The Death Of Reynolds

"Forward men, forward, for God's sake, and drive those fellows out of the woods," the words spoken by Major General John Fulton Reynolds on the first day of Gettysburg July 1st 1863.

The black-hat veterans of the 2nd Wisconsin, “The Badgers” had just arrived on the field. They rushed into line, with Major John Fulton Reynolds’ words pushing them on, they advanced on the Rebels. As Reynolds turned in his saddle to see the 7th Wisconsin come into line and charge, he was struck in the back of the neck by a mini ball. General Reynolds’ orderly Charles Veil said, "He never spoke a word, or moved a muscle after he was struck. I have seen many men killed in action but never saw a ball do its work so instantly as did the ball that struck General Reynolds." Command then fell to Major General Abner Doubleday.

Reynolds body was taken from Gettysburg to Taneytown Maryland, and than to his hometown of Lancaster Pennsylvania where he was buried. He died exactly twenty-two years after the date of his graduation from West Point.

Some other reading that may of interest
The Death of Major General John F. Reynolds

Towards Gettysburg: A Biography of General John F. Reynolds

Those Damned Black Hats! The Iron Brigade in the Gettysburg Campaign