Here are some images to finish up our splendid Friday the 13th touring!
One of Col. James Breathed's horse artillery on top of the hill at the Huntsberry farm property; aimed southeast toward the first woods and Middle field across Red Bud Run.
the Red Bud Run valley, viewed from below Breathed's battery.
The site of the Huntsberry farm.
At this site the 19th Corps regiments of the 30th MA and the 29th ME of general Beal's Brigade crossed Red Bud Run and attempted an assault on Breathed's guns but were driven back.
We hiked up this lovely wooded trail to the Middle field after crossing Red Bud Run.
Looking east in the Middle Field toward the First Woods. The Union forces fought harrowing battles in the woods and emerged from them into this field advancing toward us.
The first of two fence lines the Union forces would encounter in the Middle field. Our guides explained how archeology played an important roll in helping the SVBF place the fences. Thousands of percussion caps and other debris of a firing line told the tale.
Grover's Division passed this fence and was attacking the second fence line when the Confederate counter-attack struck. Dwight's Division was in line of battle at this fence as Grover was being driven back in confusion. Dwight's men could not fire because they would hit Grover's men. The Confederates didn't care and inflicted heavy casualties on both Divisions. I can't even imagine how frustrating it must have been for Dwight's brigades! To be taking casualties and not be able to fight back.
Nicholas "Nick" Picerno is the Chairman Emeritus of the SVBF, on "Acquisition and Preservation of the Third Winchester Battlefield." he has an incredible wealth of knowledge about the battle and was full of amazing detail about what actually happened on the ground we were touring. Here he begins telling the CWT brigade about the actions on this far right side of Dwight's Division at the first fence line.
At this spot the Union 19th Corps brigade of Dwight's Division commanded by general George L. Beal fought, Nick described the terrific fighting of the 114th NY, the 30th MA, the 29th Me, and the 153rd and 116th NY. The fighting was horrific and deadly. Nick has studied this battle and has an extensive collection of artifacts, letters, and orders regarding the people who fought here. Here he shows us the shoulder bars of general Beal from his collection.
Division commander Dwight was appalled by the retreat of Grover's Division which caused so much trouble for his own Division. In Dwight's after battle report he sternly criticized Grover. His words were so strong they got him arrested! Still under arrest a month later at Cedar Creek, his Division was commanded by a subordinate. Finally, he had to change his report to attain his freedom. Dwight's infamous report disappeared from the record, no one knew what he said that could lead to his arrest. Low and Behold, where does this infamous report surface? In Nick's hand, right in front of us! Yes, Nick has the original report that got Dwight arrested!
Where did the horrible rebuke go? If you look closely on the lower portion of the right hand page you can see that Dwight simply rewrote the new "appropriate" report and pasted it right over the old one!!! It's the 19th century version of "cut and paste!!!" LOL
And no, we could not convince Nick to somehow steam it off or remove it to finally see what was said!!!!
A view from the Middle field to Breathed's battery.
The second fence line. Rodes Confederates attacked toward us. The slope behind the fence meant the Union troops could only see the tops of their battle flags.
The Alabama Monument to Cullen A. Battle's Alabama brigade of Rodes' Division. (I think we had some connection to Alabama in our ranks!!! A lot of wonderful people!)
The beautiful arch of Osage Orange trees leading to the Hackwood house at the western end of the battlefield. The original lanes have been marked and preserved by the SVBF.
A view of the Hackwood house.
The marker explaining how general George Patton was taken to the Hackwood house when mortally wounded at the battle. We saw his grave at the Stonewall cemetery in Winchester. He is the grandfather of the famous WWII general. He is buried with his brother who was killed at Gettysburg.
The Taylor Hotel in Old Town Winchester. When my ancestor, George E Yingling was captured at Stephenson's Depot on June 15, 1863 at the 2nd battle of Winchester, he was held here until being marched to Richmond for stays at Libby prison and Belle Isle.
Downtown Old Town Winchester is wonderful! Go if you get the chance. It was hopping Friday night!
The 1840 Court House and Confederate statue in Old Town.
The CWT brigade enjoys wonderful company, a historic setting in the new SVBF Court House museum and some wine and cheese.
Some period graffiti left on the walls and framed.
Our members getting to know the SVBF staff.
The second floor of the Court House has a wonderful museum filled will fascinating artifacts; like John Browns pike.
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