As the 4th Michigan marched to Gettysburg, Colonel Harrison Jeffords probably looked upon the flag and remembered the promise she made to the makers of their flag. He had promised them that he would protect the flag at any cost. He did just that on July 2nd evening between the Wheatfield and Rose woods.
As the 4th Michigan fought for their lives and their flag waved in the wind, another Confederate assault began against the regiment. Their flag and guards were on the brigade’s right flank. As the rebels moved closer and closer, they were able to seize the flag. Just then, Col. Jeffords ordered two of his officers to assist him in retrieving the flag. As he and the officers charged to get the flag, his brother was shot. Col. Jeffords was then run through the stomach by a Confederate soldier with his bayonet that was attached to his rifle. Col. Jeffords was able to retrieve the flag, however, he was taken to the medical hospital. The next day, he was heard to say “Mother, Mother, Mother” before he died due to his injuries on July 3rd. Col. Harrison Jeffords of the 4th Michigan was the highest ranking officer during the entire civil war to be killed by a bayonet.
The 4th Michigan was one of three regiments under Sweitzer’s Brigade. Of the one-thousand soldiers, 466 were lost within the brigade. However, within the 4th Michigan itself, there were 165 causalities. There was one officer and 24 soldiers killed, 9 officers and 55 soldiers wounded, and another 1 officer and 75 soldiers that were missing and presumed dead.
The monument for the 4th Michigan was placed at roughly the same location where Col. Jeffords was mortally wounded. The monument is near the Wheatfield. The monument was dedicated on June 12, 1889.