WEBVTT 00:00.666 --> 00:02.666 align:left position:17.5%,start line:89% size:72.5% Hi I'm Eric for Made Here. 00:02.666 --> 00:04.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% Forlorn Hope, Cumberland, Maine 00:04.666 --> 00:06.033 align:left position:17.5%,start line:89% size:72.5% director Daniel Lambert's 00:06.033 --> 00:07.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% historical film, about the 1st 00:07.966 --> 00:09.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment's 00:09.566 --> 00:11.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% participation in the Civil War, 00:11.666 --> 00:13.100 align:left position:27.5%,start line:89% size:62.5% is part reenactment 00:13.100 --> 00:14.866 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% and part historical record. 00:15.266 --> 00:16.666 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% Late in the Civil War, 00:16.666 --> 00:18.733 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% more than 850 Maine soldiers 00:18.733 --> 00:20.700 align:left position:17.5%,start line:89% size:72.5% accepted orders to charge a 00:20.700 --> 00:22.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% confederate held position 00:22.200 --> 00:23.933 align:left position:17.5%,start line:89% size:72.5% near Petersburg, Virginia. 00:24.233 --> 00:25.566 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% And within 10 minutes of 00:25.566 --> 00:27.500 align:left position:17.5%,start line:89% size:72.5% their charge, more than 630 00:27.500 --> 00:28.566 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% were struck down. 00:29.466 --> 00:31.366 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% Forlorn Hope tells the story 00:31.366 --> 00:33.033 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% leading up their charge 00:33.033 --> 00:34.033 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% and what happened after, 00:34.033 --> 00:35.800 align:left position:17.5%,start line:89% size:72.5% towards the end of the war. 00:36.666 --> 00:37.866 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Local stories like these 00:37.866 --> 00:39.400 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% tend to get lost 00:39.400 --> 00:40.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% in the bigger picture of history 00:41.033 --> 00:42.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% and it's up to filmmakers like 00:42.466 --> 00:44.466 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% Daniel Lambert to help remind 00:44.466 --> 00:46.000 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% us of the local impact 00:46.000 --> 00:47.233 align:left position:27.5%,start line:89% size:62.5% these moments have. 00:48.300 --> 00:49.900 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% You can watch Forlorn Hope on 00:49.900 --> 00:51.333 align:left position:27.5%,start line:89% size:62.5% broadcast or online 00:51.333 --> 00:53.266 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% at vermontpbs.org 00:53.266 --> 00:54.766 align:left position:27.5%,start line:89% size:62.5% Enjoy the film and 00:54.766 --> 00:55.900 align:left position:25%,start line:89% size:65% thanks for watching! 01:11.233 --> 01:14.633 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (majestic bagpipe music) 01:23.866 --> 01:26.900 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% - [Narrator] Upon this ground over 150 years ago 01:28.100 --> 01:31.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and more than 800 miles from the rocky coastline 01:31.466 --> 01:33.866 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and timbered forest of down east Maine 01:33.866 --> 01:35.133 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% that they called home, 01:37.200 --> 01:39.466 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% the men of the First Maine Heavy Artillery 01:39.466 --> 01:41.966 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% became part of an incredible story. 01:41.966 --> 01:44.366 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (muskets firing) 01:44.366 --> 01:48.933 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% One that until now has gone mostly untold. 01:48.933 --> 01:52.400 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% (soft instrumental music) 01:53.700 --> 01:55.266 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% A story of courage, 01:57.600 --> 01:58.866 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% of sacrifice, 02:03.166 --> 02:05.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% a story that consecrated this ground 02:05.700 --> 02:07.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% with the blood of men from Maine 02:08.833 --> 02:10.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% in the service of their country. 02:16.433 --> 02:19.200 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 02:25.100 --> 02:28.766 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (acoustic guitar music) 02:28.766 --> 02:31.333 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% The First Maine Heavy Artillery started out 02:31.333 --> 02:34.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% as the 18th Maine Regiment and was raised 02:34.700 --> 02:39.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% as part of Abraham Lincoln's call in the spring of 1862 02:39.633 --> 02:42.633 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% for additional three-year regiments from each state. 02:43.766 --> 02:45.533 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% The men of the 18th Maine were drawn 02:45.533 --> 02:47.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% from up and down eastern Maine. 02:47.966 --> 02:51.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% Some came from towns in the Penobscot River Valley, 02:52.633 --> 02:54.800 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% some came from Bangor and the surrounding area, 02:55.966 --> 02:58.333 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% others came from along the central coast 02:58.333 --> 03:01.600 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% including the towns of Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island. 03:03.066 --> 03:05.600 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% As with most regiments early in the war, 03:05.600 --> 03:09.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% the officers were known to the men from civilian life. 03:09.333 --> 03:12.900 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% As the 18th Maine forms, Daniel Chaplin, 03:12.900 --> 03:16.000 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% then serving as a major in the Second Maine Regiment 03:16.000 --> 03:19.033 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% is promoted to colonel and placed in command. 03:20.600 --> 03:22.933 align:left position:15%,start line:5% size:75% - The colonel of the First Maine heavy is a guy 03:22.933 --> 03:24.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:5% size:77.5% by the name of Dan Chaplin. 03:24.533 --> 03:27.800 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% He's a business man out of Bangor, 03:27.800 --> 03:29.933 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% considered as a merchant of some kind, 03:29.933 --> 03:31.733 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% but he has the respect and regard 03:31.733 --> 03:33.866 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% of the men who are serving under him. 03:33.866 --> 03:35.233 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% He's considered to have integrity, 03:35.233 --> 03:38.033 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% he cares for them, they will follow him. 03:38.033 --> 03:40.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% They will take his orders, and they will do what he says. 03:44.966 --> 03:47.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Narrator] In August of 1862, 03:47.233 --> 03:51.300 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% the 18th Maine left the state and headed for Washington DC. 03:52.233 --> 03:53.600 align:left position:25%,start line:89% size:65% When they arrived, 03:53.600 --> 03:55.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% the defenses protecting the federal capital 03:55.866 --> 03:58.033 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% were still in need of strengthening. 03:58.033 --> 04:01.133 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% And quickly the men of the 18th got to work, 04:01.133 --> 04:03.833 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% cutting trees and digging entrenchments. 04:03.833 --> 04:06.000 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Their efficiency with a saw and spade 04:06.000 --> 04:08.700 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% allowed them to remain in and around the capital 04:08.700 --> 04:11.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% while other regiments were moved to the front. 04:11.133 --> 04:13.833 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% - And these guys set up camp around DC, 04:13.833 --> 04:16.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and there in Georgetown, there in Arlington, 04:16.733 --> 04:19.300 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and they're part of the perimeter defense. 04:19.300 --> 04:20.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% And they do a lot of drilling. 04:20.900 --> 04:25.900 align:left position:20%,start line:77% size:70% From their perspective, wartime's pretty easy, they like it. 04:27.100 --> 04:29.400 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% They've figured out how to do the things 04:29.400 --> 04:30.700 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% that they did at home. 04:30.700 --> 04:33.066 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% They can cut trees, they can dig ditches, 04:33.066 --> 04:36.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% they can build breastworks, and readouts, and abatis 04:36.900 --> 04:39.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% and they were able to figure out how to take care 04:39.533 --> 04:41.400 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% of themselves even better than that 04:41.400 --> 04:45.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% because they had some real ingenious guys in the regiment. 04:45.300 --> 04:48.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% (haunting instrumental music) 04:48.866 --> 04:51.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - [Narrator] The 18th Maine Infantry Regiment is renamed 04:51.966 --> 04:54.533 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% the First Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment 04:54.533 --> 04:58.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and spends much of 1863 in ready watchfulness 04:58.666 --> 05:03.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% as the war and talk of battles swirls around them. 05:03.200 --> 05:05.366 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (cannon fires) 05:05.366 --> 05:10.300 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% Chancellorsville, Winchester, Aldie, Middleburg, Vicksburg. 05:11.166 --> 05:13.666 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% (multiple cannons firing) 05:13.666 --> 05:15.300 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% Gettysburg. 05:15.300 --> 05:16.800 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% - There was some grousing about that, 05:16.800 --> 05:18.933 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% because that's not what these guys signed up for. 05:18.933 --> 05:22.100 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% But at the same time they were thinking yeah okay. 05:22.100 --> 05:24.900 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% But to become a heavy artillery regiment, 05:24.900 --> 05:28.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% the number of men in each company was increased by 50 05:28.000 --> 05:29.500 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and they added two additional companies 05:29.500 --> 05:32.666 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% so by then you're now talking not 1,000 men, 05:32.666 --> 05:34.333 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% but close to 1,800. 05:34.333 --> 05:35.800 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% - [Narrator] Even though they were not being moved 05:35.800 --> 05:38.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% to the front, Daniel Chaplin and the other officers 05:38.966 --> 05:40.933 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% spent many hours drilling the men, 05:40.933 --> 05:43.700 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% making sure their military skills and discipline 05:43.700 --> 05:44.733 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% did not slip. 05:46.200 --> 05:49.533 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 05:49.533 --> 05:53.833 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% In March of 1864, Ulysses S. Grant is named 05:53.833 --> 05:57.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% overall commander of the Union forces and he comes East. 05:59.900 --> 06:03.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% One of his first priorities is to pursue General Lee's 06:03.166 --> 06:06.533 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% Army of Northern Virginia, and after three years 06:06.533 --> 06:09.033 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% of bitter and heated engagements, 06:09.033 --> 06:11.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% he realizes that he will need a lot more men 06:11.566 --> 06:13.133 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% to get the job done. 06:13.133 --> 06:14.900 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (musket fires) 06:14.900 --> 06:17.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Union command decided that some of these guys 06:17.366 --> 06:19.233 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% who had been on the perimeter defense, 06:19.233 --> 06:21.