James D. Moore, wounded at Gettysburg

[Paulc.]

I received such good information related to my first posting on this forum, I thought I'd give it another go. This question arises from a story ( some might say 'a tale') noted on pp. 464-465 in David G. Martin's "Gettysburg July 1", first DaCappo printing 2003. The source of the story, as noted by Professor Martin, is George C. Underwood's " Twenty-sixth Regiment", NC Regiments, Vol. 2, p. 369. Whew, got that out of the way. Anyway,……..

The story goes that James D. Moore of Co. F, 26th North Carolina, was wounded in the leg by a .44 calibre bullet from a cavalry carbine. ( And here I am loosely quoting the account.).

He thought he had been fighting a cavalry regiment, until years later, while working in a dry goods store in Winnamac, Indiana, he connected with a veteran of the Twenty-Fourth Michigan named Hayes. Hayes indicated that he had lost his Enfield rifle, and as his regiment was going into action, he picked up a carbine dropped by one of Buford's men. During the subsequent action, as the 26th closed in, Hayes fired off a shot in the direction of the color guard, and hit Moore. The story concludes by noting that Hayes and Moore became good friends, with Hayes providing material assistance to Moore as long as he (Moore) lived in Winnamac.

Well, that's the essence of the story. So several questions arise, but firstly for me, is the caliber of the carbine? This is important to the telling of the story, as the unique nature of the wound forms the link that created the story and the bond between the two men.

Now, cavalry carbines is not a subject I'm very familiar with, so I'm curious to know if there was a .44 caliber carbine in general use by Buford's troops?

I will say that this story in extended versions is out there on the web, as are pictures of Moore and Hayes. So, throwing it out there for those with expertise to chime in on the .44 cal. Carbine, and anything additional on Moore and/or Hayes. Just one of those "Gettysburg Stories" that captures my mind.

 

[Paulc.]

Let me add that James D. Moore gave an interview to the "Morning Post" (Raleigh, NC), 11 October, 1897 outlining his story in greater detail. This interview forms the greater part of an article found at the NC Center for Civil War History, and was published 26 January, 2019, submitted by Glenn Land and edited by Cheri Todd Molter. While the article states that Moore did not identify Hayes further than by his last name, the author feels that 'Hayes' is Luther M. Hayes, and of the 2nd Wisconsin, not the 24th Michigan. And again, both Moore and Hayes have entries on Find-A-Grave. I apologize to anyone reading this missive, as I haven't yet figured out how to attach documents and files. Would sure make it easier to follow along.

 

[Tom Elmore]

You raise an interesting point. Having little knowledge of this subject, I rely on two pertinent references, namely Dean S. Thomas' book, Ready ... Aim ... Fire; and also Earl J. Coates and Dean S. Thomas' Introduction to Civil War Small Arms:

At Gettysburg, Gamble's brigade was reportedly armed with the following carbines:
8th Illinois Cavalry - Sharps Carbine, caliber .52
12th Illinois Cavalry - Burnside Carbine, caliber .54
3rd Indiana Cavalry - Gallagher Carbine, caliber .50 and Sharps Carbine, caliber .52
8th New York Cavalry - Sharps Carbine, caliber .52

However, Colt Revolvers, Model 1860 Army, caliber .44, were said to be widely used by Union cavalrymen. In addition, some other revolvers of this period were of the same caliber .44, so I don't think we can discount the shot was from a sidearm that an infantry officer might carry.

By the way, for the record, according to General Buford, one of his 8th Illinois troopers, who was on foot, lay down in the grass, and boldly challenged a line of advancing Confederates (Archer) just as Meredith's men arrived. (History of the Eighth Cavalry Regiment, Illinois, by Abner Hard)

While I cannot put my finger on the source at the moment, I recall reading of another dismounted Union cavalryman who stayed behind to fight for a time with the Iron Brigade, presumably using his own carbine.

The bottom line is that the Moore/Hayes story seems to be one that captures the imagination but the facts don't add up on close inspection. Good job, @Paulc.

 

[Paulc.]

Thanks Tom, for the references and additions. Your note regarding cavalry participants rang a memory for me, so I again consulted David Martin's work. On page 155 he writes of two 3rd Indiana troopers; Matt Glenber and Will Rhea (and Martin suggests that there were others) borrowed muskets and went to fight alongside their Wisconsin comrades. For those who note these things, Martin's note to this event is OR 27.1.927, and Day, "Veteran of 3rd Indiana Cavalry," National Tribune, 30 July 1903.

The Buford story regarding the plucky trooper hiding out in the grass waiting to spring up at the approach of the Confederates is told on the same p. 155. The trooper is identified as being a member of the 8th Illinois. The story comes from Abner Hard's "History of the Eighth Cavalry Regiment Illinois Volunteers During the Great Rebellion", Aurora, Ill., 1868, reprinted Morningside Press., page 257.

Much valor on the day, on both sides.

 

[Paulc.]

Oh, let me give the full credit. Thomas G. Day, "Veteran of 3rd Indiana Cavalry Describes the First Day's Fight at Gettysburg." National Tribune, 3 July 1903

Feel ever so much better.