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140th Anniversary Battle of Gettysburg - After Action Report
Early in the morning, August 7, 2003, myself, my wife Kathy and my son Nathaniel departed from our homestead in Westbrook for the day-long journey to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. We arrived, after a happily uneventful journey, by 6:00 that evening and settled into our hotel for a good night's rest. We arose by 6:00 the next morning and departed by 7:45 for the Gettysburg National Battlefield, where we were to meet with others from both Companies A and F for a memorial march. Arriving at the visitors' center by 8:15, we were greeted by Drum Major R. Beverage and acting Fife Major J. Beverage. Pvt. Dave Thomson appeared soon afterwards and we departed for Pitzer's Woods for the start of the march. Sgt. Andy Shogren, Cpl. Ed Henry and Cpl. Jan White (all from Co. F) were already at the monument, so we quickly organized our small detachment and started out on our journey. Kathy and Nate took my wagon and made their own tour of the battlefield while the march was in progress. It was a cool, damp morning with an abundance of mist in the air. The men were quite happy that the sun remained behind the clouds. We stopped at each Third Maine monument, from Pitzer's Woods to the Peach Orchard to Cemetery Ridge. By prior arrangement, acting Fife Major J. Beverage had constructed the most beautiful and patriotic wreaths that were laid at the base of each monument, along with small American flags. They made an effective and moving display. We made quick time along the route, including a "short-cut" through the field behind the Codori Farm (in spite of the tall grass). In less than two hours, we found ourselves in the National Cemetery where we laid white pine tassels (also arranged by J. Beverage) at the graves of all 104 Maine men resting in the cemetery. We then took a brief leave from one another while we made our way to the site of the battle reenactment, only three miles north of the town. The signage leading to the registration area was very well done, with
the registration process very quick and organized. I believe we were in
and out of the (air conditioned) building in less than 10 minutes. The
route to the federal camp was well marked, with plenty of event staff
on hand all along the way. We arrived on the field by 1:30 and immediately
proceeded to set up our tents. As usual, the quartermaster had done a
superb job in laying out the 2nd Regt. USV camp and no problems whatsoever
were encountered. The field appeared to be well drained, with our water
supply and sinks only a short distance away. By this time the sun had
appeared, so the work of setting up camp became slightly more challenging.
Lt. L. Golding, Adjutant of the 2nd Regt., greeted us as we arrived and
offered his assistance in solving any difficulties that may arise. Officers' call was sounded at 9:45 that evening by Pvt. D. Brandt, of my command, who was serving as the regimental bugler for the weekend. Major Dussinger was in command of the regiment at this time as Lt. Col. Laimo had not yet arrived on the field. The meeting covered a variety of topics, including schedules, details about dress parades and weapons inspections and ammunition and casualty reports, which were to be sent to head-quarters after each action. Each man was to fall in with a maximum of 60 rounds per engagement and then account for rounds expended. I turned into my tent by 11:00, exhausted by the days' activities. General Dana Heim (our division commander) stopped by the camp later on that night to pay his respects. Fortunately, Drum Major Beverage was still up and so someone was in camp to greet him. Friday morning dawned humid, warm and cloudy. Reveille was sounded in the camps at 7:00. The men fell in for the first roll call of the weekend and it was at this time that I was able to finally see my company assembled. Altogether, we fielded 34 officers and men plus 5 (I believe) musicians (who were detailed to the regimental field music). My command structure consisted of Lt. C. Young, 1st Sgt. J. Bonnell, 2nd Sgt. A. Shogren, Cpls. Cunningham, Lawson, McCormick, Henry and White. Sgt. Shogren informed me that his men from Co. F would not be falling in for the morning tactical as he would be drilling them in preparation for the remainder of the weekend. I was quite impressed with his serious attitude towards drill and the safety of his men. 1st Sgt. Bonnell assembled the men from Co. A on the street at 9:30, moving out onto the color line at 9:45 for a weapons inspection. We were assigned as the right company in the left wing of the regiment, next to the 7th New Jersey (color company). Although we had not seen much action during the campaign season, the men quickly fell into the routines of camp life and operating in battalion formation. The many hours of drill and instruction over the prior months was paying off. The battalion moved out of the camps by 10:30 for the march to the battlefield. As if on cue, the sun made its appearance at this time and it became very hot, with only a slight cooling breeze. The 2nd Regiment took up a position facing the rebel artillery across a moderately sized field. There was a wooded area off to our left, our own artillery behind us with other federal units to our right, extending towards a small creek. At approximately 11:00 the artillery opened the ball. Our regiment more or less stood its ground for some time, with skirmishers from another regiment (I do not know who) covering the left towards the woods. Enemy infantry made an appearance off to our right and engaged some of the other units. At this time, they exposed their right flank and Lt. Col. Laimo ordered our regiment forward to take advantage of the situation. Our wing of the regiment wheeled right to envelope the flank of the enemy, with the Third Maine operating as the pivot of this maneuver. We opened a concentrated fire