lEx ICibrtfl SEYMOUR DURST FORT NEW AMSTERX)A^ (NEW VORK) , 1651. 'When you leave, ptease leave this book Because it has been said "Ever'thing comes t' him who waits Except a loaned book." THE GREATEST WORK OF THE CELEBRATED FREKCH ARTIST, PAUL PHILIPPOTEAUX. ^ettysbur^, UNION . SQUARE, . NEW • YORK, (Fourth Avenue, 18th and 13th Streets.) Open from 9 A. M. to 11 P. M. Sundays Inclnded. i jLT)Dycissio3sr. ■ ADULTS, 50 CTS. CHILDREN, 25 CTS. PRESS OP BROOKLYN DAILY EAliLK. Copyright, (868, By Harper & Brothers. ^ Th« Spectator of the Cyclorama is standing on the spot marked FROM r ,, ■ THE History of the Great Rebellion. HARPER & BROTHERS, PubUshers, Franklin Square, N.Y. This work, containing 1000 illustrations that appeared in Harper's Weekly during thm Wttt, itibr tale only by McDONNELL BROS., 113 Dearborn Street, Chicago. THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. BIOGRAPHICAL. PAUL PHILIPPOTEAUX. THE celebrated painter of this great work of art was born in Paris in 1846. From his earliest years he showed a remarkable natural aptitude in art matters, and at the age of ten began receiving instructions in the first elements of art painting from his eminent father, the late Felix Philippoteaux, one of the masters of the French School, whose many his- torical paintings have been bought by the French Government for the Versailles Gallery and other national museums of France. At the age of sixteen Paul Philippoteaux studied under Cabanel and Leon Cogniet, with both of whom he was a favorite pupil. While at the ■" Ecole des Beaux Arts " he obtained several first medals, was admitted as No. I for the " Prix de Rome " examination, and received other high honors. He is to-day among the foremost of the artists of Paris, where his paintings in the " Salon " are very highly esteemed, and the general Note.— The portrait of the artist is by himself. 4 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. verdict is that Paul Philippoteaux is undoubtedly now the greatest and most famous historical painter in the world. The great success attending the production of his first Cyclorama, The Defence of the Fort d'Issy (1871), (painted in collaboration, and under the supervision of his father, and exhibited fourteen years in the Champs Elysees in Paris, paying 1,450 per cent, to the stockholders), in- duced him to paint the following Cycloramas : 1. Taking of Plevna (Turco-Russian War). 2. Passage of the Balkans. Both on exhibition in St. Petersburg. 3. The Belgian Revolution of 1830. 4. The Attack of the Park. Both exhibited formerly in Brussels. 5. The Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, at the Crystal Palace, London. 6. La Derniere Sortie (with his father). 7. Niagara Falls, now exhibited in London. And four different Cycloramas of the Battle of Gettysburg, now on exhibition in Chicago, Boston, Cincinnati and New York. Paul Philippoteaux having conceived the idea of painting the greatest battle of the Rebellion, came to this country in 1880, where Barnet Philipps, the eminent art critic of the New York Times, gave him many valuable suggestions on the subject, and introduced him to General Hancock, from whom he gleaned accurate details of the fight ; he went then to the battlefield in person, took sketches, consulted the official maps on file in the War Department in Washington, and then returned to Paris. The first panorama of this great battle was soon finished and put on exhibition in Chicago. Over half a million people visited it the first year, the receipts being $241,300. It is now in its fifth successful year. Mr. C. L. Willoughby, of Chicago, was so taken with this great success (never attained by any other artist) that he requested Philippoteaux to paint another Gettysburg, which was put up in Boston, and soon sold to a company of that city for $300,000. // was then determined to place one in New York. In order to execute a canvas still more perfect than the others, Paul Philippoteaux decided to paint it in America, where he could obtain, and copy better, photographs of the prominent heroes of Gettysburg, the coloring of the country and the exact American uniforms and accoutrements of 1863. Philippoteaux says himself that New York Gettysburg is ike greatest effort of his life, and surpasses all his other works in truthfulness, coloring and nicety of detail. The canvas is four hundred feet in circumference and fifty feet high, consequently measuring twenty thousand square feet. This Cyclorama of the Battle of Gettysburg, exibited in this costly fire-proof building, is, in every particular, a true and accurate reproduction of the whole mighty struggle, as it actually took place on July 3d, 1863. Mr. Paul Philippoteaux extends his grateful thanks to General Hunt, of Washington (Chief of Artillery at Gettysburg), to General Alexander Webb, of New York, to Hon. Carleton Coffin, of Boston, and to Mr. Barnet Philipps of the New York Times, for their valuable and friendly information on the Battle of Gettysburg. THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 5 ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SOLDIERS' NATIONAL CEMETERY AT GETTSYBURG. November ig, 1863. FOURSCORE and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can longer endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate — we cannot consecrate — we cannot hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devo- tion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly iRESOLVE that these DEAD SHALL NOT HAVE DIED IN VAIN — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that govern- ment of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Abraham Lincoln. 6 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. EXPLANATION OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG CYCLORAMA General Hunt and Staff. I. — Gen. Hunt. 2 — Capt. N. T. Craig. 3.— Lieut. Bessell. 4. — Inspector E. R, Warner. 5. — Lieut. Worth. The Cyclorama represents the decisive action which took place in the afternoon of July 3d, 1863 (the third day of the battle), generally known as PICKETT'S CHARGE. The spectator is supposed to be standing on the battle field, near the centre of the Union lines, and from this commanding point views the battle as it actually took place. It was at I o'clock in the afternoon, when a signal gun from the Con- federate lines was heard, and from the long stretch of the Seminary ridge, 150 cannon open on the Union lines, their fire being concentrated against the troops commanded by General Hancock. This portion of the Union line comprised a part of the First Corps UNDER General Newton ; the Second Corps under General Gib- bon ; THE Third Corps under General Birney, and a part of the Eleventh Corps under General Howard. The object of this tremendous cannonade was to batter the lines of the Federal army, and prepare the way for the final assault with columns of infantry. General Lee, who was in command of the Confederate army of Northern Virginia, had planned this last desperate assault, in order to overwhelm the Army of the Potomac, under General Meade, and thus end in victory for the South, the great struggle that for three days had been waged. NoTB. — The Illustrations are by Paul Philippoteaux. THE BATTLE OF GETTVSRURG. 