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Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Fuger’s “brief” Military
History of nearly 44 years of service in the 4th Regiment
of Artillery, U.S. Army.
I am credibly informed that I am one of the descendants of the Fuger Family residing in Augsburg Bavaria; my father’s
name was August William Frederick Fuger, born in Augsburg about the year 1810. He was married to my mother Rosa
Caroline Schuler in the year 1835. My father died in the year 1836 and on the 18th of June 1836, I was born in the town
of Goppingen, State of Wurtemburg, Germany. At an early age I was sent to the public schools, attended for two years
Real Schule High School, and about the age of 17 years I determined to seek fame and fortune in the land of the free
and the home of the brave.
I landed in New York City in the month of April 1853. Coming across the Atlantic Ocean in a full rigged three masted
sailing vessel (I don’t remember the name however). Lacking the influential friends and handicapped by an imperfect
knowledge of the English language my progress was not such as I anticipated, so in year of 1856 August 21st, I enlisted
in the 4th Artillery and was assigned to Battery “A”. The 4th Artillery was stationed at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor
and commanded by Captain Frank Clark. From there in the month of September 1856, the whole regiment was sent to
Florida serving under General Herney in the campaign against the Florida Seminole Indians.
In September 1857 my regiment was ordered to Kansas where, owing to the agitation of the slavery question, serious
troubles were feared.
In May 1858, the Mormons of Utah began to show signs of hostility and General Albert Sidney Johnston, a distinguished
officer (later killed on the Confederate side at the Battle of Shiloh), was placed in command of an expedition which
marched across the plains to Salt Lake and restored quiet there, only three batteries of my regiment participated in this,
namely Batteries A, B and C. At this time only a few miles of railway west of the Mississippi had been constructed. All
travel was by stage, wagons called “prairie schooners”, and push carts with two wheels, first used by Mormon immigrants.
In the summer of 1860 part of my battery operated against hostile Indians in Nevada. After a severe battle with them at a
place called Egan Station, Nevada, used as a Pony Express Station, I was placed in command of that station with eight
effective soldiers, also six men badly wounded with arrows and five Pony Express riders, who had taken refuge there
while engaged in the Overland Mail Service to California. Lieutenant Stephan A. Weed, commanding Light Battery “B”,
4th Artillery mounted as cavalry, placed me in command of that and he and his mounted men pursued the Indians, who by
the way had attacked an emigrant train and taken five or six white women from it. It was Lieutenant Weed’s urgent
determination to recapture them.
The second day after this small detachment was left under my command, in the block houses I was attacked by at least
150 Indians. We were at once kept busy repelling their attacks, firing through post hold constantly day and night for
eleven days. At the end of that time my small command was exhausted. As a matter of fact we could fire ninety shots with
reloading and had plenty of guns and ammunition, also had plenty to eat, some of the wounded men did the loading of
our guns. Fortunately we were then relieved by Lieutenant Weed commanding Battery “B”, who was learning that we were
besieged, mounted his troops as cavalry and hastened to the scene.
In July 1861, after five years of hard continuous service of my term of enlistment expired. I was about twenty-five years of
age, had acquired a good knowledge of the English language, of the country and it’s people from Florida to California.
I was about to enter business, being offered a fine position with good salary to start with; but at this time Fort Sumter had
been fired upon; the North as well as the South was wild with excitement, and prevailing patriotic fever seized me,
dominating all questions of private interest. I had imbibed a love for military life, and having been in the Artillery service so
long, determined to re-enlist in that branch, taking chances of promotion. So far I had only served as a Private, Corporal
and Sergeant. The Utah expedition under command of Colonel Phillip H.J. Cook, about 1500 strong left Camp Floyd, Utah
(situated about 40 miles from Salt Lake City) in the later part of July marched across the plains, arriving at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas in October 1861. From there we proceeded by railway to Washington City, D.C., where we were
organized into a light battery. I served in the Army of the Potomac, from December 1861 to surrender of General Lee’s
army at Appomatox Court House, April 9th 1865, fours years of continual services and severe campaigning.
During the Civil War, I was present at 63 battles and minor engagements being slightly wounded twice, once in the head
at the Battle of White Oak Swamps, June 30th 1862 and once in the left arm at the Battle of Antietam, Maryland,
September 17th 1862.
I served my entire time from August 1856, when I enlisted to June 18th 1900 when I retired for age in the 4th Artillery, U.S.
Army nearly 44 years. At the Battle of Gettysburg (now classed among the few decisive battles of the world) Battery “A”
4th Artillery under command of Lieutenant A.H. Cushing took a most conspicuous part; I was 1st Sergeant of the Battery;
which bore the brunt of Pickett’s charge, a deperate movement that stands almost unrivaled in Military History.
The Battery was in a position situated on the left part of Cemetery Hill since called the “Bloody Angle”. I quote here an
account of Pickett’s charge on Battery “A” 4th Artillery and Lieutenant A.H. Cushing’s heroic death, my Battery
Commander.
From 11a.m. to 1p.m. July 3rd, 1863, there was a perfect lull in the firing, each party apparently waiting to see what the
other was about to do, and at what point an attack was to be made.
About 1:00p.m. two cannons shots from the right of Washington Artillery (Confederate) suddenly broke a silence which
had prevailed over the battlefield for nearly two hours. The solitary smoke from these two shots had scarcely
disappeared, when the whole confederate line, in one blasé of fire, opened with about 150 guns. The Union Artillery
replied with about 100 guns occupying a from of over a mile.
Of this bombardment, or “Artillery Duel”, I will only say it was the most terrific cannonade I ever witnessed, in fact, the most
terrible the New World has ever seen and the most prolonged. The very earth shook beneath our feet, while the hills and
woods seemed to real like drunken men.
For and hour and a half this terrific firing continued, during which time the shrieking shells, the fragments of rock
shattered from the stone what in our front, the noise of bursting shell and shrapnel, the firm neighing of the wounded and
dying artillery horses formed a spectacle terrible grand and sublime.
About 2:30pm, the order cease firing, was given, followed by a similar course on the part of the enemy. The artillery duel
had ended and all our ammunition except the canister had been expended. General Webb, of Hancock’s Corps, at this
time came up to where Lieutenant Cushing was standing, and said, “Cushing it is my opinion that the Confederate
Infantry will now advance”. Cushing replied, “I had then better bring my guns right to the stone wall and bring all my
canister along side each piece”. General Webb replied, “All right, do so”.
The command was then given, and the six guns were brought by hand to the stone wall, leaving room enough for number
1 and number 2 to work. All the canister was piled up in the rear of each number 2. In doing this, we were obliged to take
a close interval say, about 10 yards (the usual interval being about 14 yards). This was caused by some obstruction to
our left. On our right was a stone wall at right angles with the other; this same position is now known as the “Bloody
Angle”.
The Confederate Infantry, they saw about 16,000 strong, now began their advance. They were the best troops in Lee’s
army, namely Pickett’s Division, consisting of three brigades, Garnett’s, Kemper’s and Armistead’s in the center
supported on the leaf by General Heth’s Division and on the right by General Anderson’s.
Kemper was on the right, Garnett in the center and Armistead on the left, marching in close order with measured steps,
as if on parade. They moved toward us solidly and deliberately, and when they were within 400 yards, Battery “A” began
firing at them with single charges of canister, mowing down gaps in their lines which appeard to me the front of a
company, this they filled up and still came on.
About this time Lieutenant Cushing was wounded in the right shoulder and a few seconds after in the abdomen, a terribly
severe and painful wound. He called out, “Fuger, stand by me, and impart my orders to the Battery”, but he soon became
faint and suffered frightfully. I wanted to have him taken to the rear, but he refused , declaring he would stay right here
and fight it out, or die in the attempt. When the enemy were with 200 yards double and treble charges were fired, opening
immense gaps in their lines. Lieutenant Milne, a volunteer officer and belonging to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
attached to our Battery July 1st 1863 and commanding the right half of our Battery was killed about this time. When the
enemy had approached within 150 yards, Lieutenant Cushing was shot in the mouth and was instantly killed. I was
standing on his right and a little in advance of him, when I saw him fall forward, I caught him in my arms, and ordered
several men to carry his body to the rear.
This placed me in command of the Battery, and I shouted to the men to obey my orders. We continued to fire double and
treble charges of our canister, but owing to the dense smoke, could not see very far to the front. At this moment to my
utter amazement, I saw General Armistead leap over the stone wall with a number of his troops, landing right in the middle
of our Battery. I shouted to my devoted cannoneers and drivers, who had no longer any horses, to stand their ground,
which they heroically did, fighting hand to hand with hand spikes, pistols, sabers, ramrods and with help of Webb’s
Pennsylvania Brigade and that gallant Brigade of Vermonters commanded by that gallant General Stannard coming up
our left flank; Pickett’s charge collapsed. No one of the daring party who came over the stone wall ever returned, they
were either killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Armistead fell mortally wounded but a few yard from where Cushing his
young and gallant adversary, gave up his life.
In this desperate charge, scores of the enemy’s officers went down. Armistead and Garnett were killed, and Kemper was
severely wounded. Of the whole number of field officers of this splendid division that advanced so fervently across the
field, Picket and one Lieutenant Colonel alone returned. I am creditably informed they brought back of this division barely
1000 men. They had done all that mortal men could do, and could do no more. Since Cushing, my Battery commander
graduated from the United State Military Academy in 1861 and was assigned the 4th Artillery in that year, only about 21
years old, but was a most able soldier, a man of excellent judgment and great decision of character devoted to his
profession, he was most faithful in the discharge of every duty, accurate and thorough in its performance; posed of
mental and physical vigor, joined to the kindest of hearts, he commanded the love and respect of all who knew him. His
superiors placed implicit confidence in him, as well they might. His fearlessness and resolution displayed in numerous
actions were unsurpassed and his noble death at Gettysburg should present an example for emulation to patriotic
defenders of the country through all time to come. Lieutenant Cushing challenged the admiration of all who saw him at
the Battle of Gettysburg.
The loss in Battery “A” was very great. Out of 90 horses we lost 83 killed; not a sound wheel was left, 9 ammunition
chests blew up; 2 officers killed, one officer wounded July 2nd, 1863 Lieutenant Samuel Canby 4th Artillery, 7 enlisted
men killed, 38 wounded, more than 63 percent. On the 4th of July I turned the Battery over to the Ordinance Department
(Major Flagler) so great was the loss in officers, men and horses that it became necessary to consolidate Battery “A” 4th
Artillery with Battery “I” 1st U.S. Artillery.
In this battle all the officers, three in number were killed or wounded, and when the Confederates charged I was in
command of it, and for my work there I was recommended by General Hancock, General A.S. Webb as well as Colonel
Hazzard, Chief of Artillery, 2nd Corps for a commission in the regular army. General Hancock says “I desire to bring
particularly to the Major General Commanding the case of Sergeant Fuger, 1st Sergeant of Battery “A” 4th Artilery.
