Franklin Sawyer

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Franklin Sawyer was commissioned by its members to write this history of the 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment fought in 76 battles and skirmishes and marched over 2400 miles over the course of three years, earning the nickname the "Gibraltar Brigade." As the war progressed, the 8th lost more than half their men. They were challenged to find new recruits because they'd earned such a reputation for being in the thick of battle. At Gettysburg, they were central to repelling Pickett's charge, including spending more then two full days positioned out in front of the main line. Sawyer was wounded four times in battle and had his horse shot from under him three times - details he generally omitted from the history he recorded. One story he did include was from their first full battle. Realizing his horse had been hit twice, he dismounted and tried to send it away. The horse thought the safer place was with him and followed him as the unit worked their way forward. This book includes Sawyer's full text, rosters of battles and men in each unit, and additional biographical information about Franklin Sawyer.… (más)