Captain Thomas J. Eubanks Colt Revolver

Cumpston1862

First Sergeant
Joined
Sep 10, 2013
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Ladies & Gents-

The April 2014 issue of Civil War Times had a dandy photo and brief expo on a Colt Navy revolver in the back of the magazine in the "Old & Sold" area. The revolver was presented as a gift to Captain Thomas J. Eubanks of Company D, 48th Alabama Infantry by the "Officers of his Company." The weapon is nicely scrolled and the engraving on the handle explains it was a gift because of his gallant actions at the Battle of Gettysburg. Amazing stuff but the brief blurb only wets a buff's appetite.

As fate would have it, I found an article with..."the rest of the story."

http://www.skinnerinc.com/news/blog/civil-war-history-battle-gettysburg-colt-revolver-auction/
 
Ladies & Gents-

The April 2014 issue of Civil War Times had a dandy photo and brief expo on a Colt Navy revolver in the back of the magazine in the "Old & Sold" area. The revolver was presented as a gift to Captain Thomas J. Eubanks of Company D, 48th Alabama Infantry by the "Officers of his Company." The weapon is nicely scrolled and the engraving on the handle explains it was a gift because of his gallant actions at the Battle of Gettysburg. Amazing stuff but the brief blurb only wets a buff's appetite.

As fate would have it, I found an article with..."the rest of the story."

http://www.skinnerinc.com/news/blog/civil-war-history-battle-gettysburg-colt-revolver-auction/

Great post Cumpston !

Gettysburg after battle report:

Report of Col. James L. Sheffield, Forty-eighth Alabama Infantry.

August 7, 1863.

Sir: I have the honor herewith to give a statement of the part
taken by the Forty-eighth Alabama in the battle of Gettysburg, on
July 2 and 3.

On the morning of the 2d ultimo, this regiment, with the brigade,
marched from New Guilford to the field, a distance of 20 miles,
where we were placed in line of battle in the open field, where Companies
A and H were ordered on picket. After lying in line of battle
a half hour, we were ordered forward, and advanced a distance
of 1 mile over a very rough and rugged road--the worst cliffs of
rocks there could have been traveled over.

On reaching the enemy's lines, where they were well and strongly
situated, I ordered my regiment forward, which was gallantly obeyed
until within about 20 paces of their line. Here the fire of the enemy
was severe. Here the men opened fire on the enemy, and for some
time continued, until the left, from the loss of men and their exposed
position to a fire from the front and from the mountain on
the right, were forced to fall back. The right steadily maintained
its position for some time, forcing the enemy to withdraw from their
first line and establish their line a short distance to their rear, where
they continued their fire. After the contest had continued for an
hour and a half, and my whole regiment had been brought to the
front the third time, only to be driven back, I ordered them to reform
in the rear of their advanced position. While doing this, I was
ordered to take command of the brigade. After this, the regiment
was commanded by Capt. T. J. Eubanks, who reformed and carried
it to the front, where the battle-ground was held during the night,
bringing off our wounded.

In this battle the regiment had 275 men engaged. There were 102
killed, wounded, and missing.

On the 3d ultimo, the regiment was withdrawn a short distance,
where we remained during the day, excepting while engaged in a
short fight with cavalry.

At night, we were still farther withdrawn to the rear. The men
and officers acted very well.

I cannot close without speaking of those who acted most conspicuously
during the hottest of the conflict. Lieut.'s [F. M.] Burk
and [R. T.] Ewing and Capt.'s Eubanks and [Jeremiah] Edwards
are especially noticed for their gallantry in leading their men forward
and remaining in front of their commands encouraging their
men.

Lieut.-Col. [W. M.] Hardwick and Maj. [C. B.] St. John
were very efficient in performing their part until wounded.

It is proper to state that in the account of missing, 24 men were
taken prisoners, with Capt. Edwards and Lieut. [T. L.]
Christian (of Gen. Law's staff), while posting pickets after night
on the 2d ultimo.

Very respectfully,

J. L. SHEFFIELD,
Col. Forty-eighth Alabama Regt.

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part II. Reports. Serial No. 44
 
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