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% like the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery 06:21.566 --> 06:24.400 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% and the First Maine, let's press them into service 06:24.400 --> 06:26.366 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% as infantry regiments. 06:26.366 --> 06:28.966 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Which meant guys, pack up, hit the road, 06:28.966 --> 06:31.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% we're gonna give you your muskets and you're gonna be 06:31.466 --> 06:33.033 align:left position:25%,start line:89% size:65% part of the army. 06:33.033 --> 06:35.866 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (menacing music) 06:35.866 --> 06:38.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:5% size:77.5% - When the heavy artillery regiments first come online, 06:38.966 --> 06:40.566 align:left position:15%,start line:5% size:75% they're not well received. 06:40.566 --> 06:43.233 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% They're joining an army now that had seen 06:43.233 --> 06:44.700 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% some heavy fighting. 06:44.700 --> 06:47.233 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% A few weeks prior, the Battle of the Wilderness, 06:47.233 --> 06:50.100 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% which kicked off the overlaying campaign. 06:50.100 --> 06:53.700 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% The year before you had Gettysburg and beyond that 06:53.700 --> 06:55.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% you had battles like Antietam. 06:55.866 --> 06:58.700 align:left position:25%,start line:89% size:65% (music continues) 06:58.700 --> 07:02.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% So there were veteran regiments that had seen a lot, 07:02.333 --> 07:04.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% had seen a lot of their comrades who were no longer 07:04.800 --> 07:06.300 align:left position:35%,start line:89% size:55% with them. 07:06.300 --> 07:08.766 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% Regiments that used to be at 1,000 men are down to 200 now. 07:10.533 --> 07:12.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% To see these new regiments coming aboard, 07:12.600 --> 07:14.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% they were called names, they were made fun of, 07:14.366 --> 07:16.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% they were called things like Old Abe's Pets 07:16.766 --> 07:18.666 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% because they had spent time in Washington. 07:18.666 --> 07:20.333 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% They were called paper collar soldiers 07:20.333 --> 07:23.766 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% because they had come down in their full frock coats, 07:23.766 --> 07:27.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% trimmed red with the artillery service. 07:27.200 --> 07:29.266 align:left position:30%,start line:83% size:60% They were called bandbox soldiers 07:29.266 --> 07:31.600 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% because everybody knew they could march, 07:31.600 --> 07:32.666 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% but could they fight? 07:35.333 --> 07:37.866 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 07:37.866 --> 07:41.033 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% - [Narrator] By May of 1864, the garrison troops 07:41.033 --> 07:42.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% were being ordered to the front. 07:45.133 --> 07:48.666 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Including the First Maine Heavy Artillery. 07:48.666 --> 07:50.866 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% (military drumming) 07:50.866 --> 07:54.100 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% On May 19th, the First Maine Heavy Artillery 07:54.100 --> 07:56.966 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% is held in reserve at Spotsylvania, 07:56.966 --> 07:59.366 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% guarding the army's wagon trains. 08:00.700 --> 08:03.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% Confederate general, Richard Ewell, Second Corps, 08:03.866 --> 08:05.500 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% learns of the supplies. 08:05.500 --> 08:08.100 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (rebel yells) 08:08.100 --> 08:11.133 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% The rebels are hungry, thirsty, and angry. 08:12.933 --> 08:15.000 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (guns firing) 08:15.000 --> 08:18.066 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Standing between them and the supply train 08:18.066 --> 08:20.433 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% are the untested infantry. 08:20.433 --> 08:23.966 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Five Union Heavy Artillery regiments, 08:23.966 --> 08:26.600 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% including the men of the First Maine. 08:26.600 --> 08:28.633 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% - They quickly get a baptism of fire. 08:28.633 --> 08:30.633 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (muskets firing) 08:30.633 --> 08:31.833 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% - [Narrator] The men of the First Maine 08:31.833 --> 08:34.300 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% fought bravely against Ewell's veterans. 08:34.300 --> 08:38.066 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% The cost of their bravery was measured in blood. 08:38.066 --> 08:41.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Almost 500 casualties to the First Maine's ranks. 08:43.133 --> 08:46.566 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% They did their duty. They held the line. 08:47.666 --> 08:50.833 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% (suspenseful music) 08:50.833 --> 08:53.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% Over the next month, the Maine soldiers would see action 08:53.633 --> 08:58.500 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% at North Anna, Totopotomoy Creek, and Cold Harbor. 08:58.500 --> 09:01.066 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (guns firing) 09:04.033 --> 09:06.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The ever-forward trudge of the Union Army's 09:06.433 --> 09:11.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% overland campaign now moves further southward. 09:11.300 --> 09:13.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The First Maine crosses the James River 09:13.533 --> 09:16.700 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% with the Union Army on June 15th. 09:16.700 --> 09:19.900 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% - They're still new to the field, 09:19.900 --> 09:21.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% but they have been bloodied, 09:21.200 --> 09:23.700 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and they have suffered casualties. 