7 General Loxgstreet, second in command to General Lee, had im- mediate charge of all the arrangements for the assault, giving directions for the various movements. When the Confederate guns opened. General Meade at once understood that the critical point of the struggle was at hand, and that the moment- ous issues, so long wavering in the balance, must soon be decided. General W. S. Hancock in 1863. The ridge occupied by the Union lines was not so long as that held by the Confederates. General Hunt, in command of the Union artillery, had stationed eighty guns (all that the conformation of the ground would admit), along the crest occupied by General Hancock, and at once opened in reply on the Confederate position. THE THUNDER OF THE GUNS thus belching forth the hot, hissing storm of solid shots and bursting shells, was tremendous. The ground fairly trembled and shook under the mighty concussions, and as the advantage both in position and the greater number of guns seemed to be with the Confederates, it looked as though the Union lines would be broken and swept from the field. Several ammunition wagons exploded, and as the smoke of these ex- plosions rolled up the shouts of exultation from the Southern soldiers could be heard for miles along the line. About 3 o'clock General Hunt ordered a gradual cessation of fire General VV. S. Hancock and Staff. i.MSeneral HaDcock. 2.— General Bingham. 3.— Major Mitchell. 4.— Colonel W. P. Wilson. 5.— Captain Miller. 6.— Captain Parker. THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 9 from the Union batteries, in order to allow the guns to cool, and also to reserve enough ammunition for THE FINAL STRUGGLE, which he knew was soon to come. This dropping off on the Federal side naturally gave the Confederates the idea that they had silenced the Northern batteries, and at once they made preparations to advance their storming columns that had been await- ing the result of the cannonade in the shelter of the woods back from the line of guns. General Hunt, Chief of Artillery. The commencement of the momentous struggle was now just at hand. General Longstreet, who had assigned the positions of the Confeder- ate troops that were to make the assault, seemed overwhelmed with the responsibility that he had reluctantly assumed, and when Pickett said, " General, shall I advance ? " his emotion permitted no reply, and he sim- ply bowed assent. Then Pickett said, proudly, " I shall lead my division forward, sir I " and at once started the movement of his column. He had been directed to STRIKE THE UNION LINES in the centre, and to this end a peculiar shaped clump of trees in Han- 10 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. cock's front had been pointed out to him by General Longstreet, as the objective point where his division was to hurl themselves against the Union stronghold. THE CONFEDERATE DIVISION, commanded by General Pickett, consisting of three brigades of Virginia regiments, had taken no part in the fighting of the two previous days, so they were fresh for the contest. The other forces that were to participate in the Confederate assault were on the right and left of Pickett's troops. When Pickett had suc- ceeded in pushing his way through the Union line, these supporting troops were to help wedge apart the two wings of their enemy so effectually that Meade's forces would be dispersed in all directions. The number of Con- federate troops participating in this movement, it is supposed, numbered 17,000 men. The distance to be traversed by the Confederates under fire of the Union guns was nearly a mile. Before they came in sight, General Hunt had improved the opportunity to withdraw the disabled batteries, and replace them by others from the reserve artillery. He had also replenish- ed the ammunition chests that were empty, and was prepared for the out- come. As the head of Pickett's column appeared on the crest of Seminary Ridge, the Union guns at once opened on them a tremendous fire of solid shot, but as steadily as though forming on a parade ground the troops moved forward down the slope. As Pickett's division advanced, the sup- porting brigades on the right and left also came in view, and then the whole desperate undertaking of the Confederates was revealed to the Union army. THE SOUTHERNERS CAME ON MAGNIFICENTLY, and soon the gaps made in their ranks by the plunging cannon shots could be distinctly seen. From the start, the direction of their march seemed to be towards the divisions of Caldwell and Doubleday, but when about half the distance had been traversed Pickett changed the direction by an oblique movement to his left, thus bringing the advance towards Gibbon's division, which was on the right of Doubleday. The two Confederate supporting brigades of Wright and Perry, who were on Pickett's right, failed to conform to this oblique movement, but continued straight on to the front ; consequently there was soon a wide interval between these brigades and Pickett's line, leaving both flanks un- guarded. By this time the charges of canister shots from the Union guns was working fearful havoc in the ranks of the Confederates, for they had now moved into close range and so were facing death in a thousand terrible forms. THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 11 A battery posted on Little Round Top also opened on their flank, in- creasing their difficulties, but in the face of all this hurricane of death, they continued to move on, steadily closing up the gaps in their ranks, and gathering strength for a final effort. But there were other movements that bear upon the final result that must be noted : General Pettigrew, who commanded the supporting Confederate bri- gades on the left of Pickett's column, had been advancing under the same difficulties that confronted Pickett. The Union guns on the lines of Hays' division of Gibbon's corps, and Schurz's division of Howard's corps, had been playing upon Pettigrew's columns with terrible effect. Hesitating in the face of the increasing difficulties that awaited their nearer approach, the fire of the Union guns was redoubled, and soon Pettigrew's troops were being hurled back in masses. General Alexander S. Webb. When the right flanks of Pickett's column had become greatly exposed by the failure of the supporting brigades of AV right and Perry to conform to his oblique movement, General Stannard, of the Union army, who com- manded a brigade of Vermont regiments, attached to Doubleday's divi- sion, seized upon the opportunity to advance three of his regiments into the gap thus left open in the advancing Confederate lines. One of these regiments was sent to move on the flank of the supporting brigades, and the other two were moved against the exposed flank of Pickett's column. These were also joined by two other regiments from Doubleday's com- mand, and together they delivered a sharp musketry fire on the flanks of 12 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. Pickett's column at close range. This resulted in the