During the action of the 3rd his conduct was such as to entitle him to promotion, and his character is such as to make this
a proper method of rewarding his services”, in this connection I refer to the report of General Webb. General Webb says
“I recommend for promotion Sergeant Frederick Fuger. This Battery was nobly served”. Colonel Hazzard says, “special
mention is made of 1st Sergeant Frederick Fuger of Battery “A” 4th Artillery for his bravery during the Battle especially
exhibited when all his officers had fallen and he in the heat of the fire was obliged to assume command of the Battery. His
most earnestly recommended for promotion, having proved himself a brave soldier and a modest but competent officer”.
Received a Congressional Medal of Honor July 31st 1897 –viz- At Gettysburg, Pa July 3rd 1863, this officer then a 1st
Sergeant with field Battery “A” 4th Artillery succeeded to the command of the Battery, all its officers having been killed or
wounded, and five of its guns disabled in Pickett’s assault. With the most distinguished gallantry he fought the remaining
gun.
Frederick Fuger served as a Private, Corporal and Sergeant until 1861. Served as Sergeant and 1st Sergeant until
October 1863. Appointed 2nd Lieutenant 4th Artillery October 31st 1863. Brevet 1st Lieutenant U.S. Army for gallant and
meritorious services in the Battle of Dinwiddie Courthouse, Virginia, March 31, 1865. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant 4th
Artillery on December 1865. Promoted to Captain 4th Artillery, March 1887. Promoted to Major 4th Artillery February 13,
1899. Retired for age being 64 years old in June of 1900. By an Act of Congress passed in April 1904 Frederick Fuger
was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army being a Civil War Veteran.
History of nearly 44 years of service in the 4th Regiment
of Artillery, U.S. Army.
I am credibly informed that I am one of the descendants of the Fuger Family residing in Augsburg Bavaria; my father’s
name was August William Frederick Fuger, born in Augsburg about the year 1810. He was married to my mother Rosa
Caroline Schuler in the year 1835. My father died in the year 1836 and on the 18th of June 1836, I was born in the town
of Goppingen, State of Wurtemburg, Germany. At an early age I was sent to the public schools, attended for two years
Real Schule High School, and about the age of 17 years I determined to seek fame and fortune in the land of the free
and the home of the brave.
I landed in New York City in the month of April 1853. Coming across the Atlantic Ocean in a full rigged three masted
sailing vessel (I don’t remember the name however). Lacking the influential friends and handicapped by an imperfect
knowledge of the English language my progress was not such as I anticipated, so in year of 1856 August 21st, I enlisted
in the 4th Artillery and was assigned to Battery “A”. The 4th Artillery was stationed at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor
and commanded by Captain Frank Clark. From there in the month of September 1856, the whole regiment was sent to
Florida serving under General Herney in the campaign against the Florida Seminole Indians.
In September 1857 my regiment was ordered to Kansas where, owing to the agitation of the slavery question, serious
troubles were feared.
In May 1858, the Mormons of Utah began to show signs of hostility and General Albert Sidney Johnston, a distinguished
officer (later killed on the Confederate side at the Battle of Shiloh), was placed in command of an expedition which
marched across the plains to Salt Lake and restored quiet there, only three batteries of my regiment participated in this,
namely Batteries A, B and C. At this time only a few miles of railway west of the Mississippi had been constructed. All
travel was by stage, wagons called “prairie schooners”, and push carts with two wheels, first used by Mormon immigrants.
In the summer of 1860 part of my battery operated against hostile Indians in Nevada. After a severe battle with them at a
place called Egan Station, Nevada, used as a Pony Express Station, I was placed in command of that station with eight
effective soldiers, also six men badly wounded with arrows and five Pony Express riders, who had taken refuge there
while engaged in the Overland Mail Service to California. Lieutenant Stephan A. Weed, commanding Light Battery “B”,
4th Artillery mounted as cavalry, placed me in command of that and he and his mounted men pursued the Indians, who by
the way had attacked an emigrant train and taken five or six white women from it. It was Lieutenant Weed’s urgent
determination to recapture them.
The second day after this small detachment was left under my command, in the block houses I was attacked by at least
150 Indians. We were at once kept busy repelling their attacks, firing through post hold constantly day and night for
eleven days. At the end of that time my small command was exhausted. As a matter of fact we could fire ninety shots with
reloading and had plenty of guns and ammunition, also had plenty to eat, some of the wounded men did the loading of
our guns. Fortunately we were then relieved by Lieutenant Weed commanding Battery “B”, who was learning that we were
besieged, mounted his troops as cavalry and hastened to the scene.
In July 1861, after five years of hard continuous service of my term of enlistment expired. I was about twenty-five years of
age, had acquired a good knowledge of the English language, of the country and it’s people from Florida to California.
I was about to enter business, being offered a fine position with good salary to start with; but at this time Fort Sumter had
been fired upon; the North as well as the South was wild with excitement, and prevailing patriotic fever seized me,
dominating all questions of private interest. I had imbibed a love for military life, and having been in the Artillery service so
long, determined to re-enlist in that branch, taking chances of promotion. So far I had only served as a Private, Corporal
and Sergeant. The Utah expedition under command of Colonel Phillip H.J. Cook, about 1500 strong left Camp Floyd, Utah
(situated about 40 miles from Salt Lake City) in the later part of July marched across the plains, arriving at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas in October 1861. From there we proceeded by railway to Washington City, D.C., where we were
organized into a light battery. I served in the Army of the Potomac, from December 1861 to surrender of General Lee’s
army at Appomatox Court House, April 9th 1865, fours years of continual services and severe campaigning.