09:23.700 --> 09:25.400 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Those men haven't been replaced, 09:25.400 --> 09:30.400 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% so roughly 850 men are available as part 09:31.566 --> 09:33.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% of the fighting force of the First Maine Heavy. 09:34.533 --> 09:36.100 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% - [Narrator] Petersburg is a critical railroad hub 09:36.100 --> 09:38.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that supplies Richmond and the Confederate army 09:38.600 --> 09:40.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% with food, munitions, and men. 09:42.133 --> 09:45.166 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% - Part of the deal was that as General Grant 09:45.166 --> 09:49.133 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% was figuring out how to capture Richmond, 09:49.133 --> 09:51.933 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% the idea was to close off the supply routes 09:51.933 --> 09:54.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% feeding Richmond, feeding the Confederacy, 09:54.466 --> 09:57.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% and that meant going at the railhead at Petersburg. 09:58.666 --> 10:00.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - [Narrator] The First Maine arrives on the outskirts 10:00.200 --> 10:03.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% of Petersburg late on the night of June 16th, 10:03.866 --> 10:07.300 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% and after an unfortunate delay waiting for rations, 10:07.300 --> 10:10.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% they pushed forward through the day of the 17th. 10:11.400 --> 10:14.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% That evening, they hear trains pull into Petersburg 10:14.833 --> 10:17.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% bringing troops from Lee's army to reinforce 10:17.966 --> 10:19.566 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% the Confederate position. 10:19.566 --> 10:21.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - [David] And the action on the train tracks 10:21.733 --> 10:24.566 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% means only one thing: Robert E. Lee is here. 10:27.100 --> 10:30.100 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% (suspenseful music) 10:34.000 --> 10:37.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - The intent was, go at Petersburg, be quick about it, 10:37.933 --> 10:39.466 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% and pull it off. 10:39.466 --> 10:42.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% If they had done that on the 15th of June 10:42.200 --> 10:44.300 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% before the Army of Northern Virginia, 10:44.300 --> 10:46.933 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Robert E. Lee's troops could get there, 10:46.933 --> 10:48.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% they pretty much had the town to themselves, 10:48.633 --> 10:51.100 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% and Petersburg at the time was under 20,000 people. 10:51.100 --> 10:54.066 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% About the size of say Augusta, Maine today, 10:54.066 --> 10:57.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and that's still large, and it was still 10:57.266 --> 11:01.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% a transportation hub, but at the time it was defended by 11:01.900 --> 11:06.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% invalid troops, senior troops, some young kids. 11:06.200 --> 11:08.500 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% It really was not an army. 11:08.500 --> 11:09.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% What they had were breastworks, 11:09.900 --> 11:12.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% what they had was a good defensive position, 11:12.000 --> 11:14.400 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% what they didn't have was numbers. 11:14.400 --> 11:17.066 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (intense music) 11:19.300 --> 11:21.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - [Narrator] In the late afternoon of June 18, 1864, 11:24.100 --> 11:26.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% the outer defenses of Petersburg had been overrun 11:26.933 --> 11:29.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% during three days of fighting. 11:30.333 --> 11:33.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% The First Maine Heavy Artillery was formed up to charge 11:33.533 --> 11:37.066 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% 300 yards across an open field and assault 11:37.066 --> 11:40.300 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% the fortified Confederate positions facing them at 11:40.300 --> 11:41.600 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Hare House Hill. 11:42.833 --> 11:45.033 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Previous attempts made earlier in the day 11:45.033 --> 11:49.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% by veteran regiments to carry this position had failed. 11:49.033 --> 11:51.833 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% General Robert E. Lee's veteran troops had arrived 11:51.833 --> 11:55.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% in Petersburg and they were ready to repulse any attack 11:55.333 --> 11:56.500 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% launched against them. 11:57.933 --> 12:01.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% At Hare House Hill, Lee's massive army of reinforcements 12:01.533 --> 12:03.566 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% was dug into trenches, 12:03.566 --> 12:06.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% presenting a formidable obstacle between the Union position 12:06.933 --> 12:07.733 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% and the city. 12:10.066 --> 12:13.433 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (intense music) 12:13.433 --> 12:15.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% To many Union veterans, 12:15.233 --> 12:18.533 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% the situation was unsettlingly familiar. 12:18.533 --> 12:21.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% They had seen the same type of scenario at Cold Harbor 12:21.633 --> 12:22.733 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% earlier in the month. 12:24.400 --> 12:28.100 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% At Cold Harbor, thousands of battle-tested veterans 12:28.100 --> 12:31.466 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% from the Union Second Corp had laid down their lives 12:31.466 --> 12:34.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% in a futile attempt to overrun the well-entrenched 12:34.733 --> 12:36.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% Confederate forces. 12:37.566 --> 12:41.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% General Grant's overland campaign not only took a heavy 12:41.400 --> 12:44.