February 29, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

To many people, the 78^TH and 102^ND New York monument is special because of its special feature: the lion’s head and paw carved into it (not seen on this photo). To me, even without that unique feature, it’s still a beautiful and touching memorial. It’s always amazed me how a figure might emerge from a solid block of stone. Here we can see his determined expression, his firm grip on the rifle. The wooded nature of Culp’s Hill becomes apparent through the background. Whatever (or whoever) he’s aiming at, I’d say the odds are in his favor.

**HONORED TODAY**

2^ND LT. SYLVESTER J. TAYLOR

Co. E, 147^TH New York Infantry

Born April 02, 1834 --- Died July 03, 1863 at 29

                                       

2^ND Lt. Taylor enlisted in September 1862 and had previously served in the 7^TH New York Cavalry. He was mortally wounded in the abdomen and died relatively quickly of his wounds. Unfortunately, little information exists regarding his life, and his place of burial is at this time unknown.

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray

February 24, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

I absolutely love the George Rose farm, despite my inability to get close enough for a good quality photo :-). Here we see not only the beautiful fieldstone farmhouse and some outbuildings but also the 110^TH Pennsylvania monument and the little stone bridge which traverses DeTrobriand Avenue. I’ve always wanted to visit the farm but don’t want to trespass . . . if there’s any (legal) way an average Joe tourist can get close enough for a decent photo without needing express permission, please let me know in the comments!

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. THOMAS J. GUNN

Co. G, 18^TH Virginia Infantry

Born between 1834/37 --- Died July 03, 1863

                                       

Pvt. Gunn enlisted in April 1861. Married to Mary or Martha, he was the father of Laura (age 6 at the battle of Gettysburg) and Elizabeth (age 1, or she may have been born in August 1863). Thomas’s brother died at the battle of Five Forks in 1865, adding another tragedy to the family.

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray

February 22, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

Forever a silent sentinel, the 99^TH Pennsylvania guards Houck’s Ridge from an onslaught of Texans, Alabamians, and Arkansans. This photo is somehow stark yet also beautiful, showing the careworn narrow path, the same prehistoric boulders soldiers were forced to navigate in 1863, and a gentle blue sky. Aside from the monument, I imagine the scene would have looked much the same during the battle . . . though how blue the skies were, considering the overcast battle weather and the gun-smoke permeating the air, I couldn’t say.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. RICHARD GAULEY

Co. B, 44^TH New York Infantry

Born about 1844 --- Died August 20, 1863 at age 19

                                       

Pvt. Gauley, mortally wounded in the thigh on July 2^ND and later taken to Camp Letterman, contracted typhoid fever and died of dual causes. He is buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery. 

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray