Military: CWR: Kirkland, Richard Rowland of interest in Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Keith Petenbrink and 
Meyersdale Public Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Keith Petenbrink.

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Kirkland, Richard Rowland

* Born Aug. 1843 in Flat Rock, Kershaw Co. South Carolina 
* Died Sept. 20, 1863 at Chickamaugh, Walker Co. Georgia 
* Seargent Co. E and G 2nd Regiment South Carolina Infantry 
* On December 13, 1862 at Fredericksburg, Virginia over 8000 Union soldiers were 
shot in front of the stone wall at Marye's Heights. Many of them were suffering 
from terrible wounds and lack of water. Their pleas for help and water were 
answered by Sergeant Kirkland. He received permission to give aid to the enemy 
soldiers. He gathered canteens and entered this "no mans land". At first the 
Union soldiers took shots at him but quickly ceased fire when it became evident 
what his purposes were. For over one and a half hours he gave water and care to 
the wounded. When he returned to his station, the two opposing armies unleashed 
a shout of approval and admiration for his compassion. 
* NOTE: Many Somerset Co. Pa. men from the 133rd Regiment Pa. Infantry were 
wounded in this battle and it is possible that some of them received aid from 
Sergeant Kirkland.

SOURCE:
* Richard Rowland Kirkland Biography