Farnsworth at Gettysburg

The last bloody clash of the bloodbath that was Gettysburg took place on 3 July 1863 with Farnsworth's Charge.

The move had been ordered by Meade, but its execution was by Gen. Judson "Killcavalry" Kilpatrick.

He ordered Gen. Elon Farnsworth to carry out the attack with his available cavalry.

Farnsworth had been a general less than a week, but he quickly surmised that his men, understrength Vermont and West Virginia cavalry regiments, would be cut to pieces if they carried out the order and said so.

Kilpatrick answered with an insult to Farnsworth's courage, which enraged him. Yet he agreed to proceed with the attack.

Riding with the 1st Vermont Cavalry, Farnsworth led a charge against Gen. Oate's Alabama infantry sheltering behind a stone wall in front of Little Round Top. The Alabamians unleashed a storm of fire on the attacking federal cavalry that fairly slaughtered them.
Farnsworth fell dead among the Alabamians, his saber raised, shot five times.
The Alabamians would tell the tale of Farnsworth's charge, and would pay tribute to the bravery of Elon Farnsworth as well. The witness of an enemy was all to be told about the event.

Don Stivers, in his painting "Farnsworth's Charge", captures the essence quite well.
Farnsworth showing the desperate abandon of a man who has been insulted beyond caring.
At his side rides Capt. Oliver Cushman in his distinctive white canvas battle blouse, grimacing with the face of a man determined to join his friend in death.

It is good that such men are remembered.

The Soldier's Lot - you may have to go out, but you don't have to come back.