In honor of Veterans Day Weekend 2017 and my Great Grandfather, Thomas W. Child, who fought on Little Round Top with the 18th Massachusetts on the third day of battle, (See story) I am offering the Kindle version of my book Gettysburg Voices From the Front at the very low price of free. It is a stirring collection of first person narratives from the great battle.

The is also a paperback version and audiobook version but they are not part of this special promotion. If you're a Kindle user I hope you will garb a copy of this book while the promotion lasts!

Gettysburg Voices From the Front
(grab the book here)

A stirring collection of first-hand accounts from Privates on up to the commanding Generals at the Battle of Gettysburg woven into a dramatic and compelling narrative. The reader is transported back to the chaos and uncertainty of the sweltering first three days of July 1863 when Lee's Army of Northern Virginia invaded the North threatening Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington itself. Soldiers on both sides gave everything they had believing that Gettysburg would be the final epic battle in an already long and terrible war.

Below is an interview from the Gettysburg 150th Event in the summer of 2013 when I was interviewed by Steve Bannon on the hallowed grounds of Pickett's Charge.

Today between the BBQ and fireworks you can grab two of my historical books on Kindle absolutely FREE. And you can get another historical book for .99 cents for a limited time. Below are the books and links. Have a happy and safe 4th of July holiday!

Hamilton at War 
Free today at Amazon

As the story opens, young Alexander Hamilton marches with the Continentals at Fort Lee, New Jersey. He is frustrated by being relegated to the end of the line and missing out on the action. He desperately wants to make a name for himself. His fortunes soon change at the Raritan River when the vanguard of British infantry catches up to Washington's army.

Hamilton, and his cannons are the only defense line available to prevent the army from being destroyed. Successfully protecting the Continental army and allowing their escape with his rear-guard action, Hamilton catches the attention of George Washington.

The future President asks the twenty-year-old Hamilton to join his staff. Sent on one daring mission after another Hamilton s stature grows, creating great political mistrust among his rivals. When ambition overtakes Hamilton, he threatens to overthrow Congress, which he sees as corrupt. Challenging a Congressman to a duel who views Hamilton as treasonous immigrant his world nearly self-destructs.


With the end of the American Revolution looming and his visions of his own glory fading, Hamilton becomes determined to leave Washington s staff and return to the battlefield. Washington, the only man who can help him, does all in his power to deny him. One daring assignment remains, however, that will determine the outcome of the final battle and the entire war. It is at a place called Yorktown.

Washington's Crossing: America's First D-Day
Free today at Amazon

Late December 1776.

A ragged Continental army has now put an icy river between themselves and the pursing British army. The men in blue and buff uniforms have known nothing but defeat and had once again made a narrow escape while the Congress at Philadelphia reflecting no confidence in their troops prepare to evacuate to Baltimore.

Washington’s besieged men reflect the state of a nation weary of war and a cause on the brink of extinction. They are an army in waiting - waiting for ammunition, blankets and reinforcements. But others, nearly half, are simply waiting for their enlistments to be up on January 1, 1777. Within days Washington would have no men with which to fight and the cause and the dream of independence would be over.

This is the backdrop of one of the most daring surprise attacks in American history - Washington's crossing of the Delaware and the subsequent victory at Trenton. Told in an urgent narrative style, Washington's Crossing: America's First D-Day, reveals the cast of characters and many untold aspects of the Crossing that made the victory even that much more incredible.

Gettysburg Voices from the Front
On sale today at Amazon

A stirring collection of first-hand accounts from Privates on up to the commanding Generals at the Battle of Gettysburg woven into a dramatic and compelling narrative. The reader is transported back to the chaos and uncertainty of the sweltering first three days of July 1863 when Lee's Army of Northern Virginia invaded the North threatening Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington itself. Soldiers on both sides gave everything they had believing that Gettysburg would be the final epic battle in an already long and terrible war.

