December 28, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

If you’ve ever visited Little Round Top then I’m sure you noticed this dapper fellow standing high upon a rock, looking out over the Devil’s Den and Big Round Top and the Valley of Death. This is Gouverneur Kemble Warren, a rather famous Gettysburg figure. It was due in part to his quick thinking that more men were shuffled to the summit to beat back Texans and Alabamians intent on taking the heights. While the real Gouverneur Warren lived from 1830 to 1882, this bronze statue has been in place since 1888, watching over the second day’s battlefield for a long 128 years.

**HONORED TODAY**

3^RD CPL. GEORGE DALGLEISH

Died July 10, 1863

Co. K, 82^ND New York Infantry

3^RD Cpl. Dalgleish, born in Scotland, enlisted in June 1861. He was a soap-maker by trade. He was mortally wounded in the hip or thigh on the third day of battle and died of his wounds 7 days later, eventually being laid to rest at Gettysburg’s National Cemetery. The 82^ND New York was also known as the 2^ND New York Militia.

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray

December 26, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

Perhaps it’s a testament to my eye for details that I was almost more excited about the ruins of the Dustman barn than the newly-renovated Gen. Lee’s Headquarters. There’s something fascinating about knowing that this stone foundation was in place during the battle . . . most of the homes and barns in Gettysburg are privately-owned and thus inaccessible, making a place like this extra special. To walk within the ruins and touch every stone is wonderful. I hope this foundation continues to be accessible to those who visit. I intend to come back again soon.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. ISHAM BLEVINS

Born April 16, 1830 --- Died July 03, 1863 at age 33

Co. K, 37^TH North Carolina Infantry

Pvt. Blevins enlisted in August 1862. He was married to Ann, and they had at least four children, Susan (13 when her father was killed), Mary (10), Andrew (8), and James (5). There may have also been a daughter named Lydia.

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray

December 21, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

The rolling meadows which flank East Cemetery Hill are especially scenic when the battlefield is cloaked in greenery. Here we see a typical late spring day (meaning gray and dreary skies are abundant . . . but somehow Gettysburg is even more mysterious at those times) and a typical fence. Louisiana Tigers under Gen. Harry Hays passed over this ground during their attack on Union forces at Cemetery Hill . . . they enjoyed some success, but were eventually pushed back, leaving heavy casualties. Reports speak of hand-to-hand combat as artillery pieces changed hands at record speed.

**HONORED TODAY**

CPL. CHARLES MORSE, JR.

 

Born January 03, 1823 --- Died July 03, 1863 at age 40

Co. A, 16^TH Vermont Infantry

Cpl. Morse enlisted in August 1862. He was a farmer, and was married to Sarah with a daughter Lizzie and three sons, Sumner, Charles, and Kimball (his youngest child was only four when Charles was killed). He is buried at Gettysburg’s National Cemetery but has a cenotaph at Gilead Cemetery in Bethel, Vermont.

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray

December 19, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

So, this is pretty interesting. We were visiting General Lee’s Headquarters and admiring the renovations when a whistle pierced the air. Considering that the Railroad Cut lies just beyond the parking lot, this was perfect timing to capture the train as it chugged by. Interestingly enough, not only is this is a cool photo for train enthusiasts, but it also shows a section of the Cut where fighting raged on July 1^ST, and the monument to the 3^RD Indiana Cavalry is visible in the distance along McPherson’s Ridge.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. CHARLES NICHOLS

Born 1840 --- Died August 18 or September 11, 1863

Co. C, 57^TH Virginia Infantry

Pvt. Nichols’ exact date of death is unknown, though it’s certain that he died at Gettysburg’s Camp Letterman. He suffered a “compound fracture of the right femur”. He was later buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, and his surname also appears as Nicholdes, Nickles, and Nickols. 

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray