Gettysburg: The MovieGettysburg: The Movie Get Your Gettysburg Packet.Get Your Gettysburg Packet.

Jeff Daniels as Col. Chamberlain

Before we begin, some things about the Before we begin, some things about the Battle of Gettysburg and the movie.Battle of Gettysburg and the movie.

Robert E. LeeRobert E. Lee

One of the complaints about the movie is that the One of the complaints about the movie is that the beards “look fake”. I don’t know about that I’ve had beards “look fake”. I don’t know about that I’ve had some pretty bad beards and some pretty bad beards and mustaches mustaches in my life so in my life so they look pretty good to me—they look pretty good to me—however you be the however you be the judgejudge. Other than the beards the movie has a great . Other than the beards the movie has a great deal to recommend it as an accurate account, deal to recommend it as an accurate account, (albeit (albeit it somewhat compressed it somewhat compressed and selectivelyand selectively emphasized) emphasized) of of what occurred what occurred at Gettysburgat Gettysburg during during those three days those three days in 1863.in 1863.

James LongstreetJames Longstreet

On May 23, 1863, (many weeks earlier than the movie indicates) 120 three-year enlistees from the 2nd Maine Infantry were marched under guard into the regimental area of the 20th Maine. The 2nd Maine men were in a state of mutiny and refused to fight, angry because the bulk of the regiment — men with only two-year enlistments — had been discharged and sent home, and the regiment had been disbanded. The mutineers claimed they had only enlisted to fight under the 2nd Maine flag, and if their flag went home, so should they. By law, however, the men still owed the Army another year of service.

Chamberlain had orders to shoot the mutineers if they refused duty. Fortunately for the men of the 2nd Maine, Chamberlain was born and grew up in Brewer, the twin city to Bangor across the Penobscot River where the 2nd Maine regiment was recruited. The mutineers were not just soldiers but also Chamberlain’s childhood neighbors.

Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott HancockMaj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock

Gen. Lewis A. Armistead Grig. Gen. John BufordGrig. Gen. John Buford

, The exact meaning of these words, or if they were even "Say to General Hancock for me, that I have done him, and you all a grevious injury, for which I shall always regret." spoken, is the subject of heated debate.

Maj. Gen. John ReynoldsMaj. Gen. John ReynoldsLt. Tom ChamberlainLt. Tom Chamberlain

Although the movie is a pretty good Although the movie is a pretty good representation of the battle, it does not representation of the battle, it does not mention, or show, some pretty amazing mention, or show, some pretty amazing and very interesting—and very interesting—if oddif odd– people, nor – people, nor some really interesting events.some really interesting events.

For example Dan Sickles…For example Dan Sickles…

Born in Manhattan on October 20, 1819, Sickles rose to prominence as a lawyer in the notorious Tammany Hall political machine in New York City. His penchant for liquor, gambling and women certainly did not hinder his political career, and he was twice elected to the U.S. Congress. While serving in this capacity in 1859, Sickles shot and killed Philip Barton Key, son of composer Francis Scott Key, for having an illicit love affair with his wife, Teresa. The shooting took place on a city sidewalk in Washington in front of numerous passers-by and within view of the executive mansion.With future Secretary of War Edwin Stanton as his lawyer, Sickles achieved a legal first when he was acquitted on the grounds of temporary insanity, and he remained in office. He was even viewed as something of a public hero after the sensational 22-day trial. In the Victorian social climate of the day, he was seen as a man who had fought to protect the sanctity of his marriage.

Shortly after 6 a.m. on July 2, Meade dispatched a messenger with instructions for Sickles to position his 12,000-man corps along the lower section of Cemetery Ridge, south of Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock's II Corps. Sickles was to occupy a line that recently had been vacated by Brig. Gen. John Geary's XII Corps division, place his right on Hancock's left, and anchor his left on the northern foot of the rocky knoll called Little Round Top.

Sickles acquiesced to the order, but he was not happy. He was on the lowest part of the ridge and felt that the ground would be very difficult to defend. Dissatisfied as he was with the low, wooded nature of his position, he failed to station any troops on Little Round Top, where he could better observe the enemy's movements and take advantage of higher ground. Sickles later said that he did not think he could stretch his men to reach Little Round Top. He also claimed that he could not discover the exact location and extent of Geary's sector.

