by Adrienne B. Lieberman & Syd Lieberman told by Syd Lieberman

Abraham & Isaac Sacrif ice at Gett ysburg

T he world will little note,

nor long remember what we

say here, but it can never

forget what they did here.

It is for us the living,

rather, to be dedicated

here to the unfinished

work which they who

fought here have thus far

so nobly advanced.

Abraham Lincoln November 19, 1863

This is a true story. Many people helped us shape it. Richard Moe’s The Last Full Measure introduced us to Isaac and Henry Taylor and their First Minnesota Volunteers. Ruth Bauer Anderson of the Minnesota Historical Society directed us to modern sources on the battle. Professors Richard Carwardine and James McPherson read earlier drafts of our story with expert eyes. Gettysburg guide Larry Wallace helped us see Gettysburg as it had been in 1863.

Civil War era music arranged by Howard LevyPiano, penny whistle, harmonica, and mandolin—Howard LevyGuitar and banjo—John T. RiceTrumpet and flugel horn—Victor J. GarciaField drums, bass drum, and cymbals—Ernie Adams

Story and music recorded at Levyland Studios in Evanston, IllinoisProduced by Howard Levy and Joel Fox Engineered by Joel Fox

Design by Darlene Grossman

For more information: sydlieberman.com

Cover photograph of Abraham Lincoln by Alexander Gardner, November 8, 1863, Washington, D.C., courtesy of Library of Congress

Tintype of Henry and Isaac Taylor by unknown photographer, c. 1861, courtesy of Gettysburg National Military Park

Minnesota memorial urn photograph by Adrienne B. Lieberman

© 2008 All Rights Reserved

1. November 18, 1863 The President’s train arrived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

2. November 1860–September 1862 Private Isaac Taylor, stationed on the Potomac, traded sporadic fire with the enemy and waited for a real battle.

3. 1862–1863 Father Abraham visited wounded soldiers in military hospitals, where he thanked them for their sacrifice.

4. June 1863 Isaac marched north. As the armies approached, Gettysburg’s residents cowered or fled. The President hoped the upcoming battle would end the war.

5. July 1–3, 1863 On the moonlit night of July 1st, Isaac and his brother Henry camped near Gettysburg and spoke of the battle they expected the next day.

6. July 4, 1863–November 1863 After the three-day battle, both armies abandoned Gettysburg.

7. November 19, 1863 Abraham Lincoln finally rose to speak.

Abraham & Isaac: Sacrif ice at Gett ysburg