Episode 27: 3LT Rogers and the 47th North Carolina face CPL Strong and the 121st Pennsylvania on 1 July and 1LT Seville and the 1st Delaware on 3 July at the Battle of Gettysburg

At the Battle of Gettysburg, 3LT Rogers and the 47th North Carolina on 1 July advance through a wood line into an open field. As they march toward McPherson’s Ridge, a line of infantry appears on its crest, CPL Strong and the 121st Pennsylvania, and unleash a withering fire upon the North Carolinians. On 3 July, following the largest artillery barrage of the war, 3LT Rogers and the 47th North Carolina march in the front rank of a three-division assault known as Pickett’s Charge. After enduring Union Artillery, they approach the stone wall on cemetery ridge and in front of them is 1LT Seville and the 1st Delaware.

 Sources used for this episode.

Rogers, J. Rowan. “Additional Sketch Forty-Seventh Regiment.” Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War 1861-'65. Written by members of the respective commands, vol. 3, edited by Walter Clark, 103-09. Goldsboro: Nash Brothers Book and Job Printers, 1901. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081797668&seq=11&q1=%22forty-seventh%22&view=1up.

Strong, William W. History of the 121st Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, By the Survivors Association. An Account from the Ranks. Philadelphia: Burk & McFetridge Co., 1893. https://www.loc.gov/item/02016606/.

Seville, William P. History of the First Regiment, Delaware Volunteers, From the Commencement of the "Three Months' Service" to the Final Muster-Out at the Close of the Rebellion. Wilmington: The Historical Society of Delaware, 1884. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=yale.39002040669989&seq=7&view=1up.

Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. ser. 1, vol. 27, pt. 1: Reports. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1889. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077699761&view=1up&seq=3.

Scott, OR. Ser. 1, vol. 27, pt. 2: Reports. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077728255&view=1up&seq=3.

