April 25, 2014

**Antietam Friday**

Despite the turmoil that surrounded Rohrbach’s Bridge in September of 1862, I’ve always enjoyed peace there. This summer photo brings to life that tranquil scene . . . save for the monuments, everything in this photo except the cluster of monuments is original (unless the stone wall has been rebuilt). At center left is a piece of Federal artillery that either wasn’t there or I didn’t notice when I visited last year. (You'll see to click for the larger photo to see it).

The 21^ST Massachusetts bullet monument can be seen just to the left of the Burnside Bridge witness tree (which is still going strong after 150 years!), while the cannonballs atop the 35^TH Massachusetts Infantry are to the right of the tree. Off toward center right is the drum of the 51^ST Pennsylvania.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. THOMAS C. GATHINGS

Co. K, 26^TH North Carolina Infantry

Born 1832 --- Died July 01, 1863 at age 31

Pvt. Gathings enlisted in May 1862 as the husband of Eliza and father of William, Sarah, James, and Thomas, all of whom were under the age of five. His death came by enemy sniper while he waded through Willoughby Run to reach what would become the 26^TH’s battle line in Reynolds’ Woods. Pvt. Gathings’ burial site is unknown but it is believed he may have been interred at the Gettysburg National Cemetery by mistake.


(c) 2013-2014 Skies of Blue and Gray