During the Civil War, I was present at 63 battles and minor engagements being slightly wounded twice, once in the head
at the Battle of White Oak Swamps, June 30th 1862 and once in the left arm at the Battle of Antietam, Maryland,
September 17th 1862.
I served my entire time from August 1856, when I enlisted to June 18th 1900 when I retired for age in the 4th Artillery, U.S.
Army nearly 44 years. At the Battle of Gettysburg (now classed among the few decisive battles of the world) Battery “A”
4th Artillery under command of Lieutenant A.H. Cushing took a most conspicuous part; I was 1st Sergeant of the Battery;
which bore the brunt of Pickett’s charge, a deperate movement that stands almost unrivaled in Military History.
The Battery was in a position situated on the left part of Cemetery Hill since called the “Bloody Angle”. I quote here an
account of Pickett’s charge on Battery “A” 4th Artillery and Lieutenant A.H. Cushing’s heroic death, my Battery
Commander.
From 11a.m. to 1p.m. July 3rd, 1863, there was a perfect lull in the firing, each party apparently waiting to see what the
other was about to do, and at what point an attack was to be made.
About 1:00p.m. two cannons shots from the right of Washington Artillery (Confederate) suddenly broke a silence which
had prevailed over the battlefield for nearly two hours. The solitary smoke from these two shots had scarcely
disappeared, when the whole confederate line, in one blasé of fire, opened with about 150 guns. The Union Artillery
replied with about 100 guns occupying a from of over a mile.
Of this bombardment, or “Artillery Duel”, I will only say it was the most terrific cannonade I ever witnessed, in fact, the most
terrible the New World has ever seen and the most prolonged. The very earth shook beneath our feet, while the hills and
woods seemed to real like drunken men.
For and hour and a half this terrific firing continued, during which time the shrieking shells, the fragments of rock
shattered from the stone what in our front, the noise of bursting shell and shrapnel, the firm neighing of the wounded and
dying artillery horses formed a spectacle terrible grand and sublime.
About 2:30pm, the order cease firing, was given, followed by a similar course on the part of the enemy. The artillery duel
had ended and all our ammunition except the canister had been expended. General Webb, of Hancock’s Corps, at this
time came up to where Lieutenant Cushing was standing, and said, “Cushing it is my opinion that the Confederate
Infantry will now advance”. Cushing replied, “I had then better bring my guns right to the stone wall and bring all my
canister along side each piece”. General Webb replied, “All right, do so”.
The command was then given, and the six guns were brought by hand to the stone wall, leaving room enough for number
1 and number 2 to work. All the canister was piled up in the rear of each number 2. In doing this, we were obliged to take
a close interval say, about 10 yards (the usual interval being about 14 yards). This was caused by some obstruction to
our left. On our right was a stone wall at right angles with the other; this same position is now known as the “Bloody
Angle”.
The Confederate Infantry, they saw about 16,000 strong, now began their advance. They were the best troops in Lee’s
army, namely Pickett’s Division, consisting of three brigades, Garnett’s, Kemper’s and Armistead’s in the center
supported on the leaf by General Heth’s Division and on the right by General Anderson’s.
Kemper was on the right, Garnett in the center and Armistead on the left, marching in close order with measured steps,
as if on parade. They moved toward us solidly and deliberately, and when they were within 400 yards, Battery “A” began
firing at them with single charges of canister, mowing down gaps in their lines which appeard to me the front of a
company, this they filled up and still came on.
About this time Lieutenant Cushing was wounded in the right shoulder and a few seconds after in the abdomen, a terribly
severe and painful wound. He called out, “Fuger, stand by me, and impart my orders to the Battery”, but he soon became
faint and suffered frightfully. I wanted to have him taken to the rear, but he refused , declaring he would stay right here
and fight it out, or die in the attempt. When the enemy were with 200 yards double and treble charges were fired, opening
immense gaps in their lines. Lieutenant Milne, a volunteer officer and belonging to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
attached to our Battery July 1st 1863 and commanding the right half of our Battery was killed about this time. When the
enemy had approached within 150 yards, Lieutenant Cushing was shot in the mouth and was instantly killed. I was
standing on his right and a little in advance of him, when I saw him fall forward, I caught him in my arms, and ordered
several men to carry his body to the rear.
This placed me in command of the Battery, and I shouted to the men to obey my orders. We continued to fire double and
treble charges of our canister, but owing to the dense smoke, could not see very far to the front. At this moment to my
utter amazement, I saw General Armistead leap over the stone wall with a number of his troops, landing right in the middle
of our Battery. I shouted to my devoted cannoneers and drivers, who had no longer any horses, to stand their ground,
which they heroically did, fighting hand to hand with hand spikes, pistols, sabers, ramrods and with help of Webb’s
Pennsylvania Brigade and that gallant Brigade of Vermonters commanded by that gallant General Stannard coming up
our left flank; Pickett’s charge collapsed. No one of the daring party who came over the stone wall ever returned, they
were either killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Armistead fell mortally wounded but a few yard from where Cushing his
young and gallant adversary, gave up his life.
In this desperate charge, scores of the enemy’s officers went down. Armistead and Garnett were killed, and Kemper was
severely wounded. Of the whole number of field officers of this splendid division that advanced so fervently across the
field, Picket and one Lieutenant Colonel alone returned. I am creditably informed they brought back of this division barely
1000 men. They had done all that mortal men could do, and could do no more. Since Cushing, my Battery commander
graduated from the United State Military Academy in 1861 and was assigned the 4th Artillery in that year, only about 21
years old, but was a most able soldier, a man of excellent judgment and great decision of character devoted to his
profession, he was most faithful in the discharge of every duty, accurate and thorough in its performance; posed of
mental and physical vigor, joined to the kindest of hearts, he commanded the love and respect of all who knew him. His
superiors placed implicit confidence in him, as well they might. His fearlessness and resolution displayed in numerous
actions were unsurpassed and his noble death at Gettysburg should present an example for emulation to patriotic
defenders of the country through all time to come. Lieutenant Cushing challenged the admiration of all who saw him at
the Battle of Gettysburg.
