First Brigade

On July 2, the Army of the Potomac's Fifth Corps, Second Division, First Brigade, under Col. Hannibal Day and composed of detachments of the 3d, 4th, 6th, 12th, and 14th U.S. Infantry, moved late in the day from the Baltimore Pike near Rock Creek to Little Round Top and the Third Corps line, halted on the north slope of Little Round Top, then advanced across Plum Run Valley to the hill beyond and formed line in rear of the Second Brigade facing the Wheatfield as the First Division of the Second Corps advanced through it perpendicular to the brigade's line; later, while supporting the Second Brigade toward the left, the brigade retired under heavy musketry fire on its front and flank to Little Round Top after Union forces on the right and front had been driven back by superior numbers, and at night withdrew to the woods on the east side. On July 3, it remained in the same position. On July 4, it made a reconnaissance to the front, supported by the Second Brigade and the First Division of the Sixth Corps, forcing in the Confederate pickets and drawing artillery fire. Its casualties were 1 officer and 45 men killed, 13 officers and 305 men wounded, and 18 men captured or missing, for a total of 382.

Pennsylvania · United States