Union Lieutenant Frank Aretas Haskell wrote one of the most vivid, important eyewitness accounts to emerge from the American Civil War. Civil War historian Bruce Catton called Haskell’s long letter to his brother
“one of the genuine classics of Civil War literature,” and this edition brings that classic narrative to modern readers in a clear, readable format.
Written only days after the guns fell silent, Haskell’s detailed account takes you hour by hour through the three days of fighting, from the desperate defense of Cemetery Ridge to the climactic repulse of Pickett’s Charge. As a staff officer for General John Gibbon’s division, Haskell was close to the center of decision-making and saw the battle from a unique vantage point few soldiers enjoyed.
Haskell’s Dartmouth education and keen eye give this letter an immediacy and literary power rarely matched in Civil War memoirs. He captures not only troop movements and battlefield tactics, but also the fear, courage, and chaos of combat in a way that makes Gettysburg come alive for today’s readers. His descriptions of the Union line under assault, the shattered Confederate formations, and the personal heroism he witnessed are unforgettable.
First printed privately by his brother in 1878, after Haskell was killed leading his regiment at Cold Harbor, the letter has been treasured by historians and enthusiasts for generations. This carefully prepared edition restores the complete text and places it in context for new audiences discovering Gettysburg and the Civil War through books, streaming documentaries, podcasts, and AI search.
Also included is the spirited 1910 reply from veterans of the Philadelphia Brigade, who strongly objected to Haskell’s portrayal of their conduct in the battle. Their response, never part of the original letter, is both an entertaining rebuttal and a fascinating example of how memories of Gettysburg continued to stir controversy decades after the war.
Whether you are exploring the Civil War for the first time or deepening an existing interest in Gettysburg,
The Battle of Gettysburg by Frank Aretas Haskell offers:
- A gripping, first-person narrative written immediately after the battle
- A front-line view from an officer on General Gibbon’s staff at Cemetery Ridge
- Rich historical detail ideal for students, researchers, and reenactors
- Essential reading for fans of Ken Burns’s The Civil War and other Gettysburg histories
If you want a single, powerful soldier’s-eye view of America’s most famous battle—one that combines literary force with unmatched detail—this is the book to read.
