Battle flag of the 2nd Maryland Infantry, CSA. http://www.moc.org/support/flag-conservation-program
As seen in Don Trioni's "Band Of Brothers". The regiment was apart of Gen. George H. "Maryland" Steuart's brigade. The brigade was ordered into a hopeless attack on Culp's Hill July 3rd, 1863. The Marylanders made it further then any other rebel troops but were decimated with 50% casualties. Even their mascot "Grace", seen running out in front of the troops in Trioni's painting below, was killed. She was ordered to be honorably buried by Union Gen. Kane as, "The only Christian minded being on either side."
I believe the officer at center of Trioni's painting, craddling his sword in one arm, represents Capt. William H. Murry. Although his company would have been located on the opposite flank of the regiment. This blond haired officer resembles Murray's likeness and this in only MHO.
Capt. William H. Murray was the most popular and beloved officer in the regiment. Murray was a born soldier and in a letter, dated only "1863", Captain Murray related to his sister: "The happiest day I ever spent in the South was I think the eighth of last June at Cross Keys. I with rifle in hand had with fifteen others twenty most beautiful shots at a regiment of Yanks bearing their flag. Three times did it fall in the dust under our fire. My heart danced for joy as the cheers of our dear little regiment made the echoes sing....For six long hours did we face three regiments of Infantry and two batteries of artillery of the enemy. There was not an inch of ground around us that was not literally ploughed with shot and shell from the continued roar and bursting of these unpleasant messengers--for hours after the battle was over I could not hear my own voice. Such is the fun my foolish company now wishes to enjoy."
When the orders to advance across whats now known as "Pardee Field" were given, Murray and the other Marylanders had no illusions of victory. The Federal force in front of them now outnumbered them 2:1, and the field was easily covered by enemy artillery fire. Gen. Steuart would carry out the order under protest. Just prior to the attack, Murray shook the hand of each man in Company A saying, "Good-bye it is not likely that we shall meet again." Steuarts Brigade advanced into a deadly crossfire. One Sgt. of the 37th VA. (just to the left of the Marylanders) remembered a merciless fire seemed to wipe out the Maryland battalion, and left only a few of his own men standing. Another soldier recalled vividly, "The death shriek rends the air on every side".
This is quoted from Harry W. Pfanz's Gettysburg: Culp's Hill & Cemetery Hill pg 319.
"General Kane watched Steuart's men advancing toward his position. With admiration, he recalled their steady approach, rifles at right shoulder shift, dressing and redressing their lines as men went down. Then the column seemed to waver, and its men broke into a double-quick, then a run, toward the Union line. As the column fell apart, some of its more impetuous soldiers dashed against the Union line, some who were wounded doing so with their last breath."
As officers went down Murray found himself in command, but only for a moment. Murray was dropped by a minnie ball that struck him in the neck as he waved his sword in the air. According to Pfanz the attack seemed to have ended with the death of Murray...
After the boody assualt was turned back, the survivors limped back leaving "Pardee Field" carpeted with dead and wounded. Brig Gen Steuart was seen to weep, "My poor boys! My poor Boys!"
Link to source used on Capt. William H. Murray http://www.2ndmarylandcoa.com/murray.html
Veterans of the 2nd Maryland at the dedication of their monument on Culp's Hill, 30 years later.
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