I wanted to write a follow up post to my discovery about my Great-grandfather, Thomas Webber Child. And a debt of gratitude goes out to Don Thompson historian of the 18th Massachusetts for this information.

First of all I knew little about my Dad's side of the family but came to a point in my life where I felt it was long overdue to find out more. And what I discovered about my lineage was astounding. Not only did I learn more about my Great-grandfather's service in the Civil War but I discovered that my 4th Great Grandfather, Jonas Child from Waltham, MA fought with Abraham Pierce's Company at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. He subsequently fought at the battle of Dorchester Heights and of course survived the war.

Returning to Thomas what was incredible was that a Carte de Visite survived and last week I came across a picture of him on the website Find a Grave. According to Don Thompson 1400 men served in the 18th Massachusetts but only about 110 images of them exist. So this photo that I am sharing with you now is truly rare.

Thomas Child, My Great-grandfather

Thomas Webber Child:  born Dec. 11, 1837 at Dorchester, MA, the son of Jonathan and Sarah Child. Per the 1860 U.S. Census, Thomas, age 22,  was listed as the head of household as his father died in 1853. The home was occupied by his mother Sarah, age 24, sisters Hannah C., age 24, and Louisa, age 18, and brothers France J., age 14, and Fred E., age 10.

Child  was a 23 year-old Shoemaker from North Bridgewater, MA, (Brockton) when he enlisted in that town on August 24, 1861 and was mustered into the 18th Mass. Infantry on August 24, 1861 as a Private in Co. E.  Per records he was 5 ft. 6-3/4 in. tall, with a dark complexion, hazel eyes, and brown hair.

 He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on Nov. 1, 1862.  Child was engaged with the Regiment in 1862 at the Battle of Fredericksburg. He was one of 11 men from Company E cited for their courage at the battle of Fredericksburg, fought on Dec. 13, 1862, by Lt. Col. Joseph Hayes, regimental commander (see citation below).

Head Quarters 18th Regiment Mass. Infty
Camp near Potomac Creek Va Dec. 21 62

General Order No. 51

The Lieut. Col. Hayes Commanding conceives it his duty to publish in Orders the names of those brave men of the command who when repulsed in the first charge made by this Regiment upon the Enemys batteries in the action of the 13th this attested their courage discipline and devotion by again rallying around their colors and advancing to the second attack.

Co. "E"
Sergeant T. Child  (Thomas W.)
               N. Dorr  (Nathan)
Corporal  Walter Weston       (Killed in action)
               Henry Wright
Private    Edmund Churchill
               C.A. Broadbent  (Charles W.)
               Henry Weston
               Francis Purrington
               Jesse Swift
               Ham Wadsworth  (Hamilton)
               James J. Dowd


Thomas was with the Regiment during 1862 in the Peninsula Campaign, including the siege at Yorktown, Second Bull Run, where the Regiment absolutely got decimated, Shepardstown, and Fredericksburg.  In 1863 he would have been at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg along with a number of other relatively minor actions.  The Regiment, for example, only had about 110 men


Diary Entry: A Trip to Alexandria, VA Feb 5, 1862

Diary of David C. Meechan, Co. E (Drew Archival Library, Duxbury, MA)
"February 5 [1862] - Sun out this morning.  Tom Child , Herbert Baker , and myself got passes from our colonel to go to Alexandria for all day.  Had a nice time.  Queer looking old town, old fashioned buildings, narrow, muddy streets.  No business but military, lots of soldiers, provost guards, freight details, officers, and men like ourselves on leave to see the town.  Only a few restaurants and rum shops open doing business, unruly soldiers cleaned others out.  We got back to camp at night; came on the military railroad free.  Mud, mud, mud.  We can not move on the enemy now, and I guess the enemy cannot move on us."