surrender of some of the Confederates, while others made a desperate attempt to fall back in retreat. Now came the culmination of the mighty struggle to pierce the Union lines. Squarely in front of the now desperate Confederates was Webb's Philadelphia brigade of Pennsylvania regiments. Veterans of former campaigns in Virginia, now on the soil of their own State, it was their proud distinction to stand in the breach. Although Webb's front had been the centre of the previous artillery fire, and had already lost fifty men and several brilliant officers, their lines held on firm and impenetra- ble. It thus devolved upon Webb's brigade to meet the final effort of the Confederates, and decide the fate of the day. For that unforeseen circumstance it would be difficult to find a man better fitted than Webb. He was nerved to great deeds by the memory of his ancestors who had formerly rendered distinguished service to the Republic, and he felt that the results of the whole war might depend upon his holding the position. His men were equally determined. Cushing's battery, of the 4th United States artillery, and Brown's Rhode Island battery on his left, had been completely destroyed by the cannon- ade. The horses were killed ; the officers, with one exception, were struck by fragments of shell, and Cushing had but one serviceable gun left. When Pickett's advance had nearly reached the line, young Cushing, mor- tally wounded in both thighs, ran his last serviceable gun down to the fence and cried : "WEBB, I WILL GIVE THEM ONE MORE SHOT!" At the last discharge of his gun, he cried out, " Good-Bye," — and fell dead at his post of duty. The Confederate brigade of General Armistead, joined with that of Garnett (both of Pickett's division), had forced their way to an advanced position in front of the stone wall just as the fresh batteries had arrived on the ground. General Armistead crossed the stone wall, and the battery was for a few moments in his possession, and the Southern flag floated triumphantly in the Union lines. But Webb, near at hand, led the 72d Pennsylvania regiment against Armistead, encouraging his men as the two lines came in contact. A portion of the 71st Pennsylvania, behind a stone wall at the right, poured a murderous fire on the enemy's flank, while a portion of the 69th Pennsylvania, with the remainder of the 71st, made an energetic resistance from the left, behind a clump of trees, near the spot where the Souther' ners had broken the Union line, and where the northern men were fight- ing with the Southern muskets touching their breasts. At this moment two regiments of Hall's Brigade made a splendid charge and engaged the Confederates in a hand-to-hand conflict. Armistead was mortally wounded near one of the cannon he had taken. 14 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.. It is said that his last words, which were addressed to one of our officers, were ; " Tell Hancock I have wronged him, and have wronged my country." Gibbon and Webb were both wounded, and the loss of officers and men in all the Union regiments that were engaged at this point was heavy. Two of Pickett's brigade commanders were killed, and another was severe- ly wounded. The number of prisoners taken at this point was double the number of Webb's brigade. Six battle flags were captured, and 1,463 muskets also taken. When Pickett saw that it was impossible to hold his position, and that his lines were completely shattered, heart-broken he made his way back, accompanied by the few who had been enabled to get to the rear. The next day General Lee was found to have moved back, and within a few days his army was once more on Virginia soil. His losses during the campaign were over thirty-one thousand men, and the Union loss was over twenty-three thousand. Thus was accomplished the repulse of General Pickett's memorable assault at Gettysburg, on July 3d, 1863. THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 15 BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. CAUSE OF THE CAMPAIGN. General Grant, by a series of rapid movements, had succeeded in divid- ing and defeating the Confederate armies by whom he was confronted at Vicksburg and vicinity, and had completely invested that stronghold. General Banks had invested Port Hudson. New Orleans was also in the possession of the Union Army. The complete collapse of the Confederate cause in the West seemed inevitable, and the reopening of the Mississippi throughout its entire length the result. To offset a disaster so damaging to the Confederate cause, the idea is conceived of an invasion of the North, by which it is hoped that Washing- ton or some of the rich cities of Pennsylvania might be captured and laid under contribution. Hooker's losses at Chancellorsville, and the withdrawal of some 20,000 troops whose time had expired, made the time opportune. Lee at once proceeded to mobolize his army. Ewell was advanced up the Shenandoah Valley to seize prominent points and to obtain possession of the fords of the upper Potomac, while a large force was concentrated at Culpepper Court House in support. Hill is left south of the Rapidan to hold Hooker in his present position, in the hope that he might throw Longstreet between that commander and Washington by a fiank movement. Hooker began to suspect Lee of some hostile movement and sent Gen- eral Howe's division across the river to see if the entire army was still in his front. Hill demonstrated in such a manner as to relieve his fears ; but he was soon undeceived by the appearance of Ewell at Winchester and Longstreet east of the Blue Mountains, in possession of both Snicker's and Ashby's gaps. He now made a most precipitate retreat in the direction of the defences at Washington, moving with such celerity as to defeat Lee's purpose of cutting him off. Finding that Lee does not follow, he concentrates at Bull Run and moves his advance towards Thoroughfare Gap. Lee now withdraws Ewell's forces from beyond the Potomac, where they had in the meantime advanced, by which movement he deceived both Hooker and the people of the North into the belief that the danger of invasion had passed, and that a battle was to be fought in Virginia. Lee, finding that Longstreet is unable to decoy Hooker from his base, boldly advances into Pennsylvania by the fords of the upper Potomac at Williamsport and Shepardstown. Hooker at once advances by the fords of the lower Potomac, covering Washington. Now, through some mis- 16 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. understanding with Halleck as to the proper disposition of the troops at Harper's. Ferry and Washington, and because it was thought desirable to make a change in commanders, Hooker was asked to resign. General Reynolds was the commander first thought of to succeed him, but for some reason unknown to the writer, General Meade was substituted. The appointment of this com- mander was a complete surprise to himself and everyone else. It did not inspire that confidence which ought to possess an army on the eve of battle, but it created a determination in the minds of both soldiers and officers to make up by their own