USA > New Jersey > New Jersey troops in the Gettysburg campaign from June 5 to July 31, 1863 > Part 8
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directing the fire of his artillery, prolonged the strug- gle until the troops of Reynolds came in sight.
When Buford saw the desperate conflict his men were waging against superior numbers he doubted his ability to hold the position a great while longer, and started for the seminary building to get a view, if possible, of the First Corps. He was quickly apprised of its approach by the appearance of General Rey- nolds himself, who had galloped forward in advance of his troops as soon as he heard the booming of Buford's guns. The cavalry had made a gallant and glorious fight, and the check the rebel advance had received saved to the Union army the line of hills south of the town on which the decisive battle was finally fought.
When the sound of conflict reached the ears of General Reynolds, he lost no time in hurrying forward his men. Giving orders to prepare for immediate action he started off on a gallop to find Buford, on a ride that would have been immortalized in verse had the drama, in which he was so prominent a figure, not assumed proportions of such great magnitude. The regiment in the advance of the First Corps that day, was the Ninety-fifth New York, Colonel George H. Biddle. In its ranks were a goodly number of New Jersey boys, mostly from the city of Newark, whose patriotism had exercised so controlling an influence over their emotions that they went into New York city and enrolled themselves in the first regiment which took their fancy. While, therefore, no distinct-
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ively New Jersey regiment was engaged in the first day's battle at Gettysburg, the State was most nobly represented by more than a score of brave fellows, " natives all and to the manner born."
The march to the scene of action was an inspiriting sight. General Reynolds was one of the ablest and best known of all the corps commanders. Possessing rare personal courage, coupled with military ability and skill of a high order, he was well adapted to initiate the great battle about to take place. A native of Pennsylvania, he was incensed at the presence of the rebel army there, and was anxious to engage them in battle at the very earliest opportunity. His mẻn were all infected with the same spirit, and they moved to the sound of Buford's artillery with that steady, quickened motion which betokened confidence and gave evidence of the desperate earnestness which so distinguished them a few hours later. The Comte de Paris in describing the spirit which animated the Army of the Potomac says :
" The Federal soldiers and their leaders are fired by extraordinary zeal; like Antæus, who gathered new strength whenever he touched the earth, it seems that the idea of fighting on the soil of the free States, in the midst of a friendly population threatened with a terrible invasion, doubles their energy and their activity. The hesitations, the delays, and the frequent discouragements which seemed to paralyze the best conceived plans in Virginia, have given place to a noble emulation which urges them to dispute with
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each other the honor of dealing the swiftest and heaviest blows to the enemy. Without taking any account of their numbers, Reynolds himself notwith- standing the immense responsibility weighing upon him, gives them an example of this zeal by contributing more than any one else to inspire them with it. Sad and dejected, it is said, before the meeting of the two armies, he has become invigorated as soon as he felt his proximity to the adversaries with whom he desired to come to blows since the opening of the campaign."
Buford and Reynolds ascended to the cupola of the Lutheran Seminary from which an extended view of the country for miles around was obtained. Wads- worth's division of the First Corps was observed moving with rapid strides toward the sound of battle and it was seen to move to the left without entering the town, and advance up the easterly slope of Seminary Hill. Wadsworth's command consisted of two brigades under Generals Cutler and Meredith and as they moved to position an aide of General Howard made his appearance and asked for instructions for the Eleventh Corps. General Reynolds directed that General Howard bring his corps forward at once and "form them on Cemetery Hill as a reserve," * and
* General Howard has no recollection of having received any such orders, but as he did get orders to come forward, and as his corps was to occupy some place in rear, as a support to the First Corps, nothing is more probable than that General Reynolds directed him to go there; for its military advantages were obvious enough to any experienced commander. Lieutenant Rosengarten, of General Reynolds' staff,
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then accompanied Wadsworth to place his men in position.
