BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL Isaac C.M. Bassett

摘要

In May 1863, the Rev. John A. McKean departed Pennsylvania with a grim task. He had to retrieve the remains of Major Isaac CM. Bassett of the 82nd Pennsylvania Infantry, who reportedly had been killed during the Second Battle of Fredericksburg. One can only guess the reverend's reaction when he discovered that the major was actually alive and well. In the process of storming Marye's Heights, the 82nd's color-bearer was shot down. Bassett picked up the regiment's colors and cried to his men, "Follow me," then rushed and personally planted the colors on the enemy position. Newspapers falsely listed his name among the other senior officers of his brigade who had been killed or wounded during the assault on the entrenched heights.