This brigade, ‘the Excelsior Brigade,’ was raised by SICKLES in New York in autumn 1861, largely from his political base. The brigade fought in most of the battles of the AoP. However, the future brigadier, as a regimental commander, had been absent at most of the engagements. On his return from leave, BGen SPINOLA, a product of SICKLES’ New York political machine, found himself the senior regimental commander with an absent brigadier. SPINOLA was appointed to that role, bringing with him very little experience. The men knew it and had little faith in their brigadier. This was a veteran brigade, but a brittle one.

This was largely an administrative structure as individual batteries would be allocated wherever necessary

Formed in 14 June as part of PLEASANTON's reorganization of the cavalry, this outfit peformed well throughout the campaign

This regiment was mustered into service 22 August 1862, having been raised in upstate New York. It had the standard organization of the U.S. Infantry Regment of the time. It was a steady regiment, and the only non-New York City regiment in the Excelsior Brigade (which had more than its share of political hacks).

This regiment was mustered into service 22 August 1862, having been raised in upstate New York. It had the standard organization of the U.S. Infantry Regment of the time. It was a steady regiment, and the only non-New York City regiment in the Excelsior Brigade (which had more than its share of political hacks).

This was a standard Federal cavalry regiment of the time.

This good division was the only ANV division to come entirely from one state (VA). It’s colorful commander, MGen George PICKETT received his first brigade command was of Gen Phillip St, George COCKE’s Virginia Brigade (GARNETT’s future brigade) February 1862 after the brigadier committed suicide. The brigade under him fought well at Williamsburg, Seven Days and Gaines Mill, where PICKETT was WIA. He returned to active duty after the Maryland Campaign. He was promoted to commander of the five-brigade Virginia Division. Actually, the fifth brigade was an SC unit. The division played a limited role at Fredericksburg, and was absent in Southeastern VA during Chancellorsville. As a result, the Gettysburg Campaign would be the division’s first opportunity to fight as a unit. Prior to the invasion, I/P/CORSE and I/P/JENKINS brigades were detached to guard Richmond. The division comprised good, experienced brigades and their morale was very high as they marched north.

This was the longest-serving brigade in PICKETT’s Division. It was a seasoned, veteran outfit. Its commander had been made brigadier of another brigade in April 1862. His first action leading this brigade was at Seven Pines, where the brigade retreated, leaving ARMISTEAD and thirty soldiers to fight a Federal brigade. He led the brigade up Malvern Hill with heavy losses. At Second Bull Run/Manassas he refused to lead a night assault. The brigade fought at Antietam/Sharpsburg, but was in reserve at Fredericksburg and absent (in southeastern VA) at Chancellorsville. Brigade morale and competence was very high at the beginning of the Gettysburg Campaign

Confederate cavalry rarely fought as a division. Brigades were normally detached to assist other units or independant commands. This was more an administrative structure.

This brigade was representative of the decentralized artillery organization of the Army of Nothern Virginia instituted by LEE. Artillery could be allocated down to augment divisional artillery in the corps, or sent up to army level.

This regiment was raised as part of the planned, provisional regular Army of the C.S.A.

This battery was a typical, heterogenous Confederate artillery battery.

A good example of an excellent Southern cavalry regiment.

This was an accurate rifled cannon which was British-designed and impoted in very limited quantities.

This accurate rifle was imported from the UK in large quantities by both sides.