As the morning wore on, Sickles grew increasingly uneasy about his designated position and began to eye an area of higher ground a half mile to his front, along the Emmitsburg Road. He eventually rode to headquarters and asked Meade to come and have a look, but Meade refused. Meade was not fond of Sickles and told him to position his troops as earlier instructed. Meade did grant Sickles the authority to choose his own ground and position his troops in any manner that he deemed most suitable, so long as he stayed within the limits of his general instructions. Meade also agreed to send his chief of artillery, Brig. Gen. Henry Hunt, to examine the ground with Sickles and make a recommendation.

Hunt and Sickles proceeded to the soon-to-be-famous Peach Orchard near the Emmitsburg Road, where Sickles explained his situation to Hunt. Hunt acknowledged the unfavorable nature of Sickles' original position along Cemetery Ridge. He recognized that the low ridges along the road would constitute a favorable position for the enemy to hold, which was a good reason for Sickles to take possession of it. Sickles liked what he heard and asked if he should move his corps forward. Hunt answered, Not on my authority; I will report to General Meade for his instructions.

Hunt determined that the line afforded excellent positions for artillery, that its occupation would cramp the movements of the enemy and bring the Federals nearer to the Confederate lines, and that it would better afford Meade an opportunity for taking the offensive, should he desire to do so. At the same time, Hunt saw that, if occupied by Sickles, the new line would present a salient angle that would expose both of its sides to enfilading fire. It would also increase the ground the III Corps would have to defend, as it would still have to connect with Hancock's left and anchor on Little Round Top. The line, and particularly the salient, would require a larger force than just the III Corps to hold it.

Sickles occupied the position anyway. After several hours of fierce combat, Sickles' troops began to crumble. Hammered from two directions by two of Lt. Gen. James Longstreet's divisions, the Peach Orchard, Rose's Woods and the Wheat Field were overrun, and Birney's division was shattered and driven back. With Rebels pouring through the Peach Orchard, Humphreys' line, now attacked from the west and south, was doomed. Meade, with Hancock's assistance, struggled to rush reinforcements from three other corps to bolster Sickles' divisions, but the III Corps was knocked out of the fight and sent into disordered retreat. There was a gaping hole all along the left of Meade's line.In the end, however, the Confederates were not able to achieve their goals. Lee's plan called for an oblique, echelon attack against Cemetery Ridge, beginning in the south and moving gradually northward along the Emmitsburg Road. But the 11-brigade attack was uncoordinated and disjointed. Lee's commanders failed to advance on schedule and were unable to exploit their gains. Eventually, as darkness fell, the Confederate attack sputtered and dissipated in confusion. A Union disaster was narrowly averted.As his salient collapsed around him, Sickles was struck in the right leg by shrapnel and carried from the field. The wound, which resulted in amputation, probably saved him from being court-martialed for his rash and perilous action. Meade was at first willing to concede that perhaps Sickles had somehow misinterpreted his orders, but Sickles said there had been no misunderstanding. He had made a decision and acted on his own responsibility, abandoning the position ordered by Meade for one that he believed to be better. He defended his decision until his dying day and insisted that he had made no error.

A short time later, the Army Medical Museum received the amputated leg in a box bearing a visiting card which read: "With the compliments of Major General D.E.S." For many years on the anniversary of the amputation, Sickles would visit the Museum to view his leg.

Major General Daniel E. Sickles visiting the Gettysburg Battlefield (Trostle Farm)along with Generals Joseph B. Carr and Charles K. Graham1888 -25th Anniversary of the Battle