Transcript

0:22

hello. My name is bill Coughlin. And welcome to first person civil war podcast, which retells the stories of the soldiers and officers on the ground, in the battles of the civil war. As this episode coincides with a 161st anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg. I've decided to make it a special episode. Which incorporates three points of view. Episode 27 is entitled. Third Lieutenant Rogers. And the 47th North Carolina. Face. Corporal strong and the 121st Pennsylvania. On one July. And first Lieutenant Seville and the first Delaware on three July. At the battle. Of Gettysburg. for reference. I recommend American battlefield trusts maps for the one July fighting on McPherson's Ridge. And the three maps of pickets charge. The first source for this special episode is third Lieutenant J Rowan Rogers with his account of the battle of Gettysburg. Entitled. Additional sketch 47th regiment. Featured in histories of the several regiments and battalions from North Carolina in the great war, 1861 to 1865. Written by members of the respective commands. Volume three. William w Strong's history of the 121st regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers by the survivors association and accounts from the ranks. Provides the union source for one July as they faced the 47th North Carolina on McPherson's Ridge. For the fighting of the Stonewall on cemetery Ridge on three July William piece Seville's book. History of the first regiment, Delaware volunteers from the commencement of the three months service. To the final muster out at the close of the rebellion. Provides the union perspective as the 47th North Carolina advanced upon their position. During Pickett's charge. Jay Rowan Rogers lived in wake county, North Carolina, before the war began. And enlisted and company. I have the 47th North Carolina. On eight May, 1862. The regiment from January to March. Recruited from wake and the surrounding counties. And after filling its ranks was assigned to the department of North Carolina. Jay Rowan Rogers joined the regiment as a third Lieutenant. Traditionally the lowest ranking officer in a company. And they stayed in the state without seeing any action. Until May, 1863. When they were sent to Virginia after the battle of Chancellorsville. Third Lieutenant Rogers and the 47th North Carolina. We're assigned to Brigadier general James J pedigrees brigade. In major general Henry heats division. Of Lieutenant general, AP Hills core. In the army of Northern Virginia commanded by general Robert E. Lee. William W. Strong lived in Philadelphia. Went on 19 August, 1862. He enlisted as a corporal in company E of the 121st Pennsylvania. The men mostly came from Philadelphia. As all, but two companies raised men from that city. The 121st Pennsylvania. Saw service at Fredericksburg. And Chancellorsville, and as they marched north into their home state, They were assigned to Colonel Chapman Bedell's first brigade. Of major general Abner, double days, third division. Of major general, John F. Reynolds is first Corps. In the army of the Potomac. Commanded by major general, George G made. William P Seville lived in Wilmington, Delaware at the beginning of the war, and initially served in the 90 day. First Delaware infantry. As the regimental adjutant with the rank of first Lieutenant. And held the same rank and position in the three-year regiment of the same name. The first Delaware fought at Antietam Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and by the Gettysburg campaign. They were assigned to Colonel Thomas a Smith's second brigade. In Brigadier general Alexander Hayes's third division. Of major general, Winfield as Scott's second core. In major general Meads army of the Potomac. The army of Northern Virginia began the March north in early June. And had by late that month, occupied areas, north and west of a town called Gettysburg. Which was a junction of several roads in the region. On 30 June major general Heath ordered pedigrees brigade to March into the town of Gettysburg to. Search the town for army supplies. Shoes, especially and return the same day. As pedigree began his March toward the town. Brigadier general Buford and his cavalry division. Entered Gettysburg at about 11:00 AM from the south. Alerted by the townspeople. He moved his force to the Western side. And halted pedigrees advance about one half mile outside of the town. After a brief exchange of gunfire. Third Lieutenant Rogers started his narrative after the brigade marched back from Gettysburg on the night of 30 June. They were assigned to pick a duty for their brigade. Uh, along the Chambersburg pike. While third Lieutenant Rogers stood pick it. Lieutenant general AP hill having only partial knowledge of what force hockey pied the town. Ordered major general Heath to advance again. Uh, toward Gettysburg the next morning to. Discover what was in my front. For the rest of the day, Brigadier. Brigadier general Buford central cognizance parties and gathered that major general heats division faced him along the Chambersburg pike. He arrayed cavalry along the pike and sent a letter, which described the situation at Gettysburg. At. 10:40 PM to major general Reynolds and his first Corps who were the closest infantry force to him. Corporal. Well strong and the 121st Pennsylvania had just crossed into their home state on the 30th. And by that night, we're six miles south of Gettysburg with the regiment placed on picket duty for the night. The next day. Corporal strong notice that the movement of the first core had now taken on a new sense of urgency. The column. Column was set in motion while the regiment was yet on picket. But orders were hurriedly given to withdrawal and fall in. And with two companies deployed as flankers. They marched along the Emmetsburg road and he continues. And passing the brow of a hill on a pretty broad road leading into Gettysburg. When it became evident that a conflict was