Richard Hamilton

"Oh! Hast Thou Forgotten": Michigan Cavalry in the Civil War: the Gettysburg Campaign Richard Hamilton

The story of "Oh! Hast Thou Forgotten" begins in the summer of 1862 in Kent County, Michigan, and it ends with the close of the Gettysburg Campaign in mid July 1863. It is the story George Thomas Patten, a young husband and father who wrests with his conscious over what could, and will be his part in defense of the Union in the Civil War. Over the objections of his father, who has grown weary of burying many young West Michigan men under the sod in local cemeteries, and who fears for the life of his only son, George Thomas Patten enlists in the 6th Michigan Cavalry Regiment. The regiment is mustered into the United States Cavalry, and departs Grand Rapids, Michigan on a cold blustery winter day for Washington City on December 10, 1862. In April 1863 Sgt. Patten, while posted on the defense perimeter of the Capitol, learns of the death of his wife, leaving behind a young son. His regiment is dispatched to the Gettysburg Campaign, under the command of Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer. The campaign culminates at the Battle of Falling Waters, where Sgt. George Thomas Patten pays the ultimate price of liberty.