The Battle The Battle of of GettysburgGettysburg happened as a result of Lee’s happened as a result of Lee’s determination during the summer of 1863 to move the Army determination during the summer of 1863 to move the Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania. Up until that time of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania. Up until that time Lee had been largely victorious in his engagements with Lee had been largely victorious in his engagements with Union forces. However, the Union forces. However, the South was having increasing South was having increasing difficulties supplying its troopsdifficulties supplying its troops with food and supplies. The with food and supplies. The Union Army, on the other hand, continued to grow in Union Army, on the other hand, continued to grow in strength and its advantage in men and material continued to strength and its advantage in men and material continued to improve. improve. AfterAfter his success at the his success at the battle ofbattle of ChancellorsvilleChancellorsville, Lee felt that he had two choices: , Lee felt that he had two choices: “either “either to retire to Richmond and stand a siege, which must to retire to Richmond and stand a siege, which must ultimately have ended in surrender, or to invade ultimately have ended in surrender, or to invade Pennsylvania.”Pennsylvania.” Lee chose to invade Pennsylvania hoping Lee chose to invade Pennsylvania hoping that a that a brilliant victory therebrilliant victory there would would force the Union to the force the Union to the bargaining tablebargaining table or at the least encourage England to or at the least encourage England to enter the war on the side of the South. At the enter the war on the side of the South. At the very leastvery least he he would be able to would be able to feed his troopsfeed his troops from the rich from the rich Pennsylvania countryside. Pennsylvania countryside.

The final battle Lee sought did not have The final battle Lee sought did not have to happen at to happen at Gettysburg.Gettysburg. Indeed, the Indeed, the battle site was somewhat of a surprise battle site was somewhat of a surprise and happened mostly as a result of the and happened mostly as a result of the Battle of Brandy Station fought on June 9, 1863. Brig. Gens. Brig. Gens. John BufordJohn Buford (who figures prominently in the first day (who figures prominently in the first day of fighting at Gettysburg)of fighting at Gettysburg) and and David David McMurtrie GreggMcMurtrie Gregg were an important were an important part of this engagement. Commanded by part of this engagement. Commanded by Union Union Maj. Gen. Alfred PleasontonMaj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton..

General Alfred Pleasonton, J.E.B. Stuart

The Battle of Brandy Station, also called the Battle of Fleetwood Hill, was the largest predominantly cavalry engagement of the American Civil War, as well as the largest to take place ever on American soil. The Southern press was generally negative about the outcome..The Battle of Brandy Station sets the stage for what happened at Gettysburg. This battle marked the end of the Confederate cavalry's lopsided dominance in the East. From this point in the war, the Federal cavalry gained strength and confidence.

The Richmond Enquirer wrote that "Gen. Stuart has suffered no little in public estimation by the late enterprises of the enemy." The Richmond Examiner described Stuart's command as "puffed up cavalry," that suffered the "consequences of negligence and bad management." Stuart goes north and leaves Lee relatively “blind” for a period of time. During that time lead elements of Lee’s army stumble in Gettysburg (for reasons that are in dispute, but may include “they were looking for shoes.”) and encounter the Union Army there.

Most of what I know about Chamberlain Most of what I know about Chamberlain and his role in the Civil War comes from and his role in the Civil War comes from the works listed below (the works listed below (all of which I all of which I highly recommendhighly recommend) and a visit to his ) and a visit to his home in Maine and to home in Maine and to Bowdoin CollegeBowdoin College where he taught.where he taught.

Gen. Chamberlain's restored home and his statue at Bowdoin College, across from his home in Brunswick Maine.

This battle was the high water mark of the This battle was the high water mark of the Confederacy. After Confederacy. After GettysburgGettysburg, the , the South was no longer able to invade the South was no longer able to invade the North. The war did however go on for North. The war did however go on for another 21 months.another 21 months.

There are many heroes in each battle of There are many heroes in each battle of the Civil War. There were few, however, the Civil War. There were few, however, like like ChamberlainChamberlain—a man fully aware of —a man fully aware of the stakes involved and more than the stakes involved and more than adequately able to articulate the Union adequately able to articulate the Union cause for not only cause for not only hishis generationgeneration—but —but oursours as well. The man could write! as well. The man could write!

I believe, perhaps the I believe, perhaps the greatest single paragraph I greatest single paragraph I have ever read, was penned have ever read, was penned by by ChamberlainChamberlain for an 1886 for an 1886 dedication of a monument dedication of a monument at Gettysburgat Gettysburg

“In great deeds something abides. On great fieldssomething stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits

linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls.And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know

us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see whereand by whom great things were suffered and done forthem, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and

wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision passinto their souls. This is the great reward of service.

