until 1 o'clock on the morning of the second, and encamped five miles this side of Hanover. Here we learned of the death of the lamented Rey- nolds. On the morning of the second we broke camp at 5 a. m., and marched two miles and halted for breakfast. We then moved and arrived near Gettysburg- at noon. Rested until 5 p. m., when
84 Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
we were ordered forward, and just at the time the First Brigade made its memorable charg-e. At this time, and the place being to the right of Little Round Top, our brigade was separated. The Fifth and Twelfth Regiments were sent to Big Round Top, and in connection with a skirmish line from the Twentieth Maine, oc- cupied the hill from the summit to the ravine at its foot, the Fifth being at the top of the hill and the Twelfth on its right. In those places they remained until the morning of the 4th of July when their positions were reversed. Our friend Bachelder has the po- sitions on his map as they were on the morning of the 4th, but not as they were during the battle.
Right here I think it proper to challenge the location of the Twelfth Reserves' monument. If it is intended to mark the spot occupied by the regiment on the 4th of July, or after the battle, then it is correct, but if it is intended to mark its location during the engagement, then it is a fraud on the regiment, and falsifies history. It agrees with Bachelder's map,* but that is not correct, as far as regards the Fifth and Twelfth Regiments. I do not make this assertion from memory, but evidence written at the time, in my diary, and which is yet in my possession, and I stand ready to prove the truth of my assertion.
The Ninth and Tenth Regiments occupied the valley between Big and Little Round Top, and the Eleventh was between the Trostle House and the wheat-field along with the First Brigade.
Our work was mainly one of watching the movements of the enemy and holding the keys of the field. While the Third Bri- gade, as well as the First and Second, was always ready to obey orders, it was the luck of chance or the luck of war that prevented us from accompanying the First Brigade down into the valley of death. We saw them starting and knew that it meant death to many — and when we started in another direction we knew not whither we were going, but like good soldiers followed our leader, trusting to a kind and over-ruling Providence to give us victory over death and the enemy.
And here to-day we stand rendering homage to our comrades who fell in the fore-front of battle twenty-seven years ago. The nation yet mourns their loss, but it will take another generation before their familiar faces will be missed at their home firesides.
*The positions as sliowu upon tlie map were marked by the commander of the brigade, Brigadier-General J. W. Fisher, in the fall of 1863.
Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. 85
WHEN VICTORY BEGAN.
By Major G. B. Hotchkins, Surgeon, First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry.
High above our field of glory
Kouud Top's boulders, once so g»ry,
Bhall record the sacred story,
Tell of Pennsylvania's bleeding,
While for place of danger pleading,
Sight of peril never heeding,
With the Nation's heroes blended.
Brave, her sons her soil defended,
Heeding naught as they contended,
Naught but thought of homes in danger,
Spoiled by armed vagrant ranger.
Ravaged by the vengeful stranger ;
When the Union's arch sustaining,
Firm the Keystone bore the straining.
Every stone in place retaining.
Every stone in blood cemented.
Blood a Nation's sons presented,
S9ns who met their death contented,
On their country's love relying,
Other wishes all denying,
Glad, their country saved by dying ;
Let those archives tell it clearly,
How the day was lost so nearly.
How the hill was saved so dearly,
Our Reserves to rescue rushing
Met that host so dread and crushing.
Battled while their blood was gushing
From defeat the triumph bringing,