diligence and courage any weakness in the com- mander. General Meade at once moved for the enemy's communications, and prepared to give him battle on the best position attainable. Lee, learning of the forward move- ment of the Army of the Potomac, and seeing the danger of fighting a battle so far from his base, ordered Ewell, who had advanced Reynolds. towards Harrisburg and York, to concentrate at Gettysburg. Hill's and Longstreet's corps were also with- drawn from Chambersburg to the same rendezvous. The backward move- ment of Lee will bring him on Meade's flank, that commander having started for the same destination. Meade, however, changes the direction of some of his corps, having decided to stand at Pipe Creek, with his right at Manchester. This is about fifteen miles southeast of Gettysburg. But by one of those fortunate accidents which sometimes thrust greatness on a man, the leader of his advance, Reynolds, who was a man of nerve and action, a man not in sympathy with the methods of the past management of the Army of the Potomac, moved forward and precipitated the contest which gave us the victory at GETTYSBURG. This little village, which is to be the scene of the first decisive victory of the Army of the Potomac, is situated in an upland valley surrounded by ranges of hills, at the focus of numerous roads which run to every prin- cipal point of the compass. Along the roads which lead to this common center, these two hostile armies are approaching ; each unaware of the other's proximity. Lee's army is advancing (Hill's and Longstreet's corps) THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 17 along the Chambersburg road from the northwest, and Ewell's corps, which had been split up, via the York and Harrisburg roads, while the Union Army, which has been much shattered by the Chancellorsville fiasco, is moving in disjointed and scattered form under the feeble man- agement of its inexperienced commander, along a number of roads. The advance, the ist and i ith corps, numbering collectively about 24,000 men, are advancing along the Emmetsburg road, which runs from the southeast; the 5th and 12th are moving by the Taneytown road, which runs from the south; the 2d and 3d are moving by the same road, while the 6th is thirty miles away at Manchester, on the West- minster road. The Union Army, although badly organized, is not a feeble body numer- ically, neither is there feebleness in spirit or morale. That army, in its long career of hard luck, the sport of cowardly and incompetent com- manders, never flinched from its duty, not once, and to-day, as it is march- ing to its first victory, its spirit is as high and martial as was the army of Caesar on the plains of Pharasalia. There is a determination on the part of both rank and file to make this invasion disastrous to Lee, and to avenge Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. The Army had taken the conduct of this campaign into their own hands. THE BATTLE OF TUESDAY. Buford, who commanded the cavalry, moved directly upon Gettysburg, where he encountered the advance of Heth's division of Hill's corps, and drove them back on the main body. The main body now coming up, Buford was in turn driven back. The advance of the ist corps, under Wadsworth, now approaching along the Emmetsburg road, seeing the situ- ation, charged impetuously, driving them through the town. This was about 10 A. M. Doubleday came up in half an hour and took position on the right of the ridge occupied by Wadsworth. Beyond this ridge is an open valley of ploughed fields and meadows. Across the valley Reynolds charged to a ridge beyond. This position was strongly held by the enemy, who met this charge by a countercharge, driving them back. In this movement some of the enemy pressing the right center too hard, were cut off, and Archer and 800 of his men were captured. The enemy's advance was soon checked, when Reynolds once more charged, this time carrying the ridge beyond, and meeting with heavy loss from the enemy's fire. A line of skirmishers was now thrown out, and Reynolds went forward to reconnoitre the enemy's position. While looking through a fence with his field glass he was killed by a sharpshooter. Doubleday now assumed command. Deeming the enemy too strong in his front, he retired to Seminary Ridge, which lies west of the town, run- ning south. Here he was joined by Robinson's division. Pender's divi- sion of Hill's corps now coming on the field, the enemy assumed the offensive, covering his attack by an artillery fire. The assaulting column 18 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. was received by a fire at short range by the Union batteries, and a sharp infantry fire, before which they retired with severe loss. Being some- what re-inforced, they again advan- ced, with no better success. Howard now appeared with the advance of the irth corps, and assumed com- mand. Schurz was placed in com- mand of the nth, who were placed on a ridge north of the town, run- ning nearly at right angles with Seminary Ridge. Steinwehr's divi- sion was placed on Cemetery Hill, south of the town two miles away. Early, and very soon after Rhodes of Ewell's corps arrived on the field, and joined in the attack. These four powerful divisions under Lee's ablest generals were able to outflank and outfight the Union advance. Howard now sent for Sickles, who was on the Emmetsburg road, to come to his assistance. That commander (without orders) promptly responded. Early on the right and Rhodes on the left attacked the nth corps, while Pender attacked the left of the ist corps, and Heath demonstrated on its right. The result of this combined movement was that Rhodes forced his way between the ist and nth, while Early broke through Barlow's line of the nth, attacking both flank and rear, and Pender turned the left of the ist corps. The nth broke in disorder and retreated in disorganized form down the Baltimore road and to Cemetery Hill. The first retired with firm front, Buford's cavalry preventing the enemy from following. This critical position of the right wing of the army was due to Meade's determination not to fight at Gettysburg after many of the corps were well advanced in that direction. Meade, on hearing of Reynolds' death, dispatched Han- cock to the scene of disaster, to assume command and note the strate- getical points of the field. Hancock, like Sheridan at a later day, rode at a frightful gait over the intervening space to meet the shattered remains of the right wing. Like that other commander, he soon restored order and in- spired the troops with his own spirit. At his approach the fugitives returned from the Baltimore road, and the stronger ones rallied to his sup- port. Howard, who was his senior, yielded ready obedience to his orders. Noting the strength of the position at Cemetery Hill, he retained that point as the key of the position, and placed troops at Gulp's Hill on the right, and Cemetery Ridge on the left, and threw out skirmishers every- where, Geary, with a division of the 1 2th, now arrived, and was placed at Round Top on the extreme left. The Union line under Hancock's THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 19 skillful handling presented to the quick eye of General Lee, who had now arrived, evidence that the new commander of the Union army was a man ■of rare genius, and an enemy worthy of his steel, and he hesitated to at- tack until all his corps should arrive. This hesitation gave Sickles time to reach the field on the left and Slocomb to arrive with his corps to strengthen the right. Hancock had notified Meade that Gettysburg offered a good position for defence, but was somewhat exposed to be turned at the left. The 2d arrived after dark near the field-; Slocomb, at 7 P. M., assumed command. Meade arrived at 11 P. M., in company with Hancock, who had rejoined him at Taney town. The 5 th corps. Gen. Sykes, arrived in the morning. WEDNESDAY'S BATTLE. On the morning of Wednesday, Meade commenced to make dispositions for the defence. His troops had all arrived, except the 6th corps, Sedgwick's, who would not reach the field until afternoon. The first move of Meade demonstrated that he had mistaken the natural advantages of his position. He at once commenced to strengthen his right at the expense of his left, accumulating forces in the direction of Gulp's Hill and the Baltimore road. Disregarding Hancock's warning that the left was the weak point, he re- moved Geary, who had been placed on the Round Top by Hancock on Tuesday, and otherwise leaving the line weak on Cemetery Ridge, the force being altogether inadequate to hold the position. Sickles was left unsupported on the extreme left, while Sykes of the 5th was placed on the right. A commander like Hancock, Sherman orMcPhersOn, could have so placed his troops by the aid of his interior lines, and naturally strong posi- tion, as to have held Lee at bay, even without the aid of the 6th, and been in condition, in an emergency like that of Thursday, to have taken aggressive action. Fortunately for the Union army. Lee's state of in- decision continued until after the arrival of the 6th corps, who were also placed in reserve. Lee now begins to comprehend the situa- tion, that it is Meade instead of Hancock who commands the Union army. He sees the weak- ness of the left, and of the Union commander, and his indecision is past. His plan is to have Hill threaten the center at Cemetery Hill, and Ewell to assault the right at and beyond Gulp's Hill, while the real attack will be delivered at Gen. LeB! the left, at Round Top and the 20 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. south of Cemetery Ridge. He proposes to seize a ridge which lies- east of the EmmetsbuTg road, and from that high vantage ground assault the Union line and throw his troops in the Union rear. Sickles — who was placed on the left, suspects Meade of not desiring to fight on this field,, and who now knows the danger of the Union left, he having learned through Berdan's sharpshooters, who had been advanced beyond the Emmetsburg road, that Lee is massing large forces to turn the Union position — advanced his command to the ridge in front, which I have indi- cated, from which point he can command his present position, and better resist Lee's movements. 'Tis true that in doing this he dis- connects with Hancock's too much ex- tended line ; but he knows that Meade has two corps in reserve, and can place some division of the 6th in the gap, and Sykes' 5 th corps on his exposed left and rear. Meade, in- stead of doing this, rides forward and remonstrates with Sickles, or his movement. Sickles replies that he considers the movement within his privilege, but expresses a willingness to withdraw to the ridge in the rear, which Meade indicates as a proper line. It now begins to dawn on Meade that Sickles is right, and he promises to support him. Lee now orders Longstreet to strike Sickles with all his might before he can be supported in his new position. But Sickles don't dislodge easily. He holds on, and resists every attack for two hours, thus causing Longstreet to waste his energies and give the Union commander time to concentrate. Longstreet's two commanders (Pickett not being present). Hood and McLaws, are ordered to outflank Sickles' right and left, while three brigades of Anderson's division of Hill's corps join the movement at the point of division between Sickles and Hancock. Longstreet's batteries command Sickles both front and flank. It is absolutely necessary to remove Sickles to successfully attack Round Top and the Union rear. Warren, who is topographical engineer of the Army of the Potomac, has discovered this weakness at the left, and will at the proper time care for it. Had Meade spent his time in forwarding troops from his reserves to form a second line in Sickles' rear, and to support Hancock's left, and massing his reserve artillery in that direction, he would have checkmated this move- ment of the enemy, which was necessarily slow, they having a distance to traverse before reaching the Union line. It makes no difference whether the movement was or was not ill advised; such su^ort would have enabled THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 21 Sickles to withdraw without disaster if Meade preferred the rear line for defence. It must be apparent to an impartial observer that Meade lacked that prompt aggressive power to think and act on the instant so essential to commanders of large bodies of men in action. Hood, on his arrival on Sickles' left flank, finds that it extends to the base of Little Round Top. Ward and DeTroiband, who hold the line, stubbornly resist his attemps to break through, and he sends Law's brigade to outflank at Little Round Top. Warren, in the meantime, has detached Vincent's brigade from Barnes' division of the 5th corps, now on its way to Sickles' support, and place them on Little Round Top. He moves Haz- lett's battery and some other forces there also. This force is met rather unexpectedly by the enemy, and a severe contest ensues, which results in the ■complete repulse of the enemy, with severe loss on both sides. Hood having failed in his attempt to outflank, and seeing the useless- tiess of trying to break through Barnes' lines, which are now joined to those of DeTroiband and Ward, now redoubles his energies at the western face of Sickles at Peach Orchard. McLaws having joined his left, attacks Humphrey's division in front, while Wilcox and Perry of Hill's corps at- tack his right flank. Thus assailed front and flank by this strong infantry force and the batteries, which had now got his exact range, he begins to slowly fall back. The centre, which had been weakened to support the right and left, was the real point that the enemy were trying to force. Barksdale's Mississippians are now launched at Graham's line, which gives way, leaving the Peach Orchard in their possession. The victorious Con- federates now advanced and force their way through the gap into the wheat field. Humphrey's line now is attacked in the rear. Ward, with two regiments of Gibbon's divisions and Brown's battery, who hold the left of Hancock's line, are at the same time attacked by Wright's brigade ■of Hill's corps, and completely demolished, and battery