To live, far out and on, in the life of others; this is the mysteryof the Christ,-to give life’s best for such high sake that

It shall be found again unto life eternal.”

~Col. Joshua Chamberlain, at the 1888 dedication of a monument at Gettysburg.

Chamberlain's Medal of Chamberlain's Medal of Honor, 1893Honor, 1893

The movie Gettysburg is largely told from the perspectiveof one remarkable individual—Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.Here are photos of Chamberlain at various stages of his lifeAlong with a photo of his beloved wife and the brother, Tom whoWas with him at Gettysburg.http://www.gdg.org/Research/People/Cross/blodfire.htmlJoshua Chamberlain as a

Professor, prior to Civil War Undated portrait of Fanny Chamberlain, wife of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

She dies in 1905

Chamberlain as President, Bowdoin College, ca. 1875

Undated photo of Chamberlain late in life

portrait of Joshua Chamberlain in full uniform. Chamberlain dies

February 24, 1914),

Thomas D. Chamberlain diedat age 55 August 12, 1896) of Alcoholism, lung and heart disease in Bangor, Maine

Chamberlain was an important man! With Chamberlain was an important man! With his regiment he took part in the battles of his regiment he took part in the battles of Antietam, Shepherdstown Ford, Antietam, Shepherdstown Ford, Fredericksburg (wounded), and Fredericksburg (wounded), and Chancellorsville.Chancellorsville. At the battle of At the battle of Gettysburg the regiment, now Gettysburg the regiment, now commanded by Chamberlain, held the commanded by Chamberlain, held the extreme left flank on Little Round Top, a extreme left flank on Little Round Top, a service for which he was later awarded the service for which he was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1893. He Congressional Medal of Honor in 1893. He also also received a second woundreceived a second wound. In . In November 1863 he was relieved from field November 1863 he was relieved from field service and sent to Washington suffering service and sent to Washington suffering from malaria. He was given lighter duties.from malaria. He was given lighter duties.                         

  Resuming command of the regiment in May Resuming command of the regiment in May 1864, he led it in the battle of 1864, he led it in the battle of Cold HarborCold Harbor. . Assigned to brigade command in June, only to Assigned to brigade command in June, only to fall wounded 12 days laterfall wounded 12 days later in the assault on in the assault on PetersburgPetersburg, he was promoted to brigadier , he was promoted to brigadier general on the spot by general on the spot by General General GrantGrant,, then then carried to the rear, where a surgeon declared carried to the rear, where a surgeon declared that he that he would certainly diewould certainly die from the wound from the wound. . (The (The doctor was right. Fifty years later Chamberlain doctor was right. Fifty years later Chamberlain succumbed ((The lion of the union: the pelvic wound of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain)The lion of the union: the pelvic wound of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain) to its to its effects at the age of 90.)effects at the age of 90.) Rejoining the army in Rejoining the army in November, he was forced by his wound to November, he was forced by his wound to return to Maine, but he came back again during return to Maine, but he came back again during the Petersburg siege during which he was the Petersburg siege during which he was wounded for a fourth time.wounded for a fourth time. In all Chamberlain In all Chamberlain was was wounded 6 timeswounded 6 times..

  He then took part in the He then took part in the Appomattox Appomattox CampaignCampaign, about which he wrote , about which he wrote The The Passing of the ArmiesPassing of the Armies. . He was given the He was given the honor of commanding the troops that honor of commanding the troops that formally accepted the surrender of the formally accepted the surrender of the Confederate armyConfederate army. On his own initiative . On his own initiative Chamberlain ordered his men to Chamberlain ordered his men to salute the salute the surrendering Confederates.surrendering Confederates. This gesture of This gesture of humanity and respect went a long way humanity and respect went a long way toward healing the wounds of the war. toward healing the wounds of the war. (Many (Many in the North saw this gesture as unwarranted in the North saw this gesture as unwarranted and an affront to the Union cause and were and an affront to the Union cause and were more than a little upset with Chamberlain).more than a little upset with Chamberlain). He later He later served 4x as governor of Maineserved 4x as governor of Maine and and president of Bowdoin Collegepresident of Bowdoin College in Maine until in Maine until his death at the age of 90 in 1914.his death at the age of 90 in 1914.

