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| Nice and shiny in May 2013 |
Every time I visit Gettysburg, I make it a point to take some really nice cannon photos, and I’ve finally been remembering to make a note of which battery they represent . . . saves me a lot of research! On the last visit I focused on artillery scattered throughout West Confederate Avenue, Warfield Ridge, and the Devil’s Den area. The cannon shown above is a Parrott Rifle from Wingfield’s Battery, which was part of Lane’s Battalion.
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| Due for a touch-up in July 2000 |
Though Wingfield’s Battery was heavily manned during both the 2ND and 3RD of July, what’s most intriguing to me is the fact that it was one of many artillery batteries responsible for the barrage that heralded the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble Charge. To quote the fantastic website “Gettysburg: Stone Sentinels” which quotes the Wingfield’s Battery marker itself: “July 3. Remained here and took part in all artillery conflicts of the day including that which preceded Longstreet’s assault.”” Also of note in the above photo is the backdrop. The bronze memorial at top left is the North Carolina State Memorial. The white structure seen far in the distance, visible just above the right carriage wheel, is the iconic Nicholas Codori barn. To get an idea of how the the artillery of Wingfield’s Battery looked in 2013 as opposed to 2000, check out the photos.
**HONORED TODAY**
PVT. JOHN ACKERMAN
Co. K, 82ND Illinois Infantry
Born 1836 --- Died July 02, 1863 at age 27
Pvt. Ackerman’s time at Gettysburg was tinged with worry even before he received his mortal wound. Upon being ordered to patrol near Cemetery Hill and to take out any Confederate snipers, he couldn’t bring himself to go, feeling strongly that he would be killed. His commanding officers allowed him to remain behind in the hopes of cheating death. It didn’t work, however. When comrades returned, they found that he’d been killed by an enemy shell . . . it wasn’t merely Cemetery Hill Pvt. Ackerman had rightly feared, but the day itself. A photo can be found here.
(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray
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