captured. Hancock now assumed the responsibility of sending one of his divi- sions (Caldwell's) into the break in Sickles' line, who for a brief time held back the victorious enemy though at a fearful cost of men and officers. As well might he try to stay the advancing waves of the sea. Fresh bodies of \ advancing Confederates are pushed forward in support, and by their mo- mentum carry back this gallant body. Ayers' division are now advanced to the support of Caldwell and are also forced back, with a loss of nearly one- half of the division. Sickles, who had been vainly trying to retrieve the disaster to Birney's division, has been desperately wounded, and has retired from the field. Meade now orders Hancock to assume command of the left and center, and throws on that commander the responsibility of saving the army. With the rare promptitude which has ever characterized that gallant of- ficer, he brings order out of chaos. He sees that the power of the advanc- ing Confederates is well nigh spent. At the left, Williams' division of the 22 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. I2th has arrived from the right, and Lockwood's brigade are forcing back the enemy through the Peach Or- chard, bringing back on their re- turn Bigelow's captured guns. Wright has been stopped by Gib- bon, who has sent a portion of his force on a countercharge, who on their return have brought back the guns of Brown's Rhode Island battery. Nearly all the troops engaged thus far have been those of Han- cock's, Sickles', and portions of the 5th corps, in which work a long dis- tance of Hancock's line has been stripped bare of troops. Into this break Hancock throws the division of Hayes and whatever loose forces are at hand. Thomas' battery is brought into action. The batteries on Cemetery Hill are turned on the enemy, and rake them with an enfilading fire ; Doubleday's division, which has advanced from the first corps, is at once brought into action. Robinson's forces from the same corps are placed in front of the enemy, and the line is everywhere estab- lished. Hancock's quick eye has detected and his prompt movements have covered every weak point, and the enemy retire to the ridge captured from Sickles, which is the only fruit of this barren victory. A force equal to the number lost in killed and wounded in this battle, properly placed before the action commenced, would have saved the position. The enemy, baffled in his purpose of turning the left and rear, advance THE RIGHT AND RIGHT CENTER. Ewell's first movement is up the craggy sides of Gulp's Hill. This position has been weakened by the withdrawal of troops to support the left. Johnson's division press forward, and after a brief resistance capture the outer works, which are nearly bare of troops. They attempt to push their advantage in the direction of the Baltimore road, but are stopped by the determined attitude of Gen. Greene of Geary's division. No further progress can be made in this direction. The attack is persisted in along toward the center by Early's division of the same corps, two brigades, Hayes' and Avery's, attacking the eastern face of Cemetery Hill, which attack was successful in carrying the outer works, the capture of the 5 th Maine battery, and the driving back of Van Gilas' brigade. Hancock, who is expecting some such demonstration, is Meade. 23 moving to the support of the center, Carroll's brigade having been advanced to its relief. The enemy are unexpectedly met by this advancing force and driven back, abandoning the captured works and the guns of the 5th Maine. In the meantime Rhodes and Pender have sent some brigades of their divisions to co-operate in the attack on the center on the west face of Cemetery Hill ; but the prompt movements of Hancock have so discon- certed them that they retire without completing the attack. Darkness now settles over the combatants ; and the second act in the drama ends. THE BATTLE OF THURSDAY. On the morning of July 3d, Geary having returned from the left, Slo- comb, who was further re-inforced by Generals Shaler and Ruger of the 6th corps, made an advance on Johnson's division, whose advance occu- pied a position on Gulp's Hill, which Ewell had captured from his com- mand late the night before. After a vigorous resistance by the enemy, favored by the rough wooded declivity, he succeeded in dislodging him, and re-establishing his lines. This action lasted until 11 A. M., when quiet prevailed all along the lines. THE UNION POSITION, now perfected, extended from the base of Round Top on the left to Gulp's Hill on the right. Sykes' 5th corps was on the extreme left, occupying Little Round Top, and extending a short distance up the side of the Big Round Top. Next came the 3d corps, now commanded by Birney, with Birney's division thrown out in front. Next came the 2d corps, Hancock commanding. In his line, sandwiched between Caldwell's and Gibbon's divisions, was Doubleday's division of the ist corps. Beyond Hayes' divi- sion of the 2d corps, which held the right of Cemetery Ridge, is Ziegler's Grove, a little wood which divides Ceme- tery Hill from the ridge. This position was occupied by Woodward's battery. Cemetery Hill, the apex of the Union position, was held by Howard's nth corps and Robinson's division of the first. Gulp's Hill and the Baltimore road was held by Slocomb's 12th corps and Wadsworth division of the ist corps. The Union position at a glance present- ed the form of a bent bow, with the Taneytown road for the shaft, the point of the barb being nearer the right. Along the ridge, which constituted this line, were 100 guns in position to cover the enemy's advance. THE CONFEDERATE POSITION LoNGSTREET. ^g^g concave form, extending to a 24 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. point about opposite Little Round Top along Seminary Ridge, across the Bonnoughton, York and Harrisburgh roads, thence continuing the circle through the town and over a slight ridge to Rock Creek and beyond to a point opposite the Baltimore road. The Confederate army was in three large corps of three divisions each. Longstreet, right; Hill, center, and Ewell, left. This order was somewhat changed to meet the exigencies of the advance this day. Longstreet, who is to conduct the movement, has been re-inforced by three fresh brigades of Pickett's division, two divi- sions of Hill's and one of Swell's corps. He has massed 55 guns on the ridge from which Sickles was driven, and beyond the Emmetsburg road, Hill continuing the circle to a point beyond the roads which I have named above. While Hill has placed some guns (60 in all) along the higher ridge in his rear (Seminary Ridge), which extends to a point nearly op- posite the Union left, these will fire over the heads of Longstreet's forces and some of the advance of the Union left, and concentrate on the posi- tion at Cemetery Ridge and Hill. THE ARTILLERY BATTLE. At a signal from General Lee, at i P. M., with the suddenness of a thunderbolt, the stream of shot and shell and shrapnell bursts on the Union position. The enemy have got the exact range and the fire tells. The air is filled with shrieking