GDG- Re: Hazard's batteries July 2nd

[DShultz180 at aol.com]

> <<"The two batteries on the left, being at the main point of attack on the 
> left and center of the line, suffered the most severely.   Battery B, First 
> New York Light Artillery, lost 1 man killed, 8 men wounded>>
> 
Jim,

Hazard's alignment is right save the fact Sheldon's 1st NY Batt B was well to 
the south of Brown, say two-thirds of a mile, give or take a few yards, until 
the very last moment.

Brown, west of the Copse of Trees (and a little south too) was without doubt 
up the creek without a handspike. It was Weir who suffered the most by Wright. 
And let's not forget Lt. Livingston, 3rd U.S. Batt C, who not only lost his 
section of guns to Wright's Georgians, when he unlimbered 200 yards 
east-southeast of the Codori Barn, but his life as well.   (he was just north of Plum 
Run). Both he and Weir were well south of the Copse of Trees and the Angle not to 
mention Cushing and Arnold. 

The only man KIA July 2nd, belonging to Sheldon's 1st NY Batt B, was shot by 
one of Wofford's men when a portion of that brigade past beyond the Weikert 
barn allowing it to partially enfilade that battery.
Said battery was engaged at that position when Rorty showed up to assume 
command. Rorty led Sheldon north (using Taneytown Rd) whereas he reported to 
Hancock who placed that battery very near the present day 5th U.S. Batt C monument. 
Rorty opened on Weir's overrun battery forcing Wright's Georgians, and a few 
Floridians too, out. After several rounds one of the Vermont regiments charged 
through it. No one was reported injured while engaged at this position. 
Oh-yea ... three of Wright's Georgians lost their lives on the Emmitsburg Road 
while attempting to retain one of Livingston's captured guns.

You are right in that the bulk Wright's energy was well south of the Copse of 
Trees. None of his men ventured over the wall nor beyond the Copse of Trees 
July 2nd. I can assure you that no one clad in Butternut or Gray entered either 
Cushing or Arnold's batteries on that day. I might add that if its someone's 
opinion that Wright's people overran either Arnold or Cushing, or both .... 
they are mistaken. 

Best always,
Dave