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William P. Robertson: Photos

Grandpa Paul Robertson also enjoyed hunting. Here, he's dressed for work on the Erie Railroad.

THE BUCKTAIL BROTHERS OF THE FIGHTING 149TH

Asher D. Cole was an original member of the Fighting 149th and appears as a character in the novel. He acts as a steadying influence on his younger cousins, Henry and Willie. In real life Asher supported his invalid parents.
Company A of the 149th PA mustered in at Wellsboro on August 9, 1862, under Captain Alfred Sofield. A sad goodbye followed shortly after as the men made their way to Camp Curtin near Harrisburg, PA. Above, Tara and Jeff Dedrick share a tearful moment.
When the Rebels invaded Maryland in early September, 1862, the 149th was rushed to Washington to help defend the capital. Above, reenactor, Jim Young, portrays a Bucktail on guard duty.
In February of 1863, the 149th were sent to Belle Plain, Virginia, to finish their combat training. Above, reenactor, Jefferson Dedrick, stands on picket duty, which was performed by soldiers who weren't engaged in drilling.
The 149th received their baptism of fire during the Chancellorsville Campaign of May 3-5, 1863, scouting for Hooker's Union Army. Note the rough terrain of the Wilderness surrounding the Catherine Iron Furnace above.
Col. Stone's brigade formed an L-shaped battle line near McPherson's barn. The 150th PA faced west toward Willoughby's Run, while the 149th and 143rd PA lined up behind the Chamberburg Pike facing north.
The 149th made two savage charges to the railroad cut to stop Confederate advances.
The remnants of Col. Stone's brigade retreated to Seminary Ridge around 3 p.m. to thwart yet another Rebel charge.
The famed Iron Brigade fought on the Bucktails' left flank thorughout the first day's battle at Gettysburg. Above, modern reenactors pose before the monument honoring the 24th Michigan.
The survivors of the 149th gathered on Cemetery Hill after Day One at Gettysburg. Little more than a company was left of the battered regiment. Their officers were annihilated and their colors lost.
The 149th Pennsylvania's monument sits alongside Route 30 just west of Gettysburg. Note McPherson's barn in the background.

THE BUCKTAIL BROTHERS: BRAVE MEN'S BLOOD

The 149th Bucktails guarded the Orange & Alexandria Railroad after the Battle of Gettysburg to rest and refit. Their ranks were replenished with soldiers from the first national draft.
On May 4, 1864, the 149th bivouacked for the night near the Wilderness Tavern. The next two days they battled the Rebels in the thick woods between the Orange Turnpike and the Orange Plank Road.
Bucktail reenactors recreate the fighting in the Wilderness.
Mason Smith portrays a young Rebel soldier.
The 149th made three unsuccessful attacks on Laurel Hill near Spotsylvania Court House. Pictured above is the 5th New Jersey Regiment's monument that stands as a grim reminder of the sacrifice made by the Union soldiers during this campaign.
The 149th were entrenched beside the 42nd PA Volunteers at the Battle of Bethesda Church. Clarence Walker portrays a sergeant in the original Bucktails.
Petersburg was another bloody campaign that the 149th participated in.
The 149 guarded Union draftees at the Elmira Prison Camp. These conscripts proved more dangerous than the Rebel prisoners.
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