General Oliver Howard - 06599
“Madam, no one can tell what may happen in war.” - Gen. Oliver Howard, 11th Corps.
On July 1, 1863, the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., Howard investigating the area, determined that Cemetery Hill would be a “good position” for the Army of Potomac.
The former West Point mathematics professor was 32 years old, lost his right arm in the Battle of Fair Oaks, Va., believed alcohol was a poison “injurious to the mental and moral life of a soldier,” and was considerate of others.
The first day of the battle ended with the Union troops retreating through the town of Gettysburg to Cemetery Hill, held by Howard’s reserve troops.
The Army of Potomac’s ability to hold Cemetery Hill would be key to the to the final outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg.
