The Death of Reynolds - Gettysburg by military artist Bradley Schmehl

The Death of Reynolds - Gettysburg by military artist Bradley Schmehl.

 

July 1st, 1863 – 10 am.
The Battle of Gettysburg has begun. General Henry Heth’s Division, of A. P. Hill’s corps, has marched toward Gettysburg from the west on the Cashtown Road, but has been prevented from entering the town by dismounted union cavalry led by General John Buford. Buford’s men are holding the line valiantly, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Union General John Reynolds’ I corps.

John Reynolds, a Pennsylvania native who gave distinguished service in the Mexican War as well as he War Between the States, fell in battle perhaps due to his own sense of modesty. President Lincoln had offered him command of the Army of the Potomac a few days earlier, but Reynolds demurred, stating that others, General George Meade among them, were more senior and better qualified than he. Had he accepted command, perhaps he would have survived the war.

The time of day is around 10:30 am. Visible at the center background is McPherson’s Barn and at right, in the extreme distance, the smoke of fighting at the “Bloody Railroad Cut.”