Third Brigade

The Third Brigade of the Army of the Potomac's Second Corps, Second Division, under Col. Norman J. Hall, included the 19th and 20th Massachusetts, 7th Michigan, and 42d and 59th New York Infantry, with four companies of the 59th New York present. On July 2 it took position on the line to the left of the Second Brigade and the Copse of Trees. Late in the day, the 19th Massachusetts and 42d New York advanced to support the Second Division of the Third Corps, but retired when that division was forced back. The brigade was then attacked by Brig. Gen. Wright's Brigade, which overran Battery A, 1st Rhode Island, then in advance, but was repulsed with heavy loss and driven beyond the Emmitsburg Road. On July 3 the brigade remained in position. At 3 p.m., after a cannonade of two hours, Longstreet's assault was made. The Third Brigade and the Second Brigade received the charge of Major Gen. Pickett's Division and repulsed it with great loss in killed, wounded, prisoners, and flags. In this engagement, the First Brigade and other troops were rushed to support the two brigades engaged and contributed to the victory. The brigade remained in its position until the close of the battle. Its casualties were 6 officers and 75 men killed, 29 officers and 253 men wounded, and 14 men captured or missing, a total of 377.

Pennsylvania · United States