Michigan Day at Gettysburg

MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG.

IMPORTANCE OF THE BATTLE - NATIONAL CEMETERY

GETTYSBURG was the greatest conflict of the Civil War. On no other of the many battlefields of that four years' struggle was there such equality of numbers, or greater strategic issues at stake; troops from more States, on either side, or greater valor displayed on both sides; more bloodshed or a greater number of casualties. Gettysburg not only marked the recession of the highest tide of the Rebellion, but it formed an epoch in the history of thc ages, and will ever be classed among the few decisive battles of the world, with Arbela, Cheronea, Pharsalia and Waterloo. It was the only battle fought on Northern soil, riot mentioning South Mountain and Antietam the year before, fought in the border slave State of Maryland. At the time of the battle a motion was pending in the British parliament for the recognition of the Southern Confederacy. Upon the first intelligence from America of the results of that battle, the above motion was indefinitely postponed, and thus all prospect of foreign intervention, the only hope of Confederate success, was forever lost.

More attention has been paid to the issues involved, the details, strategic movements, plans and results of this battle than many others. It was recognized at once by both sides in the struggle and by disinterested foreigners, as the most important battle that far, and in a few months was made conspicuous from other fields by a national dedication in which President Lincoln delivered the epic which will be as lasting as his fame. For three days the contending hosts fought and 40,000 men lay dead and wounded on the field. Of the 400 Union regiments, all of which distinguished themselves for valor there, Detroit sent forth the one which suffered the greatest number of casualties. According to "Fox's Book of Regimental Losses," this melancholy honor belongs to the Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry of the Iron Brigade.

The Union dead at Gettysburg were buried in trenches, and wherever convenient, after the battle. Later, a tract of seventeen acres on Cemetery Hill, south of the town and adjoining the village (Evergreen) burial ground, was purchased for a soldiers' national cemetery. The removal of the Federal dead thereto began October 17, I863, and consumed five months. This national cemetery was dedicated November 19, I863, when President Lincoln delivered his singularly impressive address which succinctly stated the whole issues of the war, and will ever be a most wonderful American classic.

In 1864, the Michigan Legislature, in unison with the action of other loyal States, appropriated $3,500 for the improvements of the cemetery and, in 1865, $2,500 for completing them and keeping it in repair. Union soldiers from eighteen States are there buried. A national monument sixty feet high occupies the crown of the hill, around which, in semi-circular slopes, are arranged the graves. Alleys and State dividing-walks separate the grounds into twenty-two sections; one for the regular army, one for each State, and three for the "unknown dead." The graves are uniformly graded, and the headstones of equal size, nine inches above ground and ten inches of upper surface for inscription of name, company and regiment. Just inside the cemetery entrance stands a colossal bronze statue of General Reynolds, on monument base, erected by the State of Pennsylvania.

The cemetery is a most beautiful place, the national monument and grounds costing $150,000. It contains 3,583 graves of soldiers, 979 of whom have only the word "unknown" for their epitaph. Michigan stands third in thc number slain and first in rank of population. The Michigan lot contains 172 known dead. The frequent names of the Twenty-fourth Michigan are seen among them. The rest lie in the "unknown" lot, except such as were removed by friends to burial grounds at home. Rev. Dr. Potts, in his memorial address there, truly said: "It is an honor to rest on such a spot as this. I could wish no higher honor for my mortal frame than to be laid by my comrades in this beautiful retreat."

THE MICHIGAN MONUMENTS.

A few years ago the Second Massachusetts Infantry erected on Culp's Hill, where it fought, a monument to its dead. The plan thus originated, of marking with monuments, the posit1ions of regiments on that battlefield, was first adopted by that State, and soon other States emulated the good example, until 300 monuments may be seen on the field, erected by the States under the auspices of the "Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association," who have purchased sites and avenues along the battle lines.

