Manonthestreet
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- May 20, 2014
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The First Minnesota already had a storied history. It was the first unit to sign up when President Lincoln put out a call for volunteers after Fort Sumter. It fought with distinction in one battle after another on the Eastern front. By July 2, 1863, with two companies detached, there were just 262 members of the regiment left. But they were the only men Hancock had, and he gave Colville the order to charge the oncoming Confederates, who outnumbered the Minnesotans by at least five or six to one.
When the call came to retreat, there were only 47 men left to ascend the hill. They climbed over the stone wall ahead of the onrushing Confederates, but by then Hancock was reinforced, and the Union soldiers easily repulsed the Confederate attack.
It was the most famous suicide charge in the history of the United States Army. Hancock later wrote:
www.powerlineblog.com
1st MN saves the day at Gettysburhg
When the call came to retreat, there were only 47 men left to ascend the hill. They climbed over the stone wall ahead of the onrushing Confederates, but by then Hancock was reinforced, and the Union soldiers easily repulsed the Confederate attack.
It was the most famous suicide charge in the history of the United States Army. Hancock later wrote:
Remembering Gettysburg | Power Line
www.powerlineblog.com