Buster Kilrain is based upon two very real soldiers in the 20th Maine– He is most likely a combination of George Buck and also Twenty-five-year-old Color Sgt. Andrew J. Tozier who is shown in the movie. Tozier received the Medal of Honor for his actions ( he dies in 1910). Buck had been a sergeant, but he had been demoted when he was ordered to perform a task by the quartermaster, but was too sick to do it. He apparently struck the officer and Chamberlain had to demote him. He was shot in the upper chest, and during the fighting, Chamberlain came to him and did his best to comfort the dying soldier. Buck asked Chamberlain to tell his mother that he had not died a coward, and that is when Chamberlain said that "you die a sergeant; I promote you for faithful service and noble courage on the field of Gettysburg!" He was carried to the rear where he later died on the Fourth of July.

Buster KilrainBuster Kilrain is not a real person! is not a real person! However, However, George Buck wasGeorge Buck was! ! Kilrain is a Kilrain is a

composite character based mostly on composite character based mostly on Pvt. George BuckPvt. George Buck and and

Sgt. Andrew TozierSgt. Andrew Tozier

Over the next few days we will meet Over the next few days we will meet the most important individuals at the most important individuals at Gettysburg—Gettysburg—notnot all of them, but the all of them, but the essential ones mentioned in the book essential ones mentioned in the book TheThe KillerKiller AngelsAngels—and watch the —and watch the battle unfold. When reality bends battle unfold. When reality bends away from the book I will try to away from the book I will try to reconcile the two versions of what reconcile the two versions of what happened at happened at Gettysburg.Gettysburg.

Henry "Harry" Heth

Just looking for shoes?

John Buford

John Reynolds

George Meade

Robert E. Lee

James Longstreet

J.E.B. Stuart

Henry T. Harrison Spy

Andrew Tozier

Tom Chamberlain

Sgt. 'Buster' Kilrain/

George Buck/ Tozier

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

By the end of the first day of fighting at Gettysburg John Buford has held the Confederates long enough to allow a good portion of the Union army to get to Gettysburg. However, the Federal troops have been pushed through town and have taken a position on high ground along Cemetery Ridge and have entrenched on the hills south of the town in a fishhook formation. Their position is anchored by two hills, Culp’s and Little Round Top.

Civil War Socket BayonetCivil War Socket BayonetSteel blade measures 17" long. Steel blade measures 17" long.

58 Springfield Musket 56 inches long wt. 10 lbs.Of the approximately 35,000 muskets picked up

from the Gettysburg battlefield, it was discovered:11,000 were unloaded

24,000 were loaded6,000 held one charge

12,000 held two charges6,000 had from three to ten charges each

One had twenty-two charges

Each army (40,000-100,000 men)

Each division consisted of two to four brigades, usually three (1,200-2,500 men). Divisions were usually commanded by major generals.

Each corps typically consisted of two to four divisions (3,000-5,000 men).

Each brigade consisted of three to five regiments (300-800 men). A brigade was usually commanded by a Brigadier General

Two or more corps (10,000-25,000 men). commanded by a full General on the Confederate side and a Major General on the Union side.

In July of 1863, General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia of 75,000 men and the 97,000 man Union Army of the Potomac, under George G. Meade, concentrated together at Gettysburg and fought the Battle of Gettysburg.

General Dan Sickles

Col. Chamberlain

Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood

Big Round Top.

Little Round Top, western slope

General

Winfield Scott Hancock

Col. Strong Vincent Killed

Col. Stephen Weed whowent to reinforce VincentKilled by sharp shooter in Devils’ Den

26-year-old Vincent and his brigade arrived on July 2, 1863. His young wife, Elizabeth H. Carter, whom he had married on the day he enlisted in the army, was pregnant with their first child. He had written her,

"If I fall, remember you have given your husband to the most righteous cause that ever widowed a woman.“ The commander of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, recommended Vincent for promotion to brigadier general on the evening of July 2. The promotion was dated July 3, 1863, but it is doubtful that Vincent knew about the honor before he died

At Gettysburg, Weed’s brigade went to the relief of Col. Strong Vincent's brigade on Little Round Top. Weed was mortally wounded in the chest (possibly by a sharpshooter hidden in Devil's Den) while standing near these guns. His last words

were reported as "I would rather die here than that the rebels should gain an inch of this ground."