The loss in Battery “A” was very great. Out of 90 horses we lost 83 killed; not a sound wheel was left, 9 ammunition
chests blew up; 2 officers killed, one officer wounded July 2nd, 1863 Lieutenant Samuel Canby 4th Artillery, 7 enlisted
men killed, 38 wounded, more than 63 percent. On the 4th of July I turned the Battery over to the Ordinance Department
(Major Flagler) so great was the loss in officers, men and horses that it became necessary to consolidate Battery “A” 4th
Artillery with Battery “I” 1st U.S. Artillery.
In this battle all the officers, three in number were killed or wounded, and when the Confederates charged I was in
command of it, and for my work there I was recommended by General Hancock, General A.S. Webb as well as Colonel
Hazzard, Chief of Artillery, 2nd Corps for a commission in the regular army. General Hancock says “I desire to bring
particularly to the Major General Commanding the case of Sergeant Fuger, 1st Sergeant of Battery “A” 4th Artilery.
During the action of the 3rd his conduct was such as to entitle him to promotion, and his character is such as to make this
a proper method of rewarding his services”, in this connection I refer to the report of General Webb. General Webb says
“I recommend for promotion Sergeant Frederick Fuger. This Battery was nobly served”. Colonel Hazzard says, “special
mention is made of 1st Sergeant Frederick Fuger of Battery “A” 4th Artillery for his bravery during the Battle especially
exhibited when all his officers had fallen and he in the heat of the fire was obliged to assume command of the Battery. His
most earnestly recommended for promotion, having proved himself a brave soldier and a modest but competent officer”.
Received a Congressional Medal of Honor July 31st 1897 –viz- At Gettysburg, Pa July 3rd 1863, this officer then a 1st
Sergeant with field Battery “A” 4th Artillery succeeded to the command of the Battery, all its officers having been killed or
wounded, and five of its guns disabled in Pickett’s assault. With the most distinguished gallantry he fought the remaining
gun.
Frederick Fuger served as a Private, Corporal and Sergeant until 1861. Served as Sergeant and 1st Sergeant until
October 1863. Appointed 2nd Lieutenant 4th Artillery October 31st 1863. Brevet 1st Lieutenant U.S. Army for gallant and
meritorious services in the Battle of Dinwiddie Courthouse, Virginia, March 31, 1865. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant 4th
Artillery on December 1865. Promoted to Captain 4th Artillery, March 1887. Promoted to Major 4th Artillery February 13,
1899. Retired for age being 64 years old in June of 1900. By an Act of Congress passed in April 1904 Frederick Fuger
was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army being a Civil War Veteran.
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| 2nd Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing, West Point class of '61 |
1st Sgt. Frederick Fuger
| Battery "A", 4th U.S. Artillery late in the war. |
| Officers of 4th u.S. Artillery, various Batterys. Date, unknown. |
CUSHING
Faithful Unto Death - The Story of Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing and Battery A, 4th U.S. Light Artillery
There were 51,000 casualties at the Battle of Gettysburg from the three days of fighting. When it was completed, it was
called a Union Victory and the turning point of the great struggle of between the United States and the Confederate
States of America. This is a story about one man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and the Union.
Alonzo H. Cushing's parents were people of great determination who had progressively moved west looking for
opportunity. They eventually found their way to Wisconsin and stayed there long enough to start a family before
returning east. Alonzo himself was born in a log cabin in what is now Delafield, Wisconsin, a small marker remains today
to mark that spot. A larger memorial marks the achievements of not only himself but of his two brothers who also served
during the Civil War. Alonzo Cushing was educated in Fedonia, New York, but his most notable achievement was his
acceptance as a cadet to West Point as a member of the Class of 1861. The Class of 1861 in itself was full of young men
who would eventually go their separate ways after the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, the students and even
the faculty of West Point would face each other on the battlefield.
When the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter in April of 1861, many thought would a short war for Southern
independence. At the outbreak of the war, the 4th U.S. Artillery, Battery A was stationed in Indian Country out west and it
would take several months before it reached Washington D.C. However, there was a shortage of artillerymen and army
officers in general at the beginning of the war, so Battery A had to be combined with Battery C. While the Union Army
grew in numbers around the Capitol, Lt. Alonzo Cushing arrived in the city and met up with the men he would lead. They
were a mix of regular army but to meet their manpower needs they recruited soldiers from various infantry regiments and
this included immigrants from Germany and Ireland. He would share command of the battery with Lt. Rufus King Jr.
something, which almost made him leave the Battery. The Battery's original armaments consisted of four 10-pound
Parrot rifles, which had been designed by West Point graduate Robert P. Parrott in 1860, but in 1862 they were replaced
with six light, twelve-pound brass Napoleons. In the Fall of 1862 Battery A was outfitted with more modern ordinance, the
3-inch ordinance rifle..
Their first taste of war would come at the Battle of Bull Run. While they were not in the heavy fighting, the battery and its
young lieutenant showed great resourcefulness and courage. Lieutenant Cushing would prove to be a great asset to
Army Corps of Lt. General Sumner during the early years of the conflict. In addition to his duties to the Battery, he also
served on the General's staff during the early years of the war and almost left the battery to join the topographical
division.
