Horses are one of the many unsung heroes of the American Civil War. These majestic animals were impressed into service, trained, prepared for battle, and turned into expendable implements of war.
There is more to this story, however. When an army’s means and survival is predicated upon an animal whose instincts are to flee rather than fight, a bond of mutual trust and respect between handler and horse must be forged. Ultimately, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted in thousands of horses killed and wounded. Their story deserves telling, from a time not so far removed.
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1
Definition of Terms
Diagram of Anatomy
Breeds
The Morgan Horse
The Thoroughbred
The Quarter Horse
The Saddlebred
The Standardbred
The Belgian (Brabant)
The Mule
Horse Coloration
The Bay
The Sorrel
The Roan
The Black Horse
The Palomino
The Buckskin
The Gray
The Pinto and the Paint Horse
Chapter 2
Acquisition, Care, and Maintenance
Personal Mounts
Cavalry Requirements and Procedures
Artillery Horse Requirements
Farriers and Veterinary Care
Care of Horses
Chapter 3
Preparing for the Day of Battle
Modern Training Methods
Training during the Civil War Era and Use: Cavalry, Artillery, Medical, and Supply
Chapter 4
Prelude: Lee Invades the North
Chapter 5
July 1, 1863: The First Day of Battle
“Opening the Ball”
The Death of Reynolds
Barlow’s Knoll
A Chance Meeting on the Hill
Chapter 6
July 2, 1863: The Bloodiest Day
Lee and Longstreet
Meade and Sickles
Up the Emmitsburg Road
Little Round Top
The Devil’s Den
The Peach Orchard, The Trostle Farm, and the Emmitsburg Road
Benner’s Hill, East Cemetery Hill, and Culp’s Hill
Chapter 7
July 3, 1863: The Die is Cast
Longstreet’s Assault
East Cavalry Field, South Cavalry Field, and Farnsworth’s Charge
Chapter 8
Retreat and Aftermath
Chapter 9
Remembrance
The Gettysburg Address
Epilogue
Appendix: Order of Battle
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