but the enemy held their ground. At this time I glanced back towards the wooded area (now to our rear) and notice that our skirmishers were being driven out of the woods. This was not a good sign. I suspect that the colonel also noticed this, as he ordered the wing to change front to meet this threat. Unfortunately, this exposed my company to flanking fire from the enemy we had previously engaged. I instantly ordered my company to change front again, facing the enemy and, in effect, refusing the line of the battalion. We held here for a few minutes until the pressure from the enemy, on both flanks, became extreme and we began falling back towards our original starting point. The casualties mounted quickly, with perhaps half of my command going down in only a short time. I was able to reconnect with the 7th New Jersey during the retreat, and thereby operated as a "demi-battalion" with Capt. Kaufer, as the entire structure of the 2nd Regiment appeared to break down. When the cease-fire was finally sounded, I counted only some 18 rifles between the 7th New Jersey, 3rd Maine and (perhaps) the 2nd Rhode Island in the "line" with the colors. I have never been involved in any action, which so completely destroyed the regiment in which my company was operating. The only consolation was that we succeeded in staying with, and protecting our regimental colors. On a humorous note, 1st Sgt. Bonnell reported that a field mouse had jumped up on his chest as he lay on the field and the Rebels in the area thought that it was a hilarious sight. By this time it was high noon and the heat and humidity were fairly oppressive. Our army straggled back to camp, where we attempted to recover in time for the first scripted battle of the weekend, scheduled for 6:00PM that evening. By the middle of the afternoon, Lt. Young and myself had sufficiently recovered from the morning tactical to pay a visit to the sharpshooter battalion. We were informed that Capt. J. Carey, who had written and submitted the Pitzer's Woods scenario, was not attending the event. To make matters worse, no one in the sharpshooters knew anything about the proposal, however, they were interested. I later connected with 2nd Lt. Randy ______ of the Berdans, and the both of us made an official request, through the 2nd Regiment staff, to go out prior to the Peach Orchard reenactment (Saturday) to skirmish in "Pitzer's Woods". This request was forwarded up to division headquarters by Lt. Col. Laimo. General Heim then took the reigns and made all of the necessary arrangements, including coordination with the Confederate command. In spite of over one and a half years of planning, Pitzer's Woods looked to be coming together at the last minute. I informed my non-commissioned officers about the situation as we began forming for the Friday evening battle. The company was formed at 4:30PM for inspection on the street (25 officers and men), followed by the battalion formation and weapons inspection on the color line. The battlefield was the same location as the morning tactical. Our regiment was to portray Baxter's Brigade of Robinson's Division, 1st Corps. The regiment marched out of camp in a column of fours, deployed into a column of companies and then formed a line of battle on the right, executed with a series of right turns by each company. This was the first time my company had attempted this maneuver in some time, especially on the battlefield, but I was very pleased with our execution. The regiment was lined up with the now infamous wood line (from the morning) on our right, with a small rise, a shallow valley and a larger crest to our front. Beyond that was a public road with a period fence-line running beside it. The enemy formed directly in our front and crossed into the field over the road. The regiment engaged them and started a slow and steady push up the large crest in the front. The rebels continued to give ground and take light casualties, until they were pushed right up to the side of the road. At this time I cautioned the men to slow their rate of fire so as to conserve ammunition (each man was only issued 60 rounds) for the balance of the fight. As anticipated (at least from my understanding of the original battle), the enemy started a concerted and strong counterattack from several points on the battlefield. We began to fall back, reform, fire and fall back again as we were pressed on our front and flanks. Casualties in my company began to mount. Eventually we were pushed back beyond our starting point and were ordered to cross a small creek/wood line in our rear. As it turned out, this was impossible as the remnants of our regiment were surrounded on three sides. My company was cut-off and we were forced to surrender, inverting our muskets, just a few moments before the cease-fire was sounded. This would have been a great spot to reenact the 16th Maine's "last stand", in fact, this scenario was much closer to the original battle than the 135th Gettysburg first day's battle. Although we had been "decimated" on the same field twice that day, spirits were high as we marched back to camp, since the scenarios appeared to have gone as expected and the men had performed very well under the circumstances. I was pretty well played out by Friday evening, which by this time, felt more like Saturday evening (we had two more days to go!). After some last minute follow-ups concerning Pitzer's Woods, I turned in for a good night's rest, expecting a busy Saturday. Saturday dawned humid and cloudy, very much like Friday, except the sun did not make an appearance during the morning. A delicious breakfast was served up by our cook, "Chef Bray". The men fell in eagerly for the roll as everyone knew that we were to portray the Third Maine Regiment today. At the roll call, the company had 32 officers and men equipped and ready for duty in the infantry line. Since we were to be detached for the skirmish, the company was placed on the left flank of the