Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Death of Fletcher Webster
— Second Battle of Manassas - Day Three - August 30, 1862 —
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008
1. Death of Fletcher Webster Marker
"If a fight comes off, it will be to-day or to-morrow & will be a most dreadful & decisive one. This may be my last letter, dear love, for I shall not spare myself..."
About 5 p.m., leading his regiment to support the cannon here on Chinn Ridge, Webster was shot through the right arm and chest. He lay helpless in the confusion of the Union retreat as Confederates overran the guns.
According to Ludwell Hutchinson of the 8th Virginia, he stopped to give water to a mortally wounded enemy officer. The officer - Fletcher Webster - asked Hutchinson to return his wallet to his family. Hutchinson survived the war and sent the wallet to the grieving but appreciative Websters.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 38° 48.617′ N, 77° 31.96′ W. Marker is in Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Chinn Ridge Loop, 0.6 miles west of Sudley Road (Virginia Road 234), on the right when traveling west. Located at the Chinn Ridge Loop walking trail, in the Manassas National Battlefield Park. The trail starts
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Death of Fletcher Webster (here, next to this marker); Third Brigade (a few steps from this marker); Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Fletcher Webster (within shouting distance of this marker); Defending the Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Defending the Cannon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kemper's Brigade (about 600 feet away); Second Brigade (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.
More about this marker. On the right is a portrait captioned: Col. Fletcher Webster of the 12th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry - son of the famous orator Senator Daniel Webster - is commemorated by the monument in the grove behind the cannon.
This marker was replaced by a new one also named Death of Fletcher Webster (see nearby markers).
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008
2. Death of Fletcher Webster Trail Stop
With the Webster Memorial in the background in the grove.
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 19, 2008
3. Line of the 12th Massachusetts Advance
The 12th advanced along the crest of Chinn Ridge, forming the far right of Stiles Brigade. This view is looking southwest along the trail (paved path), in the direction the regiment faced. In front of them were the intermingled units of McLean's and Tower's Brigades, and the guns of the 5th Maine Battery.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,353 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
