March 18, 2015

** This blog now published Mondays and Wednesdays **

** I’m taking a hiatus beginning on Monday. Next post will be Monday, April 6^TH**

 

The Rose farm has always been my favorite battlefield farm. Not only am I a sucker for stone, but the setting is beautiful, quiet, and storied. It’s close enough to Emmitsburg Road that you could hop into town if necessary, but far enough away from the rest of the battlefield that there’s a general feeling of peace and seclusion. This was the place many Confederates ever saw before succumbing to their wounds. It was known as a particularly brutal field hospital for quite some time after the battle . . . yet there’s no hint of that bloody history now.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. FRANK GREENWOOD GOODWIN

Co. B, 8^TH Georgia Infantry

Born November 13, 1846 --- Died July 02, 1863

I’m not sure how he did it, but somehow Pvt. Goodwin, at age 14, managed to convince the recruiters in Savannah that he was old enough to fight. He suffered his first wound at Seven Pines in 1862 but quickly returned to combat, receiving a mortal wound from which he would not escape. Pvt. Goodwin died at the age of 16, never having reached his 17^TH birthday.

(c) 2012-2015 Skies of Blue and Gray

March 16, 2015

** This blog now published Mondays and Wednesdays **

Though Gettysburg is a great place to visit in any season, fall and winter photos seem to have that extra oomph. I think it’s because the barren landscape is brought out more crisply by bright blue skies, and perhaps because it’s much easier to get the lay of the land and understand the soldiers’ perspectives with the leaves off the trees. Whatever the reason, here’s one of the photos I took a few Februarys back, showing the unfinished Railroad Cut along McPherson’s Ridge. The fence is relatively new and was quite impressive when first built. Though it’s hard to imagine, hundreds of Mississippians were trapped down inside that cut, perhaps just their heads visible from this viewpoint . . . a fact which gave much more power to the Wisconsin and New York men occupying the fields.

**HONORED TODAY**

1^ST SGT. GEORGE S. MOSS

Co. C, 125^TH New York Infantry

Born about 1835 --- Died August 10, 1863

Sgt. Moss enlisted in August 1862 and resided at Lansingburg, New York. His death date is also given as August 08. He was transported to Camp Letterman after receiving a severe wound. According to records, while being operated upon he “died from effects of chloroform during excision of shell fragment.” Sgt. Moss was later buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery.

(c) 2012-2015 Skies of Blue and Gray

March 11, 2015

** This blog now published Mondays and Wednesdays **

This photo was taken just off Geary Avenue and shows the area of Spangler’s Spring, as evidenced by the small black sign visible along distant Colgrove Avenue at center right. Union regiments including the 20^TH Connecticut and the 1^ST Maryland Potomac Home Brigade would have fought in this area on the morning of July 3^RD. They would have seen the same boulders, but their view of Spangler’s Spring, then just an unadorned pool, would have been vastly different. 


The road seen in the distance is Slocum Avenue. Directly to the right of that road (not visible in this photo) is the monument to the Potomac Home Brigade, proving their presence. Unfortunately, the spring itself is hidden behind the rocks. (And yes, in case you were wondering, I am indeed standing in front of the restrooms for this shot :-))

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. GEORGE W. WEATHERINGTON

Co. H, 2^ND Mississippi Infantry

Born July 09, 1835 --- Died July 01, 1863

Pvt. Weatherington, formerly a teacher, enlisted in August 1861. He survived a wound at 2^ND Manassas/Bull Run in August 1862 but unfortunately was not so lucky at Gettysburg, where he likely died either during the fight in the unfinished railroad cut or a short while later.

(c) 2012-2015 Skies of Blue and Gray

March 09, 2015

** This blog now published Mondays and Wednesdays **

This monument to the 28^TH Pennsylvania Infantry is located at the end of a path leading from Culp’s Hill to Rock Creek; it’s barely visible from Confederate Avenue, and provides a nice hike (and beautiful views of the creek in all seasons). This particular monument dates from 1904.If you’re interested, the 28^TH has another monument, this one located up further on Culp’s Hill along Slocum Avenue (one of my personal favorites).

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. JONATHAN R. BRYAN

Co. H, 2^ND Wisconsin Infantry

Born July 09, 1835 --- Died July 01, 1863

Pvt. Bryan enlisted in May 1861. According to comrade Robert K. Beecham, “Jonathan Bryan was shot through the heart by a Confederate from the edge of the woods beyond a field in our front, while waving his hat and cheering for victory. He was by birth a Pennsylvanian, and one of the best and bravest among the soldiers of the Second Wisconsin. Comrade Bryan was the only man of our regiment killed west of Willoughby Run.”

(c) 2012-2015 Skies of Blue and Gray