18th Mass Infantry Monument, Gettysburg Battlefield

Gettysburg

At Gettysburg Thomas fought with the 18th Mass under Colonel William Tilton and the First Brigade under General Barnes and the 5th Corp. They fought a fierce battle near the Wheatfield and the Rose Woods. Below is an except from Col. Tilton's actual report on the battle.


    "At 4:30 p.m. on July 2, the brigade, under my command, advanced to the front, and was placed, by order of General Barnes, in order of battle in a piece of woods at the south of Mr. Rose's house. The Second Brigade was on our left, but there being no infantry upon our right, I made a crotchet by refusing the right wing of my right battalion (One hundred and eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Gwyn).
                        No sooner was the line formed than the foe attacked our front. The onslaught was terrible and my losses heavy--so much so that I was somewhat doubtful if our line could withstand it. This fact I communicated to the general commanding division, who ordered me to fall back in good order if unable to hold the position; but my men behaved nobly, and twice repulsed the assailants. My colonels wished to advance. Being anxious about my right, however, I reconnoitered in person, and discovered the enemy in large force coming from the direction of Rose's house, with the evident design of outflanking me. I immediately retired and took up a new position (in two lines), at the left and rear of a battery which had been posted about 300 yards to my right and rear. The battery soon commenced to retreat, firing, followed by the rebels, who were now again upon my right flank. To avoid this flank movement, I retired, firing, a short distance in the timber, and then moved across an open field, took up a new position upon the right of the Second Division, and reported to General Sykes. In this last movement I was greatly embarrassed by squads of men and parts of regiments, who, hurrying from the front, broke into and through my line. I think, however, that I saved my brigade from great disaster after it could no longer do any good in front, and succeeded in forming a new line, which was retained through the night.
            All of my officers and men did their duty, their whole duty, and showed the greatest coolness and courage, and where all did so well it were invidious to mention names.
On the 3d, we relieved the Third Brigade, on duty, holding the rocky hill upon the extreme left. (Little Round Top)
        On the 4th, I advanced the brigade to the edge of the woods in our front, and sent out a strong line of skirmishers to feel the enemy. The report of this reconnaissance has been made by order directly to Major-General Sykes.
        My loss on the 2d instant was 12 killed, 80 wounded, and 17 missing; total, 109.
        Owing to forced marches, we had remaining on the 2d only 474 men, and as part of these were not actually engaged, it will be seen that the percentage of loss is very great."



After Gettysburg Thomas Child drew what was considered a very plum assignment, In late July 1863, he was assigned to train recruits in Long Island and Galloups Island, both in Boston Harbor, from July 21, 1863 to June 20, 1864. The diary entry below by David Meechan confirms the assignment as well as David's envy that he was not going.

"July 19, 1863 diary of David C. Meechan, Co. E Pleasant again today.  Another short march about five miles toward the Gap.  Tom Child and Capt. [Thomas] Weston are detailed to go home to drill conscripts.  I wished I could go."

Thomas was mustered out of military service on August 23, 1864 at the expiration of his three year enlistment. Following his military service, Child resided in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), MA, where he worked as Shoe fitter. He married Martha B. Sawyer, the 21 year old daughter of George and Susan, at Bridgewater, MA on Sept. 18, 1870.   Per the 1880 Census he resided with his wife Martha B., age 31, and 4 year-old daughter Susan E. at 153 Keith Ave., Brockton. He ended up having four children; Susan, Warren, Wilbur and my grandfather Herbert Shurtleff Child who was born in Brockton, MA on April 27, 1883 and married Genevieve Hoyt at Brockton on October 11, 1904.  Herbert and Genevieve had three children, Madeline, born in 1907, Donald S. born in 1910, and my father Robert Warren Child, born in 1912.

Tom Child was a member of the Fletcher Webster, G.A.R. Post No. 13, Brockton.  He applied for an Invalid pension on Dec. 21, 1900 and received initial  benefits of $6.00 per month under Certificate #: 1025516, due to disabilities from rheumatism, a hernia, and piles.  Child, who was receiving a pension of $30 per month, died at his home, 36 Keith Ave., Brockton, MA on Jan. 21, 1914 and was buried at Union Cemetery, Brockton.