…A third time I dispatched one of my staff to explain fully in regard to the situation, and to suggest that you had better come and look for yourself. I selected, in this instance, my adjutant general, Colonel Harry Sellers, whom you know to be not only an officer of great courage, but also of marked ability. Colonel Sellers returned with the same message: "General Lee's orders are to attack up the Emmettsburg road." Almost simultaneously, Colonel Fairfax, of your staff, rode up and repeated the above orders. After this urgent protest against entering into battle at Gettysburg according to instructions - which protest is the first and only one I ever made during my entire military career - I ordered my line to advance and make the assault.

As my troops were moving forward, you rode up in person; a brief conversation passed between us, during which I again expressed the fears above mentioned, and regret at not being allowed to attack in flank around Round Top. You answered to this effect: "We must obey the orders of General Lee." I then rode forward with my line under a heavy fire. In about twenty minutes after reaching the peach orchard I was severely wounded in the arm, and borne from the field.

Letter from General John B. Hood. To James Longstreet

New Orleans, La., June 28th, 1875.

(Source: Southern Historical Society Papers, Vol. 4, pages 145-150) http://www.gdg.org/research/OOB/Confederate/July1-3/shhood.html

A wider view of Vincent's Spur, the ground that Colonel Joshua Chamberlain was ordered to hold at all costs by his brigade commander Colonel Strong Vincent. The 20th Maine monument, marking the spot near where the regimental colors stood, can be seen to the far right in the photo.

15th Alabama begins fight with 500 men and ends with 227—over 45% of troops killed. The 20th Maine begins the fight with 386 men and ends with 190 remaining. 49% killed. Col. Oates disputes Chamberlain’s account for the rest of his life

Little Round Top today

“As for myself, so far I had escaped. How close an escape I had I did not know till afterwards. I think I may mention here, as a psychological incident, that some years after the war, I received a letter written in a homely but manly style by one subscribing himself "a member of the Fifteenth Alabama," in these words:

Dear Sir: I want to tell you of a little passage in the battle of Round Top, Gettysburg, concerning you and me, which I am now glad of. Twice in that fight I had your life in my hands. I got a safe place between two big rocks, and drew bead fair and square on you. You were standing in the open behind the center of your line, full exposed. I knew your rank by your uniform and your actions, and I thought it a mighty good thing to put you out of the way. I rested my gun on the rock and took steady aim. I started to pull the trigger, but some queer notion stopped me. Then I got ashamed of my weakness and went through the same motions again. I had you, perfectly certain. But that same queer something shut right down on me. I couldn't pull the trigger, and gave it up, that is, your life. I am glad of it now, and hope you are.

Yours truly.

I thought he was that, and answered him accordingly, asking him to come up North and see whether I was worth what he missed. But my answer never found him, nor could I afterwards. “

Through Blood and Fire at Gettysburg Joshua Lawerence Chamberlain 

Little Round Top Today

Lo Armistead’sLo Armistead’s gift to gift to Almira HancockAlmira Hancock and Artistic and Artistic

Liberty in Liberty in Michael Shaara’s, , Killer AngelsKiller Angels

Shaara con·flates a few things.Shaara con·flates a few things.

Conflate: verb: Combine (two or more Conflate: verb: Combine (two or more texts, ideas, etc.) into one: "the urban texts, ideas, etc.) into one: "the urban crisis conflates a number of different crisis conflates a number of different economic and social issues".economic and social issues".

