December 10, 2014

 

These two beauts represent the Madison Light Artillery (Moody’s Battery) near the Mississippi State Memorial, and they were some of the most intriguing I visited during my past few trips. Dating from the late 1850s, these Howitzers were forged in Austria. These are many interesting details in those photos . . . starting with photo #1, we can see the white picket fence bordering Millerstown Road. The road running from the top to the bottom of the photo is West Confederate Avenue. It’s quite obvious that the marker between the cannon has been recently repainted.

On photo #2 you can see: The Louisiana State Memorial, the Mississippi State Memorial, and part of the route of Barksdale’s Charge on the afternoon of July 2, 1863. You can see what kind of a dreary, foggy day it was :-) (a typical Gettysburg day for us!) I love “artsy” artillery shots that not only show the pieces but also the area around them, showcasing the sort of terrain artillery would have had to deal with during operation.

**HONORED TODAY**

CPT. ISAAC W. CALLAWAY

Co. K, 22^ND Georgia Infantry

Born April 30, 1825 --- Died July 18, 1863

Cpt. Callaway had great responsibility not only in the army but also at home, as the father of a two-year-old daughter named Anna and husband of newly-widowed Margaret. Mortally wounded at Gettysburg, he lingered over two weeks and then died of his wounds.


(c) 2012-2014 Skies of Blue and Gray

December 08, 2014

The George Weikert farmhouse is one of my favorite structures on the battlefield for two reasons: first, it’s made of stone (I’ve always been partial to stone buildings), and second, it has quite a history attached to it (some quite mysterious . . .). This photo was taken from a different angle, coming up Sedgwick Avenue to Cemetery Ridge. Interestingly, the Weikert house predates the battle of Gettysburg by sixty-five years, making it a witness to many other events, however mundane, before blue and gray ever clashed here.

I love the fact that the current owners have kept the house true to its original form, both structure-wise and in decoration, and I especially like the two American flags draped over the wooden framework (is it an arbor?). The only thing that stands out as really modern is the air conditioner at bottom right, and I can’t begrudge folks that! Summer in Gettysburg, as the soldiers knew very well, can be a scorcher.

**HONORED TODAY**

CPL. DELOS W. HARRIS

Co. C, 7^TH Michigan Infantry

Born abt. 1840 --- Died July 08, 1863

Cpl. Harris enlisted in August 1861 and was severely wounded in the lung at Gettysburg . . . having been hit by an artillery shell, he had little chance of recovery, and died only a few days after his wounding. He was later buried at Gettysburg’s National Cemetery, erroneously listed as a member of the Michigan cavalry.


(c) 2012-2014 Skies of Blue and Gray

December 05, 2014

I love this shot of the Orange Artillery, which also shows the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, one of many iconic Gettysburg fence-lines, and the marker for Gen. Rodes’ Division of Gen. Ewell’s 2^ND Corps. The Parrott Rifle, having recently returned to its rightful place after being whisked away for cleaning and repainting, reflects the autumn sun. I think it’s wonderful how, no matter how long it may take, Gettysburg’s artillery pieces are always given the attention they deserve, fixed up and returned to their posts to represent an integral part of the battle.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. WILLIAM P. TERRELL

Co. H, 45^TH North Carolina Infantry

Born 1836 --- Died July 07, 1863

Pvt. Terrell’s death deprived four-year-old Julia of her father, also making wife Frances a premature widow. He had enlisted in February 1862 and suffered a gunshot wound to the head during the battle. This man was later reburied at Raleigh’s Oakwood Cemetery, where many Gettysburg casualties lie.


(c) 2012-2014 Skies of Blue and Gray

December 03, 2014

The Philip Snyder farm

The John Slyder farm

 Here’s a different perspective: two historic farms seen from the bottom of Triangular Field. First we have the Philip Snyder farmhouse . . . take note that a similar view would have presented itself in 1863, except that Texans, Alabamians, and Georgians would have been swarming this ground, met by rifle- and cannon-fire from  Mainers, Pennsylvanians, and New Yorkers at the top of the ridge. On the second photo we have the little-known John Slyder farm. The trees at the base of Big Round Top can be seen at left, while I believe South Confederate Avenue winds slowly along at the top right of the photo. (If true, you can even see the tiny “Right Flank of the Army of Northern Virginia” plaque beside the road, very faintly).

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. EDWARD P. HALE

Co. I, 1^ST Minnesota Infantry

Died September 12, 1863

Pvt. Hale was one of the brave men who sacrificed their lives in the First Minnesota’s charge across Cemetery Ridge. He was wounded on July 2^ND and lingered until September, having suffered amputation. Pvt. Hale was also wounded in the lung. Two months after his death, he was re-interred at Gettysburg’s new National Cemetery.


(c) 2012-2014 Skies of Blue and Gray

December 01, 2014

 

Yes, there are actually some artillery pieces on the Gettysburg battlefield that I haven’t yet photographed. Battery C of the 1^ST New York Light Artillery is no longer one of them! This battery, which was restored fairly recently I believe, is located along Sedgwick Avenue off Wheatfield Road. In the background of the first photo, Day’s Hill (part of the Houck’s Ridge/Devil’s Den extension) can be seen. 

Click for larger image 

The second photo is an admiring portrait of one of the cannon that mark Battery C’s position. The fact that it’s autumn is quite evident: brown colors reign supreme, while the trees have lost (most of) their leaves. The 3-inch Ordnance Rifle reflects the weak mid-day sun. Sure would be easy for some Rebels to hide in that tall grass! Photo #3 shows the sort of terrain men had to contend with: ancient boulders propped up every which way, both obstructing movement and providing blessed cover for the boys in blue.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. GILBERT (OR GILFORD) ARWOOD

Co. F, 38^TH North Carolina Infantry

Born abt. 1835 --- Died July 01, 1863

Pvt. Arwood enlisted in October 1861 and was a farmer by trade. He was married to a lady named Amanda and had two children, Mary M. and Frances C. War did not agree with him . . . this soldier was wounded both at Mechanicsville, Virginia, and at Chancellorsville, the latter of which occurred less than two months before his fatal wound at Gettysburg.


(c) 2012-2014 Skies of Blue and Gray