Replies

I have visited Harper's Ferry several times, having grown up in the DC area. Now, I'm just an hour or so from Gettysburg. The sites are sacred ground - for both sides.

Years ago, the manager of the bank where I worked kept several (at least) volumes of hand written diaries of his Union Soldier ancestor in a safe box. He would occasionally take them out and let me read them. I felt as if I was holding a holy book, so beautiful was the actual script and his thoughts on battles he participated in; Thoughts of home and family and his comrades in arms, even thoughts(not hateful) of the "Rebs". The most fascinating were the pages devoted to the assination of President Lincoln. His prose was worthy of the finest book. I don't know his education; he was an infantryman, who survived the war.

July 1, 1863 9 AM
Early this morning, Longstreet and Lee move by horseback down the Chambersburg Pike. The rains of the past days have given way to a bright sunshine that promises summer heat. As they move towards Gettysburg, Lee hears the distant rumble of artillery. Giving Traveler a kick, he leaves Longstreet behind and hurries to the battle.
Several miles ahead of Lee, Major General Henry Heth moves slowly down the Chambersburg Pike. He met a Union cavalry picket west of Gettysburg before nine and quickly drove them in slowly as the horsement retreated the zing of bullets came out of a wood on the slope of a low hill behind. "That's all right", called Heth, "only some Pennsylvania Militia". He then sent two brigades to clear the way for his full column. They swung forward carelessly and as they reached the edge of the wood, the fire rose to surprising crescendo. Out of the underbrush onto their flank burst a storm of men with bayonets low and all in a line--it was the IRON BRIGADE. The best known of the Army of the Potomac, they insisted on wearing the same old black hats as when first mustered into the service. Upon seeing them, the Confederates knew they were facing Buford's cavalry.
The Union now pressed the attack into the late morning.

25 posted on 07/01/2003 5:31 AM CDT by GRRRRR (If the GOP could just send in the Marines against the Demokrats now....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: GRRRRR
To: GRRRRR
Report from Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, 10:30 am:
MGen. Pleasonton's cavalry, under MGen Buford, is defending itself agaist heavy attacks from the Northwest, as strong Confederate forces move down the Chambersburg Pike from Cashtown and deploy. The National cavalry is armed with the new Spencer repeating rifle, and is extracting a great toll from the rebel forces. It is said that MGen. John Reynolds has arrived on the field, along with Meredith's Iron Brigade of the 1st Corps deploying to Buford's left, and Howard's 11th Corps is just behind on the Baltimore Pike.
Rumors abound, but it seems that Ewell's corps is moving from the North, down the Carlilse Road, and the 1st Corps is facing Rode's division of Hill's Corps from Cashtown.
Violence seems to be building here abouts, like a thunderstorm. Artillery batteries clatter through the town and rush for the fight, which can be heard as the clattering of musket fire, punctuated with the thuds of cannon fire, grows.
33 Posted on 07/01/2001 07:51:36 PDT by jonascord
[ Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | Top | Last ]

26 posted on 07/01/2003 5:32 AM CDT by GRRRRR (If the GOP could just send in the Marines against the Demokrats now....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

The Battle of Antietam, known in the South as the Battle of Sharpsburg, was fought on Wednesday, September 17, 1862 near Antietam, Maryland....

Gee, I thought the Battle of Antietam was fought near Sharpsburg, MD. I thought Antietam was the name of the creek that what later became known as "Burnside's Bridge" crossed. Checking my maps now.

Bye the Bye, Antietam was also important for keeping Europe, namely Great Britain and France, from recognizing the Confederate States of America and openly providing aid the the CSA.