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Re: John Cussons
In Response To: John Cussons ()

From Confederate Military History, Extended Addition, Vol. IV, Virginia, P. 824: Lt. John Cussons, "Governors Guard," [Company A], 4th Alabama, captured at dawn July 3 on the slope of Round Top, and on crest of hill, as a prisoner, witnessed Pickett's attack. Sent to Fort McHenry, then Fort Delaware, then on to Johnson's Island, Ohio, and back to Point Lookout. As to which unit captured Cussons, I do not know for certain, but here's a very strong possibility from: History of the Corn Exchange Regiment, 118th Pennsylvania [1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps], pp 256-257. [The 118th took a new position on the slope of Round Top at daylight on July 3.] "The regiment was just becoming familiar with its new surroundings on Round Top when a Confederate officer, without sword or belt, with his coat thrown back with an air of ease, independence and authority, comfortably enjoying a cigar, moving calmly and leisurely as if he were quietly out for a stroll, deliberately walked into our lines. The enemy was close, and our skirmishers were advanced but a few paces. He had passed through them unobserved, or had been permitted to do so, with a conviction that his capture was certain to follow elsewhere. Astonished, he moodily accepted his fate, and was promptly conducted to the rear. He was a staff officer, and had no idea he was in such close proximity to the Union lines, when a few minutes before he sought a short respite from the bustle and activity of head-quarters by strolling off in a direction where he thought he would be alone. Of good address and culture, he was keenly sensitive to the reproach that might follow the unfortunate way in which he had permitted himself to be taken."

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