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% physical toll on the veterans of the Second Corp, 12:44.433 --> 12:47.000 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (musket fires) 12:47.000 --> 12:48.900 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% but also a mental one. 12:48.900 --> 12:52.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - There were veteran troops accompanying the battalion 12:52.433 --> 12:55.466 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and the corp that had arrived in Petersburg 12:55.466 --> 13:00.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% who looked at the task before them and said there's no way. 13:00.433 --> 13:02.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - [Narrator] Many of these veterans had been suffering 13:02.466 --> 13:06.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% the hardships of war since before the Battle of Antietam, 13:06.166 --> 13:10.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% and had faithfully fulfilled their duties as soldiers. 13:10.033 --> 13:13.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% With Grant's willingness to continually engage the enemy 13:13.000 --> 13:15.566 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% with almost no break in the action, 13:15.566 --> 13:18.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% veterans were beginning to show a hesitancy 13:18.133 --> 13:21.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% in endangering themselves unnecessarily 13:21.033 --> 13:24.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% when ordered to charge strongly held fortifications. 13:24.466 --> 13:27.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% (musket firing and echoing) 13:27.166 --> 13:30.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - That was not what Dan Chaplin and the First Maine Heavy 13:30.500 --> 13:32.766 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% thought was the role of the troops. 13:32.766 --> 13:35.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% They were to do what they were ordered to do, 13:35.100 --> 13:37.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that was their mission and particularly because 13:37.900 --> 13:40.400 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% they had been razzed by the veteran troops, 13:40.400 --> 13:42.633 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% they were not about to step back. 13:42.633 --> 13:45.433 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% - [Narrator] Early in the afternoon of June 18th, 13:45.433 --> 13:48.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% General David B. Birney, who was in command 13:48.900 --> 13:51.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% of the Second Corp due to the incapacity 13:51.200 --> 13:55.500 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% of General Hancock, ordered the 93rd New York 13:55.500 --> 13:58.933 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and the 84th and 105th Pennsylvania regiments 13:58.933 --> 14:02.200 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% to charge the Confederate positions defending 14:02.200 --> 14:03.566 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% the Hare House Hill. 14:04.733 --> 14:06.066 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% - General Winfield Scott Hancock, 14:06.066 --> 14:08.300 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% one of the best Union generals regarded, 14:08.300 --> 14:10.600 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% not only at the time, but history has been very kind 14:10.600 --> 14:13.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% to him as well, would have come in on the 15th of June, 14:13.133 --> 14:14.866 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% but he was suffering. 14:14.866 --> 14:18.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% He had bone spurs from wounds in a previous battle. 14:18.233 --> 14:22.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% It stopped him from maintaining command of the troops 14:22.700 --> 14:24.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% that arrived at Petersburg. 14:24.700 --> 14:25.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Narrator] The Fifth Michigan, 14:25.866 --> 14:28.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, 14:28.500 --> 14:31.000 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and the First Maine Heavy Artillery, 14:31.000 --> 14:33.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% were ordered to be ready to support the charge 14:33.600 --> 14:35.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% if it was necessary. 14:35.200 --> 14:37.600 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 14:37.600 --> 14:40.166 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Almost as soon as the order was made, 14:40.166 --> 14:43.566 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% the veterans from New York and Pennsylvania protested 14:43.566 --> 14:45.700 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% by yelling that they were all played out 14:45.700 --> 14:48.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and they urged Birney to let the First Maine go. 14:52.800 --> 14:55.366 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (intense music) 14:55.366 --> 14:58.100 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% The adjutant of the First Maine Heavy Artillery, 14:58.100 --> 15:02.033 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% Lieutenant James W. Clark, paced back and forth 15:02.033 --> 15:03.866 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% in front of the regiment. 15:03.866 --> 15:05.900 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% When he was asked by one of the captains 15:05.900 --> 15:07.833 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% what this movement to the rear meant, 15:07.833 --> 15:11.900 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% he replied: We are all gone to hell. 15:13.300 --> 15:15.766 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% And with that he proceeded to pass his canteen 15:15.766 --> 15:18.400 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% to his fellow officer and asked the captain 15:18.400 --> 15:21.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% to take something to help take the edge off. 15:21.933 --> 15:23.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% The captain replied: 15:25.000 --> 15:25.833 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% No thank you. 15:27.233 --> 15:30.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% If I am going to hell I am going to do it sober. 15:30.166 --> 15:32.900 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (music fades) 15:32.900 --> 15:35.833 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (birds chirping) 15:35.833 --> 15:38.366 align:left position:22.5%,start line:5% size:67.5% - We're on the Prince George Courthouse Road 15:38.366 --> 15:42.066 align:left position:22.5%,start line:5% size:67.5% and this is a historic road trace to us today 15:42.066 --> 15:44.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% in the 21st century, but it was even an important road 15:44.333 --> 15:46.433 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% and a historic road trace even for the soldiers 15:46.433 --> 15:49.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% that were occupying it in 1864. 15:49.466 --> 15:51.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Road connects the city of Petersburg, 15:51.200 --> 15:53.766 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% which is off in front of us here today, 15:53.766 --> 15:56.733 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% the downtown area being just a little over a mile 15:56.733 --> 15:59.633 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% and a half away, with the courthouse and what is now 15:59.633 --> 16:01.766 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Prince George County, Virginia. 16:01.766 --> 16:04.066 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% The road is somewhat sunken in some areas, 16:04.066 --> 16:08.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% it has very high banks so it does afford some protection, 16:08.033 --> 16:10.400 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% it may be why they're forming up here, 16:10.400 --> 16:13.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% but this is really the extent of the Union advance 16:13.233 --> 16:14.633 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% by June 18th. 16:14.633 --> 16:17.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% The Confederates had abandoned previous positions 16:17.033 --> 16:19.566 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% to the east of here, they had given up most of those 16:19.566 --> 16:22.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% defenses on June 15th, 16th, and even the 17th 16:22.666 --> 16:25.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% and had fallen back on a new line that was established 16:25.966 --> 16:27.400 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% by June 18th. 16:27.400 --> 16:30.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% So where we stand in the Prince George Courthouse Road, 16:30.000 --> 16:34.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% this is really the new frontline for the Union forces, 16:34.300 --> 16:37.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% included in that would be the men of the First Maine Heavy. 16:39.100 --> 16:41.066 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (intense music) 16:41.066 --> 16:42.566 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% - And they're looking up over the berm 16:42.566 --> 16:44.500 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% because the road was sunken a little bit 16:44.500 --> 16:48.900 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% and to make the road they had moved the earth aside 16:48.900 --> 16:51.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and mounded it up on the sides of the roads, 16:51.533 --> 16:53.700 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and that had since grown over with brush, 16:53.700 --> 16:56.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% so their movements were pretty much protected. 16:56.433 --> 16:57.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The Confederate troops, such as they were, 16:57.966 --> 16:59.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% knew that the guys were there, 16:59.200 --> 17:01.466 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% but they couldn't really see them, 17:01.466 --> 17:03.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% so they didn't know what the numbers looked like, 17:03.033 --> 17:06.433 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% but they could assume that they had sizeable numbers. 17:06.433 --> 17:08.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - [Narrator] Chaplin told his three officers: 17:08.833 --> 17:12.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% We have orders to charge those works immediately. 17:12.166 --> 17:16.100 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% Go in light marching order with bayonets fixed. 17:16.100 --> 17:19.400 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% Orders were given to load, cap, and fix bayonets. 17:20.800 --> 17:24.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Following the orders passed down to him from Colonel Chaplin 17:24.200 --> 17:26.633 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% and in compliance with orders that had come down 17:26.633 --> 17:30.700 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% from General Meade, Major Russell B. Shepard, 17:30.700 --> 17:34.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% a burly, bearded school teacher from Skowhegan, Maine, 17:34.233 --> 17:35.700 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% stepped to the front of the regiment 17:35.700 --> 17:37.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and bellowed out to his command: 17:39.133 --> 17:43.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% Attention, First Maine forward at the double quick. Charge! 17:45.633 --> 17:49.266 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% With this order, all three battalions rushed forward, 17:49.266 --> 17:50.766 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% climbing over the embankment 17:50.766 --> 17:55.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% of the Prince George County Road out into the open field. 17:55.566 --> 17:58.033 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% - They were to go out in three waves. 17:58.033 --> 18:01.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The first wave was to climb up over the berm, 18:01.366 --> 18:04.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% move forward, and clear out any of the impediments, 18:04.100 --> 18:06.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% the abatis and stuff that the Confederates had put up 18:06.466 --> 18:07.966 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% in their path. 18:07.966 --> 18:10.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% The second group was to push through and relieve the first 18:10.700 --> 18:13.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% and attack the breastworks, and the third was to go in 18:13.400 --> 18:15.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% and secure the breastworks. 18:15.100 --> 18:17.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - This is the line that the Confederates would fall back to 18:17.800 --> 18:21.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% by June 18th, by the day of the Maine assault. 18:21.200 --> 18:26.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% But on June 18th these works were in their initial stages, 18:27.366 --> 18:28.900 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% they were laid out by the Confederates 18:28.900 --> 18:31.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% as a good line of defense just based on the topography here. 18:31.900 --> 18:33.666 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% They had open ground in front of them, 18:33.666 --> 18:36.