Description:

THE 2ND MASS. AT GETTYSBURG - AN OFFICER'S REPORT
Superb content retained copy of a report prepared by Lt. Col. CHARLES F. MORSE (1839-1926), 5pp. legal folio, [n.p., n.d. but undoubtedly written shortly after the battle], sent to A.A.A.G. Lt. Robert P. Dechert in the 12th Corps. Some background: At the height of the fighting on Culp's Hill on July 3rd, the 2nd Mass. and 27th Indiana were ordered to send skirmishers toward the lines of Gen. 'Maryland' Steuart, whose men were well entrenched. Lt. Col. Charles Mudge, viewing the situation, exclaimed: "Boys, it is murder. But these are our orders!" and led the charge. He and 134 of his men were soon cut down, and Morse took command of the regiment. The report reads, in part: "...July 1st the regiment marched about four miles on the Gettysburg turnpike to "Two Taverns'...moved forward two or three miles and to the right of Gettysburg...took up position in a wood...and deployed the skirmishers...moved to a new position some distance to the rear...in reserve of the first line...men laid on their arms...July 2nd...skirmished for about half an hour...moved forward on the Gettysburg turnpike...placed in reserve...ordered to occupy the breastworks on the left of the 3d Wisconsin...a few skirmishers were thrown out. A prisoner was captured almost at once...they took twenty three prisoners, one of them a Captain...I was in command of the skirmishers...near a force of enemy, as talking could be heard...Two men were sent to enquire who they were; They answered 23d Virginia...took three men prisoners...At daylight July 3d our skirmishers...became engaged...regiment was ordered to charge the woods...Col. Mudge gave the order...the men jumped over the breastworks with a cheer and went forward on the double quick. The fire while crossing the open ground was terrible...steadily advancing and driving the enemy before it. I now took command...Col. Mudge having been killed...we had nothing on our right flank and that the enemy were throwing a force in our rear. I ordered the regiment at once back far enough to uncover the right flank which left the enemy in a very exposed position. They fell back rapidly but lost heavily...my ammunition was nearly exhausted...ordered me to bring the regiment back...officer and men...did their duty bravely and faithfully...The Color Sergt and two other color bearers were killed while carrying the regimental flag...". Very good. This document was recovered from the field desk of John A. Fox, Adjutant of the 2nd Mass. PP

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September 11, 2013 11:00 AM EDT
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