Frank A. Haskell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank A. Haskell
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| Born | July 13, 1828 Tunbridge, Vermont |
| Died | June 3, 1864 (aged 35) Cold Harbor, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Silver Lake Cemetery
Portage, Wisconsin |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–64 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held | 36th Wisconsin Infantry 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, II Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | lawyer author |
Franklin Aretas Haskell (born July 13, 1828 – died June 3, 1864) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He sadly died during the Battle of Cold Harbor. Haskell is also famous for writing a detailed story about the Battle of Gettysburg. This story was published after he passed away.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Franklin Haskell was born in Tunbridge, Vermont on July 13, 1828. He later moved to Wisconsin to study law with his brother, Harrison. In 1854, he graduated from Dartmouth College. After college, he returned to Madison, Wisconsin to work as a lawyer. During this time, Haskell also became a drill master for a local militia group.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War started, Haskell joined the army. He became a first lieutenant in the 6th Wisconsin Infantry. This group was part of the famous Iron Brigade. Haskell served as an adjutant, helping the regiment's commander.
In April 1862, he became an aide-de-camp for Brig. Gen. John Gibbon. An aide-de-camp is like a personal assistant to a general. With the Iron Brigade, Haskell fought in the Northern Virginia campaign and the Maryland Campaign.
When General Gibbon was promoted to lead the 2nd Division of the I Corps, Haskell stayed by his side. They fought together at the Battle of Fredericksburg. After Gibbon was injured, Haskell continued to serve him. They then joined the 2nd Division of the II Corps. This division was involved in the Chancellorsville Campaign.
The Battle of Gettysburg
In July 1863, General Gibbon's division was heading north towards Pennsylvania. They were near Taneytown, Maryland when the Battle of Gettysburg began. General Gibbon was given temporary command of the II Corps. This happened after the I Corps Commander, Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds, was killed.
Haskell and the II Corps arrived at the battlefield on July 2, 1863. They helped defend Cemetery Ridge. This was a very important area. They also supported the III Corps in defending the Peach Orchard. Haskell later wrote about his strong opinions on the III Corps' actions that day.
That night, Haskell was present when General Gibbon attended a meeting with other Union leaders. Haskell wrote down what happened at this important meeting.
Pickett's Charge
On July 3, General Gibbon was back in charge of his division, with Haskell by his side. That morning, they had a meal with many high-ranking Union officers. Haskell also recorded details of this meal.
Soon after, Confederate artillery began to shell the area where Gibbon's men were. This was part of a huge attack known as Pickett's Charge. Gibbon's position took the main force of this attack.
Haskell showed great bravery during the charge. He helped rally Gibbon's men after the Confederates broke through a stone wall. General Gibbon was wounded during the fight. Several generals and colonels praised Haskell for his actions. General Gibbon later said that Haskell deserved much credit for stopping the Confederate attack.
Haskell's Famous Account
A few weeks after the battle, Haskell wrote a detailed account of his experiences at Gettysburg. He sent it to his brother Harrison in Portage, Wisconsin. At first, no newspaper would publish his story. However, in 1898, his account was finally published as a book called The Battle of Gettysburg. This book became a classic of Civil War literature.
In November 1863, Gibbon and Haskell returned to Gettysburg. They attended the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. They also witnessed President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address.
Haskell's Death
On February 9, 1864, Haskell was promoted to colonel. He was given command of the 36th Wisconsin.
On June 3, he took command of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, II Corps. This happened because its previous commander was killed during the Battle of Cold Harbor. Shortly after taking command, Haskell was shot in the head while leading a charge. He died instantly.
General Gibbon was very upset. He cried out, "My God! I have lost my best friend, and one of the best soldiers in the Army of the Potomac has fallen!" Gibbon later wrote that he had planned to promote "poor Haskell" to an even higher command after the battle.
