Rare Civil War Stereocard Image Of John Burns " Hero Of Gettysburg "
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:16394872 | Modified Item: No |
This is another nice item being offered, it is a stereocardof John Burns, the “Hero of Gettysburg” card number 2402 in the series. Photoshows Burns sitting in a chair at his home. Crutches and flintlock musketpropped against wall behind. Image is mounted on a card that states “The Warfor the Union” and “Photographic History” – it measures 7” x 3 1/2”. Back ofmount has preprinted text and “Published by E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. /501 Broadway, New York”.John B...urns was nearing 70 when the rebels came toGettysburg. A veteran of the War of 1812 and former Gettysburg constable, hegrabbed his flintlock musket, told his wife “I am going out to see what isgoing on, ” and offered his services to the nearest Union regiment.A number of Union soldiers came away from the battle withaccounts of meeting Burns, and although details differ, they all agree on hisamazing appearance: a swallowtail coat with brass buttons, yellow vest, tallhat, flintlock musket and powder horn. This caused a good deal of amusedcomments among the men in the ranks and polite concern among the officers heapproached.He was persistent to fight, and his ancient musket wasreplaced with a modern rifle, his powder horn with pocketfuls of cartridges (herefused a box and belt) and the jokes ceased when Confederate fire became thickand instead of running back into town as expected he coolly slipped behind atree and began returning fire. He fought with the Iron Brigade during some of themost intense fighting of the war, suffering three wounds.With his wounds he had to be left behind when Union forcesretreated through town, and he was closely questioned by Confederates as to howhe came to be in civilian clothes and wounded on the battlefield. His answersapparently satisfied them, and he was allowed to return home.Burns became a celebrity after the battle, being made anhonorary member of the Iron Brigade, photographed by Matthew Brady and meetingPresident Lincoln, who sought Burns out when he came to the dedication of theNational Cemetery. Burns died in 1872 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.This card is in excellent condition and the image of Burnsis very clear. This is a hard to find card and sought out by many collectors.