The place chosen for the battle-ground was on the west side of the town along the course of the stream known as Willoughby Run, its course at this point being almost due north and south. The Chambersburg and Fairfield roads both cross the stream, and uniting near the town form an angle of considerable extent. These roads also cross two elevations of ground, or ridges, running parallel with the stream, the one further west from the town being the scene of the first day's fighting. On the heights nearest the town is situated the Theological Seminary, from which the ridge derives its name. The steeple of this building was used by the commanders of both armies as an observatory. The rebels were advancing on the Chambersburg road in strong numbers when Wads- worth arrived, and Reynolds in person posted the Second Maine Battery in the road, and threw forward the Fourteenth Brooklyn, Colonel Fowler, and the Ninety-fifth New York, Colonel Biddle, (both under
states positively that he was present and heard the order given for Howard to post his troops on Cemetery Ridge. The matter is of some moment, as the position in question ultimately gave us the victory, and Howard received the thanks of Congress for selecting it. It is not to be supposed that either Howard or Rosengarten would misstate the matter. It is quite possible that Reynolds chose the hill simply as a position upon which his force could rally if driven back, and Howard selected it as a suitable battle-field for the army. It has since been universally conceded that it was admirably adapted for that purpose .- Doubleday.
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Fowler's command,) in advance on the left, the other three regiments of the brigade-One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York, Seventy-sixth New York, and Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania-being placed in line on the right of the road. Gamble's brigade of cavalry were withdrawn and formed in column on the left of the infantry, Deven's brigade, further to the right
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facing north, still awaiting the approach of the enemy from that direction.
The battle which was here waged with persistent fury, was a fitting prelude to the desperate conflict which succeeded it, and but for the gallant resistance made by the veterans of the First Corps in this initia- tory contest, the admirable position on the hills south of Gettysburg would undoubtedly have been lost to the Army of the Potomac. Both armies thus con-
FOWLER
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fronted each other, and were. coming closer together in such manner that a conflict was inevitable. To hold the enemy in check until the rest of the army could arrive and take position on the ridge in rear of the town, the admirable advantages of which had pre- sented themselves to both Buford and Reynolds, was the imperative duty of the First Army Corps. How well they succeeded, how desperately they fought, how tenaciously they held their ground against over- whelming numbers, relinquishing it only when over- powered, is graphically related by Doubleday.
The army of General Lee was close at hand. Hill's whole corps was available for immediate action. Ewell was advancing from the north, with his entire com- mand except Johnson's division, and the small body of men posted to contest their advance could have been swept away like leaves before the wind; but the rebel leaders were not anticipating a meeting with the Army of the Potomac. Ewell had passed through Gettys- burg two days before, at which time no one knew any- thing about Meade's army, and General Lee conse- quently felt no particular anxiety concerning it. The obstructions so far encountered were to his mind " some gentlemen militia," who would be ready to depart as soon as it became a little warm for them.
Davis' rebel brigade, which had been thrown for- ward, to clear the road, formed behind a ridge, and was unperceived by Cutler's men. When they advanced into view the left of their line came square upon the right flank of Cutler's small force, which was
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compelled to fall back, and was ordered to re-form on Seminary Ridge. The Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania first perceived the enemy and opened fire, but they were soon overpowered and with the Seventy-sixth New York Regiment succeeded in getting away, continuing their retreat to the outskirts of the town ; but the One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York Regiment, not receiving the order to fall back-its Colonel having
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been killed before the order could be given - was being hemmed in on all sides and made a desperate fight. As this movement of Davis' brigade also uncovered the right flank of Colonel Fowler's two regiments, while Archer's rebel brigade was advanc- ing to envelop their left, they fell back in good order. Meredith's "Iron Brigade," commanded by Colonel Morrow-its permanent commander having been wounded by a shell-had been formed in line
