Berdan's United States Sharpshooters in the Army of the Potomac, 1861-1865 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892. Excerpt: ... GETTYSBURG. FIRST DAY. The battle of Gettysburg opened unexpectedly at half past nine in the morning of July 1st, by the advance of Heth's division of the enemy along the Cashtown road, northwest of town, where our cavalry under Buford met them and stubbornly resisted their progress, throwing their advance in confusion, holding the force in check until our infantry could get up, yet some three miles distant. The cavalry were dismounted and used as infantry, thus deceiving the enemy, while our batteries were managed with great effect. Gallantly did they maintain the unequal contest against the accumulating lines now hurrying forward, almost enveloping them. Gen. Reynolds commanding the right wing consisting of the 1st, 3d and 11th corps, on hearing the firing hurried ahead of his troops and quickly taking in the situation, urgently appealed to the hard-pressed cavalry to hold on a short time longer, until the infantry which were hurrying on, arrived; when he proceeded to make dispositions for them--dhrecting their course and placing them in position--and while so engaged, to the great loss to his country, and sorrow of the entire army, this grand officerin less than 30 minutes after his appearance at the front, was killed by a shot through his head. Thus fell one of the noblest spirits engaged in the Union cause, whose ability to command placed him among the foremost in the army. The Wisconsin company of Sharpshooters and the Michigan Company C had additional reason to regret his fall, for it was as before said this general, while we were serving with his command at Mechanicsville, who saved these companies from capture if not destruction, by personally coming to them to the front and warning them to immediately retire. From his position in the rear, as hi...