Fire on Carolina Street |
 |
| 20" x 30" |
 |
| 1,300 Signed & Numbered |
 |
| Unframed - $300.00 Framed - $450.00 |
(click image to see larger)
The moon was setting and the sun just rising as the 20th Massachusetts Volunteers approached the banks of the icy Rappahannock River on the morning of December 11, 1862. Concealed by the early morning fog, the 50th New York Engineers worked feverishly to finish the bridges. As the sun grew stronger, the engineers became visible targets in the sights of Gen. William Barksdale's Mississippians and the 8th Florida hidden among the buildings on the opposite shore.
Skirmishers from the 7th Michigan and the 19th Massachusetts tried to provide cover as the engineers again attempted to continue work while the artillery pounded the Confederate sharpshooters. In the late afternoon the 7th Michigan and 19th Massachusetts without hesitation, boarded the pontoon scows and started to row across the river to clear out the sharpshooters. The 20th boarded the boats, following the 19th Massachusetts across. After crossing the river, the 19th deployed to the right and the 7th to their left while the 20th lead the column of attack up the center of Hawke street.
The 20th, wearing gray State issue overcoats with red blankets rolled on their knapsacks, formed under the national colors and a red silk presentation flag commemorating the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff. Captain Abbott's "I"company, 60 strong, lead the way up the street column of platoons. Upon entering Caroline Street, the fire was dreadful; orders were received to "push forward." The regiment faced murderous fire from every window, fence, and cellar suffering ninety three casualties in the short distance of fifty yards. Over the thundering crash of rifle fire which illuminated the dark streets, the 20th cried out "Ball's Bluff" as they inched their way forward. By the end of the day thirty five of the Nantucket boys from Abbot's company were killed or wounded.
Skirmishers from the 7th Michigan and the 19th Massachusetts tried to provide cover as the engineers again attempted to continue work while the artillery pounded the Confederate sharpshooters. In the late afternoon the 7th Michigan and 19th Massachusetts without hesitation, boarded the pontoon scows and started to row across the river to clear out the sharpshooters. The 20th boarded the boats, following the 19th Massachusetts across. After crossing the river, the 19th deployed to the right and the 7th to their left while the 20th lead the column of attack up the center of Hawke street.
The 20th, wearing gray State issue overcoats with red blankets rolled on their knapsacks, formed under the national colors and a red silk presentation flag commemorating the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff. Captain Abbott's "I"company, 60 strong, lead the way up the street column of platoons. Upon entering Caroline Street, the fire was dreadful; orders were received to "push forward." The regiment faced murderous fire from every window, fence, and cellar suffering ninety three casualties in the short distance of fifty yards. Over the thundering crash of rifle fire which illuminated the dark streets, the 20th cried out "Ball's Bluff" as they inched their way forward. By the end of the day thirty five of the Nantucket boys from Abbot's company were killed or wounded.
