February 12, 2014

You've probably noticed that the 26^TH North Carolina 
Infantry holds a special place in my heart (and I’m still not sure why!) That said, every time I go back to Gettysburg, I try to take more photos of places where this regiment fought or bivouacked. This time I stopped at McMillan Woods across from the North Carolina State Memorial, where Gen. Pettigrew’s weary men camped from late July 2^ND until the start of the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble Charge.

The meadow doesn’t seem to have changed too much. The markers, one for Pettigrew’s Brigade and one for Heth’s Division, are fairly close to each other. Occasionally you’ll see groups of visitors riding horses down by the fence. Part of the Emanuel Pitzer farm can be seen in the distance; though I’m not sure if any of the buildings are original, there was a farm here in 1863, and it’s possible the boys of the 26^TH did some “exploring” here. Likely they spent their camp time thinking of all the comrades they’d lost on July 1^ST, having little idea what awaited survivors . . .

**HONORED TODAY**

2^ND LT. JOHN GERMAN ADRIAN

Co. E, 47^TH Alabama Infantry

Born October 30, 1827 --- Died July 03, 1863 at age 35

Lt. Adrian was one of those brave men who kept attacking up the slope of Little Round Top to repulse the Mainers at the top. After being wounded, he had only one day left to think of family and home. These thoughts doubtlessly included his wife Sarah and their four children, 7-year-old Synthia, 5-year-old David, 3-year-old William, and 1-year-old John. 


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