Starr, George H. (ca. 1839-1916) to his father [incomplete]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02748.02 Author/Creator: Starr, George H. (ca. 1839-1916) Place Written: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter Date: 2 July 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 19.9 x 12.1 cm. Order a Copy
Describes, in detail, his capture at Gettysburg and the terrible losses suffered by his corps at the battle. Cites by name fellow officers and soldiers killed and wounded (Lt. Johnson, mortally wounded despite his steel vest, Lt. Col. Tuthill shot through the chest, Maj. Genl. Reynolds killed at the beginning; Brig. Genl. Paul seen falling from his horse, etc.). States that they "foolishly attacked them [the Confederates] (the 1st Corps alone), only about 1200 men, while the Enemy had 30,000 & as the natural result we were defeated with terrible loss, & fully 1/3 of the 1st Corps taken prisoners." Writes that ultimately, "[t]hey [the Confederates] surrounded Gettysburg on 3 Sides & we were all taken prisoners in spite of ourselves The loss of our regiment was very great."
Excerpt:
Bivouac near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. "... With 3 or 4000 thousand others, officer & men I am here a prisoner to the Confederates States... We came into the hills which overlook the town about noon; & found that Ewells Corps of the Enemy had taken position at the base of the range of mountains west of the town - We foolishly attacked them (the 1st Corps alone), only about 12000 men, while the Enemy had 30,000 & as the natural result were defeated with terrible loss, & fully 1/3 of the 1st Corps taken prisoners ..."
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