February 13, 2013

Anyone who has visited Gettysburg in the fog knows that there’s an eerie quality not easily explained. Whether or not you’ve seen distant figures of soldiers in the mist, those foggy mornings make for some great photos, such as this capture of the 7^th New Jersey Infantry monument above. When I came upon that photo in my archives I decided to study the regiment’s history and see what exactly they accomplished at Gettysburg.

The 7^th New Jersey became active in September 1861 and participated in major battles such as Second Bull Run / Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville before ever stepping foot in Gettysburg. In July 1863 the unit was part of Burling’s Brigade in Sickles’ Third Corps. The 7^th marched into the Peach Orchard as did many men of the Third Corps on July 2, 1863, where they held tight in the face of opposition for over an hour. The only thing separating the men of the 7^th New Jersey from their Confederate counterparts was a wooden farm fence.

The attack against the Peach Orchard was too much for the nearby New Jersey artillery, which retreated in full view of the 7^th New Jersey Infantry. Instead of following suit, the 7^th and their gallant Colonel Louis Francine led a short and ill-fated charge an in attempt to keep the Confederates at bay. I’d have to say this is one of my favorite Gettysburg monuments not only due to the sleek and somber design but also to the way I remember first seeing it: shrouded in fog one mysterious battlefield morning.

**HONORED TODAY**

CPL. HENRY EVANS

Co. A, 1^st Massachusetts Infantry

Born 1837 --- Died July 02, 1863 at age 26

Cpl. Henry Evans’ wartime residence was Boston, Massachusetts, where he labored as a silversmith. He was promoted to Corporal in November 1862 but, sadly, could only enjoy that rank for eight months. He was buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray