Booknotes: The 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters at Gettysburg

New Arrival:

• The 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters at Gettysburg: Like A Perfect Hornet's Nest by Mark W. Allen (McFarland, 2024).

From the description: "The many works on the Battle of Gettysburg have neglected the role of the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters, known for their extensive training and specialized tactics. This history is the first to explore the actions on July 2, 1863, of this Union Army regiment largely composed of men from Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Vermont." Readers wanting to obtain a broader picture of the 2nd USSS's Civil War service can be referred to Gerald Earley's 2009 book The Second United States Sharpshooters in the Civil War: A History and Roster from the same publisher.

Mark Allen's The 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters at Gettysburg: Like A Perfect Hornet's Nest "revolves around the 2nd Sharpshooters' defense of the Union left flank from Slyder Farm to the Round Tops" on July 2, 1863. Its self-stated objective is to "tell the sharpshooters' important story and put their actions into context, knowing the events described did not happen in a vacuum" (pg. 1). Opposing Confederate perspectives along with the actions and command decisions of other Union units and leaders are brought into the discussion only as they directly affected the sharpshooters.

After a brief organizational summary, Allen's coverage moves on directly to the Gettysburg Campaign and events of July 2. Based on a diverse range of source materials, the volume's detailed, roughly 175-page tactical narrative is richly supported with cartography, seemingly one map placed every few pages or so (a remarkably large collection). Photographs are also sprinkled about liberally. The appendix section contains a selective order of battle, some unit numbers information; a few more supplemental maps, drawings, and images; and a set of 2nd USSS company commander capsule bios (with photos).

More from the description: "Drawing on newly discovered primary sources, this book seeks to clarify mysteries such as the identity of the non-commissioned officer who met with Company B of the 20th Maine and the location of Major Homer R. Stoughton during the battle. Following the understrength regiment as it confronts two Confederate brigades, this thorough historical narrative presents a long untold story of the Battle of Gettysburg."