GDG- Re: Gettysburg Digest, Vol 32, Issue 29

[Basecat1 at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/8/2007 6:55:00 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
gettysburg-request at arthes.com writes:

GDGers;

A thought that has rumbled around in my  cranium as I ponder the Wright 
discussion is Lt. Alonzo Cushing and the  events of July 2nd.

It seems to me as I read the Civil  War histories, that an Artillery 
commander's worst nightmare, and a badge  of dishonor, is to lose any of 
his guns. Cushing's performance, his  courage, his steadfastness, all 
which cost him his life on July 3rd,  speaks to this persistence to his 
guns and the men of his battery. Cushing  stayed with his six three-inch 
rifles, giving his last full measure, as  did Rorty, Woodruff, Hazlett, 
and Wilkeson—all killed while defending  their Federal batteries.

It does not seem to me  reasonable that Cushing (and/or Arnold) would 
have their batteries overrun  without a major confrontation that would 
be noted in the histories.  Reference what was written when Avery and 
Hays stormed East Cemetery Hill  and approached Wiedrich, Ricketts, and 
Breck. The gunners of those  batteries fought hand-to-hand to keep their 
pieces with the same ferocity  that Cushing manifested on the third.

I admire the  chaplain's questioning curiosity, and applaud his 
investigation, but when  the smoke settles, I believe Wright did not get 
into Cushing's and/or  Arnold's batteries.

Regards,

Phil  Laino





It's been awhile since I read Kent Brown's bio. on Cushing, but I seem to  
recall during the chapter that describes just what Cushing did on Day 2 had  
nothing about retreating, but in fact they were sent forward and to the  left 
towards the Codori Farm to take part in stopping the attack.
 
Like I said, it has been a while since I read the book, and if wrong, my  
apologies.
 
Hope all are well.
 
Regards from the Garden State,
 
Steve Basic