Funds Sought To Replace Nagle sword

SHARPSBURG, Md. — A fundraising effort is under way to raise $6,800 to replace the bronze sword missing from the statue of Gen. James Nagle on the 48th Pennsylvania Monument at Antietam National Battlefield.

The monument features a granite base on which a 7 foot, 4 inch bronze statue of Nagle stands. At his side was sculpted an exact copy of one of his most treasured possessions, the sword he received from grateful citizens of Pottsville upon his return from Mexico in 1848. 

Park Ranger John Hoptak, a Civil War historian and authority on the 48th and Nagle, says, “Nagle carried this sword throughout the Civil War and can be seen holding it in all of his wartime photographs. To him it was a source of great pride, and it was only fitting and proper that it was replicated in bronze to hang by his side on his statue at the Antietam Battlefield, where he received his promotion to brigadier general.”

Hoptak initiated the effort to replace the sword, working with the Western Maryland Interpretative Association, in cooperation with the battlefield and the Antietam National Battlefield Division of Cultural Resources.

Sculptor Michael Kraus will create the sword. Hoptak says it is not known when or how the sword disappeared.

Thirty-six surviving veterans of the 48th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry gathered at the battlefield on Sept. 17, 1904, to attend the monument dedication. Forty-two years earlier, the regiment lost eight men killed, 51 wounded and one missing at that spot.

The occasion also honored the memory of the man who organized and first led the 48th Pennsylvania, Brig. Gen. James Nagle.

Nagle (1822-1866) hailed from Pottsville, Pa. In 1840, at age 18, he organized the Washington Artillerists, which he subsequently commanded in Mexico, seeing action at such battles as Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo and the siege of Mexico City. 

Hoptak says that although Nagle never received a formal military education, he led with great distinction during the Mexican and Civil wars.

He raised four regiments of volunteer infantry — including the 48th Pennsylvania — and commanded a brigade in the Federal Ninth Corps at the battles of Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg.

Heart disease forced his resignation from the army in May 1863, and caused his untimely death in August 1866 at the age of 44. 

The 1904 dedication ceremony opened with remarks by veteran Oliver Bosbyshell. After expressing his gratitude to the state of Pennsylvania for procuring the funds necessary for the monument, Bosbyshell said: “The man the Forty-Eighth honors by placing his statue to mark the spot it maintained in the fight, honors the Forty-Eighth in turn. 

“The organizer and disciplinarian who brought his command to the highest point of efficiency amongst the Ninth Corps organizations, the foremost soldier of old Schuylkill County, Brigadier General James Nagle, well deserves this meed of praise bestowed upon him.”

The regiment’s former surgeon, Dr. William R.D. Blackwood, delivered the dedication address, speaking of the role the 48th played in the battle of Antietam and General Nagle and his promotion to brigadier.

“Never did a soldier win the distinction through a harder road — for his whole time of service this more than brave gentleman and splendid soldier devoted his every energy to the cause for which he left his home and family, and supported by his gallant men, he won imperishable fame,” said Blackwood.

Tax-deductible donations for the new sword may be made payable to the Western Maryland Interpretative Association. “Nagle Sword” should be in the check’s subject line. Association Director Robert Casey has agreed to match all donations on a one-to-one basis.

Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 692, Sharpsburg, MD 21782.

For information about the project contact John Hoptak at (717) 337-9388 or at johnhoptak@hotmail.com or go to www.amonumentaltask.blogspot.com.

Hoptak is available for presentations on the life of General Nagle to round tables and other organizations interested in this project.