near at hand. On the morning of Wednesday, one, July, 1863. Major general Heath sent two of his brigades down the Chambersburg turnpike. Right into Brigadier general. Buford's to cavalry brigades. The battle of Gettysburg had begun. Pedigrees brigade remained in their position until about 2:00 PM. By this time, elements of the first core had replaced Brigadier general Buford in line. And he in turn sent a brigade south. As third Lieutenant Rogers and the 47th North Carolina marched into their first battle, they were eager for a fight. The 47th regiment was fired into from both sides of the road. And the halt was immediately called. When the enemy was discovered to be advancing from both our right and left flank. This was dismounted cavalry from woods along will be run and he continues. Not withstanding. This was a great surprise to all of our regiment. For, we were all anxious for the fray. After engaging the Confederates for an undisclosed amount of time. The union cavalry departed. But they had served their purpose on the field, delaying the Confederate advance. Third Lieutenant Rogers and the 47th North Carolina crossed Willoughby's run. And continued advancing toward a Ridge line. Corporal strong in the 121st Pennsylvania had marched through the town of Gettysburg and established a line of battle on McPherson's Ridge by 11:00 AM. As his regiment now form the extreme left of the army on one July, corporal strong, also noted the strength of the enemy as they laid down in their position. This position was subjected to a concentrated fire from a line of rebel infantry that far overlapped the union line. No infantry support, whatever was on the left of the regiment. And no obstacle in the way of the passage of any portion of the enemy to its left and rear. The forest that March toward corporal strong was the 47th North Carolina. Directly in front of them. And the 52nd North Carolina, which overlapped their flank. The Pennsylvania waited patiently for what was to come. As soon as the Confederates had reached within a few yards of the top of the Ridge. The men arose and delivered their fire directly into their faces, staggering them and bringing them to a stand. And from that moment, the musketry rattle and artillery, fire kept up such a constant roar as would be willed or men under any other circumstances. The first volley from corporal strong and the entire first brigade. Was devastating to pedicures men. But third Lieutenant Rogers and the 47th North Carolina continued advancing toward the 121st Pennsylvania. We cross the stream, meaning Willoughby's run. And then up a hill through a wheat field. And then in our front, not over 75 yards off, we see the heavy lines of Yankees with their guns, shining and flags waving. the struggle grows hotter and hotter. Men are falling in every direction, but the 47th and 52nd are pushing the enemy steadily back. And our going forward. At some point Confederate artillery began targeting the first brigade on McPherson's Ridge and Colonel Chapman Bedell commander of the first brigade and the 121st Pennsylvania. I had to use the Ridge to his advantage. The position of the brigade was varied two or three times in order to shelter the men from heavy artillery, fire that enfiladed them from the north. This meant shooting down the line. Lengthwise. Third Lieutenant Rogers after witnessing one such retreat down the Ridge line by the 121st Pennsylvania. Was surprised to see them return. Men had fallen, wounded and killed, like hail from a heavy hail storm. The attention of the 47th was diverted from the enemy on our immediate front. And almost before we knew it, the enemy had rallied. It was attempting to charge our lines. Besides, they had a number of pieces of artillery helping them. Wherever the opposing lines were far enough apart for them to use artillery without striking their own men. Though it may have looked like the 121st Pennsylvania was preparing for a charge. They had no capacity to do this. As the 52nd North Carolina outflank them. A possible explanation was the shifting of troops to better engage the flanking north Carolinians. Despite fighting on front and flank. Corporal strong stayed in line with the 121st Pennsylvania until 4:00 PM. The ground was Deus held against vastly superior numbers for considerable time during which the loss is inflicted on the enemy were greater in actual numbers than our own. As the contest continued. However, the enemy could be plainly seen, developing their lines further to the south. And as there was no troops to receive them. It became painfully evident that the line would be forced to fall back. By the late afternoon, the entire union line north and west of Gettysburg became untenable as the army of Northern Virginia outnumbered the first and 11th core on the field. Both core retreated through the town and reformed on the Hills and ridges south of Gettysburg. Alongside other union Corps that had arrived during the fighting. Not only did these commands suffer heavy casualties and killed and wounded, but also in captured. The 121st Pennsylvania, for example, lost 12 killed 107 wounded and 61 captured. The regiment was held in reserve on two July and moved to the humble ball farm in the late morning of three July. There they witnessed Pickett's charge over again, held in reserve. The fighting on one July. Uh, prove the only combat of corporal strong and the 121st Pennsylvania at the battle of Gettysburg. Pedigree is brigade suffered severely on one July. Major Jane Jones commanding the brigade by the end of the battle. Estimated the 26th North Carolina of regiments in the brigade. Had lost half of their fighting strength meeting the iron brigade in the Woodline. And then fighting on McPherson's Ridge. The 47 North Carolina sent a few companies to assist the brigades left flank. But most of their casualties came from the fighting on the Ridge. The 47th North Carolina did not participate in the fighting on two