The Battery and Lt. Cushing would see more action at Fredericksburg and Antietam before reaching their date with
destiny at small little town in southeastern Pennsylvania. Battery A was finally separated from Battery C and brought up
to full strength in October, 1862 and had received what was considered the most up to date artillery. The 3-inch
ordinance rifle was developed from a new process of cannon making and it would soon become one of the best artillery
pieces used during the Civil War. The barrel was created using a new process, which produced a lighter gun barrel that
was more accurate and had better range than the brass cannons of the day. It had a range close to 2 miles and could
fire a variety of projectiles ranging from solid shot, exploding shell and canister.
There are several versions of how and why the battle started at Gettysburg, but what is not in doubt was that soldiers
under the command of Confederate General Henry Heth and Union Calvary under General Buford began the fight on July
1, 1861. The first day of fighting would result in the defeated Union Army retreat through Gettysburg and rally on
Cemetery Ridge and Culp's Hill. At the time, Cushing's Battery was south of the town and would soon find themselves
moving towards Gettysburg with the rest of 2nd Corps. The Army of the Potomac's commanding general, George Meade
had decided to stay and fight General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg.
July 2nd, Cushing's Battery was in action on Cemetery Ridge near General Meade’s Headquarters supporting the troops
of the Army of the Potomac's 2nd Corps. The battery had several members wounded while defending the ridge. The
action would not compare to what they would face the next day at the Angle. The Angle was the location on Cemetery
Ridge where two stonewalls met nearby a small grove of trees. Lt. Alonzo Cushing and the men of the 4th U.S. Artillery
would play a role in what was to be called “Pickett’s Charge”.
The Class of 1861 of West Point had their ring designed by fellow classmates, one of which was George Armstrong
Custer. The motto inscribed on the ring was “Per Angusta ad Augusta” which translated to: “Through trials to triumph.
“(Farley, West Point in the Early Sixties, 19). On July 3rd Lt. Cushing would face his final trial, the day began as many
others had for Alonzo Cushing during this war, in front the dead, dying and wounded of the previous day. Letters from
home seemed to indicate that Cushing was disturbed by what he had seen over the past two years but he was committed
to his country and to fulfilling his duty as an officer.
The past two days had seen the Confederates launch ferocious attacks, but the Union Army had yet to be driven from the
field. General Robert E. Lee made the decision that they would attack the center of the Union line with the fresh troops of
General George Pickett. The attack would start with artillery bombardment using 150 cannons; their mission was to
silence the artillery batteries on Cemetery Ridge. In the resulting artillery exchange, several members of the battery were
wounded or killed. Cushing himself was wounded. The wound was serious enough that he could have left the Battery and
gone to the hospital, but he stayed to lead his men. As the Confederates ceased fire, the men of Pickett’s division along
with those of Trimble, Pettigrew and Anderson made the assault with the focal point being a small grove of trees near the
Angle. Cushing and his men continued to fire at the oncoming Confederates until they exhausted their ammunition.
Cushing was in severe pain from his wounds, still giving orders, when he was struck in the head and killed. The Battery
continued to fight on, but was overrun briefly by the Confederates who had reached their high water mark. The next day
when the roll was called, only four non commissioned officers and about one hundred privates were present. Cushing’s
body was buried in the cemetery at the United States Military Academy at West Point; he was only 23 years old.
Today there are at least three living history groups portraying Cushing’s Battery including the organization in Wisconsin,
which has been in existence since 1991. (This is the date of incorporation). To capture the importance of his sacrifice
you have to look to the words of his First Sergeant, Fredrick Fuger, “Lieutenant Cushing, my commander, was a most
able soldier, a man of excellent judgment, and great decision of character; devoted to his profession, he was most faithful
in the discharge of every duty, accurate and thorough in its performance; possessed of mental and physical vigor, joined
to the kindest of hearts, he commanded the love and respect of all who knew him. His superiors placed implicit confidence
in him, as well they might. His fearlessness and resolution, displayed in numerous actions, were unsurpassed and his
noble death at Gettysburg should present an example for emulation to patriotic defenders of the country through all time
to come.” (Fuger, “Cushing’s Battery at Gettysburg,” 409.)
Faithful Unto Death - The Story of Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing and Battery A, 4th U.S. Light Artillery
There were 51,000 casualties at the Battle of Gettysburg from the three days of fighting. When it was completed, it was
called a Union Victory and the turning point of the great struggle of between the United States and the Confederate
States of America. This is a story about one man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and the Union.
Alonzo H. Cushing's parents were people of great determination who had progressively moved west looking for
opportunity. They eventually found their way to Wisconsin and stayed there long enough to start a family before
returning east. Alonzo himself was born in a log cabin in what is now Delafield, Wisconsin, a small marker remains today
to mark that spot. A larger memorial marks the achievements of not only himself but of his two brothers who also served
during the Civil War. Alonzo Cushing was educated in Fedonia, New York, but his most notable achievement was his
acceptance as a cadet to West Point as a member of the Class of 1861. The Class of 1861 in itself was full of young men
who would eventually go their separate ways after the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, the students and even
the faculty of West Point would face each other on the battlefield.
