Did a Confederate Sharpshooter Kill General John F. Reynolds?
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- On the morning of July 1, 1863, General John F. Reynolds was the left wing commander of the Union army at Gettysburg. The I, III, and XI Corps were under his command. While leading a regiment into action, Reynolds was killed when struck by a bullet. Who was responsible for his death?
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Tim employs sarcasm with no equal 😂😂
At the moment he might have felt it was necessary to get those troops on a particular spot in a hurry before moving on to more important things.
It's always a pleasure to listen to someone in such excellent command of his subject.
Archer's Brigade doesn't the recognition they deserve. They experienced a lot of important moments at Gettysburg.
They fired the first shots at Buford's Cav. and were also the first troops Buford's men shot at. They were the first to encounter the famed Iron Brigade and acquitted themselves well until they wears flanked. One of them surely killed Gen. Reynolds. They suffered so many casualties on the 1st they rested and reorganized on the 2nd, but then had the dubious honor to be placed in "Picketts Charge" on the 3rd. They were the far right of Pettigrews Division and they were the troops that Picketts Virginians were left obliquing towards. They then became basically the center of the assault and their right flank was just about at The Angle. All their flags but one were captured at or near The Angle. Some of them went over the wall with Armistead but you never hear about it.
These Tennesseans and Alabamians deserve more credit I think.
2 of my collateral ancestors were in that charge. 1 was wounded. Both were captured. Their father ( my g-g-g grandfather) was an Alabama unionist ( and reconstruction scalawag) . When his son's joined the Confederate army he told them that he hoped a yankee bullet would stop them all. There were 6 brothers in all, but only 1 died- in a northern prison camp. Several were wounded.
Archer's Brigade....
I definitely wouldn't have minded being a part of that Brigade!
I cast no dispersions on anyone who fought for the Union...but, being that I am from Old Virginia, I could've never fought against my Home State. I wouldn't have minded The Slaves being set free, or anything like that. I'm not a Racist. However, I see things in the light that our Brave Confederate Soldiers and Armies did. I'm a Confederate, through and through...and I always will be!
@@panthercreek60I am sorry to hear your tragic story. I'm not being sarcastic, by any means. It literally saddens me to the point of weeping, when I think about the unfortunate, and the very tragic, elements of that War. Brother killing brother, Son killing Father, and Vice-Versa. I could have never fought for the Union. I'm from Old Virginia, and my heart is always with my Southern Brethren, past, present, and future.
Over the cause of division, on whether or not a Man's ideology conflicts with another's, a Man wants his own children to die, by cause of Union Bullets?
Just how horrific is that?!?
It's absolutely dreadful!!!
I never thought he was killed by a sharpshooter. When his death was depicted in the movie "Gettysburg" I was disappointed that they had embellished it to show a sharpshooter.
Well... however it happened...it happened. The bullet that hit General Reynolds caused an instant death, of course, so I'm thinking that the bullet must've struck him, anywhere from between the central back part of the head, down to where the head meets the neck, somewhere between the C-1 to C-4 part of the Spinal column.
No matter where it hit him in that specific area, General Reynolds, other than the initial sting of the bullet penetrating him, never felt a thing, and therefore, was quite certainly dead, before he even tumbled out of the Saddle of his Horse. Death can definitely strike very quickly. Here one moment...and gone the next!
I bear no personal quarrel with anyone from The Union, of course. I just couldn't have deserted my Home State of Old Virginia. I'm Southern, through and through.
Just so you know.....
Thank you for sharing this information. Great content
Sharpshooter or regular infantryman, his aim was on point either way.
For literally decades, it was all but a given that Reynolds was brought down by a Confederate sharpshooter. Because when a famous general gets killed, it can't be just a stray shot, or by the third guy from the left in the rear rank. And there were any number of "I shot Reynolds" tales, almost all with a proper element of soldierly regret at having been responsible for the great man's death.
These stories have never faded away, and to this day, many people believe that Reynolds was killed by a sharpshooter. Gradually, however, something of a consensus has emerged that he was more likely the victim of ordinary small arms fire. Probably, from a Confederate infantry regiment to his front.
Fair enough. I can buy that. It makes more sense that any of the sharpshooter stories.
But, there's this: LTC John Callis, of the 7th Wisconsin, wrote:
"The 7th Regt. was without loads in their muskets, the whole command was then marching by the flank, right in front, led by the gallant Gen. Reynolds and Staff. At this junction a heavy volley of rifle shot together with shells and shots of artillery burst forth in our front from Gen. Archer's brigade stationed one hundred yards from our front on "Willoughby's Run," In this volley Gen. Reynolds was killed, Col. Fairchild of the 2d Wis. lost an arm, Gen. Meredith was unhorsed and injured. My horse was shot, and I received two buck shot, one in the hip and one in the right side but not serious."
Reynolds' wound was described as "small", and from Callis' account, Confederate troops in the immediate area were firing buck & ball from smoothbore muskets.
I don't have any evidence to call it a "theory", but it is interesting to speculate, after so many years of sharpshooter tales, that Reynolds may just perhaps have been brought down by a lowly buckshot pellet from a smoothbore musket.
I agree. The first volley from Archer's Tennesseans dropped many of the 2nd Wisconsin men including their two highest officers and Reynolds was probably hit then as well. There was so many bullets in the air no one could legitimately claim they killed Reynolds.
Another detail is the 14th Tn. was initially armed with converted smoothbore flintlocks but by 1863 they and the rest of their brigade most were armed with Enfield and Springfield rifles but Apparantly some still carried the old smoothbore if the Union soldiers recollection is true.
Poor Reynolds should not have been there. Lincoln met with him a month before and offered him Command of the Army of the Potomac. Reynolds declined this command because he was concerned that War Department would get in his way to do his job and Meade was given it as a result. Had Reynolds accepted his President’s offer and request he likely would have survived the War as Meade did…
@@michaeloconnell8779 it is by no means clear that Lincoln did actually offer the command to Reynolds, or, that Reynolds declined to accept it. What I think was discussed was the circumstances under which Reynolds would accept command, with both sides feeling each other out, but this did not rise to an actual offer.
For one thing, had Reynolds refused an actual order to take command of the army, he would have been effectively forced to resign his commission. The Lincoln administration valued his services too much to back him into a corner that way.
Gun advocates (Justice Scalia) relish legendary tales of American militia targeting regular officers with rifled muskets from time immemorial. Maybe it's just heartwarming nostalgia. The volunteers in 1861 were state sponsored and led by officers in commission. In other words, well organized.
Great insight Tim! Thank you for sharing.
Fun fact General James Archer is from my hometown
Which is where...
@@williamolenick7798 Bel Air Maryland
And a good man he was too!
Amen! Great Great grandpa's brother.
Who's to say Reynolds wasn't shot by a Union Soldier wearing a red Bandana.
Great explanation and video. TY!
Never heard of or even considered the "Sharp-Shooter" theory. Once again, you brought to light a very interesting perspective.
It was a major scene in the movie “Gettysburg”
Anytime it’s a high ranking officer killed, it must have been a sharpshooter 🤣
@@Truckergregg It certainly was! However, I figured that scene was just a "Hollywood Embellishment" of the fighting that took place. I was under the impression he was done in by a foot soldier either directly or from a bullet from a volley, not a sharpshooter. But who knows for sure. Thanks for the comment.
@@McNair39thNCAgreed! They never take into account, that it was just an ordinary shot, that killed General Reynolds. Never!
Oh Wow Mr. Smith. I just stumbled on to your channel. I'm a BIG FAN of "Addressing Gettysburg". You and Mr. Hessler are my Favorite Guests ( Guides ) !! I love your sense of Humor and your "Delivery" when you talk about the Battle. I will definitely subscribe and watch more of your Videos. Thank You Sir !!
Thanks and welcome!
Generals on horses make great targets and troops tend to fire high. That he was hit by one shot only should be what is surprising. Generals who get themselves killed aren't any good to anyone, he had competent commanders and one of the most stubborn corp in the army at that time. His corp held the line long after he was killed, allowing the rest of the army to come up.
don't forget the best major general of any side patrick r cleburne leading on foot from the front at franklin november 29 1864 a man who should have been an army commander
Was just about to mention Franklin....
Well, a general just can't be killed by any ordinary soldier you know!
sadly general armistead was as well as general hill.
It's like the Hollywood movie director John Ford said, if you have to choose between reality and the myth, print the myth.
You may want to consider that Reynolds may have been killed by “friendly fire.” One of the reasons you find events reported at varying times of day was because there was no standardized time. That would come with the railroads.
Not micromanaging at all. He saw that the situation was dire at that spot and took immediate action.
The German word for 'autumn' is 'Herbst'.
At 6:23, the narrator is pointing to an area (where four trees are seen) where Union dead were put into temporary graves.
and the german word for 'sudden' is "ploetzlich"
It is something to think about as far as the General getting shot. Had he lived what decisions would he make for the good or the bad? I must say that leading a charge shows he was a brave man. The main point to me is how the man sharpshooter or regular CSA soldier had he missed what would have changed and of course he didnt miss. Enjoyed the Video. From Kentucky
No doubt sharpshooters hit many a target, but the only high ranking general killed for sure by one had to be Sedgwick.
Yes. His last words were, “They could not hit an elephant from this distance.” Then a shrieking whistle of a bullet and the dull thud of impact, then General Sedgwick fell from a a single shot under the left eye.
It was the first of July 1863... the First Corp / Iron Brigade was ready willing and able for a fight. They Ran to It. Reynolds was that kind of Man... Thanks again
You can't say with certainty it wasn't a sharpshooter either.
Well, it wasnt a meteorite than killed him.
Hey I think what would make your museam more fascinating is if you researched the rifles the units used in the battle at gettysburg,so people could see what there relatives used
I remember two quarry workers in North Carolina lay claim to killing a Union officer on the first day of the battle.
I thought it was Gen. John Buford that held up the Confederates long enough for Union troops to come up and blunt the Confederate troops moving towards Gettysburg. In fact I think his cavalry troops held the line several hours before Reynolds shows up.
This is true, however, after a renewed push from the Confederates against the cavalry lines later in the morning, Buford's cavalry was forced to give ground. Reynold's troops arrived on the battlefield at the precise moment and the exact place to prevent the Confederates of Archer and Heth from overwhelming Bufords troopers. Reynold's Corps held long enough and gave ground slow enough for the rest of the Union reinforcements to get in place and hold the ground they wanted to defend stabilizing the lines for day 2. Clearly day 1 was a Confederate victory, however the actions of Buford, Reynolds and a few others prevented a bigger defeat and set up the events over the next two days fighting. It is unknown, but probably unlikely things could have gone any better for the Union forces under the circumstances, even if Reynolds would have survived day 1.
BG John Adams CSA, Was Killed At
The Battle Of Franklin, Tenn, He Was
My G.G. Grandfather...
It does beg for more investigation, but one has to admit it was a placed shot.
Where was that pond located in photo
It’s a little north east of the McPherson barn, right along the east edge of Meredith ave.
I had ancestors in Archer's Brigade.
Salute to your ancestors! I had one in the 14th Tn.
It's been 160 years, what difference does it make?
I always thought it was pretty reckless for a wing commander and acting field commander to lead a single regiment into battle. Where was Meredith? Wadsworth? It never seemed like Wadsworth had much ability to control his division that day and becomes a non-entity with each brigade fighting independently.
general longstreet said you cant lead from behind. general weashington was usually personally involved in the battles he fought. general jackson sometimes was seen using his weapons to kill the enemy when they got close and general hill under jackson personally engaged the enemy on many fields. general steuart and general forrest always finished battles with enemy blood on their swords. in those days generals were still soldiers. not anymore though.
Are there any plans to remove the undergrowth and brush to make the Mcpherson’s Woods look like it’s 1863 appearance?
