UKReb
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2007
- Messages
- 2,436
The Iron Brigade on the First Day at Gettysburg.
It was evident to both the Federals and Confederates that the key to hold McPherson's Ridge was the five acre wood adjacent to the McPherson farm. Archer's Confederate Brigade were pushing across Willoughby Run and starting for the western slope of the ridge. At the same time on the eastern face of the ridge M.G.John F Reynolds was driving the Iron Brigade into action
First in line were the 2nd Wisconsin regiment. Orders rang out "Forward into line" and then "Forward double quick", the westerners loading their weapons as they ran
A tremendous volley erupted from the Confederate line. Minie balls thudded into the tree trunks and the first line of Black Hats which immediately felled 30% of the regiment
Reynolds saw the 2nd shudder under the impact of the volley and rode forward to encourage them shouting "Forward men, forward for God's sake and drive those fellows out of the woods" Reynolds would immediately turn to see if the rest of the IB were coming up when a bullet struck him behind his right ear. He was dead before his body hit the ground.
Reynold's orderly 18 year old Sgt. Charles Veil would state later-"I have seen many men killed in action, but I never saw a bullet do its work so instantly as did the one that struck General Reynolds"
This particular episode was inspired by........
Troiani's painting For-God's-Sake- Forward
Reb
It was evident to both the Federals and Confederates that the key to hold McPherson's Ridge was the five acre wood adjacent to the McPherson farm. Archer's Confederate Brigade were pushing across Willoughby Run and starting for the western slope of the ridge. At the same time on the eastern face of the ridge M.G.John F Reynolds was driving the Iron Brigade into action
First in line were the 2nd Wisconsin regiment. Orders rang out "Forward into line" and then "Forward double quick", the westerners loading their weapons as they ran
A tremendous volley erupted from the Confederate line. Minie balls thudded into the tree trunks and the first line of Black Hats which immediately felled 30% of the regiment
Reynolds saw the 2nd shudder under the impact of the volley and rode forward to encourage them shouting "Forward men, forward for God's sake and drive those fellows out of the woods" Reynolds would immediately turn to see if the rest of the IB were coming up when a bullet struck him behind his right ear. He was dead before his body hit the ground.
Reynold's orderly 18 year old Sgt. Charles Veil would state later-"I have seen many men killed in action, but I never saw a bullet do its work so instantly as did the one that struck General Reynolds"
This particular episode was inspired by........
Troiani's painting For-God's-Sake- Forward
Reb