shot and shell, with fragments of rock torn from the cliffs, branches of trees, clouds of earth, pieces of gravestones from the cemetery, and flying debris. This medley of discordant sounds is taken up and re-echoed along the valley, making a carnage so awful that no one who witnessed it will forget this artillery fire while life lasts. In a few minutes everything which had life was clear from Cemetery Hill. Men and horses were killed while moving through this blinding storm of dust and missiles for shelter. The rocks, ravines, fences and trees were used to protect the non-combatants, while the infantry, who were stationed to resist the assault which is to follow, were instructed to seek such shelter as could be found until the moment of attack. Not so the artillerists, who stand to their guns and give an answering note from the 100 guns along the heights. Not a cannoneer leaves his post, and the guns, though less in number and calibre, are well served. After an hour and a half of this kind of work, the fire slackens down on the Union side ; it may be to allow the guns to cool, or because heavy ammunition is getting low, or for some other cause. This is considered an evidence of defeat by the enemy, and he increases the intensity of his fire. General Hunt, who wishes to con- firm him in his belief, ceased firing, except from a few guns. The enemy now prepare for THE ASSAULT. The assaulting column, which is two miles long, emerges from the woods into the open plain. Pickett's division, with Kemper and Garnett in front THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 25 and Armistead in the rear, lead. Pickett. Heth's division, now commanded by Pettigrew, is on Pickett's left, a little in the rear. Two of Pender's brigades are thrown out on the left as a wing, and two brigades of the same divi- sion are in Pettigrew's rear in support. On the right of Pick- ett, Wilcox's and Perry's brig- ades are thrown out as a wing, and Wright's brigade is in the > rear in support. In front is a cloud of skirmishers. This brilliant array of troops now moved straight onward towards the left face of Cemetery Ridge, amid the deathly silence of expectation, the Union bat- teries holding their fire until the assaulting columns are with- in point blank range. As the right of the column approached Doubleday's position, seeing that he was very strongly posted five lines deep, the direction was changed so as to strike Gibbon's divisions, which was only two lines deep. The wing (Wilcox and Perry), not understanding the movement, kept straight onward, leaving a gap, thus exposing Pickett's right flank to Hazlett's and McGilvary's batteries at short range. Hancock now ordered Stanard's Vermont brigade of Doubleday's division to attack Pickett's exposed flank. Other portions of Doubleday's force met the wing, who were thrown back in disorder. This movement also exposed Pettigrew's left flank to Osborn's bat- teries on Cemetery Hill, also at short range. Pickett's division kept right on, vaulting over fences and other obstructions, until they arrived at the stone wall. Here a most deadly contest ensued in their attempt to beat down Cushing's battery. The enemy now succeeded in penetrating the Union line, but their onset is met byfoemen worthy of their steel. South- ern dash is met by Northern pluck. This thin line is composed of the very flower of the Northern army, led by such giants as Hancock, Hunt, Chief of Artillery, Gibbon, Hayes and others, who rally to the support of the overborne column, and check the enemy's advance, delivering into their very faces a fire so terrible that they halt and waver. They cannot re- treat ; they cannot advance ; they are pressed on every side. They now surrender. Over 3,000 prisoners are thus captured, leaving their flags in the hands of the victors. Pettigrew's division moves up to the line at the same moment, but its power is spent. It cannot resist the terrible fire 26 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. of the batteries on Cemetery Hill and the galling musketry fire, and it crumbles and breaks, flying in disorder across the plain, more than two- thirds of its number being lost in this ill-fated assault. Pickett now re- tires with the remnant of his division, Lee sending Wright's brigade to cover his retreat from the attacking party of flankers sent out from the Union lines. THE CYCLORAMA represents the charge when it is well in progress. When the visitor emerges from the staircase to the platform, he faces the rear of the army. His position is at the intersection of the cross fires of Hill and Longstreet cannon. The site of the platform during the artillery fire was occupied by Battery B. This battery was totally demolished and the debris which lie scattered about are some of its remains. The old shattered house where the squad of cavalry are alighting was Meade's headquarters. The old well where the soldiers are drinking, and the ricks of hay in whose shade the wounded soldiers are lying, and the shed where surgeons are at work form a most realistic picture. Gulp's Hill in the distance forms a most peaceful background to the scene. At your left the green slope of Gemetery Ridge, with its background of trees, hides the cemetery and Howard's position from view. At your right. Wheeler's battery coming down from the Taneytown road through the wheatfield, and the general hurried movement to the front, cause you to turn sharply around, when you face the point where the three Confederate flags are seen, just beside the stone wall where General Armistead's command have pene- trated the Union line. General Armi- Armistead. stead has been wounded and is falling backward from his horse. Lieutenant Gushing, who has vainly attempted to hold the position, has been mortally wounded, and as he lies on the trail of his gun is firing his last shot. Coming to the rescue with Hall's Maine brigade is honest John Gibbon, who sits facing you on his big grey horse pointing his men to where the enemy have penetrated the line. General Hall is right be- hind him on a black horse, and just a little nearer you General Webb is urging his men forward. Looking beyond the batteries coming to and from the field, in the act of crossing a little farm road, is the general who commands the field, Hancock. A staff officer in the act of delivering a message has been shot, and both horse and rider lie dead in the road. A prominent point, sure to attract the eye, are the figures of two officers, a fine looking young man in artillery uniform (Major Osborn) and a gen- THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 27 eral officer looking through a field glass (General Hunt, Chief of Artil- lery), their horses standing knee deep in the wheat. At the same time, glancing just beyond, you see beside a stone wall, surmounted by a rail fence, a line of soldiers also knee deep in the wheat. One giant-formed fellow, with his arm in a sling, seems like a modern Goliath. This is known as the death line, no soldier being allowed to pass to the rear alive. The two artillery officers above men- tioned are looking in the direction of Pet- tigrew's