18th Massachusetts Monument at Gettysburg

I guess you can file this in the category of amazing discoveries, or simply "wow I never knew!" Thanks to a free trial at ancestry.com I discovered my Civil War lineage. I have done count 'em three films on Gettysburg one on Antietam and have two box-sets at PBS Home Video, America and the Civil War and Gettysburg and the Civil War. I never stopped to consider, however, that I might have a personal history with the War Between the States or why the pull was so strong to do these films but now I know why.

There in the Massachusetts official record my Great Grandfather Thomas W. Child (1837-1914) mustered in to Company "E" of the 18th Massachusetts on August 24th (my youngest son's birthday) 1861 as a private. He made Sargent on November 2nd 1862. He mustered out on August 23, 1864 after the required three-year enlistment. Thomas was the father of Herbert S. Child my grandfather and father to Robert Warren Child my father born in 1912. To say I was both astonished and proud about this discovery would be an understatement. My father's side of the family always remained a mystery to me as he died young at 55 when I was just  4 years old.

The 18th Mass fought gallantly at Second Battle of Bull Run, Shepardstown, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and of course Gettysburg.
At Gettysburg they were part of the 5th Corps arriving on July 2nd to take a position at the base of Little Round Top where even after Chamberlain's famous charge the fight was still raging.  On the 3rd from their position recorded in diaries they clearly described seeing the Confederates launch their ill conceived final charge. And in fact the 18th was there with Union artillery to help make Pickett's Charge a thundering hell.

I will write more about Thomas W. Child as I dig deeper into the unit history. This has certainly been a personal thrill to know I have a connection to the battle which I have produced three films on. I just don't know why I didn't look into this earlier.

More Info:
18th Mass Website  http://www.18thmass.com/
Their Blog  http://www.18thmass.com/blog/
Wikipedia Entry  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/18th_Regiment_Massachusetts_Volunteer_Infantry

We are proud to announce the availability of two new Gettysburg films produced by Robert Child in honor of this day. Shipping now is the official commemorative film of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg Final Measure of Devotion.

Gettysburg Final Measure of Devotion, written and directed by Emmy® nominated filmmaker, Robert Child, is the commemorative film of the 150th Anniversary Gettysburg National Civil War Battle Reenactment. The story highlight's Lincoln role as Commander-in-Chief.

PBS Home Video has repackaged my film, Gettysburg The Boys in Blue and Gray, in a deluxe box set. It is releasing October 15, 2013 in time to coincide with the coming 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. It is available for purchase now at PBS and other major retailers.

Gettysburg and the Civil War 

It was one of the great turning points in American history: a clash of ideologies that spilled over from the political arena and onto the battlefield, where over half a million lives were lost. The war between the Union and the Confederacy saw the country divided along geographical, racial and industrial lines, and few were spared the decision of where to pledge their loyalty. Communities were torn apart, families broken and cities destroyed.

Now, travel back to this most significant of times and experience the Civil War as you've never seen it before. This premium collection - comprising a feature-length DVD, a 24-page history of the entire conflict, and a set of rare replica memorabilia and battle maps - pays tribute to the war that divided, almost destroyed, and ultimately defined our nation.

Release marks the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address. 

The feature-length documentary Gettysburg: The Boys In Blue & Gray presents the crucial battle of the war as described by the soldiers who took part, with dramatic reconstructions and archive material bringing you closer than ever to the action.

Additionally, a 24-page illustrated history of the conflict provides in-depth detail and context to the events of 1861-5, looking at the key engagements and personalities that shaped the outcome of the war.

Also Includes numerous pieces of rare memorabilia sourced from the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC. - a selection of lovingly recreated replica memorabilia and battle maps that brings history alive as you've never seen it before, with letters revealing personal and military insights into the war that turned brother against brother.