In 1887, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $20,000 for the erection of its monuments there. Colonel Geo. G. Briggs (Seventh Michigan Cavalry), Lieutenant George W. Crawford (Sixth Michigan Cavalry) and Lieutenant Peter Lennon (Fifth Michigan Infantry), were appointed a commission by the Governor to expend the appropriation. They paid $2,500 to the Battlefield Association for a conveyance of all privileges needed to protect Michigan's interests on the field. They served without compensation and were able to set apart $1,350 to each of the eleven regiments for its monument, $1,000 to the battery and $500 to the four sharpshooter companies.

In the spring of 1889 the monuments were completed and located as follows: First Infantry, between the Wheatfield and Emmetsburg Road; Third Infantry, in the Peach Orchard; Fourth Infantry, in the Wheatfield; Fifth Infantry, in the woods west of the Wheatfield; Seventh Infantry, near the Clump of Trees where Pickett charged; Sixteenth Infantry and Sharpshooters, on Little Round Top; Twenty-fourth Infantry, in McPherson's Woods (now called Reynolds' Grove); Battery I, on Cemetery Ridge; and the First, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Cavalry, east of the town where the cavalry fight occurred. The monument of the Twenty-fourth Michigan is situated in the western part of McPherson's Woods, where its first battle line was formed after driving the remnant of Archer's Brigade across Willoughby Run. It is quite elaborate and compares favorably with the other monuments. The following are its dimensions:

DEDICATION.

Upon the completion of the monuments, Governor Luce invited representatives of the Michigan organizations engaged in the battle, to meet at Lansing on March 27, 1889, to arrange for their dedication. Hon. Robert E. Bolger, O. B. Curtis, Chaplain Wm. C. Way and Gurdon L. Wight attended on behalf of the Twenty-fourth Michigan. Governor Luce presided. Wednesday, June 12th, 1889, was selected for "Michigan Day at Gettysburg." The Governor appointed the following committees:

Program --Generals L. S. Trowbridge, B. R. Pierce and S. S. Mathews. Flowers --O, B. Curtis, Wilbur Howard and Captain H. N. Moore. Transportation -- General S. B. Daboll, Colonels E. C. Fox and F. E. Farnsworth. Legislation -- General B. F. Partridge, O. B. Curtis and Robert E. Bolger.

The legislature appropriated $8,000 for the dedication, $5,000 of which was to be devoted to the transportation of the Michigan survivors of the battle. The share of the Twenty-fourth Michigan was inadequate, and as it was Detroit's regiment whose enlistment redeemed the good name of the city in its darkest hour, it was resolved to ask the citizens to aid its regiment to revisit the field on which they had won an honored name for themselves and their city. The responses were generous and, with the sum received from the appropriation, sufficient to furnish free transportation to all the survivors of the regiment who fought there. The following contributed the fund:

Hon. James McMillan, D. M. Ferry & Co., Hon. C. H. Buhl, Hon. James F. Joy, Captain W. G. Vinton. Lieutenant C. C. Yemans, M. S. Smith, F. Hecker, H. C. Parke, Wm. A. Butler, J. L. Hudson, Mabley & Co., Globe Tobacco Co., S. J. Murphy, Bagley & Co., Walter Buhl, S. D. Elwood, S. D. Miller, &. C. McGraw & Co., Allen Shelden, Hon. J. S. Farrand, Hon. Alanson Sheley, Hon. M. H. Chamberlain, Detroit Stove Co., Sidney B. Dixon, R. W. Gillett, Ralph Phelps, W. J. Chittenden, A. Pa. Lindsay, A. M. Steele, E. Chope, Phelps, Brace & Co., A. Chapaton, Boydell Bros., E. Ferguson, A. H. Dey, Vail & Crane, Emery Wendell, F. G. Smith & Sons, John R. Fiske, R. H. Fyfe, A. Ives, Jr., R. & Bro., Wright, Kay & Co., O. W. Shipman and T. E. McDonough.

The following appointments were made by the Twenty-fourth Michigan for the Gettysburg excursion:

Commander -- Captain William R. Dodsley. Assistants -- Lieutenants E. B. Welton and Chas. H. Chope. Quartermaster -- Thomas A. Wadsworth. To Carry Regimental Flag -- Charles D. Durfee. To Carry Iron Brigade Flag -- Alexander H. Morrison.

