Bayonets!

On July 2, the bayonet charge of the 20th Maine became a defining moment for the regiment, but later memories left the exact sequence of events and the roles of individuals confused and contested. Accounts differed over whether an order to charge was given, whether bayonets were specifically ordered to be used, who led the advance, and whether the Alabamians were driven from the hill or withdrew under orders. Joshua Chamberlain recalled in 1863 that he ordered the bayonet and that the regiment sprang forward upon the enemy. William C. Oates wrote in 1876 that he concluded it was his duty to order a retreat and did so. Theodore Gerrish wrote in 1882 that Lieutenant H. S. Melcher saw the situation, shouted for the men to come on, and the regiment charged with a yell. Ellis Spear recalled in 1916 that he heard a shout of "Forward," saw the line and colors begin to move, had received no orders, and moved the left with the rest. The truth of what happened on this rocky spur may never be fully known. Soldiers fixed bayonets to the ends of their rifles when ordered and prepared for hand-to-hand combat, but bayonets were seldom used in battle and caused only a small percentage of wounds during the conflict.

Pennsylvania · United States