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!
I think that Hancock was evacuated to Philadelphia because of his wounds, but I am not sure how soon after the battle this was. I do not think they got to see each other again unfortunately.
I heard that General Hancock did briefly see and speak with General Armistead who had been wounded but, he was pressed as to lead his troops against the remainder of the attack.
There was a Captain nearby, who heard Armistead's coded "Mason" message 'my poor mother is a widow'--a distress code for Masons at that time --who took charge over Armistead. Armistead gave his possessions to the Captain for General Hancock and whatever message he had relayed.
As this took place, allegedly this is when General Winfield Scott Hancock was wounded from fragments of where the mini-ball hit his saddle and remained on the field until the engagement was decided. Then he was taken to the field hospital.
Armistead lingered for two days--really shocked the doctors that he died but, it is very possible that Armistead was so depressed to begin with--having made a promise to Hancock before parting ways for different sides; that should he ever raise a hand against Hancock--he wanted God to strike him dead--Hancock and Armistead were like brothers, Reynolds was killed and that was one of the trio deep and sincere friendships--hearing Hancock critically wounded--he could have died from a broken heart.
The package Armistead gave to Longstreet before Pickett's immortal charge --was his personal bible. His wife and children had died and was a widower now. He loved his friends deeply--so, they were 'family.' It was to be given to Mrs. Hancock.
Just some thoughts.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
The Captain who found Armistead was named Harry Bingham and I believe there is some sort of monument on the Gettysburg battlefield to mark where this meeting occurred.
The Captain who found Armistead was named Harry Bingham and I believe there is some sort of monument on the Gettysburg battlefield to mark where this meeting occurred.
Yes, there is one. I have missed it all three times I have been to Gettysburg. It's in the National Cemetery though.
IIRC, the monument that you guys are talking about commemorates the Mason's, North and South, who fought during the Battle of Gettysburg. The meeting I think took place in the Angle (and no, Tom Chamberlain was not there, as the movie depicted the wounding of Armistead) and after that Armistead was moved to the Spangler farm, where he lingered for two days and then died. I have not heard of Hancock and Armistead meeting for a last time, but I would see it as highly unlikely, seeing as both were wounded very seriously and Hancock was evacuated from the field ASAP. Though, if they had, I am sure it would have been a poignant meeting, and many tears shed. It gives credence to the term a brothers war, for, though they were not related, they were as close as brothers, and ended up fighting one another. A sad, sad story, yet very moving.
__________________ "The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize." George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
Yes, you are correct. The Monument is a Masonic monument located on the National Cemetary Annex on Steinwher Ave.
It depics General Armistead surrendering his masonic pocket watch to fellow Freemason and Union Captain Henry Bingham an aide on General Hancocks staff.
All three men Armistead, Bingham and Hancock were Freemasons.
The actual site is at the "angle" southwest of the old cyclorama center on cemetary ridge marked by a marble monument in the area where General Armistead had fell by Cushings Battery.
The Monument itself was placed there by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (Freemasons) and the National Park Service in 1993 to commemorate the members of the Masonic fraternity who fought in both the Confederate and Union forces.
Its back off the road on top of the hill and if you park by the Dobbins House Tavern its right across the street.
Please, Check back. I intend to do a whole series in forum on Freemasonry and the American Civil War.
Jonathan Welch PM
Charles M. Howell Lodge # 496 F&AM
Millersville, (Lancaster County) PA
Scottish Rite Valley of Lancaster and Harrisburg
Philalethes
35th Battalion Virginia Cavalry PACS affiliation
Last edited by MasonicCav; 06-11-2008 at 03:07 AM.
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Armistead and Hancock 
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