July. Instead third Lieutenant Rogers and his brigade spent the day resting and redrawing ammunition. First Lieutenant Seville and the first Delaware. We're in Campton, Uniontown, Maryland on the morning of one July. Approximately 20 miles south of Gettysburg. And began the March north early. News had already reached the men by noon, that major general Reynolds, the first Corps commander. Was killed on the west side of town. And that the union line was being hard. Pressed. By that night, the regiment was about two miles south of the town. Within the army of the Potomac lines. The second core arrayed along cemetery Ridge, which was now the center of the army of the Potomac. First Lieutenant Seville and the first Delaware. Served on the skirmish line throughout to July. And participated in the back and forth struggle for the bliss farm beyond the Emmetsburg road. But we're unable to gain control of the farm on two July. As the fight for the farm raged, captain James P postals of company, a volunteered to deliver orders back to cemetery, Ridge and returned on harmed. Late in the morning of three, July the 14th, Connecticut, a regiment from their brigade. Occupied and burned it. Though the fighting in the center on two July was significant. The main Confederate efforts were on the flanks of the army of the Potomac. Generally sent Lieutenant general, Richard S y'all's. second core to assault the union. Right. While Lieutenant general long street and his first Corps assaulted the left. In places such as Culp's hill and cemetery hill. Devil's den the peach orchard. The wheat field. And a little round top, the fighting was intense. So long streets, men were able to route the union third Corps at the peach orchard. The fifth core elements of the second core and several other formations managed to hold the line at great cost. On the morning of three July fighting a Culp's hill continued. But the deciding point of the engagement came with the Confederate assault upon cemetery Ridge. Generally gave Lieutenant general long street. Major general pickets division from his own core. Hates division now commanded by a Brigadier general pedigree. And Pender's division commanded by major general Isaac, our tremble. Both from AP Hills core. To make the assault that targeted cemetery Ridge held by the second core. Keep in mind that in both sources. The estimations of time and distance. Very. Third Lieutenant Rogers and the 47th North Carolina. Ready to reenter the fight March to seminary Ridge, where the Confederate assault formed. Early on three July. The 47th with the balance of pedigrees brigade. Was ordered considerably to the right of where it had fought on one July. It reached his position about nine o'clock and remained quietly in line, just rear of a Confederate battery. In the early afternoon on three July, the largest artillery, barrage of the war commenced focused on cemetery Ridge. First Lieutenant Seville and the first Delaware, we're now behind the stone wall and along an apple orchard. On the morning of three July. Uh, dropping fire of skirmishers began at daylight and continued with an occasional shot from a battery. Until 10 o'clock. When all firing ceased and an ominous quiet fell upon both armies. This silence was suddenly broken at half past one. O'clock. By the report of a gun from the neighborhood of the seminary building. Followed immediately by a simultaneous discharge from many batteries planted north, east and west of our position. The enemy kept up an incessant fire of shot and shell on the center. Held by the second core. Though the Confederate intent was to destroy artillery on the Ridge there. Fire was not effective in that regard. the second core did suffer casualties during the bombardment. such as Colonel Thomas, a Smith commander of the first Delaware and that brigade. But union artillery eventually began counter battery fire. When the bombardment lifted approximately 12,500 men. Including third Lieutenant Rogers and the 47th North Carolina. Began their advance towards cemetery Ridge. About three o'clock a slight cessation in the firing of artillery occurred. And then the voice of our Colonel. George H Faribault. Was heard loud and clear. Attention battalion. And this was repeated by the brave and beloved Lieutenant Colonel John A. Graves. Every man sprang into line. It was ready to go forward. The men knew, not where for the Ridge, just in front of the 47th regiment obstructed the view of the regiments beyond 25 yards. The order was soon given to move forward. Which was done in good order and without any confusion. Brigadier general pedigrees division was the front rank of the Confederate left. With major general Trimble's division in the second supporting line. Major general picket and his division dressed on their right. And all three divisions continued their advance. Third Lieutenant Rogers and the 47th North Carolina marched into the field in full view of the union army. No one has citated no one faltered, but a good steady, quick step was kept up. After leaving our batteries about 50 or 100 yards. The enemy commenced, a terrific cannonade and kept it up until we were so close that they could not use the cannon. As our regimen advanced great gaps would be knocked into our lines by the Yankee artillery men at almost every five or 10 steps, but they were immediately filled in by our brave boys closing in and filling up the gaps. First Lieutenant Seville and the first Delaware having survived the artillery bombardment. Uh, weighted the Confederate advance. The firing of the batteries ceased at the enemy's infantry marched across the plane in charge star line. We were cautioned to hold our fire until the rebels began to climb the fence along the Emmetsburg road. When this obstacle was reached, the ranks were thrown into some confusion. When at the word. Fire. Such an appalling sheet of flame burst from our line that the rebel ranks melted away like wax. And none of them