When the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter in April of 1861, many thought would a short war for Southern
independence. At the outbreak of the war, the 4th U.S. Artillery, Battery A was stationed in Indian Country out west and it
would take several months before it reached Washington D.C. However, there was a shortage of artillerymen and army
officers in general at the beginning of the war, so Battery A had to be combined with Battery C. While the Union Army
grew in numbers around the Capitol, Lt. Alonzo Cushing arrived in the city and met up with the men he would lead. They
were a mix of regular army but to meet their manpower needs they recruited soldiers from various infantry regiments and
this included immigrants from Germany and Ireland. He would share command of the battery with Lt. Rufus King Jr.
something, which almost made him leave the Battery. The Battery's original armaments consisted of four 10-pound
Parrot rifles, which had been designed by West Point graduate Robert P. Parrott in 1860, but in 1862 they were replaced
with six light, twelve-pound brass Napoleons. In the Fall of 1862 Battery A was outfitted with more modern ordinance, the
3-inch ordinance rifle..
Their first taste of war would come at the Battle of Bull Run. While they were not in the heavy fighting, the battery and its
young lieutenant showed great resourcefulness and courage. Lieutenant Cushing would prove to be a great asset to
Army Corps of Lt. General Sumner during the early years of the conflict. In addition to his duties to the Battery, he also
served on the General's staff during the early years of the war and almost left the battery to join the topographical
division.
The Battery and Lt. Cushing would see more action at Fredericksburg and Antietam before reaching their date with
destiny at small little town in southeastern Pennsylvania. Battery A was finally separated from Battery C and brought up
to full strength in October, 1862 and had received what was considered the most up to date artillery. The 3-inch
ordinance rifle was developed from a new process of cannon making and it would soon become one of the best artillery
pieces used during the Civil War. The barrel was created using a new process, which produced a lighter gun barrel that
was more accurate and had better range than the brass cannons of the day. It had a range close to 2 miles and could
fire a variety of projectiles ranging from solid shot, exploding shell and canister.
There are several versions of how and why the battle started at Gettysburg, but what is not in doubt was that soldiers
under the command of Confederate General Henry Heth and Union Calvary under General Buford began the fight on July
1, 1861. The first day of fighting would result in the defeated Union Army retreat through Gettysburg and rally on
Cemetery Ridge and Culp's Hill. At the time, Cushing's Battery was south of the town and would soon find themselves
moving towards Gettysburg with the rest of 2nd Corps. The Army of the Potomac's commanding general, George Meade
had decided to stay and fight General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg.
July 2nd, Cushing's Battery was in action on Cemetery Ridge near General Meade’s Headquarters supporting the troops
of the Army of the Potomac's 2nd Corps. The battery had several members wounded while defending the ridge. The
action would not compare to what they would face the next day at the Angle. The Angle was the location on Cemetery
Ridge where two stonewalls met nearby a small grove of trees. Lt. Alonzo Cushing and the men of the 4th U.S. Artillery
would play a role in what was to be called “Pickett’s Charge”.
The Class of 1861 of West Point had their ring designed by fellow classmates, one of which was George Armstrong
Custer. The motto inscribed on the ring was “Per Angusta ad Augusta” which translated to: “Through trials to triumph.
“(Farley, West Point in the Early Sixties, 19). On July 3rd Lt. Cushing would face his final trial, the day began as many
others had for Alonzo Cushing during this war, in front the dead, dying and wounded of the previous day. Letters from
home seemed to indicate that Cushing was disturbed by what he had seen over the past two years but he was committed
to his country and to fulfilling his duty as an officer.
The past two days had seen the Confederates launch ferocious attacks, but the Union Army had yet to be driven from the
field. General Robert E. Lee made the decision that they would attack the center of the Union line with the fresh troops of
General George Pickett. The attack would start with artillery bombardment using 150 cannons; their mission was to
silence the artillery batteries on Cemetery Ridge. In the resulting artillery exchange, several members of the battery were
wounded or killed. Cushing himself was wounded. The wound was serious enough that he could have left the Battery and
gone to the hospital, but he stayed to lead his men. As the Confederates ceased fire, the men of Pickett’s division along
with those of Trimble, Pettigrew and Anderson made the assault with the focal point being a small grove of trees near the
Angle. Cushing and his men continued to fire at the oncoming Confederates until they exhausted their ammunition.
Cushing was in severe pain from his wounds, still giving orders, when he was struck in the head and killed. The Battery
continued to fight on, but was overrun briefly by the Confederates who had reached their high water mark. The next day
when the roll was called, only four non commissioned officers and about one hundred privates were present. Cushing’s
body was buried in the cemetery at the United States Military Academy at West Point; he was only 23 years old.
Today there are at least three living history groups portraying Cushing’s Battery including the organization in Wisconsin,
which has been in existence since 1991. (This is the date of incorporation). To capture the importance of his sacrifice
you have to look to the words of his First Sergeant, Fredrick Fuger, “Lieutenant Cushing, my commander, was a most
able soldier, a man of excellent judgment, and great decision of character; devoted to his profession, he was most faithful
in the discharge of every duty, accurate and thorough in its performance; possessed of mental and physical vigor, joined
to the kindest of hearts, he commanded the love and respect of all who knew him. His superiors placed implicit confidence
in him, as well they might. His fearlessness and resolution, displayed in numerous actions, were unsurpassed and his
noble death at Gettysburg should present an example for emulation to patriotic defenders of the country through all time
to come.” (Fuger, “Cushing’s Battery at Gettysburg,” 409.)
This is the report of a Pennsylvania Battery that Cushing’s artillery
section was attached and saw action at the Cedar Mountain in the
Northern Virginia Campaign during the summer of 1862.
Report of Captain Joseph M. Knap
Battery E Pennsylvania
Light Artillery
On Friday, 8th instant, I was ordered by General Crawford, commanding at Culpeper, to move at 4 P.M. in advance of his
brigade with four guns. We took a position on an eminence to the left of the Orange road, some 400 yards beyond Cedar
Run, and remained there all night, nothing occurring until 12 m. on Saturday, the 9th instant.
