Historians now recognize the brilliant record of the 4th New York Independent Battery at the Battle of Gettysburg. Alone and only feebly supported, this artillery battery, led by Captain James Smith, bore the first assault of Hood's Division on Devil's Den, in front of Round Top in the battle of the second day.
Smith himself was commended on the field by General Hunt. The 4th Battery imposed a delay on Hood's troops at Devil's Den, which gave time to Union General Warren to hasten forward defenders for Little Round Top, which, it is claimed, was lost by the enemy by less than five minutes.
The title is ironic, since in Smith's day, the activities of the 4th at Gettysburg were little known.
In addition to a detailed account of Gettysburg by Smith, this book contains stories and anecdotes from other parts of the battery's service.
Front-line accounts of the American Civil War bring an immediacy to a long-ago event and connect us to these everyday men and women who lived it.
For the first time, this long-out-of-print book is available as an affordable, well-formatted book for e-readers and smartphones.
Be sure to LOOK INSIDE or download a sample.
