John Burns, a Veteran of the War of 1812, was serving as constable of Gettysburg when the Rebels came to town on 29 or 30 June.
I guess he arrested 1 or 2, releasing them on 1 July, as Heths men got there.
Burns took up His 1812 musket, and tried to join, IIRC, the 6th Wisconsin.
They turned him down. So he went to the 24th Michigan, picking up a Springfield from a wounded Yankee on the way.
He fought on Willoughby Run with the 24th, wounded a couple times or more.
When the yanks were driven back to Seminary Ridge, he was left behind.
Captured by the Rebs, he had hidden his gun and ammunition, and claimed to be a civilian caught in the crossfire.
Knowing the consequences of resisting in civilian clothes, I think it’s a little lie we can relate to!
Burns was never where close to Oak Hill, as others have said. Oak Hill is a mile north of Rt 30. The Iron Brigade, containing the 24th Michigan, fought on Willoughby Run.
The only freakin reason I looked this stuff up, is a while back I was accused of being a “John Burns Sock Puppet”!
Christ Sakes, I didn’t know who the hell John Burns on the ‘Campfire was!!
I came in with the rest of the Shooters.com refugees in 2002.
Holy smokes, I’ve been here for 22 years and counting
I’ve read as much of Gettysburg as I could find.
Do you really wanna start a whizzing contest?
I’m pretty well armed!
7mm
