Draw the Sword

Location: North Hancock Avenue, near Bryan Farm

Order of Battle: 2nd Corps, 3rd Division

Commander: Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays (July 8, 1819 – May 5, 1864) was a Union Army general in the American Civil War, killed in the Battle of the Wilderness.

Monument Specifications: Polished granite rectangular monument with rough hewn sides. Bronze plaque affixed to front.

Dedication Date: ca. 1910.

Main Inscription: Reads,

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
SECOND CORPS
THIRD DIVISION
Brig. General Alexander Hays

First Brigade Col. S. S. Carroll
Second Brigade Col. Thos. A Smyth
Lieut. Col. Francis E. Pierce
Third Brigade Col. Geo. L. Willard
Col. Eliakim Sherrill
Lieut. Col. Jas. M. Bull

July 2. About 8 A. M. took position on Cemetery Ridge relieving Second Division First Corps and at noon advanced to the stone wall in front. Late in the day the Third Brigade went to the support of the Third Corps on the left and became engaged with Barksdale’s Mississippi Brigade capturing many prisoners. At dark Col. Carroll with the 4th Ohio 7th West Virginia and 14th Indiana of First Brigade went to support of Eleventh Corps on East Cemetery Hill and remained until the close of the battle.

July 3. The Bliss Barn in front occupied by sharpshooters was burned by order of Gen. A. Hays. At 1 P. M. a heavy artillery fire from the Confederate line was concentrated on the positions of Second and Third Divisions of the Corps for two hours followed by a charge of more than 15,000 infantry which was repulsed with loss the Division capturing about 1500 prisoners and 15 stand of colors. The muskets found on the field after the charge numbered about 3500.

July 4. Sharp skirmishing in front all day.

Casualties Killed 20 Officers 218 Men Wounded 75 Officers 912 Men Captured or Missing 1 Officer 65 Men Total 1291

Other Monuments and Memorials: None.

Supplemental Materials: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays (will open a pop up window).