Ask A Gettysburg Guide #113 | Henry Hunt | with LBG Lewis Trott

Yet another brick in the wall of Gettysburg history: This video features an interview with Lewis Trott, a Gettysburg guide, who discusses the life and military career of Henry Jackson Hunt, the Union Army of the Potomac's Chief of Artillery. The summary covers: Early Life & Career (1:59): Hunt was born in Detroit in 1819, came from a military family, was orphaned at a young age, and attended West Point, graduating in 1839. He was known for collecting demerits but was a capable student. Artillery Expertise (7:08): He became a lifelong artillerist, serving in the Mexican-American War where he was promoted. Before the Civil War, he co-authored a crucial manual on artillery instruction that was used by both sides. Personal Life (10:11): Hunt married twice and faced personal tragedies, including the deaths of his first wife and two children. Civil War Role (16:12): Hunt was initially second in command of the Union artillery under Major Barry but later took full command under McClellan. He played a significant role at Malvern Hill (23:42) by setting up a formidable artillery line. Gettysburg Campaign (42:48): Under General Meade, Hunt was "re-operationalized" and given command of all artillery at Gettysburg, tasked with finding optimal positions for the guns. He brought an unauthorized extra ammunition train to the battlefield (53:42), which proved crucial. Key Moments at Gettysburg (55:36): Hunt interacted with General Sickles regarding his ill-advised advance, and later, Hunt's artillery lines, particularly those assembled by McGilvery (1:10:10), helped plug critical gaps in the Union line on July 2nd. On July 3rd, Hunt famously ordered Union batteries to hold their fire for 15-20 minutes during the Confederate cannonade before Pickett's Charge to conserve ammunition and target effectively (1:25:09). Post-War Life & Legacy (1:45:15): Hunt continued his military career after the war, facing financial struggles in retirement. He was a proponent of more field officers in the artillery. His contributions are seen in the effective use and supply of Union artillery at Gettysburg. **Support Our Work** Love what you’re watching? Kinda like it? Maybe you love to hate-watch it! Help us produce more deep-dive history episodes: * Join our inner circle on **Patreon** for exclusive content, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes discussions: **[www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg](http://www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg)** * Or make a **tax-deductible donation** to the **Digital History Pioneers Foundation**: **[www.dhpioneers.com](http://www.dhpioneers.com)** Your support powers our mission to bring American history vividly to life.