147 N. Y.
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on the west slope of Seminary Ridge, and as Archer's brigade, preceded by skirmishers, was advancing to get possession of a small wood between the two roads, Colonel Morrow was ordered by General Doubleday to secure the position and hold it at all hazards. Enthusiastically they moved to the task, the Sixth Missouri Regiment being detached and with the headquarter guard composed of the One Hun- dred and Fifty-ninth Pennsylvania, forming a reserve. The "Iron Brigade" was composed of the Second Wisconsin, Colonel Lucius Fairchild ; Sixth Wis- consin, Lieutenant R. R. Dawes; Seventh Wisconsin, Colonel W. W. Robinson; Twenty-fourth Michigan, Colonel Henry A. Morrow; Nineteenth Indiana, Colonel Samuel Williams - five regiments in all. Advancing boldly toward the enemy the Second Wis- consin enveloped their right flank, capturing Archer himself and more than a thousand of his men. Sur- prised at this extraordinary movement the remnant ot Archer's troops fled precipitately, being pursued to the opposite side of Willoughby's Run by the vic- torious Unionists.
There was now time to pay some attention to the attack on Cutler, as Davis' men were exultant over their success, and were pursuing the flying regiments to Gettysburg. Lieutenant-Colonel Dawes with the Sixth Wisconsin, advanced against the exposed flank of Davis, and Colonel Fowler with the Fourteenth Brooklyn and Ninety-fifth New York, joined forces with him. Noticing this movement Davis stopped
BVT. MAJOR-GEN. ROBERT MCALLISTER, Colonel Com'd'g IIth N. J. Vols., Inf. (From a Steel Engraving.)
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his pursuit of Cutler's men, and rushing into the rail- road cut, where the grading afforded them shelter, they made a desperate resistance, but they had entered a trap. Fowler confronted them above, and Dawes opened a murderous fire upon them with a section of artillery which enfiladed their position, and he also formed his men across the cut, by Colonel Fowler's order to fire through it, thus having them completely at bay. The One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York was released from its perilous position, and two-thirds of the enemy surrendered, the rest escap- ing by scattering over the country.
These brilliant exploits were saddened by the death of General Reynolds, who was instantly killed by a musket ball immediately after deploying the men of Cutler's brigade. General Doubleday at once took command of the corps, and during the respite occa- sioned by the inaction of the enemy re-formed and strengthened his lines.
General Heth had halted his column to await the result of the action of his two brigades, and the news he received was far from encouraging. Replacing his defeated and dispirited troops with the fresh men of Pettigrew and Brockenborough supported by Pender's division, he advanced to a renewal of the fight.
Doubleday anxiously awaited the arrival of his other two divisions, Robinson's and his own commanded temporarily by General Rowley. At this time General Howard had arrived upon the scene, having preceded his corps, and noting the precipitate retreat of the two
II
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regiments of Cutler's brigade, magnified their dis- orderly haste into a rout of the First Corps, and so notified General Meade. At eleven o'clock to the great relief of General Doubleday the remainder of the First Corps came up. The enemy had established their line in a commanding position, and their artillery was advantageously posted, so as to sweep the Chambers-
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burg road. A severe artillery duel took place at this point, the batteries of Calef and Reynolds doing splendid execution. Doubleday posted his troops in the following order to meet this new attack: Stone's brigade, of Rowley's division, being placed to the right of the woods occupied by Morrow, and Colonel
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Biddle's brigade on the left, with Robinson's division in reserve at the seminary, on the west of which Robinson's men threw up a semicircular line of breast works, which served an admirable purpose later on.
The battle which ensued was one of the most desperate of the three days' contest. Howard upon receiving the news of the death of General Reynolds, assumed command of the left wing, turning over the command of the Eleventh Corps to General Schurz, General Barlow taking command of the division. He also notified General Meade of the sad event and sent orders to Sickles at Emmetsburg and Slocum at Two Taverns to hasten to the field. Between twelve and one o'clock the Eleventh Corps made its appearance on the scene of action and the divisions of Schimmel- pfennig and Barlow were orderd to the support of Doubleday, and were directed to extend his line to the right, Steinwehr's division, with the reserve artillery being ordered to Cemetery Hill, as a reserve.
A new danger however threatened the Union line before these dispositions could be made. Buford, who had been anxiously watching the road from the north, where Deven's cavalry brigade had been posted, informed Doubleday of the approach of Ewell's troops from that direction, and Howard ordered the Eleventh Corps to change front and keep Ewell from assailing the First Corps in flank. This relieved the cavalry, who withdrew and formed still farther to the right.
