Coble Rock and the Charge of the 27th Indiana

Gettysburg Greg

First Sergeant
Joined
Jun 6, 2010
Location
Decatur, Illinois
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The ill-fated charge of the 27th Indiana in Spangler's Meadow on the morning of July 3rd advanced only about 100 yards before being forced back by Confederate infantry hidden behind rocks and stone walls ringing the meadow. One of the Confederate infantrymen firing from the rocks was A. L. Coble of the 1st NC. Years later during a reunion Coble's son reportedly carved his father's name into a rock where his father was positioned. I took the attached photo from Coble's POV looking across the open meadow where the Indiana boys attempted to cross from right to left. On the photo I pointed out the advance marker where the 27th turned back after suffering heavy casualties including four color bearers killed and four wounded. For orientation, I will include a google overhead showing the meadow on which I labeled the Indiana advance marker, Coble's location, as well as the stone wall occupied by "Extra" Billy Smith's Brigade during the charge. This view clearly demonstrates the hopelessness of the charge across this killing field.

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Truly a killing field -- no protection. The extra overhead orientation is much appreciated! And, of course: a new rock to pursue :smile:
 
From his service records: Private Augustus L. Coble, Company E, 1st North Carolina, conscripted July 15, 1862 in Raleigh, age 20.

Captain Thomas D. Boone of Company F wrote: "July 3 ... morning ... Federals repulsed with heavy loss thanks to Gen. Smith's Virginia brigade which came up just in the nick of time. ... We made an attempt to advance up the hill, but our assault was repulsed with heavy loss. The 23rd Virginia was on our right ..."

Boone is referring to a Confederate counter-charge that immediately followed the repulse of the 27th Indiana and 2nd Massachusetts. It was "murder," as Colonel Mudge of the 2nd termed it, no matter which side was making the charge.
 
Another regiment in this area was the 2nd Massachusetts commanded by Colonel Charles R. Mudge. He has one of the poignant quotes at Gettysburg when he said "Well it is murder, but it's the order" just before they charged across this same field.

Back to the Augustus Lucian Coble rock carving. The carving is getting lighter every year. Below is a picture I took last March of the carving. Unlike Greg's photo, the highlighting chalk was mostly gone.

When you visit the carving, do you mind seeing the carving highlighted in chalk or in its natural state? I prefer it natural.

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Here is a grace note.

Col. Hamilton Brown, commander of the 1st N.C.. wrote many years after the war that that in 1862 two officers "were detailed to go to Raleigh to procure the regiment's quota of conscripts. They returned with about 500. These men proved to be excellent material for soldiers, brave and willing, as was fully proven on many a bloody field afterward."
 
Another regiment in this area was the 2nd Massachusetts commanded by Colonel Charles R. Mudge. He has one of the poignant quotes at Gettysburg when he said "Well it is murder, but it's the order" just before they charged across this same field.

Back to the Augustus Lucian Coble rock carving. The carving is getting lighter every year. Below is a picture I took last March of the carving. Unlike Greg's photo, the highlighting chalk was mostly gone.

When you visit the carving, do you mind seeing the carving highlighted in chalk or in its natural state? I prefer it natural.

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Since my sight is limited, I most likely will not be able to see the script without the assistance, so for me, the chalk is essential.
 
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