regiment. We were also allowed to take out our national colors (cased) with Color Sgt. Manning doing the honors. After weapons inspection, the regiment marched out of camp at 10:00 and took position on a knoll overlooking a road. None of the senior command seemed to be sure whether or not we were in the "Peach Orchard" since no peach trees were in sight, but the lay of the land and the location of the road looked about right. I spoke briefly with Gen. Heim who pointed to a field and a wooded area across the road and stated "There is Pitzer's Woods. Take your company in with the sharpshooters. Good luck." There appeared to be some concern in the command staff of the 2nd Regiment about the situation we were getting ourselves into, with Lt. Col. Laimo wondering if he might never see us again. Wasting no time, and seeing the sharpshooters marching towards the woods, we stepped off briskly to meet whatever may greet us in the woods. My company crossed the road and reached the field before the sharpshooters arrived, but we waited for them to pass us and deploy prior to the opening of the scenario, as is correct with the historical accounts of the action. We then deployed as skirmishers, with a reserve of four men (including the color bearer) behind the line. The Berdans went in first and were quickly engaged with an unknown number of the enemy. There was a large pond in the center of the field, with high sloping sides running up to it. The Berdans had all gone around the right of the pond, but there was insufficient space for me to take in my company on the right, without severely constricting our line and thereby "funneling" ourselves into a very narrow (and crowded) spot. It also would have resulted in our left rear being exposed should the rebels sweep around the pond. Therefore, I deemed it appropriate to instruct Lt. Young to take the second platoon off to the left, sweeping around the pond and engaging the enemy right flank. The Berdans were having difficulty getting deep into the woods due to a fence line, plus the rebels were already on the far side of the pond, in front of the woods. I quickly closed in with the first platoon and the reserve, taking positions behind the Berdans and along the edge of the pond. The men kept up a constant fire, taking care to alternate their shots so that the company was never "empty" at any given moment. After only a few minutes, we began to take casualties and the sharpshooters began to give ground, mixing in with the right of the first platoon. Superior enemy numbers compelled us to give more ground, which we did only begrudgingly. The first platoon engaged in a fighting retreat towards the road, linking up with the second platoon as they also retreated. The company held for a few moments at the fence line near the road and then began a rather hasty retreat back towards the 2nd Regiment USV line in the Peach Orchard. I managed to reassemble my command on the right wing of the regiment, but we were soon called back to the left wing. Although the men were showing distinct signs of fatigue, we immediately went into action with the 2nd USV as the Confederates massed along the far side of the road. The battle in the Peach Orchard did not disappoint. I began with constant volleys at the ever-increasing rebel horde in our front, which we kept in check in fine style. However, from my position on the left, I could see the Confederate lines wrapping around the southern side of the Peach Orchard towards the "Wheatfield" area. Eventually, as was the case 140 years ago, the pressure became too much to bear and the regiment was forced back. My company soon found itself firing, loading while retreating, halting and firing again. Casualties were taken including portions of the regimental command staff, as we came under Capt. Young's direction (Major Cole missing) at some point during the battle. By the time my company made it back to "Cemetery Ridge" there were only about 10 of us left, all low on water and ammunition. Fortunately, there was a brief lull, and we were able to catch our breath, after having been in constant action for the better part of an hour. Just when I thought that the battle was about over for us, we were ordered to close in and engage the enemy, protecting the new Federal position on Cemetery Ridge. After a short time, however, I was informed by Lt. Young that our ammunition was all but gone and most of the canteens were empty. Considering these facts, I ordered the men to take a mass hit at the next rebel volley, which we did to the shocked amazement of both the enemy and the unit on our right (and Gen. Daniels, I heard later). The scenario concluded shortly thereafter and we could hear the applause of the crowds behind us. Thus ended the long awaited and sought after reenactment of the Third Maine Regiment in Pitzer's Woods and the Peach Orchard. We managed to get back into camp by approximately 12:30, with the men quickly falling out for food, water and rest. Everyone appeared to be satisfied with the morning's activities and I fielded several compliments from the regimental staff on our skirmish. I was finally able to relax a bit and enjoyed a relatively peaceful early afternoon. It was only a short rest, however, as we were soon forming up again to participate in the "East Cemetery Hill" battle at 4:00. Several men who had previously thought that they would not be able to make it changed their minds and fell in for duty. Our regiment was to portray Von Gilsa's Brigade which defended a somewhat fixed position on Cemetery Hill. After two days "on the run", this portrayal was a welcome change. The company was back into its place to the left of the 7th New Jersey (color company) and the inspections and formations went very smoothly, with everyone becoming accustomed to the routine. We marched to our position on the field around 3:15. It was on the top of a fairly robust hill, which overlooked the "Peach Orchard" and the first days battles