advance in the triangle between the stone wall, watching the effect of the fire of Battery A, whose five guns are play- ing on the advancing enemy, and of Hancock. Brown's battery who now occupy the place made vacant by the disaster to Battery B, the site of the plat- form. The shrinking of the forms of Pettigrew's advance in the triangle is caused by the galling fire of those batteries and their infantry support. Off to the left, beyond Gibbon, is Doubleday's division with his skirm- ishers out in front in the shape of a triangle. Other lines are obscured by the grove of trees in front. In the meadow beyond them is Stan- nard's Vermonters with skirmishers thrown out in the apple orchard. , The two detached brigades of Confederates coming through the apple orchard are Wilcox and Perry, Pickett's wing. Away beyond in the rear of some houses on the Emmetsburg road is the famous peach orchard of Wed- nesday's battle. The faint yellow line in the rear is the wheat field so famous at Gettysburg. The smoke of the batteries on Little Round Top and the little white puffs in the meadow, this side, bear a close relation to the falling forms in your front. One of these missives has killed another of Pickett's briga- diers. General Garnett, who is near the stone wall at the triangle. This officer has not yet fallen from his horse. General Kemper, the 3d brigadier, has been severely wounded, and is being borne from the field by two soldiers. The white puffs of smoke along the ridges in your front, mark the po- sitions of Hill's and Longstreet's cannon during the artillery duel. To your right, as you look over the line of the five guns of Battery A, you see a portion of the village of Gettysburg. Beyond, to the right of the seminary, is a ploughed hillside fringed by a belt of woodland. Be- yond the hill is where Buford's cavalry met the advance of Hill's corps and drove them back on the main body. The enemy, who rallied, drove Buford in turn over these fields to the Emmetsburg road. General Wadsworth, who was advancing up this road, seeing the situa- tion, charged forward impetuously and drove the enemy through the 28 THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. streets of the village. The positions occupied (luring the first clay's battle are hidden from view by Cemetery and Gulp's Hills. General Lee is between the building pierced with numerous tall win- dows and the cloud of smoke, seen on the brow of the hill beyond the Emmetsburg road. Pickett is seated on a white horse near some houses a little farther down the road. Lee is watching with anxious eye the progress of Pickett and Petti- grew. The latter already shows evidence of weakness, the terribly de- structive fire of the batteries and Hayes' infantry support has decimated his ranks. The end is so plain to both Longstreet and Lee that their only thought is how to save the army from the expected countercharge of Meade with his reserves, when the recoil comes. General Jvleade's reserves composed largely of the 6th corps are in two fields near the Taneytown road. General Meade is near the houses at the base of Power's Hill in the field beyond the death line, seated on a bay horse. His chief of staff. Butter- field, is just behind him on a white horse. The Taneytown road which comes in from the south and passes around the base of Power's Hill and disappears over the brow of Ceme- tery Ridge is the road by which Han- cock arrived on the afternoon of the ist. The road which is seen over the brow of Power's Hill in the dim perspective as it passes through a scattered hamlet, leads to Baltimore. The large hill which lies between the Taneytown road and Little Top, Garnett. which forms south a fine background to the picture, holds no relation, militarily, to the Union position. There are many points of interest in the foreground and perspective, both in a historic and artistic point of view, which can only be developed by a study of the painting. In the triangle, between the two stone walls, are three trees, two pines and a tree resembling a poplar; nothing can be truer to nature in coloring, shape and pose than this tree; if you look under its branches to the right, you will see in the distant perspective a little hamlet nestling in a valley in peaceful contrast to the tragic scene being enacted in the foreground. It was in this line of view that Gen. Pender, of Hill's Corps, who com- manded Pettingrew's wing and supports, was mortally wounded while leading his brigades into action. Seen in the daylight, this picture is so realistic and so true to nature, that you look in vain for the beginning of the canvas. THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 2& Pender. dark and troublous times when light over an angry sky. The hills and the valleys group themselves naturally, and the soft and fleecy clouds of this July afternoon seem to drift lazily over the landscape. Each figure among these thousands is different from any other. Every face wears a different expression. Every foot- step casts a shadow. Seen under the electric light the illusion is perfect. The fields, and the hills and distant vistas are all real, and these are living, mov- ing figures which surround you. As you stand and gaze o'er the landscape, memory carries you back over the vista of years to the this great victory came like a rift of sun- so THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. ROSTER OF THE FEDERAL ARMY Engaged in the Battle of Gettysburg, Wednesday, Thursday, and Iflriday, July 1st, 2d, and Sd, 186S. Majoe-Geneeal GEO. GORDON MEADE Commanding. STAFF. Major-Geneeal DANIEL BUTTBRPIBLD, Chief of Staff. BRiaADiEE-GrBNEBAL M. R. PATRICK, Provost-Marshal-GeQeral. SBTH WILLIAMS, Adjutant-General. " " EDMUND SCHRIVER, Inspector-General. " " EUPUS INGALLS, Quartermaster-General. Colonel HENRY P. CLARKE, Chief Commissary of Subsistence. Major JONATHAN LETTERMAN, Surgeon, Chief of Medical Departmwit. Brigadier-General G. K. WARREN, Chief Engineer. Major D. W. PLAGLER, Chief Ordnance Officer. Major-Geneeal ALFRED PLBASONTON, Chief of Cavalry. Brigadiee-Geneeal henry J. HUNT, Chief of Artillery. Captain L. B. NORTON, Chief Signal Officer. fllAJOR-GENEEAL JOHN P. REYNOLDS,' Commanding the First, Third, and Eleventh Corps on July 1st. Major-Geneeal HENRY W. SLOCUM, Commanding the Right Wing on July 2d, and July 3d. Major-Geneeal W. S. HANCOCK, Commanding the Left Center on July 2d and July 3d. FIRST CORPS. Majoe-Geneeal JOHN P. REYNOLDS, Permanent Commandbs. Majoe-Geneeal ABNER DOUBLEDAY, Commanding on July 1st. Major-General JOHN NEWTON, Commanding on July 2d and 3d. FIRST DIVISION. Beioadiee-Gekeral JAMES S. WADSWOETH Commanding. First-Brigade. — (1) Brigadier-General Solomon Meredith (wounded) ; (2) Colonel Henry A. MoR- mow (wounded) ; (3) Colonel W. W. Robinson. 2d Wisconsin, Colonel Lucius Fairchild ([wounded), liient.-Colonel George H. Stevens (wounded), Major John Mansfield (wounded), Captain Geo. H. Otis; 6tJi Wisconsin, Lieut. -Colonel R. R. Dawes ; 7th Wisconsin, Colonel W. W. Robinson ; 34th Michigan, Colo- nel Henry A. Morrow (wounded), Lieut.-Colonel Mark Flanigan (wounded), Major Edwin B. Wright