“A focus on Lincoln’s Role as Commander-in-Chief”

Acknowledging that this year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg as well of the Gettysburg Address. President Lincoln’s role in the epic conflict is greatly overshadowed by his address given four months after the battle. But the decisions Lincoln made as Commander-in-Chief ultimately assured a Union victory.

Gettysburg Final Measure of Devotion, the commemorative film of the 150^th Gettysburg Anniversary will follow the Lincoln narrative. In late June 1863, with the Confederates already on Pennsylvania soil, Lincoln fired his General in charge of the Army of the Potomac, the army charged with beating back the invasion. And just three days prior to the start of the epic clash Lincoln installed General George Meade who viewed the appointment as end of his military career. The film, along with the incredible action and visual spectacle of the 150^th Anniversary Gettysburg National Civil War Reenactment will feature the foremost Lincoln scholars in the country including two-time Lincoln Prize recipient, Dr. Allen Guelzo of Gettysburg College. These historians will provide depth and insight into Lincoln’s role and Gettysburg’s honored place in American history.

After years of work the Gettysburg 150th National Civil War Battle Reenactment is now a memory. I was just reading the the Chief of Police in Gettysburg reported NO arrests, none in the 10 day period associated with the anniversary celebration and reenactment. That is amazing.

And the weather held until the very last moment at the close of Pickett's Charge when the the heavens opened up and the rains came - just as they did at the real battle 150 years ago.

The Battlecast has the full 2-hour program of the preshow, presentations and Pickett's Charge. If you did not see it live you can watch the whole event again by subscribing at GettysburgBattlecast.com

Below are just some of the tens of thousands of photos taken at the event - and these are of my hard working crew.

Behind the scenes in the control room of the Gettysburg Battlecast.

A couple of my embedded cameramen. Clay and John.

The camera van and gear.

The Crowds and the event.

Gettysburg Voices From the Front by Robert Child

I will be speaking with host, Steve K. Bannon this Sunday night June 30th at 9:55P EST on the upcoming Gettysburg 150th anniversary celebrations and all the excitement including the Battlecast.

Hope you can tune into on Satellite Radio to XM Patriot Ch. 125

This is a compilation I have  been wanting to do for a long time. Over the past decade I have written and produced two films on the battle of Gettysburg and am producing my third and final one, Gettysburg: Final Measure of Devotion, this year. During all that time in doing my research I have compiled volumes of first person accounts, letters, diaries and dispatches that have helped me support the narrative and the stories I wanted to illustrate.

I just gave an interview to Greg Caggiano for his excellent widely read blog site, "From New York to San Francisco." Greg is the official blogger for Ron Maxwell's forthcoming film, COPPERHEAD and in this talk I discuss the details of the Gettysburg Battlecast and the exciting plans for the Gettysburg 150th anniversary celebration this summer.

Check it out HERE if you have a moment.

Today the streaming site, Gettysburgbattlecast.com  opened to subscribers. This subscription site will allow viewers from all over the world to watch the epic battle of Pickett's Charge live on July 7th from the 150th Anniversary Gettysburg National Civil War Reenactment.

The Gettysburg Battlecast is the the streaming component of the coverage. It is not only the live Pickett's Charge but we have offered it as a four month subscription now for one low price. Subscribers will be able to watch exclusive interviews and other material leading up to the reenactment and we will also be posting daily video highlight reels from each of the four days of the battle reenactments that people won't see anywhere else. This is also something that has never been done before. It is all very ground breaking and that's what in my view makes it exciting.


Gettysburg: Final Measure of Devotion is the official commemorative film of the 150th Gettysburg National Civil War Reenactment. It will be released on Remembrance day in Gettysburg on Blu-Ray and DVD disc. There are plans to show it in a theater or two in Gettysburg. And also we plan a national broadcast of the film in February 2014 on PBS.
Hope you're able to check out the battlecast!