Northern General John Sedgwick died during the American Civil War while trying to encourage his men. His last words are legendary.
John Sedgwick had earned his spurs. He fought in the Mexican-American War and several Indian Wars, among others. At the beginning of the American Civil War (1861-1865), Sedgwick was a colonel. In Virginia, he fought at the Battle of Yorktown and the Battle of Seven Pines. In a later battle he was wounded in the arm and leg. He recovered and on July 4, 1862, Sedgwick was promoted to major general.
The American was killed on May 9, 1864, during the Battle of Chancellorsville. As his men took cover as snipers were targeting them some 900 yards away, Sedgwick decided to encourage his men. He walked upright in the open field and called to his men:
“What? Men ducking for a few bullets? What are you guys going to do when they open fire across the board? […] Why are you ducking? They can’t hit an elephant from this distance!”
The general was hit by a bullet in his left eye. John Sedgwick dropped dead.
The American is buried at his birthplace. An equestrian statue has been erected to him in Gettysburg National Military Park.
