A Regiment is Sacrificed at Gettysburg

Life on the Civil War Research Trail
Life on the Civil War Research Trail
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Published 2024-07-01
During the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Confederate forces hit the U.S. Army hard. The blue regiments fell back through town and formed a defensive line along the heights of Cemetery Hill. To buy time for the move, a Union brigade was ordered forward to delay the enemy advance. One of the men involved was James Brownlee of the 134th New York Infantry. Here's the story.

"Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Learn more about our mission to showcase, interpret and preserve Civil War portrait photography at militaryimagesmagazine.com and shopmilitaryimages.com.

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Image: Ronald S. Coddington Collection

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All Comments (18)
  • @jeffdege4786
    When I read the title, I assumed the 1st Minnesota. "I need five minutes."
  • @earlyriser8998
    What a great story. I just re-read a book about Gettysburg and 'oh my' the sacrifice on both sides was terrible. I am glad he lived and you told us about him and his life after the war.
  • @conradnelson5283
    Love these stories of combat and survival. They’re all interesting and very very human. Thank you
  • @yisroelkatz-xj6pq
    Ron I listen to you almost everyday! This was a very good story, I really enjoyed it!
  • @dadsongs
    The brickyard fight. What a nightmare. Thank you.
  • @cht2162
    The will to live is strong!
  • @tttyuhbbb9823
    Thank you, Ron; but, please, this episode was extremely in need of maps!
  • @copenhagen1968
    I am happy to say that I purchased Corporal Brownlee's cdv many years ago. Further research showed his recovery was arduous and his later life quite difficult. Thanks to Ron for using Brownlee's service at Gettysburg to demonstrate the sacrifice thousands of soldiers made there.
  • @amadeusamwater
    Schurz's Division was actually in Howard's 11th Corps, so helping him was Howard's job anyway. Listed losses for Coster's brigade were about 400 men, so there must have been quite a few who found their way back. Schurz's Division lost around 1500 men in 2 brigades.
  • @KevinCave-rj8eq
    Ron thank s for another amazing story 👍Ya know what most folks don't remember is the caliber of those rifles were huge u survive the hit u was lucky he was worse off if it stayed in you because you're dirty uniform and all the mud and infection keep up the good work love your channel 🍀🍀🍀
  • @Rob-gy1dd
    Hey Ron. Another highly appreciated story. However, being from near Albany, I must correct your pronunciation of Cobleskill. The “co” is pronounced like co-worker.