Civil War History - Gettysburg ForumGettysburg! It's not just a National Park. It's a Civil War Battlefield. For some it's historic and storied past are almost an obsession! All related discussions are welcome here!
While Geary's Division was stumbling around in the dark and Johnson's division was doing the same, Greene and his loose regiments were managing to move about and meet threats. The Rebs did get most of Lower Culp's Hill, but by then, Geary's two brigades (Candy and Kane -- imagine that) were trying to find their way back into their entrenchments, many already occupied by very nervous types in gray. After a bit of shooting at friends and enemies alike, things quieted down.
With Johnson's attack on Culp's Hill, Early was to launch an attack against Cemetary Hill. These were supposed to be timed with Longstreet's attack, but seem to have kicked off a bit earlier. (Or Longstreet's a bit later.) The Rebs got darned close to taking that hill that night (2nd), but it got much too dark for anyone to accomplish anything. After a mutual mauling featuring wicked artillery defenses and hand-to-hand fighting all along the line, the night closed that action as well.
So far, Shane, I haven't gotten to the part where the Iron Brigade squares off against the Stonewall Brigade. To the end of the 2nd day, only the 6th Wisconsin was involved (LtC Rufus Dawes). After the First Day's action, you can imagine that the 6th was looking for a day off.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
So far, Shane, I haven't gotten to the part where the Iron Brigade squares off against the Stonewall Brigade. To the end of the 2nd day, only the 6th Wisconsin was involved (LtC Rufus Dawes). After the First Day's action, you can imagine that the 6th was looking for a day off.
Ole
After the first day's fight, the remnants of the Iron Brigade dug in on Culp's Hill. Their regimental wagon joined the 6th and the men took turns using a dozen shovels to dig trenches. In the middle of the night the entire brigade was startled by the nocturnal nightmare of a member of the 7th Indiana. The entire line opened up on phantoms of the night. On the 2nd, July the troops awoke to find they were amongst large oaks and cool shade. Dawe's only complaint was the constant sniping from Confederate sharpshooters. In the late afternoon of the 2nd, Dawes was startled to hear the rebel yell to his right. As darkness closed, he ordered his men "Down men, watch sharp, keep your eyes peeled! Shoot low, shoot low, the hill is steep: quiet, now; steady!" However, there was no attack on their position. The rebels were attacking the 12th Corps. Union muskets, on their right, let out a huge volley. A staff officers rode up and requested Dawes' 6th regiment to report to General C. S. Green. Dawes was ordered to take the 6th and occupy and hold the breastworks there. The 6th advanced at a run. To their surprise the breastworks were already occupied by rebel troops. The rebs fired a hurried volley and retreated down the hill. Two calicoboys were killed; and the exchange lasted about a minute, according to Dawes. The firing was at such close range that both the dead had powder burns on their uniforms. After midnight, units of the 12th Corps relieved the 6th and they marched back to their original breastworks. After that they were spectators for the rest of the battle, putting up with occasional sniper fire that caused no casualties.
Calicoboy
__________________ My dear mother:- I have come safely through two more terrible engagements with the enemy, that at South Mountain and the great battle of yesterday (Antietam). Our splendid regiment is almost destroyed. We have had nearly 400 men killed and wounded in the battles. Seven of our officers were shot and three killed in yesterday's battle and nearly 150 men killed and wounded. All from less than 300 engaged. The men have stood like iron....Maj. Rufus Dawes, 6th Wisconsin Volunteers
Seems like, in answer to one of the beginning questions in this thread, that the Iron Brigade did not square off with the Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg. Suspect Stonewall's boys had quite enough of that Brawner's Farm.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Seems like, in answer to one of the beginning questions in this thread, that the Iron Brigade did not square off with the Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg. Suspect Stonewall's boys had quite enough of that Brawner's Farm.
Ole
Brawner's Farm was the typical "rookies taking on the veterans". The sesesh saw Union troops with relatively new uniforms and thought they'd have an easy time of it. Although those "D*mn Black Hats" suffered a lot of casualties, they dished out better than they got. After the firing died out, the Black Hats (they wouldn't be dubbed the "Iron Brigade" until South Mountain) gave out three big cheers to claim the battlefield. There was only silence from the Confederates. I guess they had had enough. If anyone is interested, I'd be glad to start a thread on that battle.
Calicoboy
__________________ My dear mother:- I have come safely through two more terrible engagements with the enemy, that at South Mountain and the great battle of yesterday (Antietam). Our splendid regiment is almost destroyed. We have had nearly 400 men killed and wounded in the battles. Seven of our officers were shot and three killed in yesterday's battle and nearly 150 men killed and wounded. All from less than 300 engaged. The men have stood like iron....Maj. Rufus Dawes, 6th Wisconsin Volunteers
Last edited by Calicoboy; 11-27-2006 at 12:05 PM.
Reason: spelling
Brawner's farm is one of my faves. Yes, it wasn't then the Iron Brigade, but shooting at them gave Stonewall a surprise. These Western boys resented being shot at and intuitively decided to kick the holy crap out of those guys. Not a good idea to irritate those farm boys.
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
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