| American Civil War art print.
American Civil War print 'The Last Full Measure' by Keith Rocco.
General
Winfield Scott Hancock, commander of the Union Second Corps was
trying to avert a disaster on the Union center. The exposed Third
Corps was overrun and fleeing the battlefield, with the victorious
Confederates in pursuit. This breakthrough opened an avenue to the
Union rear that threatened the whole army. Hancock needed men to
buy him time to bring reinforcements up to plug the gap in the
Federal line. The general observed a body of men lying in a slight
hollow, just behind the crest of Cemetery Ridge, to the left of
the cemetery. He spurred his horse to this position.
Keith Rocco. the historical art
prints of Keith Rocco, of the American Civil war, Napoleonic and Rorke,s
Drift, many of which are sold out limited editions.. Keith Rocco must
certainly rate as one of the US major Historical and military artist of
today. His meticulous research and eye for detail has built him a
reputation amongst print and original collectors and many of
his paintings hang in collections across the Us. including The
Andrew Mellon Foundation, The Pentagon. Gettysburg National Park, ,
National Guard Heritage Collection and many others. These superb print
shown here many of which have been sold out for 10 years. are very hard
to find. Only one copy of each are available here from Cranston
Fine Arts The Military Print company
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The Last Full Measure, 1st Minnesota Regiment at Gettysburg by Keith Rocco.
General Winfield Scott Hancock, commander of the Union Second Corps was trying to avert a disaster on the Union center. The exposed Third Corps was overrun and fleeing the battlefield, with the victorious Confederates in pursuit. This breakthrough opened an avenue to the Union rear that threatened the whole army. Hancock needed men to buy him time to bring reinforcements up to plug the gap in the Federal line. The general observed a body of men lying in a slight hollow, just behind the crest of Cemetery Ridge, to the left of the cemetery. He spurred his horse to this position. Hancock spied Colonel William Colvills 1st Minnesota Infantry, 1st brigade, 2nd division, Second Corps. These men were in reserve, but they had been watching the battle unfold through the dense clouds of gunsmoke that clung to the ground on this sultry summer day. The 1st Minnesota was understrength, shouldering but 262 muskets this day. The regiment had been bloodied on every field, from First Bull Run through Chancellorsville, and was further weakened by detachments. This single, undermanned regiment was the only Union force at hand. My God! exclaimed Hancock when he saw them, Are these all the men we have here! What regiment is this? he demanded. First Minnesota, replied Colvill. Charge those lines, Hancock ordered, pointing in the direction of the Peach Orchard and Plum Run. Hancock and Colvill looked at each other, Hancock knowing what he had ordered and Colvill realizing both the necessity and the grim implications of it. Forward, double-quick, Colvill barked to his men. With bayonets fixed, and rifles at right-shoulder shift, the 1st Minnesota charged down the slope toward Cadmus Wilcoxs Confederate brigade, which was then reforming its lines in the marshy terrain along Plum Run. The Minnesotans advanced along a hundred yard front, with both flanks in the air. Losing men at every step, they continued forward. As the Federals neared the enemy, they leveled their bayonets and charged. The ferocity of this assault stunned the Confederates, driving back the first line of defenders, staggering their advance. Then, as both lines steadied, they exchanged volleys at a distance of thirty yards. Though his line continued to melt away, Colvills Minnesotans traded their lives for the precious minutes Hancock required. In just fifteen minutes it was over. Only 47 men, commanded by a sergeant, rallied to the 1st Minnesotas banner. Two hundred fifteen of their comrades, all of their officers, including Colvill, lay on the field.
Signed limited edition og 500 prints. Image size 24 inches x 17 inches (61cm x 43cm). Price £135.00
ITEM CODE KR0006
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