Dio Graphics

Description

Though he was born in Ireland, his name destined his family’s move to the United States. Colonel Patrick Henry O'Rorke grew up in Rochester New York, and graduated first in his class from West Point 1861 as the bookend to “goat” George Custer. In August 1862 he was given command of the 140th New York regiment, consisting of recruits from the Rochester area. At Gettysburg on July 2, 1863 the 140th was heading with Weed’s brigade to assist the III corps near the Wheatfield. This was stopped at behest of General Warren, O’Rorke’s former commander, who was looking for more support for Little Round Top. O’Rorke led his men directly up the north slope of the hill and they arrived at the most opportune moment for the Union. Three southern regiments from General John Bell Hood’s Division were threatening the right flank of Vincent’s brigade. The small 16th Michigan was getting hemmed in and started to crumble. At that moment the 140th NY came over the hill and formed its attack in company sized double ranks. It is doubtful the first company had time to load before cresting the boulder-strewn hill. Companies G and A took the brunt of the assault by the 526-man regiment. Just after O’Rorke shouted “Down this way, boys!” he was mortally wounded in the neck by a southern bullet. Despite this setback and galling fire from the 48th Alabama the sheer size of the 140th NY was too much for the exhausted Southern troops. Much has been made of the 20th Maine’s efforts on the Little Round Top that day but it is arguable the O’Rorke and the 140th were equally decisive in holding that ground. Indeed if Vincent’s right flank had fallen Benning’s Brigade was poised to enter the gap and put an overwhelming force on the hill. The diograph show the decisive moment just after company A and G have formed and are able to return fire. O’Rorke is in the center just moments before he was hit. 14” x 20” signed limited edition print(100) with certificate of authenticity Print on canvas matte $35.95 plus shipping ($10.00 in US) Framed with brass plate $59.95 plus shipping ($10.00 in US)

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