The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-07-09
GETTYSBURG.
The I4lst Pa at the BattieLA Graphic Narrative
by High Private.

by High Private.
To THE EDITOR: Tbs 141st Pa, after having
lost 234 out of 419 at Charlottesville, went
into action at Gettysburg with 1913. and lost in
the second and third days fight 136 killed and
wounded, most of whom fell at or near the
Peach Orchard. Only 62 out Of what but a
short year previous was full regiment re-
manned to engage in further deeds of valor |;
only 81 out of about 900 to enjoy the victory
ments fought equally well, and few lost as
heavily; yet the 141st deserves its share of
praise, and wish to speak Of the part it took
in the second days fight.
The night of the 3Oth of June we camped
about midway between Taneytown and En-
mittsburg During the forenoon of July there
was heavy thunder shower, after which the
air was clear and the suns rays beat down with
sweltering heat. In the afternoon our march
led us through Emmittsburg. Part of our way
was through dense nd-grOwth timbe.
that SO excluded the cir and concentrated the
suns rays that not few were compelled to
rest by the wayside. One loyal woman, at her
home, did good service by filling the passing
soldiers cups with hot coffee. A cup of her
coffee probably saved me from sunstroke, and
many others will remember that woman with
gratitude.
Passing Emmittsburg at 6 p: m, we halted,
but soon pressed forward. At late dusk the
141st Pa, of Graham's Brigade, took position
among the rocks and brush near the base of
Round Top. Many of tho boys will remember
incidents of that days march. The road was
lined with fleeing citizens Every conceivable
vehicle had been pressed into service and filled
with women, children and baggage, and was
jolting along by the side of the r0ad-the troops
taking the center,-hastening from the scene
of the first days fight. The women, some in
tears, wringing their hands, lamented that we
were too late, telling us the Union army was
already whipped; while others, waving their
handkerchiefS, cheered us on with God bless
you all"
The night of the 1st was passed without in
cident, save expectation of the morrow. AT
early dawn we drank our coffee in F., C. and l..
1t was noticeable to me that just preceding q
battle old feuds and strfes were dropped and a
feeling of fraternity pervaded every breast. All
were conscious of the magnitude of the strug-
gle before u.s. The last lines had been written
and mailed, and we waited, m0mentarily ex-
pecting the ominous silence to be broken by
the boom of cannon. The day advanced, and
SO did our line. The Third Corps advanced
and took position. The first position of the
14lst was in depression in the open field in
the rear of the Peach Orchard. Here, with
cannon in front, right and rear of US, we
Rugged mother earth asshot and shell screamed
over us, and the missiles from 100 Confederate
cannon, whose fire was concentrated on the
Peach Orchard, hurled their angry fragments
at and over US.
We were in comparative safety, though this
was not long to be. The line was in commotion.
More Union batteries to the front! One came
from somewhere, with horses dashed to a run.
and wheeled into position in the eastern part
of the Orchard " Attention! forward" was
the command, and with alncrity the 141st ad-
vanced to the support of the battery, with its
right resting in the Peach Orchard. The
enemy were playing havooowith our batteries
men were falling. Volunteers were called for,
and members of the -l4lst helped to man the
guns in the Orchard and also a battery on the
Emmittsburg road. N
At this time we had fine view of the left of
our line aud watched the advancing and re-
ceding lines of the, blue and gray as they
struggled for the mastery at our left. Over
that rugged ground we wfttched the surging
lines, and could see the telling effect of vOlley
after vOlley. 1t was picture mover to be eff
faced from memory.
Thus far the struggle of the day had not told
much on our ranks, but the advantage seemed
back and take new position. Attention |!
forward! charged" was the word of COM
manA, and we sprang forward into and through
the Orchard and poured our first volley into the
enemy. From this on we met the enemy at
close quarters. A battery is just at the head Of
the Orchard. The enemy is pressing it closely.
They have taken the guns, and again it is our
lot to charge. We retake the battery, aud the
guns are brought off by hand. 1t was here that
Gen. Graham--whO was with the left of his
brigade, that was at this time the most active
was taken prisoner. The General, in his i'm
pstuous bravery, rode through and 90 far in