Marching to Disaster

At midday, the 8th New York advanced in precise formation across a clover field and into a hollow, then emerged and marched over the crest of the ridge while Confederates watched in amazement. The regiment was led by Col. Francis Wutschel, whom some in the brigade blamed for the disaster that followed, accusing him of being drunk and of attacking prematurely, possibly explaining why the 45th New York did not join the assault. Corp. August Horstmann of the 45th New York wrote that Wutschel foiled the battle plan and any chance of victory by ordering his regiment to attack long before the battle was supposed to begin and without reserves behind him. After beating back enemy pickets, the 8th New York sang "Hinaus in die Ferne" and went straight into a bayonet attack, advancing toward the fence line in perfect formation while singing at the top of their voices. After the battle, the regiment's officers told Wutschel he could either resign or face a court-martial for being constantly drunk and for disobeying orders to wait for the command to attack, and he was dishonorably discharged two months later.

Virginia · United States