October 18, 2013

Before I delve right in, I’ve got some disclaimers. Number one, these photos are in their original condition. They haven’t been altered in the least. Though they were taken at night, I’m not sure why they turned out with such a distinct bluish tint. I’ve taken many Gettysburg photos at night and they aren’t this lovely shade of eerie blue. Number two, I’m not a “ghost person.” I don’t visit Gettysburg for otherworldly entertainment. Number three, I apologize for the terrible quality. I’m not sure why they’re so blurry.

 I’ve got to admit that this is a pretty creepy representation of how the battlefield looks after dark. The first photo is aimed toward Triangular Field, and the white form in the center right distance is the John Slyder farm. I’m not sure if this farm was occupied at the time, but if not, the bonfire just to the right of the barn is rather strange.  The second photo is of Devil’s Den. I’ve got to admit, this one was very odd to me. The blue streaks run from top to bottom yet I have no idea what I might have done to my camera to make that design. I was just standing beside the car and snapping photos.

The third photo is of Little Round Top, taken from the Devil’s Den parking lot. The unusual thing about this photo is that you can actually “see double” of the monuments.  Again, I’m not touting supernatural causes, but you can decide for yourself if there’s anything strange about these shots. Despite my rational thinking, I still can’t bring myself to trek around Devil’s Den at night …

 

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. MILES MONROE HERMAN

Co. A, 18^TH North Carolina Infantry

Born 1826 --- Died July 03, 1863 at age 37

Pvt. Herman didn’t have much choice but to make war. It is believed he may have been conscripted, and whether or not that was the case, his enlistment left behind a wife, Camelia, and two small children, Clarenda age six and Frances (whose birth year has been listed as both 1860 and 1862). His military records on unclear on his fate. His regiment participated in the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble Charge, and after this point it seemed as if Pvt. Herman dropped off the face of the earth. Most researchers believe he died in the charge or soon after. There is a memorial stone dedicated to him at Conover City Cemetery in Conover, North Carolina.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray