From the Official Records
“We left Hanover on the evening of the first with the brigade marching to a place near the battlefield of the second during the night. On the morning of the second we were formed in line of battle in reserve where we remained until about four o’clock P.M., when we (with the brigade) were ordered to the front. We got into position in line about 4:30 P.M., with the 22d Massachusetts on our left and the One Hundred and Eighteenth Pennsylvania on our right.
“We had no sooner got our line fully established than the enemy drove in our skirmishers and appeared in force in the edge of wood on our front, within two hundred yards of our line. We ordered our men to fix bayonets and commenced firing on the enemy with a deadly effect, driving him back after a severe fire of half an hour. He however soon returned and was a second time driven back with great loss.
“Our men stood up bravely under the storm of bullets sent against them, loading and firing as coolly as though on drill. We entered the fight with three field-, one staff-, sixteen line officers, and one hundred and twenty-five muskets.
“Our color bearer, Sergeant Patrick Connors, was the first man wounded after the firing commenced. The colors were at once taken from the ground by Corporal John H. Harrington of Co. ‘A’, and gallantly borne through the battle.
“Col. Ira C. Abbott was wounded in the face early in the action, and carried to the rear. We maintained our line, repulsing and holding in check the enemy until 7:30 P.M., when we were ordered to fall back, which we did in good order, being relieved by a brigade of Pennsylvania Reserves.
“Men never behaved more gallantly than did the soldiers of the 1st Michigan in this battle, and it would be impossible to mention each case of individual gallantry and bravery when all did so well, but I would mention the name of Sergeant Joseph F. Bird of Company ‘A’, who particularly attracted my attention by his coolness, bravery, and admirable control of his men, and thoughtfulness as to his duties.
“Among the officers I can make no separate mention, where all excelled their former reputation, and won for themselves new and lasting honors.
“Our losses are one commissioned officer killed and six wounded, and eight missing. Of the steady, true, and galling fire of the one hundred and seventy-five muskets in the hands of Michigan First Regiment, the bodies of sixty-two dead rebels left on our front bear a fearful testimony “.
W.A. Troop, Lieutenant Colonel
1st Michigan Infantry
From the “Rebellion Record”:
* * * “The Fifth Corp most fortunately arrived and took position on the left of the Third, Major General Sykes, commanding, immediately sending a force to occupy “Round Top” ridge, where a most furious contest was maintained, the enemy making desperate but unsuccessful attempts to secure it”.
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Copyright © 1995, Don Harvey, Revised 03 July 1996