GDG- Winter Stomp

[JIM COOKE]

The stomp was great. In the morning, Keith Mackenzie had arranged for a tour with LBG Wayne Wachsmuth. About 12-15 people attended this tour. We covered the July 2 action of Carr and Brewster's brigades from their positions along the Emmitsburg Road back to where they rallied and participated in the eventual repulse of the  charge of the brigades of Barksdale, Wilcox, Lang and Wright. We noted placements of several AOP artillery batteries brought out to stem the advancing tide, and the capture and subsequent recapture of many guns. We discussed the probable locations and assault paths of both the 1st MN and Willard's brigade, as well as the actions of additional support troops and batteries that moved out to face the advance. Wayne gave an excellent and informative presentation.

In the afternoon, about 20 people joined Chuck Teague on East Confederate Avenue next to the Kefauver school. Chuck made a presentation about the famed "Harvest of Death" photographs made on July 6 by O'Sullivan and Gardner, and described a theory that these pictures may have been taken in this area. Using maps and blown-up photographs, as well as some pictures from private collections, Chuck made a good case for these dead soldiers to have come from the advance lines of the 33rd MA, 41st NY or 153rd PA, who moved east from the base of East Cemetery Hill and made first contact with the advancing brigades of Hays and Avery on the evening of July 2. As the afternoon grew colder and the skies more threatening, we moved to Steven's Knoll to view the area from that angle. Again, using photographs and prints from sketches made for the weekly magazines of the time, Chuck demonstrated that the theory is indeed plausible.
We got to see for the first time faces behind the userids on the GDG discussion boards, and all had a great time. If we only had about 5 more degrees of temperature or 5 mph less winds, it would have been more comfortable. By the end of the tour, I think it's safe to say we all looked forward to something hot. I personally have no information on pre- or post-stomp activities, but perhaps some of our colleagues may be able to provide that.
All in all, it was a cold Stomp, but well worth it!
JC
----- Original Message -----
From: Steven Leydorf <leydorfs at hotmail.com>
To: gettysburg at arthes.com
Sent: Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:52:22 -0500 (EST)
Subject: GDG- Winter Stomp

Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:



Hi.
 
I was out of town during the winter stomp,so I haven't paid much attention to the posts.  However, I don't remember seeing any posts either cancelling or praising or denigrating the stomp.  What happened?  Was it held?
 
Steve Leydorf
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