The movements of Ewell's two divisions had been
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well timed and both Rodes and Early came in sight of Gettysburg at almost the same moment. Before their exact whereabouts were known to the Union troops Rodes had posted a battery on Oak Hill, an eminence to the right of and almost on a line with that occupied by the troops of Doubleday. When the Eleventh Corps line had been established to meet Ewell, it left a wide interval between the left of Barlow and the right of Cutler's brigade of the First Corps, which neces- sitated the use of all of Doubleday's reserves, besides attenuating his general line of battle.
Noting with satisfaction the arrival of Ewell on the right flank of the Union line, Hill moved promptly to attack Doubleday with his whole force. Under cover of the dense woods Rodes succeeded in joining his line to that of Hill, while his artillery played effect- ively upon Doubleday's guns on the Chambersburg road. Rodes attacked Cutler's right flank vigorously. Doubleday proved equal to this emergency however. He ordered Baxter's brigade to fill the gap between Cutler and the Eleventh Corps, and as Baxter advanced boldly up the Mummasburg road, Rodes sent O'Neal's brigade in upon his flank. O'Neal was repulsed with heavy loss, and Iverson's rebel brigade was ordered to assail both Cutler and Baxter. Doubleday ordered in another brigade, and Robinson sent forward Paul's brigade, which took up position with Baxter. Double- day had so far held his own against superior numbers. All the positions south of the Chambersburg road
BVT. COL. JOHN SCHOONOVER, Adjt. 11th Regt. N. J. Vols., Inf. (From a War-time Photograph.)
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had been retained, but the enemy was pressing him hard on the right. Iverson's attack upon Robinson's two brigades failed and his force was almost annihi- lated, his loss being heavy in killed and wounded and over a thousand men were taken prisoners. Daniel came to Iverson's rescue, but arrived too late, and his advance was checked. O'Neal, Iverson and Daniel were each in turn defeated, and Heth, who made a vigorous demonstration against Meredith was also repulsed. Growing desperate the rebels determined to assault in force, and Ramseur, who had come up to assist Daniel, was aided by the advance of the three brigades of Pender's division, thus throwing upon the weakened, but obstinate Union line, a numerical force that by pressure alone must carry the position. Assist- ance was also coming to the enemy in another shape. Early's entire division was advancing to the front, and they poured down upon Barlow's division in great numbers, who resisted stoutly, but were obliged to fall back, leaving their wounded in the hands of the enemy, the heroic Barlow being among them. Schimmel- pfennig was attacked by Doles' brigade, and retreated in hot haste, and as this division broke a general retreat was ordered by Howard. Schimmelpfennig's flight compelled Robinson to abandon his position, and Doubleday having used up all his reserves was at last compelled to fall back. Halting and re-form- ing his line in the semi-circular entrenchment thrown up by Robinson's division Doubleday, aided by Buford,
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who formed his cavalry in line of * battalion in mass to keep open the line of retreat, held the enemy in check for a short time.
The position of the First Corps was exceedingly critical, and its escape from annihilation is due to the great presence of mind and the skillful generalship of General Doubleday. As the columns of retreating Unionists mixed together in the town, men became separated from their commands, thousands were picked up by the enemy on the streets, and the roads leading to the rear were thronged with a motley crew of frightened and demoralized soldiers, whom no power seemed able to hold in check.+
A new actor now appeared upon the scene. When General Meade, at his headquarters in Taneytown, received the message from Howard that the First Corps were flying from the field, there was forced upon him the necessity of immediately deciding whether to
* General Francis A. Walker in his "History of the Second Army Corps " relates this incident : "When last it was my privilege to see General Hancock, in November, 1885, he pointed out to me from Cemetery Hill the position occupied by Buford at this critical junct- ure, and assured me that, among the most inspiring sights of his military career was the splendid spectacle of that gallant cavalry, as it stood there unshaken and undaunted, in the face of the advancing Confederate infantry."