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% they're on an elevated position here somewhat, 18:36.233 --> 18:40.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% and then eventually again as this position does develop, 18:40.033 --> 18:41.900 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% the line tapers away behind the hill, 18:41.900 --> 18:45.600 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% so there's a whole network of trenches and bombproofs 18:45.600 --> 18:47.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% for the Confederate defenders. 18:49.500 --> 18:52.166 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (intense music) 18:54.800 --> 18:56.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - [Narrator] As soon as the First Maine cleared the road 18:56.900 --> 19:00.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and started their advance, supporting regiments in the rear 19:00.366 --> 19:04.366 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% and to either flank were supposed to move forward. 19:04.366 --> 19:06.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% While a few portions of the supporting regiments 19:06.633 --> 19:08.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% took a couple of steps forward, 19:08.566 --> 19:11.233 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% most of these soldiers just laid down 19:11.233 --> 19:12.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% and refused to advance. 19:14.533 --> 19:17.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% When the order was given for the First Maine Heavy Artillery 19:17.533 --> 19:21.400 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% to advance, they essentially did so alone. 19:22.866 --> 19:25.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - And bristling on the breastworks are muskets 19:25.366 --> 19:27.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% and artillery, canister shot, 19:27.633 --> 19:30.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% everything for the Confederates who are waiting 19:30.366 --> 19:31.566 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% for something to happen. 19:33.400 --> 19:36.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - [Narrator] As the regiment started to move forward, 19:36.133 --> 19:38.766 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Sergeant Charles C. Morris of Company L 19:38.766 --> 19:40.233 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% yelled out to his men: 19:41.466 --> 19:45.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Boys, put your cartridge boxes around in front 19:45.566 --> 19:48.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% so that the Rebs can't hit you below the belt! 19:50.100 --> 19:52.533 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Without the veterans behind them, 19:52.533 --> 19:54.800 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% the Maine men found themselves charging 19:54.800 --> 19:57.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% the Confederate positions alone, 19:57.366 --> 20:00.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% and thus becoming the only targets the Confederates had. 20:03.000 --> 20:05.000 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% - As the Confederate forces open up, 20:06.366 --> 20:09.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% the First Massachusetts Heavy, the 16th Massachusetts, 20:09.400 --> 20:12.200 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% the Pennsylvania and New York regiments stand down. 20:12.200 --> 20:14.800 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% They refuse to go up over the berm. 20:14.800 --> 20:19.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% Nevertheless, second wave of Maine, third wave of Maine, 20:19.000 --> 20:20.666 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% proceed across the field. 20:21.833 --> 20:25.166 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% 850 men proceed across the field. 20:27.933 --> 20:31.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% All of the Confederate guns, every one of them, 20:31.133 --> 20:34.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% has nothing else to shoot at but these guys from Maine. 20:35.133 --> 20:37.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (muskets firing) 20:39.100 --> 20:41.600 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (music fades) 20:43.733 --> 20:46.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - [Narrator] The Confederates, who were excited and nervous 20:46.266 --> 20:48.233 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% as they saw the large blue column 20:48.233 --> 20:51.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% of the First Maine Heavy Artillery move forward, 20:51.333 --> 20:53.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% remained in control and adhered to the orders 20:53.800 --> 20:57.066 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% of their officers as they calmly directed each rank 20:57.066 --> 21:01.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% to ready, aim, fire, and reload. 21:01.100 --> 21:03.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% (muskets and cannon firing) 21:03.600 --> 21:06.666 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% Canisters shot and shells slammed into the ranks 21:06.666 --> 21:09.400 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% of the First Maine, punching holes 21:09.400 --> 21:11.400 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% into the one solid line of blue. 21:12.800 --> 21:15.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Ranks and ranks of men from the First Maine Heavy Artillery 21:15.800 --> 21:18.366 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% fell as hundreds, if not thousands, 21:18.366 --> 21:21.933 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% of deadly pieces of metal slammed into the column. 21:23.966 --> 21:27.000 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% Yet as the destruction kept raining down on them, 21:27.000 --> 21:29.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% the men of the First Maine Heavy Artillery 21:29.200 --> 21:32.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% kept moving forward towards the Confederate works. 21:34.233 --> 21:37.033 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% Captain F. A. Cummings of Company M wrote: 21:38.400 --> 21:41.600 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% Men were shot dead within the first five feet, 21:41.600 --> 21:44.166 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% the crash of 2,000 muskets rent the air 21:45.633 --> 21:48.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% as a long line of flame leapt from the works in our front. 21:49.766 --> 21:52.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% Whole companies reeled beneath the fury of the shock, 21:52.733 --> 21:55.166 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% yet the gallant few pressed forward. 