Second Division

The Army of the Potomac's Eleventh Corps Second Division, under Brig. General Adolph Von Steinwehr, with the First Brigade commanded by Col. Charles R. Coster and the Second Brigade by Col. Orlando Smith, arrived about 2 p.m. on July 1 and went into position on Cemetery Hill supporting Battery I New York First Artillery and covering the commanding position there, while skirmishers took possession of a church and nearby house to prevent occupancy by Confederate sharpshooters. As the First and Third Division advanced in a line extending from Rock Creek to Mummasburg Road to connect with the right of First Corps, they became hotly engaged with Hoke's and Hays's Brigades. Early's Division then moved toward town in rear of the Union right, and the First Brigade was sent through town to hold them. The brigade retreated through town and joined the Second Brigade about 4.30 p.m. On July 2, heavy artillery firing occurred from 4 to 6 p.m.; between 8 and 9 p.m. the division was attacked by Hays's Louisiana Brigade, which penetrated to Battery I First New York Light Artillery and was repulsed with great loss. On July 3 the division was not engaged but remained subject to the fire of sharpshooters and artillery. Its casualties were 3 officers and 104 men killed, 14 officers and 493 men wounded, and 14 officers and 318 men captured or missing, for a total of 946.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania · United States