reached a point to NAR front nearer than 50 yards. The dreadful execution in our front was owing to the fact that the men of the first Delaware, 14th, Connecticut, and 12th, New Jersey. Had collected all spare guns had prepared a large supply of cartridges and laid them in rows beside them. And the men in the rear rank loaded the muskets as fast as those in the front could fire them. All along the Confederate line, they suffered heavy casualties. But still the regiments moved forward. Third Lieutenant Rogers and the 47th North Carolina included. About 150 yards from the rock wall while crossing one of the many fences, which ran across the ground, we were charging over. I was shot in my left leg and thrown from the fence. When I arose the remanent of our fine regiment was reduced to a mere handful of brave men still going forward from 30 to as close as 10 steps to the rock wall. Seeing this and having recovered from my fall and my leg, not seeming to be badly hurt. I made a rush to join the set of brave men, nearest the enemy. When I was startled to hear the command, given the Yankee skirmishers. To the front. Lieutenant Colonel graves gave the order for the handful of brave men to lie down. Hoping to us to hold this position until reinforcements should come up. But none came. The third Lieutenant Rogers described them as skirmishers what advanced upon the 47th North Carolina was first Lieutenant Seville and the first Delaware. Which included private Bernard McCaren and private John B Marbury. When the rebel charge was broken and their ranks fell into disorder. The first Delaware spring over the Stonewall on mass and charged with the bayonets upon the rebel fugitives. Uh, hand-to-hand conflict and sued. In which numberless instances of gallantry occurred and hundreds of prisoners were sent to the rear. As the men of the first Delaware leaped from their position, they captured the remanence of the 47th North Carolina in front of the wall, as well as five battle flags. Private McCaren rested the 13th Alabama's flag from its color bearer. While private Mulberry did the same with the seventh north Carolina's battle flag. Which was the regiment directly behind the 47th North Carolina in line. Third Lieutenant Rogers managed to evade capture. Given the length of separation between him and the regiment after he was shot in the leg. The largest number of those who got out of that charge were those who had been slightly wounded before they got too close to the breast, works to fall back. And those who were wounded early enough in the charge to be carried back by our own men. He notes that Lieutenant Colonel graves and a few more officers were also captured and then finishes his report. As I've stated above, there was no faltering on the part of the 47th on three July, 1863. All did their duty. And acted the part of brave soldiers. With the failure of Pickett's charge, the battle of Gettysburg was over. Both armies remained in position the next day for July. But generally began his retreat back to Virginia by that evening. The battle of Gettysburg from one to three July. Was a union victory. But it was also the bloodiest engagement of the civil war. With combined casualties at approximately 50,000 men. Three soldiers from the first Delaware received the medal of honor for their actions at the battle of Gettysburg. For his actions on two July captain postal citation reads. Voluntarily delivered an order in the face of heavy fire from the enemy. Two of the five flags that the first Delaware captured were taken from Confederate color bearers. The seventh North Carolina by private Mulberry. And the 13th, Alabama by private McCaren, rather than picking them up from the ground. They received metals of honor for this action. Both of their citations read. Capture of flag. Following the war. Some states had programs to record regimental histories. Jay Rowan Rogers provided. Additional sketch 47th regiment. As part of the multi-volume histories of the several regiments and battalions from North Carolina in the great war, 1861 to 1865. Written by members of the respective commands. Which was funded by the state of North Carolina, around the turn of the century. The historical society of Delaware approached the first Delaware regiment association. With the requests to write a history of the regiment. And William piece of ill obliged with his 1884 book. History of the first regiment, Delaware, volunteers from the commencement of the three months service to the final muster out. At the close of the rebellion. Though the state of Pennsylvania did not provide funds for William w Strong's book history of the 121st regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers by the survivors association. An account from the ranks. There was a program within the state to furnish regimental monuments on battlefields across the country. Thank you for listening to the 27th episode. Links to the books by corporal strong. First Lieutenant Seville. And third Lieutenant Rogers are now available on the podcast website. First person, civil more podcast.com. On Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn this week. You will find pictures of third Lieutenant Rogers and corporal strong during the war. And first Lieutenant Seville around 1903. Links to all social media accounts are available on the website. And if you do not have any of these accounts, you can find the pictures of these men on the home page. If you've enjoyed listening to first person civil war podcast, please consider supporting it. At the top of each webpage is a link and titled support podcast. Payments are sent safe and secure by the Clover network. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. First Lieutenant James Dinkens of company C 18th, Mississippi cavalry battalion. Provides next week's first person accounts. At the first battle of Collierville. My name is bill Coughlin. And thank you for listening. to first person civil war podcast.