GDG- Re: Col. Clinton D. MacDougall's (111th NY) note to Hancock ... closure?

[DShultz180 at aol.com]

David Wieck and I meant to share this last Sunday but simply forgot. Easy to 
do when one is having so much fun. The note below precedes MacDougall's 
Official Report (see p 474) and was addressed to Col. W. G. Mitchell, Aide-de-camp, 
and Assistant Adjutant - General, 2nd Corps.

"Camp Near Elk Run, VA. August 26, 1863.

Colonel; After recovering from wounds received at Gettysburg, July 3, and my 
return to my regiment, upon assuming command of this brigade I found, upon 
looking over the official report and other papers pertaining to the battle, a 
circular from Major - General Hancock, of which I insert a copy. I have every 
reason to suppose the general referred to my regimen, as will appear from my 
statement following the circular."

Said circular was issued by Hancock's office on July 7 asking which regiment 
it was he sent in on July 2nd being it was unidentifiable (1st Minnesota was 
NOT unidentifiable). 111th NY had no colors other then the American Flag.   

Was asked about casualties .... KIA: 111th NY 58 (3rd overall in AOP), 1st 
Min 50 (7th overall in AOP). WOUNDED: 111th NY 177 (3rd overall in AOP, 1st Min 
173 [5th overall]. GREATEST TOTAL LOSS: 111th NY 249 (9th overall in AOP), 1st 
Min 224 (15th overall in AOP). PERCENTAGES: 1st Min 67.9% (15th overall in 
AOP) vs 111th NY 63.8% (20th overall in AOP). Accordingly "THESE HONORED DEAD" 
suggest each of the regiments sustained 98% of said casualties July 2nd.   We 
are speaking of approximately fifteen to twenty minutes worth of actual of work 
within an acre or so of ground (Wilcox bloodied them pretty good). 

No one can deny the valor of either the 1st Minnesota or 111th NY in Plum Run 
Ravine July 2nd. 

Thank you one and all ... we had a blast!

Sincerely,

Dave S.

P.S. Had a wild thought ... Is not the name Devereux French? Perhaps Col. A. 
F. Devereux, of the 19th Mass, was simply following ancestral tradition when 
he collaborated (actually suggested to Col. J.E, Mallon, 42nd NY) that they 
fire a single volley and make good their retreat. What a way to fight (just 
joking). 






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