The 26th North Carolina Infantry, led by Colonel Henry K. Burgwyn, advanced across the fields toward Willoughby Run in front of you. Charging the creek, they met a blistering fire from the 24th Michigan. Man after man fell, but the 26th advanced with rapid strides, yelling like demons, slowly forcing the enemy to Seminary Ridge. One of the bloodiest regimental fights of the war, the 26th suffered 687 casualties. Among the slain was Burgwyn, at only 21, one of the youngest colonels in both armies. Confederate General Johnston Pettigrew wrote the 26th distinguished themselves, "with a gallantry unsurpassed."
With a Gallantry Unsurpassed
The 26th North Carolina Infantry, led by Colonel Henry K. Burgwyn, advanced across the fields toward Willoughby Run in front of you. Charging the creek, they met a blistering fire from the 24th Michigan. Man after man fell, but the 26th advanced with rapid strides, yelling like demons, slowly forcing the enemy to Seminary Ridge. One of the bloodiest regimental fights of the war, the 26th suffered 687 casualties. Among the slain was Burgwyn, at only 21, one of the youngest colonels in both armies. Confederate General Johnston Pettigrew wrote the 26th distinguished themselves, "with a gallantry unsurpassed."