The story of the grand party first appeared in Almira Hancock's biography of her late husband which was published in 1887, a year after the General's death. Given the source, several generations of historians have taken it on faith that there was a grand farewell party at the Hancock's Los Angeles home in which six or so future Confederate officers, including Albert Sidney Johnston, Garnett, and Armistead, all attended. Mrs. Hancock wrote about the sadness of the evening as Mrs. Johnston sung "Kathleen Mavourneen." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXqEoBjuXQU&feature=related"Kathleen Mavourneen" is a song, written in 1837, composed by Frederick Crouch with lyrics by Marion Crawford. It was popular during the American Civil War. "Mavourneen" is a term of endearment derived from the Irish Gaelic mo mhuirnín, meaning "my beloved."

At this, she said, "Hearts were filled with sadness over the surrendering of life-long ties."

Some more artistic liberty in the book Killer Angels?

Winfield Scott Hancock and his wife Almira did host the evening at their Camp Fitzgerald quarters located near Los Angeles, California. Armistead was most affected by the prospect of severing ties with his Northern counterparts, and according to Almira Hancock, it was at this time (1861) he gave her a number of souvenirs with the proviso

that she send them to his family should he perish in the impending conflict. On the

flyleaf of a small Anglican prayer book he had written, "Trust in God and fear nothing?' Wiping away tears, he told Hancock,

"Good-by; you can never know what this has cost me." With his resignation he not only severed ties with the United States, but also with his dear friend Hancock. He could not have known it at the time, but a reunion of sorts would occur two years later on a battlefield at the crossroads of an obscure Pennsylvania tow

Armistead: A case of hard Luck

In 1844 Armistead married Cecilia Lee Love. The Armisteads had two children. In 1849, it was discovered that Armistead was suffering from Erysipelas, a skin disease that was destroying tissue. An operation removed the diseased tissue.The next year he lost both his wife and their four-year-old daughter. Then the Armistead farm in Virginia burned to the ground and the family lost everything they owned. Armistead applied for a leave to return to Virginia and help his family. While there, he married a second time. But his happiness was short-lived. A year later, the couple lost an infant daughter. A year after that, his second wife died in a cholera epidemic. Armistead had lost two wives, two children, and the family farm in less than six years.

Speaking of hard luck….

Even the actor who played Armistead seemed to have been touched by Armistead’s bad luck. Richard Jordan’s health began to fail shortly after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He died on August 30, 1993, Jordan's last film to be released was Gettysburg (1993), which was filmed during the summer of 1992. He was only 56 years old.

"The Angle" in the stone wall where

Gen. Armistead and CSA troops breached Clump of trees Lee pointed to.This is known as "The High Water Mark"

I did not see General Lee that night. On the next morning he came to see me, and fearing that he was still in his disposition to attack,

I tried to anticipate him by saying: "General, I have had my scouts out all night, and I find that you still have an excellent opportunity to move around to the right of Meade's army and manoeuvre him into attacking us." He replied, pointing with his fist at

Cemetery Hill: "The enemy is there, and I am going to strike him.“

General James Longstreet's Account of the Campaign and Battle. (Source: Southern Historical Society, Vol. 5, pages 54-86)

"General, I have been a soldier all my life. I have been with soldiers engaged in fights by couples, by squads, companies, regiments, divisions and armies, and should know as well as any one what soldiers can do. It is my opinion that no 15,000 men ever arrayed for battle can take that position,“

http://www.gdg.org/research/People/Longstreet/shlong1.html

Both armies were heavily equipped with cannons at Gettysburg; the Union army had 360 and the Confederate army had 275. Cannons could weigh anywhere from 1,775 pounds to 2,400 pounds each. The barrels were made of iron or bronze, and the gun carriage and wheels were made of wood. About half of these were rifled iron pieces, all but four of the others were smoothbore bronze guns. The same types of cannon were used by both armies.

But how many guns were there in total on the third day? Historians' numbers have varied. Sears claimed 163, while others, such as Douglas Southall Freeman, have cited Alexander's postwar memoir in concluding that there were 140 guns altogether, 56 of which went unused. In two different books, the British historian Brian Holden Reid has provided two different numbers: 164 in one, 172 in the other (while noting that 56 of those went unused). However many cannons were used that 3rd day it was the largest cannon duel ever fought in North America.

General Winfield Scott Hancock

General Lewis A. Armistead

J. Johnston Pettigrew

Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett Gen. Isaac R. Trimble Richard B. Garnett

Alexander Stewart Webb

As a French general who witnessed the spectacle of the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War (1854-56) said, "C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre." (It is magnificent, but it's not war.). The same could be said of Pickett’s doomed charge.

John Singleton Mosby later claimed that Pickett blamed Lee for the disaster:

"That old man destroyed my division."

"General, I have no division..."-Major General George Edward Pickett to General Lee at Gettysburg

July 3, 1863

Armistead's marker beyond the Stone wall near the Angle

The Angle Confederate high waterMark from Cemetery Ridge

On July 3, Webb's brigade happened to be in the center of the Union line to defend against Pickett's Charge, in front of the famous "Copse of Trees." As the Confederates

launched a massive artillery barrage to prepare for their infantry assault, Webb made himself conspicuous to his men, many of whom were unfamiliar with their new commander. He stood in front of the line and leaned on his sword, puffing leisurely on a cigar while cannonballs whistled by and shells exploded all around. Although his men shouted at him to take shelter, he refused and impressed many with his personal bravery. As Maj. Gen. George Pickett's Virginia division approached to within a few yards, two companies of Webb's 71st Pennsylvania ran away, and Webb feared the personal disgrace of a breakthrough in his line. He shouted to his neighboring 72nd Pennsylvania to charge, but they refused to budge. He attempted to grab their regimental colors and go forward with them himself, but apparently the standard bearer did not recognize him, because he fought Webb for the colors before he went down, shot numerous times. Webb ultimately gave up on the 72nd and strode directly in front of the chaos as Brig. Gen. Lewis Armistead's Confederate brigade breached the low stone wall, over to his 69th Pennsylvania regiment. Webb was wounded in his thigh and groin by a bullet, but kept going. With the help of two of Col. Norman J. Hall's New York regiments, and Brig. Gen. William Harrow's men, who ran over in a mass to get in their shots, Webb and his men brought the Confederate assault to a standstill, inflicting heavy casualties.

Webb received the Medal of Honor on September 28, 1891, for "distinguished personal gallantry in leading his men forward at a critical period in the contest" at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863. President Lincoln nominated Webb for appointment to the brevet grade of major general of volunteers for his service at Gettysburg, to rank from August 1, 1864, and the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment on February 14, 1865. Dies in 1911 at the age of 75

Alexander Stewart Webb

During the massive Confederate artillery bombardment that preceded the infantry assault, Hancock was prominent on horseback in

reviewing and encouraging his troops. When one of his subordinates protested, "General, the corps commander

ought not to risk his life that way," Hancock is said to have replied, "There are times when a corps commander's life does not count."

Hancock received a severe wound caused by a bullet striking the pommel of his saddle, entering his inner right thigh along with wood fragments and a large bent nail. Helped from his horse by aides, and with a tourniquet applied to stanch the bleeding, he removed the saddle nail himself and,

mistaking its source, remarked wryly, "They must be hard up for ammunition when they throw such shot as that." News of Armistead's mortal wounding was brought to Hancock by a member of his staff, Captain Henry H. Bingham. Despite his pain, Hancock refused evacuation to the rear until the battle was resolved. He had been an inspiration for his troops throughout the three-day battle. Hancock later received the thanks of the U.S. Congress for "... his gallant, meritorious and conspicuous share in that great and decisive victory."

Webb's and Pickett's veterans shake hands at the stone wall, July 4, 1887(24 years after battle)

Fifty years after the battle (1913), the veterans of Pickett's Division Association and the Philadelphia Brigade Association shake hands in comradeship over the stone wall at the Angle.

Gen. James Kemper. The movie leads you to believe Kemper dies at the Battle of Gettysburg. However, he does not die there. He is, however, recaptured by the Federals as he is left behind for them to treat as his wounds are too serious for Lee’s surgeons to deal with. It had not been possible to remove the bullet that had wounded Kemper at Gettysburg, and he suffered from groin pain for the rest of his life. After the war he worked as a lawyer and served as the first Governor of Virginia after Reconstruction from January 1, 1874, to January 1, 1878. Kemper died in 1895 at the age of 71 in Walnut Hills, Orange County, Virginia, where he is buried.