mestell
Lieutenant Colonel
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2008
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ONE "IRON-WILLED" REGIMENT AGAINST A DETERMINED BRIGADE
2nd WI vs. Archer's Brigade
Herbst Woods, McPherson's Ridge
July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, PA
Shortly after 10:00 a.m., on the morning of July 1, 1863, the 2nd Wisconsin reached the crest of McPherson's Ridge. Alone, and in front of the 4 remaining regiments of the Iron Brigade, the 2nd Wisconsin's line shuddered when met by an effective volley from the 7th & 14th Tennessee regiments of Archer's Brigade. Dozen's of men, possibly up to 30% of the regiment, fell killed or wounded. Major General John Reynolds (Union First Corps Commander) yelled, "Forward men, forward for God's sake and drive those fellows out of the woods". He no sooner said these words when he fell from his horse mortally wounded. Not waiting for the remainder of their brigade, and in danger of being flanked by the 1st Tennessee and the 13th Alabama, the 2nd Wisconisn plunged towards Archer's Brigade in Herbst Woods. Obliquing to the right because of the intensity of the enemies gunfire, the 2nd Wiscosin entered Herbst Woods and started to slowly push back the Tennessee troops ahead of it. One veteran of the 2nd Wisconsin observed that " . . it was the unadorned, long-drawn-out line of ragged, dirty blue against the long-drawn-out line of dirty ragged butternut." The battle flared on the banks of Willoughby Run when the 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, and the 24th Michigan smashed into the front and right flank of Archer's troops. Before the Confederates could reform their lines, the 2nd Wisconsin charged ending the Confederate resisitance. The Tennesseans ran for the rear. The 2nd captured over 75 men including General James Archer, Robert E. Lee's first general to be so humiliated. Archer was captured by Pvt. Patrick Maloney. Maloney would be killed before the day was over.
"At the Edge of the Woods" backdrop and diorama base by Hudson & Allen
Last edited:
Mike