These flags had been carried, respectively, by these veterans, for a time during the war. The Iron Brigade Flag, the presentation of which to the Brigade is given in Chapter X, had been brought from Madison, Wis., and attracted much attention.

Hurrying along the streets of Detroit, on Monday, June 10, 1889, with G. A. R. badges and blue suits, were several hundred survivors of the different Michigan regiments that had taken part in the Gettysburg battle, who had gathered for their departure to the dedication ceremonies.

About six o'clock in the evening Arthur S. Congdon of Chelsea, the old bugler of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, blew a familiar call from his battered instrument, on the old Antisdel House steps on Michigan avenue, at which several score of veterans dressed on the flags in the street, under the command of Captain Wm. R. Dodsley. Detroit G. A. R. Post No. 384 was present, besides the six Detroit companies of State troops, headed by their regimental band, as escorting organizations to the cars. The column was joined by the cavalry contingent which sedately marched to the depot. It was the supper hour, and the tens of thousands were not present who lined the streets upon the departure of the Twenty-fourth for the war twenty-seven years before.

The train consisted of six day coaches, five sleepers, one private sleeper and a baggage car, in which were a number of large packing boxes filled with Michigan flowers. Slowly the train moved around the city, taking on a ton of flowers at West Detroit, brought by the trains from the interior towns of the State. The trip, occupying two nights and one day, via Toledo and Wheeling, over thc Baltimore and Ohio route, was of the usual interesting excursion kind. Badges were distributed--blue to the infantry, yellow to the cavalry and red to the artillery. The hills of West Virginia appeared like old acquaintances and reminded the men of many a hard march in, as well as on, the "sacred soil."

By daybreak of June 12, the Michigan veterans and people had all arrived, about 1,000. An old war time rain storm had centered over the town and continued until midday, which destroyed the procession feature of the dedication. -A- large rink was secured, in which gathered about 2,00o people to listen to the following program of exercises:

1. Music by the Band. 2. Prayer by Chaplain Wm. C. Way. 3. Loyal Song by Glee Club. 4. Address on "Michigan Troops in the Battle of Gettysburg;" by General L. S. Trowbridge. 5. Song, "Michigan, my Michigan," by Glee Club. 6. Address and Presentation of Monuments to the Governor of Michigan, by Colonel George G. Briggs. 7. Response and Presentation of Monuments to the Battlefield Association, by Governor Cyrus G. Luce. 8. Response by Hon. Edward McPherson of Gettysburg. 9. "The Soldier's Dream," by the Band. 10. Song, "Blest be the Ground," by Glee Club. 11. Memorial Address, by Michigan's War Governor, Hon, Austin Blair. 12. Hymn, America. 13. Benediction, by Rev. J. H. Potts.

The speeches were able and full of patriotic expressions. General Trowbridge had creditable words for each of the Michigan regiments there engaged, and referred to the Twenty-fourth Michigan in the following terms:

"When the First Corps came on the field on the morning of the 1st, among the first to be thrust into the baptism of fire was the Twenty-fourth Michigan. Comparisons upon such an occasion as this are out of place, and yet it will not be improper to say that on no battlefield of the war was there greater heroism shown than by that regiment on that day. Confronted by vastly superior numbers, with most stubborn courage it maintained its ground until more than half its numbers lay dead or wounded on the bloody field. The loss was very great, but the emergency was great. Hours were most precious, and the check thus given to the enemy permitted the concentration of the Army of the Potomac and rendered possible the great victory of the third day."

Announcements of reunions were made at the close, usually that the survivors would meet at their separate monuments in the afternoon, "rain or shine," where each was dedicated with appropriate exercises. For a full account of all the proceedings, general and regimental, on this day, we refer our readers to the book of the events compiled by General Trowbridge called "Michigan at Gettysburg."

