"Known Only To God" - Part 1

 The Bloody Railroad Cut - July 1, 1863

"Fight For the Colors", Don Troiani. 
Corporal Waller of the Iron Brigade's 6th Wisconsin grapples for the colors of the
2nd Mississippi Regiment at the railroad cut , July 1, 1863 Gettysburg.

🙡 The Unfinished Railroad Cut: Then and Now 🙣

The cut was a deep excavation near the Edward McPherson farmhouse where railroad tracks had not yet been laid. Both the Union Army of the Potomac and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia used the cut as a defensive position, but it turned out to be a deadly trap for some. Unfortunately, there are no photos of the cut at the time of the battle, when the track had not yet been laid.

🙡 The Story 🙣



Lt. Col. Rufus Dawes, 6th Wisconsin Infantry writes:

“I gave the order to fire. In the field, beyond the turnpike, a long irregular line of yelling Confederates could be seen running forward and firing…The fire of our carefully aimed muskets resting on the fence rails, striking their flank, checked the rebels in their headlong advance.

I now ordered the men to climb over the turnpike fences and advance upon them…I saw the Ninety-fifth New York regiment coming gallantly into line upon our left. Major Edward Pye appeared to be in command. Running hastily to the major, I said, “We must charge,” and asked him if they were with us. The gallant major replied, “Charge it is,” and they were with us to the end. “Forward, charge!” was the order given by both the major and myself. 

We were now receiving a fearfully destructive fire from the hidden enemy. Men who had been shot were leaving the ranks in crowds. Meanwhile the colors were down upon the ground several times, but were raised at once by the heroes of the color guard. Not one of the guard escaped, every man being killed or wounded. 

Suddenly my horse reared and plunged. It did not occur to me she had been shot. I drew a tight rein and spurred her when she fell heavily on her haunches. I scrambled from the ground, where I had been thrown sprawling in front of the regiment, and the men gave a hearty cheer.

We were immediately upon the enemy, I found myself face to face with at least a thousand rebels…I shouted: “where is the colonel of the regiment?’ An officer in gray, with stars on his collar, who stood among the men in the line, said: ‘Who are you?’ I said: ‘I am commander of this regiment. Surrender, or I will fire on you.’ The officer replied not a word, but promptly handed me his sword, and all his men, who still held them, threw down their muskets…”

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