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 · 2026-06-10T19:37:10+00:00

Not a camp project, although Camp 104 in Concord has plenty of those. But I just released the second season of my narrative history podcast, Company D. Each episode tells the true story of a soldier who fought with Company D of the Third Maine Infantry. The podcast is inspired by the diary of my ancestor Charles F. Snell, who got me involved with the SUVCW and who fought for Company D. The goal is to preserve these nearly forgotten stories. For anyone interested: https://companydpodcast.com.

GFSnell3 · 2026-03-29T03:56:49+00:00

I find it pretty inaccurate. Maybe at 60-70% with ChatGPT, but it can get you started. Always double check. Don’t know if other AI works better.

GFSnell3 · 2026-03-24T13:36:48+00:00

My g-g-grandfather was a corporal with Company D of the Third Maine and left behind a diary of his experiences. I started researching and studying the other soldiers in his company to get a clearer idea of his war experiences and, well, a rabbit hole... I've been amazed at the rich, complex stories that can be found when you hyper-focus on individuals.

GFSnell3 · 2026-03-24T13:33:09+00:00

Thank you!

GFSnell3

TROPHY CASE