"In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap
them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls. This is the great reward of service. To live, far out and on, in the life of others; this is the mystery of the Christ,-to give life's best for such high sake that it shall be found again unto life eternal."
MAJ. GEN. JOSHUA LAWRENCE CHAMBERLAIN
Gettysburg Oct 3, 1889
This is my very favorite quote.
************************Although much attention has been brought upon Joshua since the movie "Gettysburg" was first released he would be the first to tell us all that it isn't necessary as he was only doing as his commanding officers instructed him to do. Please take the time to remember the others who fought on that hill July 2nd and throughout the war - both blue and gray. This is what Joshua would want - he would tell everyone that the real heroes were the soldiers and not him. In honor of you, Joshua, we will remember ALL of the soldiers and officers who fought for their beliefs. God has truly blessed us by sending men such as yourself and for that we thank Him.************************
JOSHUA LAWRENCE CHAMBERLAIN
September 8, 1828 - February 24, 1914
Lawrence Joshua Chamberlain was born Sept. 8, 1828,
in Brewer, Maine. Having decided that Joshua Lawrence sounded more prestigious
he took it upon himself to change the order of his given name. From
that time on he was then known as Joshua
Lawrence Chamberlain. He was educated briefly at Whitings Military and Classical Academy in Ellsworth, ME, at the age of 14 and, after first teaching himself
Greek in order to enter, was graduated from Bowdoin College in 1852, and
then from Bangor Theological Seminary in 1855. He was fluent in seven languages
and a master of accents. Joshua returned to Bowdoin the same year as a
professor. On August 8, 1862 he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the
20th Maine. Joshua has been honored for his heroic efforts in the defending of and holding of the high ground at Little Round Top July 2 during the 3 day battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. He received the Medal of Honor for his defensive tactics on Little Round Top. He participated in 24 engagements, ranging from skirmishes to pitched battles, including: Fredericksburg, Sharpsburg, Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Five Forks. He was wounded six times and was given a field promotion to brigadier general by General U.S. Grant after one of the initial assaults against Petersburg in which he was thought to have been mortally wounded. He indeed recovered from this wound to return to service with the Federal Army until the end of the War. At Appomattox, Joshua was detailed to receive the formal surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. Brevetted major general for his conduct at Five Forks, he declined a commission in the regular service and was mustered out in January, 1866. That same autumn he was elected governor of Maine and was reelected three times, serving until 1870. For the next thirteen years he occupied the presidency of Bowdoin College and until 1885 continued there as a lecturer in political science and public law.
He was married to the former Frances (Fanny) Caroline Adams and together they raised Grace Dupee "Daisy" and Harold Wyllys. "I
know in whom all my highest hopes and dearest joys are centered. I know in whom my whole heart can rest - so sweetly and so surely. Fanny, Dear
Fanny, only tell me that YOU do love me as I DO love you." They
were married December 7, 1855 in Brunswick, ME and lived a most loving life together until her death October 18, 1905.
"You in my soul I see, faithful watcher by my cot-side long days and nights together through the delirium of mortal anquish, -steadfast, calm and sweet as eternal love. We pass now quickly from each other's sight; but I know full well that where beyond these passing scenes you shall be, there will be Heaven." Joshua to Fanny upon her death.Joshua followed Fanny in death February 24, 1914. 3,000 people jammed in and about the City Hall in Portland for the services there on February 27. At Brunswick more modest but equally impressive ceremonies awaited him as his train slowly steamed into the station. He was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Brunswick, ME, next to his beloved Fanny.
Click here to listen to a bit of "Gettysburg"
Please visit the Hunley site and
WE SHOULD ALL SEARCH WITHIN OURSELVES
FOR WHAT THIS TERRIBLE DISPLAY OF COURAGE AND SACRIFICE MEANS TO US AS
INDIVIDUALS. NEVER BEFORE HAVE WE STRUGGLED SO AMONGST OURSELVES AND NEVER
SINCE.......LET US PRAY THAT WE NEVER SHALL AGAIN.
Click the pic of YankeeBelle on Little Round Top to view my own personal bio page. Get to know a little about me.
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Visitors since 8 September
1997.
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Darn it Tom. . .
Yankee Belle at Boone Hall plantation, Mt. Pleasant, SC
In remembrance of our dear Capt. Pohanka
Capt. Brian C. Pohanka 5th NYVI - Duryee's ZouavesMarch 20, 1955 - June 15, 2005
In memory of Richard Jordan: Lewis A. Armistead - "Gettysburg"
GOD Bless AMERICA!!!
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Special thanks to Turner Home Entertainment for the above photos from "Gettysburg"All permission and rights apply: Turner Home Entertainment�Gettysburg fall photo courtsey Sam Abell: "The Civil War an Aerial Portrait"