Gettysburg Again - Chasing the Light and the Details



11th PA Monument



                We recently made another return trip to visit this Park. We did more research on Sheryll's relatives and their activities on and before the battle. It has come to light that five belonged to units at the battle, one may have succumbed to "camp fever" (more than likely either typhoid fever). This is a change from what we earlier discovered. Previously, research showed three in units that fought in the battle but digging deeper we learned more about other relatives. We are able to back up the findings with regimental histories, Pa State Archives and other research sources. We are planning another trip in the next few weeks to gather more information. I think I will include all the pertinent information in a separate blog with just information about the relatives and their respective monuments. Having a personal link to the park makes the trips more interesting. We are really getting to know the park  quite well. A noted historian claims he could be dropped into any part of the park by helicopter while being blindfolded and know where he was. I will be the one whispering to him where he is when he arrives!



11th PA different view



                As usual, you can't always count on the weather to provide just the right light you yearn for. But, there is always light and so you take advantage of it. We were at a part of the park where the fighting took place on the first day and were waiting to see what the sunset was going to present to us. I was watching a large ominous looking cloud moving towards us so I was adjusting my position in relation to that when I happened to turn around to see how much more light we were going to have and the sun was just beside the monument. Naturally, you need to start shooting. Turning back again, gave me the cloud in a good position that I was hoping for. It pays to keep your head on a swivel to look at everything around you.



Part of the VA Monument



William Wells battle scene



                The last few shots are of details      in  the monuments. The soldier with the pistol is part of the Virginia Monument. It is one of the largest and the work on the faces clearly shows the toll the war is taking on the combatants. The smaller image is part of the William Wells monument just before you reach Big Roundtop. The sculptor actually used photographs provided by family members to accurately portray his work. I liked the angle and the shallow depth of field I got in this image. It really stands out, literally and figuratively.

                 I hope you enjoy the views and look forward to the next installment. And as I showed here....Always go to the light!

Steve