The survivors of the Twenty-fourth Michigan assembled at four o'clock in front of the Eagle Hotel on the public square, about the same in number as rallied around their flag on Culp's Hill the night of the first day's fight. They were formed under the command of Captain Wm. R. Dodsley and marched through the mud and rain to the rink. Captain Warren G. Vinton presided and Lieutenant C. C. Yemans offered a brief prayer in the absence of the Chaplain. Major Edwin B. Wight of Cleveland, Ohio, then delivered the Address of Dedication, at the close of which all united in singing the "Sweet Bye-and-Bye," in memory of our fallen comrades. The occasion was one of sorrow and meditation. The men were carried back to a terrible day in July, twenty-six years before, when the very ground where they were shook from artillery firing in the greatest battle of the age.

The idea of decorating the graves with Michigan Flowers originated with the writer of these pages, whom Governor Luce appointed Chairman of the Floral Committee. An appeal was made to the Michigan schools and a responsive chord was touched which brought flowers from every county except the far north woods where vegetation was not yet sufficiently advanced in the growth of nature's jewels. The flowers were conveyed free to the battlefield, where they arrived in good condition. For five hours the committee worked in the rain, arranging the flowers on the 173 Michigan graves, each of which was marked with a Union flag. The rain brought out beautifully the national colors and nature's tints on the green sward above the heroic sleepers, which was carpeted with brilliant Michigan flowers.

The tender messages tied to the flowers proved that the bullet which destroyed a soldier's life sped on to some loving heart in the far away North. "Place this upon my grandpa's grave. I never saw him." "Put this upon my dear son's grave " -- and so read the requests which were all carried out amid the prevailing rain storm. except one whose grave could not be found. The tribute was tossed over upon thc "unknown" lot in hopes it might by chance fall upon the right grave. And so this sad duty was performed.

Citizens from the village desired to see the Michigan flowers. "There they are," said the keeper of the cemetery, "and they are the finest lot of flowers ever brought here."

The grave of old John Burns was also suitably decorated by comrades of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, as it was in the Iron Brigade that he did his fighting. At the evening camp fire at the rink, Rev. J. H. Potts delivered a most eloquent address in memory of the Gettysburg dead.

VISITING COMRADES.

The following survivors of the Twenty-fourth Michigan attended the Dedication of the Monuments at Gettysburg, June 12, 1889:

Morning brought fine weather, and the forenoon was happily spent in visiting points of interest on the battlefield. About 60 of the Twenty-fourth assembled at their monument, and were successfully photographed, in an 18 by 22 inch picture. The features of the comrades are plainly shown, as well as the monument, with the regimental and Iron Brigade flags; also, a few of the identical trees on the first line of battle. It is a beautiful memento, as it shows faces that were there 26 years before, in the whirlwind of death.

Many went to Culp's Hill and viewed the line of breastworks built by the small remnant with the flag, the first night of the battle. There was a melancholy sadness as the men pointed out the places where they or their comrades fell and many of the latter died. None but the veterans themselves could appreciate the interest taken by them in their re-visit to this field of sorrow, an occasion they had never expected, but one which will soften the evening of their days as they pass, one by one, to the final camp of eternal rest.

At 2:30 P. M., on June 13th, the veterans started on the homeward journey, though not in cattle cars as when they went to the front in war days. The return trip was by way of Harper's Ferry, where the train halted for two hours, affording a fine view of Maryland and Loudon Heights, and the scene of John Brown's raid 30 years before. The engine house in which he sought refuge and was captured by Robert E. Lee, has been mostly carried away by relic hunters. When night came the train was winding over the mountains, while incidents of the battlefield visit were topics for conversation among the veterans who arrived safely home at midnight of June 14th, each to carry through life a happy remembrance of his trip to Gettysburg.

You may order your own copy of the Michigan Day at Gettysburg photograph used above!

send $24 plus $3 postage to:

Roger L. Heiple P.O. Box 16 South Lyon, MI 48178

The print is 20"x16" and is shipped flat. The photgraphs are exceedingly good. You can put the original and the copy down and not tell the difference.

Michigan Day at Gettysburg Ribbon courtesy of Roger Heiple, Used with permission