OLDNAVYMCPO
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Almost every red blooded American male knows of Carlos Hathcock and Chris Kyle, two of America's more famous snipers. Snipers have been a part of America's military since the Revolution. Not always held in high esteem, snipers are now recognized as one of the most effective and necessary weapons on the battlefield.
The use of snipers during the Civil War was common on both sides. Confederate SGT Charles D. Grace of Co B, 4th GA Inf was a Rebel sniper. He had enlisted at La Grange, GA and his company was mustered into service on 3 May 1861. On 8 May 1864, after three years of constant warfare only broken by bouts of fever and hospitalization for wounds, SGT Grace found himself facing Yankee troops once again thru the scope of his Whitworth rifle.
Barefoot, half starved, filthy dirty, wearing a ragged homespun uniform, SGT Grace still felt he was the best soldier on the field. These well-fed Yankee foreigners in their fancy blue uniforms would feel his sting.
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was Gen Grant's second battle in his Overland Campaign. His first battle, the Battle of the Wilderness was indecisive. Grant disengaged and tried to maneuver to a more advantageous position. Rob Lee was a bit quicker. They met at the crossroads at Spotsylvania on 8 May 1864.
Union Major Generals Warren and Sedgwick tried to dislodge the Confederates from Laural Hill which blocked the Yankee's path.
All day long on the 9th, Rebel snipers harassed the Union troops. Using a British rifle that had been smuggled thru the Yankee Blockade and issued to only the best sharpshooters, the Rebel snipers were deadly. The rifle was the .451 cal Whitworth, firing a 530 gr hexagonal lead bullet thru a hexagonal bored barrel with a 1:20 twist. When tested by the British Army using a machine rest, the rifle was capable of a 12 inch group at 1800 yards. The bullet's shape caused it to make a shrill whistle in flight. This squeal and the deadly accuracy of the snipers, combined to cause the Yankees to duck and dodge at every shot.
Major General Sedgwick, dismounted and paced among his troops berating them for their antics. He repeatedly told his men," they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance".
Moments later, the General was slammed to the ground. From a distance of almost 1000 yards, SGT Grace had shot Major General John Sedgwick under his left eye with a 530 gr bullet. This was the highest ranking Union casualty of the war.
Later in the battle, SGT Grace was wounded in the left shoulder by a minie ball and admitted to Jackson Hospital on 16 May 1864 in Richmond, VA.
Sgt Grace survives his wound and is on the list of soldiers surrendered by Gen Robert E. Lee at Appomattox.
The use of snipers during the Civil War was common on both sides. Confederate SGT Charles D. Grace of Co B, 4th GA Inf was a Rebel sniper. He had enlisted at La Grange, GA and his company was mustered into service on 3 May 1861. On 8 May 1864, after three years of constant warfare only broken by bouts of fever and hospitalization for wounds, SGT Grace found himself facing Yankee troops once again thru the scope of his Whitworth rifle.
Barefoot, half starved, filthy dirty, wearing a ragged homespun uniform, SGT Grace still felt he was the best soldier on the field. These well-fed Yankee foreigners in their fancy blue uniforms would feel his sting.
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was Gen Grant's second battle in his Overland Campaign. His first battle, the Battle of the Wilderness was indecisive. Grant disengaged and tried to maneuver to a more advantageous position. Rob Lee was a bit quicker. They met at the crossroads at Spotsylvania on 8 May 1864.
Union Major Generals Warren and Sedgwick tried to dislodge the Confederates from Laural Hill which blocked the Yankee's path.
All day long on the 9th, Rebel snipers harassed the Union troops. Using a British rifle that had been smuggled thru the Yankee Blockade and issued to only the best sharpshooters, the Rebel snipers were deadly. The rifle was the .451 cal Whitworth, firing a 530 gr hexagonal lead bullet thru a hexagonal bored barrel with a 1:20 twist. When tested by the British Army using a machine rest, the rifle was capable of a 12 inch group at 1800 yards. The bullet's shape caused it to make a shrill whistle in flight. This squeal and the deadly accuracy of the snipers, combined to cause the Yankees to duck and dodge at every shot.
Major General Sedgwick, dismounted and paced among his troops berating them for their antics. He repeatedly told his men," they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance".
Moments later, the General was slammed to the ground. From a distance of almost 1000 yards, SGT Grace had shot Major General John Sedgwick under his left eye with a 530 gr bullet. This was the highest ranking Union casualty of the war.
Later in the battle, SGT Grace was wounded in the left shoulder by a minie ball and admitted to Jackson Hospital on 16 May 1864 in Richmond, VA.
Sgt Grace survives his wound and is on the list of soldiers surrendered by Gen Robert E. Lee at Appomattox.