At the time above mentioned the enemy opened upon our advance cavalry with two batteries, one of which (1 1/4 miles to
the front and left of our position) I was ordered to reply to. A few shots from my battery, together with two or three from a
section of Roemer’s Second New York, under my command soon silenced the enemy’s guns, causing them to change
their position.
At 1:30 P.M. General Geary’s brigade arrived and took position on my left, Lieutenant Geary’s section of artillery being
posted on the right of the brigade. A section of Captain Best’s battery, Lieutenant Cushing, was assigned to me, and took
position on the left of Lieutenant Howard’s Second New York Battery. At 2.30 P.M. the enemy opened with two batteries,
about a mile distant upon our position, and in less than twenty minutes four additional batteries were unmasked, all
apparently concentrating their fire on our artillery.
The enemy’s line of batteries extended in a crescent shape for about 2 1/2 miles on elevated ground, and at a distance
from our batteries varying from 1,500 to 2,500 yards. A continual fire from both sides was kept up, the enemy
occasionally changing the position of their batteries, until 5.30 P.M. when our infantry moved forward on their right,
charging upon and silencing the two batteries on the enemy’s left, which had produced the most effect on our artillery.
We were then ordered to devote our attention to the enemy’s right flank, and fire on their infantry whenever it was
practicable.
The enemy’s artillery ceased firing about dusk when I was ordered by Capt. C.L. Best, chief of artillery, to fall back and
take another position, my ammunition, with the exception of canister, having been expended. I took position about 1 mile
to the rear of my first, and remained there all night . Owing to the nature of the ground I was unable to shift my position
materially during the entire engagement I was forced to leave two caissons on the field empty and disabled, one of which
has been recovered. My loss in men was 1 killed and 7 wounded, and in horses 14 killed and disabled. One gun was
disabled late in the action by a cannon shot, but it was brought off the field. No ammunition fell into the enemy’s hands.
In conclusion, it gives me great pleasure to testify to the gallant conduct and bearing of my men and those of Lieutenant
Howard’s and Cushing’s sections, temporarily under my command, and to the bravery and skill displayed by Lieutenants
Geary, McGill, Cushing, and Howard, and acting Lieutenant Dunlevy.
The amount of shell expended by my battery (six 10 pounder Parrotts) was 980.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Joe. M. Knap, Capt., Commanding. Pa. Bat., attached to First Brig.,
Second Div. Col. Charles Candy,
Commanding. First Brig., Second Div., Second Army Corps
Submitted by James Benware
section was attached and saw action at the Cedar Mountain in the
Northern Virginia Campaign during the summer of 1862.
Report of Captain Joseph M. Knap
Battery E Pennsylvania
Light Artillery
On Friday, 8th instant, I was ordered by General Crawford, commanding at Culpeper, to move at 4 P.M. in advance of his
brigade with four guns. We took a position on an eminence to the left of the Orange road, some 400 yards beyond Cedar
Run, and remained there all night, nothing occurring until 12 m. on Saturday, the 9th instant.
At the time above mentioned the enemy opened upon our advance cavalry with two batteries, one of which (1 1/4 miles to
the front and left of our position) I was ordered to reply to. A few shots from my battery, together with two or three from a
section of Roemer’s Second New York, under my command soon silenced the enemy’s guns, causing them to change
their position.
At 1:30 P.M. General Geary’s brigade arrived and took position on my left, Lieutenant Geary’s section of artillery being
posted on the right of the brigade. A section of Captain Best’s battery, Lieutenant Cushing, was assigned to me, and took
position on the left of Lieutenant Howard’s Second New York Battery. At 2.30 P.M. the enemy opened with two batteries,
about a mile distant upon our position, and in less than twenty minutes four additional batteries were unmasked, all
apparently concentrating their fire on our artillery.
The enemy’s line of batteries extended in a crescent shape for about 2 1/2 miles on elevated ground, and at a distance
from our batteries varying from 1,500 to 2,500 yards. A continual fire from both sides was kept up, the enemy
occasionally changing the position of their batteries, until 5.30 P.M. when our infantry moved forward on their right,
charging upon and silencing the two batteries on the enemy’s left, which had produced the most effect on our artillery.
We were then ordered to devote our attention to the enemy’s right flank, and fire on their infantry whenever it was
practicable.
The enemy’s artillery ceased firing about dusk when I was ordered by Capt. C.L. Best, chief of artillery, to fall back and
take another position, my ammunition, with the exception of canister, having been expended. I took position about 1 mile
to the rear of my first, and remained there all night . Owing to the nature of the ground I was unable to shift my position
materially during the entire engagement I was forced to leave two caissons on the field empty and disabled, one of which
has been recovered. My loss in men was 1 killed and 7 wounded, and in horses 14 killed and disabled. One gun was
disabled late in the action by a cannon shot, but it was brought off the field. No ammunition fell into the enemy’s hands.
In conclusion, it gives me great pleasure to testify to the gallant conduct and bearing of my men and those of Lieutenant
Howard’s and Cushing’s sections, temporarily under my command, and to the bravery and skill displayed by Lieutenants
Geary, McGill, Cushing, and Howard, and acting Lieutenant Dunlevy.
The amount of shell expended by my battery (six 10 pounder Parrotts) was 980.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Joe. M. Knap, Capt., Commanding. Pa. Bat., attached to First Brig.,
Second Div. Col. Charles Candy,
Commanding. First Brig., Second Div., Second Army Corps
Submitted by James Benware