The sharpshooter would have had to have been in a very high tree and adopt to a moving target in order to nail Reynolds. Plus if you look at the wound it suggests a slow moving bullet which suggests distance. Friendly fire is most likely. A wicked overshot.
When all of this was going down General Abner Doubleday was in the middle of playing a baseball game.
well come on. It was bottom of the 9th 2 outs bases loaded.
@@bullwinkle5445 Exactly! He couldn't be bothered by anything as trivial as WAR!
@@Mr.56Goldtop Baseball is war. Just fought very slowly one pitch at a time. One of the few sports where the defense has control of the ball.
@@bullwinkle5445 But in war you only get one strike, and yeeeer OUT!
@@Mr.56Goldtop Often in war it is not who makes the most mistakes but who makes the last mistake.
So micromanagement got him killed...being a general of a corps he shouldn't have been anywhere near an advancing charge.
More likely that Reynolds finally sobered up, realized he was fighting for the Union- and shot himself.........
The 1st corps,was holding its' own until the 11th corps,,to its' right collapsed just as it did at Chancellorsville. The 1st then had to retreat to keep from being surrounded.
Tim
Is “leading the charge” a bit of an exaggeration in this case? Reynolds was directing the 2nd Wisconsin and obviously way too close to the firing line, but when you think of leading a charge, I think of maybe Barksdale the next day or Patrick O’Rouke on LRT.
Forgive me if nitpicking…..
More or less directing the troops from horseback which made him an easy target.
I had the same thought/question.
There’s no evidence he was personally leading but that is the common narrative. The source of the narrative is Reynolds’ orderly, a private, who Reynolds’ family will lobby Lincoln to promote to Lieutenant. There’s three or so other accounts that don’t support it
@@refugeeca when is volume three going to be posted?
@@Joefaf104 Hopefully within thirty days. The hardest parts are finished. It could come together much sooner but I'm struggling, I've had no energy the last month. I do work on it for a couple hours each day. Thanks for asking
We’ll never know.
*yes*
Skip to 7:00.. thats where he talks about how Reynolds was killed. And still its up to debate as to exactly who killed him. Just like ASJ at Shiloh, was he killed accidently by his own men or did a Norther bullet find him as he turned around, :) We'll never know in either case...
Whoever it was a helluva shot
Getting killed by a sharpshooter and having the last words of push them out of the woods is sexy getting randomly shot is not a good story
Your right. I would say his leadership skills were negligible considering he was leading a charge. To me that's foolish, especially considering he had subordinates.
That’s a pretty crappy opinion to have of someone leading bravely in battle, doing what he felt needed to be done. Reynolds was in the area and as the Iron brigade arrived he lead them where they needed to be. Even if Merideth had been there it’s unlikely he would have known the situation like Reynolds. And I think Cutler knew what he was doing and didn’t need Wadsworth to hold his hand.
@@McNair39thNC He was brave and courageous, but he was careless, because his skills as a tactician could have been put to use when more troops arrived. That's why there Generals.
@@fokkerd3red618 easy for you to be a Monday morning quarterback 159 years later
@@fokkerd3red618 Who are the subordinate you’re referring to? And were they even around at the moment?
Did it matter ? He was brave to the point of dangerous exposure - Was a shame ! 😢
You put that to rest. Lol👏👏👏👏
Was shot by a random volley.
I totally agree! With all the smoke from muskets how could one take a shot with all that confusion.
No. He was hit was a volley shot or a stray bullet. Go to Herbst woods. You can’t possibly see through the woods enough to take aim from where archers brigade was to where Reynolds was shot.
Tim is 100% correct.
I agree that he is correct but, you have to remember the undergrowth present today was not there on 01JUL1863. That blocks a lot of the view from Whilloughby Run to the summit of the ridge-line and will color the view of the average observer. I re-enacted with the 2nd Wis for the 150th and we were guided to the positions the 2nd are reported to have been including through Herbst Woods to Whilloughby Run. The undergrowth makes it difficult to see the base of the trees in that area, let alone give a historical depiction of what the area looked like on the day of the battle.
If anybody has any military experience, he will know that the officers are the main targets and the higher ranking the officer, the more primary a target. In the Vietnam War, officers ditched their insignia because snipers would shoot them first. In medieval times, the kings and nobles were the primary targets. Ever hear of Gustavus Adolphus? He was killed in battle by an infantryman.
No one really knows. It could just as easily been a stray shot. Several Confederates came forward to claim credit, but I think it's a lost piece of history. A well-known and respected Union General was dead and he was one of the men potentially ready to be the Senior Commander of Union forces, though sadly it didn't happen. Ulysses Grand became senior commander and I think that more lives were lost due to his arrogance and misunderstanding on how to best fight Robert Lee without heavy loss of life He bullied his way through and defeated him but earned himself the nickname of Grant the Butcher (especially at Cold Harbor, which I've visited several times as I have every major (and many minor) battlefields in Virginia). Renyolds would have been more careful of his men's lives to defeat Robert E. Lee. One of my ancestors was a member of the 1st Maine Artillery and almost wiped out at a charge (highest losses of the war for a single Union regiment) against a Confederate position during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864 due to pressure by Grant to break the line at Petersburg. He survived with injuries that affected him for life and affected my family for several generations.
There is a slope to those woods, so Confederate infantry would be firing uphill, wouldn't that cause many of their shots to be over the heads of the Union infantry? It would be a dangerous place to be on horseback.
Actually I think they were told to aim low when they were shooting downhill
When I first saw the title I was thinking nobody knows. But then I saw it was Tim talking and him of all ppl probably really does know.
If anyone knows, it would be him
I’m sure he was targeted, an officer on a horse leading a charge is a prime target. Then so even more than now communicating during combat was hectic, Signal Corps were just starting to be used. But cutting off the head of a unit was as true then as is now.
They have his grave in the wrong spot he had been leading his men out he was in the middle of the battlefield leading his men out n was shot threw the back of his head off his horse
Is it not true that sharp shooters were told to target officers?? I dont get your problem with it.
QUITE LIKELY....FORWARD! FOR GODS SAKE FORWARD!!
The confederate sharpshooter myth has a strong correlation with the lost cause myth. Often these mythological sharpshooters used Whitworth rifles, even though must estimates say only about 100 of those rifles ever made it through the blockades.
That said, Sedgwick at Spotsylvania was likely felled by a long range shot. But it wasn’t one highly skilled shot that got him, it was dozens of shots peppering his general area until one finally struck him. Luck not skill.
What is the lost cause myth?
There was a cause. It was lost. There is no myth .
I believe there is a lost cause myth myth created by northern historians
The only thing that's a myth is the claim that the war was over just slavery. 🤣
@@mikelovin7 the biggest myth of all
He was shot off his horse a few yards away from were the actual monument was put 🙄
Cleburne was British.
Where was the closest sharpshooter unit?
To close for Gen Reynolds apparently
@@markzimmerman7279 🤣 did you get nothing out of this video? He wasn’t killed by a sharpshooter
@@McNair39thNC nobody knows for sure ,now do they ,it's probably just as likely he was shot by a blue belly
So not for certain . Or pretty certain killed by a sharpshooter ?
We can never really know for certain.
Did you watch the video? Reynolds was almost certainly killed by a volley from Archers men.
@@McNair39thNC Thats what I thought! 😂
Here's your answer. Yes.
Was General Reynolds killed by a sharpshooter or was he killed by an unknown infantryman in the ranks? Yes!
Southerners lost the war but won the public relations narrative after the war.
Yep. They're still laughed at to this day champ. Great victory.
In the movie Gettysburg he was killed by a sharp shooter.....just saying
He died not far from his birth place
I live in the town where Reynolds was born and buried. Lancaster, Pa. About 60 miles outside of Gettysburg.
Reynolds should've not let his ego get the better of him.
Warum alles Deutscher replies???
We all know Patton was killed the same way.
Mr.smith,it's Albert Sidney JOHNSTON!!!!