+ The Comte de Paris estimates that of the 16,000 men who went into action on the Union side no more than 5,000 were left in fighting condition. The First Corps was reduced to 2,450 men. Out of the 11,000 missing nearly 4,000 had been left on the field of battle, and about 5,000 were taken prisoners; the rest had scattered.
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fight the battle where the conflict had begun or adhere to his original plan of forming a line on Pipe Creek. Instead of going to Gettysburg himself he sent for General Hancock, who had just arrived in Taneytown with the Second Corps, and appointed him to the com- mand of the left wing, thus superseding both Howard and Sickles, who ranked him by seniority, and dele- gated to him the practical selection of the battle-field, whether to order up the whole army to Gettysburg and there join issue with the enemy, or to fall back to the position originally determined upon. When Han- cock arrived upon the scene the confusion of retreat had not subsided. Streams of frightened men were passing down the Taneytown and Baltimore roads to the rear, and the powerlessness of Howard to restore confidence to the men was apparent. Hancock addressed himself at once to the task, and his presence was immediately felt by the troops. Brave, even to rashness, his manner and bearing made their impress felt. Men, who first thought only of flight, halted, cheered for Hancock, and sought their colors. His presence was worth a corps of men at that moment, and, though Seminary Ridge was lined with rebel infantry, and Ewell's troops were advancing through the town toward Cemetery Hill, Hancock re-formed the line with the Eleventh Corps on the right of Stein- wehr's fortified position, the First Corps on the left and all the artillery at command posted in advan- tageous positions, thus presenting a bold front to the victorious foe. Noting the rising ground on the right
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-Culp's Hill-toward which Ewell was moving, he posted Wadsworth's division there, and formed the cavalry on the left of Doubleday. The transformation was complete. Order had been restored out of chaos, and as Lee and his officers gazed upon this new line of battle, which had formed under the very muzzles of their guns, they mistook the deployment of this small force in a thin line to the right and left for the arrival of reinforcements, and hesitated to attack. Ewell was desirous of doing so, but Lee would not imperatively order it, and after a short contest with Wadsworth's men, the enemy halted. This was another of the blunders which aided the Union cause on this campaign. Had Ewell advanced at once, Culp's Hill would have fallen into his possession and he would thus have commanded the roads on which Meade's army was then moving.
The enemy however had had more fighting than they expected to experience. Their losses had been severe, and though they had met and defeated but two army corps, the fact-of which they had at last become cognizant-that the Army of the Potomac was in front of them, led to a magnifying of the importance of their victory. From prisoners they had no doubt learned that Meade's army was well on its way to Gettysburg, and as Lee had been deceived by the show of force on Cemetery Hill, he preferred to await the arrival of all his army before attacking.
On the morning of July Ist Sickles had received orders from General Meade to fall back to a position
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on the Pipe Creek line of battle, but learning subse- quently that the First and Eleventh Corps, which with his own comprised the left wing of the army, were engaged with the enemy, he promptly moved toward the sound of action. He had resumed command of the Third Corps only a few days previous, and was naturally anxious to meet the enemy. Detaching De Trobriand's brigade from Birney's division, and Burling's brigade-composed of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth New Jersey Regiments, the One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania and the Second New Hampshire-from Humphreys' division with or- ders to remain at Emmetsburg, he moved promptly forward with Birney's division, and arriving on the field was assigned to position on the left of the First Corps.
The Twelfth Corps advanced from Littlestown on the morning of July Ist and at noon halted at Two Taverns, about five miles southeast from Gettysburg. While here word was received from Howard as to the engagement then in progress, and the order to march was soon given. Geary's division moved directly for Gettysburg by the Baltimore pike, and Williams' divi- sion, taking a road leading to the right advanced rapidly toward the sound of artillery. Proceeding some distance, skirmishers were sent forward, and as Benner's Hill loomed up in their front a body of horse- men were seen on its summit closely scanning the country around. Ewell's scouts were soon encoun- tered and a few shots were exchanged when orders
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