General John Sedgwick
Posted to the Project on 18 Sep 07
One of the Army of the Potomac’s most popular commanders was the head of the VI Corps, Major General John Sedgwick (1813-1864). A West Point graduate, class of 1837, Sedgwick was from Cornwall, Connecticut. Breveted for bravery in the Mexican War, he served in a variety of positions in the antebellum army.
Sedgwick was wounded commanding a division in the II Corps at Glendale and again at Antietam. Prior to the battle of Chancellorsville in the winter of 1862 - 1863, he took over command of the VI Corps. He would be associated with this unit until his death.
Sedgwick’s corps saw little action at Gettysburg after performing a magnificant 32 mile march. Nevertheless, they served as valuable reserves for General Meade. Sedgwick’s staute is located on Sedgwick Avenue on the slope of Little Round Top.
Sedgwick was killed on May 9, 1864 at the battle of Spotsylvania. His last words were famous. To his men who were dodging bullets, Sedgwick, seeking to settle them down, stated “Boys, they couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.” Sedgwick was then instantly killed. He was buried in Cornwall Hollow, Connecticut.
Another famous staute of the General stands at West Point; allegedly a Cadet who spins the spurs of the statue at midnight while wearing full dress uniform will have good luck on his or her exams.
September 19th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Another one of my favorites.