JPK Huson 1863
Brev. Brig. Gen'l
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2012
- Location
- Central Pennsylvania
Washington and Franklin depicted inside our struggle for birth as a nation. No patriotic trumpeting beneath, instead somber, cautioning lines. We picked a date which continued in significance through our still brief History- into the Civil War, entrenched in our citizenry and for which we must pause today.
Brigadier-General James Johnston Pettigrew had the worst ever birthday. 34 years old when riding into Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania as part of Heth's division, 35 the day he left, July 4th, 1863. It was astonishing he lived to see his 35th birthday, on the retreat wounded, having lost 1,100 men in some of the most brutal fighting in the 3 days. His personal battle, incredible, losses staggering.
Only picking Pettigrew as the figure on either side ( I can find ) whose birthday coincided with our nation's and that day in 1863. Out of around 175,000 men plus Gettysburg's population, you know there were other birthdays not celebrated July 4th, 1863.
Vicksburg fell that day, too. It may have been a bad day for the Confederacy but another good day for our nation.
Collier's Magazine heralded the then 125 year old news, on that issue's cover. Sharing this date, since 1776 has held significance, perhaps now diminished with time. Into our youthful 80's and the war, sharing your birthday with the Declaration of Independence was like being born on Christmas.
It's easy, finding modern celebrities who share Johnston Pettigrew's birthday. If it meant as much, would bring them into the conversation but it doesn't. Edmonia Lewis, black artist-sculptor was born July 4th, 1844, her success making her an era rock star.
Major General and politician Green Clay Smith, Union,July 4th, 1826
Brig Gen. W. A. Quarels CSA 1825
Brig Gen Daniel C. Govan CSA 1829
Three Presidents, men instrumental in forming our democracy weirdly died on July 4th, two picked the same one, July 4th, 1826, the third, 1831. The man who wrote the document, Thomas Jefferson, was one of them.
Three Presidents, two founders, the Declaration of Independence's author and a Revolutionary War soldier- died July 4th.
It's not ' our ' era but Calvin Coolidge was born July 4th, 1872.
Stephen Foster July 4th, 1826-1864
Nathaniel Hawthorne July 4th, 1804 - 1864
Our country's progression on this day was tracked, in an 1865 newspaper, cool stuff
But just post war, July 4th at Gettysburg was another kind of birthday- we do that. Come together in the end.
Just a few snips from an awfully long article- it was Independence Day again, at Gettysburg
Hopeful Fourth of July, to All