of the prior two days. There was a sparse wood line along the "valley" at the bottom of the hill. Behind us were the spectators. While waiting for the battle to begin, most of us simultaneously noticed a small group of what appeared to be potted trees across the field, to the left of the "Peach Orchard" knoll. We had finally found the orchard!?!? It was at once a sad and humorous site, those 10 or so "Home Depot" trees stuck out there in the middle of the field. Alas, it was not to be the last time we had a chance to view those pitiful trees. More on that later. The battle scenario itself appeared to go as planned, with the Confederates closing up on our position, climbing the hill in good order. Our regiment let loose several well aimed and tight volleys as they approached. As the enemy paused within perhaps 75 yards of our position, we moved forward to engage them and drive them back down the hill. While coming around the right flank of my company, I went down as a casualty. As I was only "wounded" I was able to follow (somewhat) the flow of the battle as my men marched past me, and then fell back. I noticed Lt. Young was also down, with 1st Sgt. Bonnell in firm command of the company. It was a rather nondescript battle, but it served to put a nice finish onto a great day for the Third Maine. Once again, the scenario appeared to go mostly as planned. The regiment was quickly reformed and we were back in camp, with Chef Bray in the middle of preparing another fine feast for the company. I was able to get cleaned up and changed into a fresh uniform, which made quite a difference in my demeanor. Several of the younger men in my command turned out in their best coats and trousers for the dance that evening. They escorted several young ladies who were visiting the camp. Pvt. Hinds was sent along to watch out for the young "couples". I was quite happy staying in camp with the more "seasoned" folks; exchanging the usual banter as the evening passed. Sunday morning was relatively quiet. After the roll call and morning reports were taken care of, we piled into the last feast of the weekend, compliments of the cook. Church services were held in the regimental camp. Some began organizing their gear for the anticipated departure after Pickett's Charge, which was scheduled for 2 o' clock. For some reason, the order to form-up came very early and we were on the line by 12:30. The regiment had been reorganized as some of the units and command staff were pulled out for duties at the high-water mark. The balance of the regiment, my company included, was to portray the 14th Vt. We were marching onto the battlefield at least by 1 o'clock. It was the same field used for East Cemetery Hill the prior afternoon and our position was on top of the same hill. Just as we came up the slope of the hill, I noticed some activity off to our right. Looking over, I (along with many of the men) saw a group of men "planting" some very familiar looking trees near the spot of the high water mark. Indeed! It was the "Peach Orchard" which had galvanized to become the "Copse of Trees"!! Once again, the grove was both a sad and humorous site and I believe that they didn't really need to bother since the trees were so small and skinny, pretty much no one could really see them. We finally got to our position, stacked arms and sat down, right in front of the spectator grandstands and loudspeakers. This surreal atmosphere enveloped us for almost two hours, as the artillery opened at 2:00 and did not conclude until almost 3:00. The most interesting development was the conflagration started by the pyrotechnics. It covered a sizable portion of the field in front of the "copse of peach trees" and many of us wondered aloud how the rebs were going to cross that with full cartridge boxes. Eventually the fires were doused (for the most part) and the rebels made their way onto the field. The set up was not good, as they had to march out by the flank before fronting at the base of the hill. It did not look anything like Seminary Ridge. As they approached on our left, two brigades passed by our front with their right flank fully exposed as they marched to their doom at the high-water mark. Several well-aimed volleys from our regiment did not appear to get their attention. This was not a good sign. I surmised afterwards that the fire had forced them to alter their approach, swinging around instead of marching straight up, the hill. I don't really know if this was the case, however. By the original plan, our regiment was to wheel to the right and take the rebels in the flank as they approached the "copse of peach trees". We did not do that. It was obvious that some other battalion took that job, so we simply marched down the hill and took on a small rebel regiment that was coming up. Gratefully, the engagement came to an end fairly quickly. For my unit, Pickett's Charge was probably the weakest scenario of the weekend, but it did not detract from the excitement and fun of the first two days. We quickly broke camp and packed up, saying our fare-wells to each other and our comrades in the 2nd Regiment. Upon departing, it became quickly obvious from the condition of the roads and fields that any amount of rain would have resulted in a disaster, the ground still being fairly soft. Fortunately for us, the heavy rains missed all weekend and did not come until later that evening, when the skies did open up. By that time, my family was in better quarters in Chambersburg. Although organizing, planning and attending the 140th Gettysburg was
a long and difficult challenge for the Third Maine Regiment, I would have
to say that, in the end, it was all well worth the effort. I can only
hope that Col. Lakeman and the men of the Third Maine Volunteer Infantry
would be very happy to know that the courage and valor they displayed
at Gettysburg has not been forgotten, one hundred and forty years later.
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