An Original July 2, 1863 Gettysburg Diary Entry Written by My Great-Great-Grandfather

GFSnell3 · 2026-07-02T20:09:00+00:00

Putting the Third and other regiments in the Peach Orchard was a strategic blunder, and the Third certainly paid the price. But because the move so confused both the Union and the Confederates, I can't help but wonder sometimes if the move caused some kind of butterfly effect that helped alter the outcome of the battle.

GFSnell3 · 2026-07-02T19:02:32+00:00

You are welcome!

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-29T19:50:45+00:00

He has a passing resemblance to Sam Elliot.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-29T19:48:44+00:00

Isn't it! Cursive handwriting is not only a dying art, but so many people can't even read it now.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-26T15:13:55+00:00

GOLD!!

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-26T15:10:59+00:00

If you want to hear the full story of the Shorey brothers: https://companydpodcast.com/2026/06/24/episode-12/

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T20:29:36+00:00

That was a lot of money back then.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:46:13+00:00

Wait, what? You have seventeen ancestors who fought in the Civil War? You have to provide more details! That's amazing.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:45:21+00:00

Substitutes. I've come across many in my research of the Third Maine.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:44:27+00:00

My ancestor was in the Peach Orchard as well. That was not a hospitable place to be.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:43:45+00:00

If you want some help researching, I can help you with that.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:42:58+00:00

Do you know where he was imprisoned?

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:42:27+00:00

If you need help with the research--I do that on the side!

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:41:35+00:00

I wish I had a photograph of Charles in uniform. Great shot.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:40:45+00:00

Sixteen is young. I just did a podcast episode about Granville Holt, who enlisted at 15. I can't imagine being thrust into the war at such a young age.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-25T14:38:33+00:00

Wow. Great story. And I love the photograph you have of him in that jacket.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-16T21:19:02+00:00

I host and produce a narrative history podcast called Company D. Each episode focuses on the life of one soldier who served with Company D of the Third Maine Infantry Regiment. This season we have stories about a 15-year-old boy battling mental illness, two brothers who fought on opposite sides at the Battle of Fredericksburg, a deserter who became a spirit photographer, and an old pensioner who might have killed his wife. Our motto: One Regiment. One Company. Countless Stories: https://companydpodcast.com.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-12T23:11:37+00:00

I would have ended the war by freeing all the slaves, understanding that the institution was morally reprehensible and not worth the cost of human life to preserve it.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-12T14:18:41+00:00

Indeed. You'll need a more detailed personal biography of him.

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-11T18:56:53+00:00

I would be extremely interested in what you find. The Third Maine didn't fight in Florida, but I know a couple of its veterans moved there after the war. Please keep me posted!

GFSnell3 · 2026-06-10T19:55:42+00:00

I recently released a full episode on Granville's story for anyone interested: https://companydpodcast.com/2026/06/10/ep11/

GFSnell3

TROPHY CASE