The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-11-20
A SHaRPSHOOTER DISLODGED.
INCIDENT OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

The late Joshua R. Giddings, of blessed
memory, was a dead shot-not only ora.
toricaIIy considered, but with rifle. There
was not man or boy in AshtabuIa county,
land that county was celebrated for fine
marksmen,) that could excel him at
squirrel hunt or shooting at target. He
son George R., is a veritable chip of the
old block On these hui ting excursions
OF the elder Giddings he was invariably
accompanied by Grotius, and it was these
lessons in politics and wood craft which so
well fitted him for the career which the
shadowy future had in store for him. On
these occasions the elder would say to him:
"Grosh, my boy, never be guilty of an
act or word which will give aid, counsel, or
comfort to the institution of slavery and
its attendant iniquilies, or close your door
or heart against the hunted fugitives from
oppression, or bring home squirrel unless
Shot through the head"
As each of these maxims harmomted
completely with the natural bent Of the
youngsters mind, he treasured them ac-
cordingy. returning at the age of II,
from match squirrel hunt Of two days
duration, and bringing with him so of the
small deer" with their heads off, proved
that the wood craft was well learned; and
his subsequent career, both in the field and
in the office, showed that the political por-
tions of the fathers teaching were well
stored by the on.
But started to tell you an incident of
the battle of Gettysburg. Be patient;
am coming to that, | must reach the
point by regular approaches.
Al the breaking out of the war, "Old
Father Giddings' was Consul General to
Canada, stationed at Montreal Grotius
r. was in his Office as Vice Consul Gen
eral. When the first news Of the struggle
was received, young Giddings became rest
less. His father noticing the fact, remarked
to him one day, "Grosh, what is the mat
ter with you :"
"Father,' replied the Vice Consul, 81
think | want to 90 home
"WelI," said the elder, "rve been think
ing it was the best thing you could do;
and the sooner You 60 the better. When
can you get ready!"
''By the next train" answered the junior.
On the next train he started for the
Buckeye State.
Passing through Columbus, he called on
Gov. Dennison, who was then in the guber-
Material chair, obtained a commission, and
left for home in Ashtabula county. In
three and one-half days from the time he
left Montreal, he had bis company full and
sworn into the United States service. That
company he commanded in person until
the battle Of PhilIippi, when he was pro
NOTED to Majority in the l4th regulars,
which regiment he led at Gettysburg The
l4th was close to the front and lying un-
der the fire of the enemy. The Major was
standing behind his command. Behind
him was large rock and behind the rock
a sharpshooter, with his tele copic rifle
vainiv endeavoring to silence a sharpshooter
Of the rebel persuasion, whom the Confed-
crate Gen. Wilcox kept upon bis staff to
pick off our officers A large rock on the
rebel right of Round Top afforded safe
cover for the Alabamian-(who by the
way, was considered one of their crack
marksmen.) He would load his rife be-
hind the rock, then jump on the latter and
take deliberate aim at any officer he could
see on our line; the drop behind the rock,
and again reload. This he continued with
fearful rapidity and precision, Maj. Gid
dings being rather conspicuous, came in
for a share of the rebels attentions. AT
last, sick Of the annoyance, he turned to the
sharpshooter in the REAR
"Here, you man with the telescope
rifle, can't you oring down that rebel rifle
man."
"We!l, Major, l am trying to fetch him.
replied the man; "but it is a long range
1T is no longer for you than it is fol
him; and if you don't thoot him, he'll
shoot me" said the Major. "If its all the
same to you I'd rather you'd shoot him."
"But," answered the soldier, "the johnny
has one of those long range English Whit
worth rifles, and they beat ours in bearing
up at that distance"
SWELL" remarks the Major, if you cant
hit him, S op tying, for you only draw hi
attention this way, and if you don't stoI
I'll shoot him myself"
The soldiers and others in hearing
smiled at what they deemed the boasting
speech of the Myor. Just then, whiz
came a shot from the rebel sharpshooter
which completely shaved off one half of tn,
Majors monstache. Now this hirsute or
nament was particular pet of the Major
in fact, his monstache was his pride. Feel
ing something sting rather sharply, in clos
proximity to his nose, he quickly clappe,
his hand to the spot, and behold one-hal
of his upper lip was shorn of its glory. K
say tha; the Major was mad would be draw
ing ii rather mid.