21:55.166 --> 21:57.833 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% - And it's almost like a shooting gallery 21:57.833 --> 22:01.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% for the Confederates, and everything, and inflated fire 22:01.400 --> 22:03.966 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% of the Confederates comes in on these 850 men 22:03.966 --> 22:05.466 align:left position:15%,start line:89% size:75% of the First Maine Heavy. 22:05.466 --> 22:07.366 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (muskets firing) 22:07.366 --> 22:09.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% - [Narrator] Those who were to support the regiment 22:09.033 --> 22:12.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% advance to the cover of the road but no farther. 22:12.500 --> 22:15.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Unsupported, they pushed on, a few getting closer 22:15.933 --> 22:18.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% than 40 yards through the enemies breastworks. 22:22.800 --> 22:25.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% When more than two thirds of the regiment were killed 22:25.166 --> 22:29.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and wounded, the order to fall back was given, 22:29.000 --> 22:31.333 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% and they fell back to the cover of the road. 22:32.666 --> 22:35.400 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 22:42.000 --> 22:47.000 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% - After it happened by the way, Chaplin was bereft. 22:48.066 --> 22:51.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He broke down in tears, he was screaming 22:51.100 --> 22:54.333 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% at his commanding officer, and telling the general: 22:54.333 --> 22:57.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Here, take my saber, I have no more use of it. 22:57.200 --> 22:58.033 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% My men are dead. 23:01.766 --> 23:05.600 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% The Battle for Petersburg on the 18th of June 23:05.600 --> 23:08.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% lasts less than ten minutes. 23:08.400 --> 23:12.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% The retreat from that battle lasts over three days, 23:12.600 --> 23:15.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% because the Confederates would not allow the Union forces 23:15.700 --> 23:18.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% to come out and rescue the wounded and retrieve the dead. 23:21.533 --> 23:23.900 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% And here they see their friends, their relatives, 23:23.900 --> 23:26.100 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% their neighbors, lying about them, 23:26.100 --> 23:29.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and they are powerless to do anything about it. 23:29.233 --> 23:31.866 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% The guys who finally make it back 23:31.866 --> 23:35.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and we're talking now when you think 632 guys 23:35.000 --> 23:39.333 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% are on the field, many of them do not return. 23:39.333 --> 23:42.400 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Even wounded, they're lying there for two days, three days, 23:42.400 --> 23:44.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and they bleed out on the field. 23:44.533 --> 23:49.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% And guys go out at night and try to rescue their buddies, 23:49.400 --> 23:53.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% try to find their platoon sergeant, their lieutenant, 23:53.400 --> 23:58.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% their captain, and they're trying to find somebody alive 23:58.166 --> 24:00.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% so they can bring them back, and as soon as they come up 24:00.166 --> 24:03.766 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% over the berm, the Confederates start firing at them again, 24:03.766 --> 24:06.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% so they have additional casualties that they suffer 24:06.266 --> 24:09.300 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% in the two days after the initial assault. 24:09.300 --> 24:13.100 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% So you just see bodies. Bodies all over the place. 24:13.100 --> 24:16.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And the moaning and the shrieking and the crying 24:16.633 --> 24:20.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and the howling of imprecations, and just praying for relief 24:20.900 --> 24:24.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% and it's something that stayed with these guys forever. 24:24.733 --> 24:27.233 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (music fades) 24:30.400 --> 24:33.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (majestic bagpipe music) 24:44.033 --> 24:47.800 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% And to know and to proceed anyway, 24:49.233 --> 24:51.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% is that folly or is that valor? 24:53.066 --> 24:54.600 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% And for the men of the First Maine Heavy, 24:54.600 --> 24:57.466 align:left position:15%,start line:83% size:75% who afterwards regarded, particularly the survivors 24:57.466 --> 25:01.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% who were there, who actually participated in the assault, 25:01.233 --> 25:04.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:83% size:77.5% for them to look upon the sacrifice of their friends, 25:04.100 --> 25:07.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% their neighbors, their brothers, their cousins, 25:07.000 --> 25:08.666 align:left position:25%,start line:83% size:65% and to say we did the right thing. 25:10.933 --> 25:14.400 align:left position:22.5%,start line:83% size:67.5% It was a piece of who we are as people. 25:15.533 --> 25:19.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:89% size:77.5% (peaceful instrumental music) 25:42.300 --> 25:45.033 align:left position:30%,start line:5% size:60% (birds chirping) 25:48.133 --> 25:51.200 align:left position:22.5%,start line:89% size:67.5% (bugle playing Taps) 26:36.400 --> 26:39.300 align:left position:25%,start line:89% size:65% (soft piano music) 27:52.333 --> 27:54.833 align:left position:32.5%,start line:89% size:57.5% (music fades) 27:57.400 --> 27:59.366 align:left position:37.5%,start line:89% size:52.5% Vermont PBS 27:59.366 --> 28:00.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Partnering with local filmmakers 28:00.966 --> 28:02.333 align:left position:25%,start line:89% size:65% to bring you stories 28:02.333 --> 28:03.300 align:left position:37.5%,start line:89% size:52.5% made here. 28:03.300 --> 28:04.333 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% For more: