July 31, 2013

As I mentioned my post of February 13, there’s something eerie about touring the battlefield in the fog. Whether that eeriness concerns something of a paranormal nature or simply embodies the heaviness of bloodshed, valor, courage, and grief that took place here so long ago, foggy mornings on the field are sure to bring some interesting experiences --- and some great photos. This particular photo shows the Pennsylvania State Memorial (see my post of June 14) on a misty March morning several years ago.

The artillery battery closest to the camera is Battery H, 3^RD Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. A pair of 3-inch Ordnance Rifles marks the position. Next are the 12-pounder Napoleon guns representing the 15^TH New York Light Artillery. The large stone monument seen just above this battery is the 148^TH Pennsylvania Infantry. The next battery, third from the foreground, is Battery E of the 5^TH Massachusetts Light Artillery, also with 3-inch Rifles. And the furthest battery in this view is Battery B of the 1^ST Pennsylvania Light Artillery. The 90^TH Pennsylvania Infantry marker flanks it. The 1^ST Minnesota Infantry monument rises just between the last two batteries, keeping a solemn watch over the fields of battle. Finally, the Vermont State Memorial, topped by Gen. George Stannard, is visible at far left.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. RUFUS S. MYERS

Co. K, 111^TH New York Infantry

Died August 31,, 1863 at age 18

Pvt. Myers incurred his mortal wound on the 03^rd of July and languished in a field hospital until August 31^st. According to Camp Letterman records, his leg was amputated by Ohio surgeon H. M. McAbee “at lower third of shot-fractured left femur.” Pvt. Myers was later buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray