Today in History:

290 Series I Volume XXVII-I Serial 43 - Gettysburg Campaign Part I

Page 290 N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., PA., ETC. Chapter XXXIX.

In one of these attacks I was deprived of the services of the veteran commander of the First Brigade, Brigadier-General Paul, who fell, severely wounded, while gallantly directing and encouraging his command. The division held this position on the right-receiving and repelling the fierce attacks of a greatly superior force, not only in front, but on the flank, and when the enemy's ranks were broken, charging upon him and capturing his colors and men-from about noon until nearly 5 p. m., when I received orders to withdraw. These orders not being received until all other troops (except Stewart's battery) had commenced moving to the rear, the division held its ground until outflanked right and left, and retired fighting. From the nature of the enemy's attacks, frequent changes were rendered necessary, and they were made promptly under a galling fire. No soldiers ever fought better, or inflicted severer blows upon the enemy. When out of ammunition, their boxes were replenished from those of their killed and wounded comrades. The instances of distinguished gallantry are too numerous to be embodied in this report, and I leave it to the brigade and regimental commanders to do justice to those under their immediate command. Where all did so well, it is difficult to discriminate. As, however, they came under my personal observation, I cheerfully indorse the remarks of General Baxter in commendation of Colonel Coulter, Eleventh Pennsylvania; Colonel Wheeloch, Ninety-seventh New York; Colonel Lyle, Ninetieth Pennsylvania; Colonel Bates and lieutenant-Colonel Allen, Twelfth Massachusetts; Lieutenant-Colonel Moesch, Eighty-third New York, and Major Foust, Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania. After the fall of General Paul, the command of the First Brigade devolved successively upon Colonel Leonard, Thirteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Root, Ninety-forth New York, and Colonel Coulter, Eleventh Pennsylvania, all of whom were wounded while exercising the command. After withdrawing from this contest, I took up a position on a ridge to the left of the cemetery, facing the Emmitsburg road, and remained there until afternoon of the next day, when I was relieved by a division of the Second Corps, and ordered to the support of the Eleventh Corps. In the evening, I was ordered to the left of our line, but was soon after directed to return. On Friday morning, 3rd instant, the division was massed, and held ready to push forward to the support of the Twelfth Corps, then engaged with the enemy on our right. About noon, I was informed by the major-general commanding the army that he anticipated an attack on the cemetery by the enemy's forces massed in the town, and was directed to so place my command that if our line gave way I could attack the enemy on his flank. I proceeded to make this change of position at the moment the enemy commenced the terrific artillery fire of that day. Never before were troops so exposed to such fire of shot and shell, and yet the movement was made in perfect order and with little loss. Later in the day, the enemy having made his attack on our left instead of the center, I was ordered to the right of the Second Corps, which position I held until Sunday, when the line was withdrawn. My thanks are due to Brigadier-Generals Baxter and Paul for the able and zealous manner in which they handled their brigades.


Page 290 N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., PA., ETC. Chapter XXXIX.