William, age 17

There are countless heroes from the past, many known and even more unknown, who lived for a greater cause than themselves. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was one of these men. His name has gone down in history because of his courageous actions in the Battle of Gettysburg when his heroic words rang out “Fix bayonets!” He once said, “The inspiration of a noble cause involving human interests wide and far, enables men to do things they did not dream themselves capable of before, and which they were not capable of alone.” He fought for the Union of the United States, and for the freedom of an enslaved people. Through the story of his life it is clear that these noble causes spurred him forward and fueled his actions. They undoubtedly gave him the courage he needed, and enabled him to do things he did not “dream himself capable of before”. All great men and women lived for a cause, a purpose, a mission, a dream; and it is because they lived for something greater than themselves that greatness was born. Living for a noble cause will give us this same power.

Joshua Chamberlain was a courageous man who developed a strong character when he was young. In the beginning days of the Civil War he was a professor of rhetoric and speech at Bowdoin college. He had an intense education that led him to this point. He spent four years learning and studying at Bowdoin College until he graduated, then he studied at Bangor Theological Seminary for three years. Chamberlain’s education and beliefs fueled his actions, and led him through the battlefield, his governorship of Maine and then as president of Bowdoin College. When the war started he encouraged his students to fight for the Union and for freedom. He too felt he should fight, so following his convictions he enlisted in the army. His fellow professors and his wife objected to this course of action but Chamberlain stood firm. I can imagine this took considerable courage as he left his good professional position to fight in a bloody and hard war. Yet he chose to do what he felt to be right despite the hardship, living by true principles, not for himself. This sacrifice he made created a great impact in the Battle of Gettysburg, and in other moments during the Civil War.

Chamberlain knew the importance of his position at Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg. He and his men were placed on the far left flank of the Union army, a position of much strategic importance. If it was overtaken it could have meant a different outcome in the battle, and possibly in the war. The Confederate army also knew the importance of that position and pursued to obtain it with a hot determination. In his own words, Chamberlain describes this conflict, “The two lines met and broke and mingled in the shock. The crush of musketry gave way to cuts and thrusts, grapplings and wrestlings. The edge of conflict swayed to and fro, with wild whirlpools and eddies. At times I saw around me more of the enemy than of my own men…” (Stan Clark). All day long the Confederates attacked with determination and zeal, but by some miracle, they were held off. Near the end of the day, the Union soldiers were running low on ammunition, and they had little communication, if any, with the larger part of the army. 

“Our gallant line withered and shrunk before the fire it could not repel. It was too evident that we could maintain the defensive no longer. As a last desperate resort, I ordered a charge. The word “fix bayonets” flew from man to man. The click of the steel seemed to give new zeal to all. The men dashed forward with a shout.” (Chamberlain et al., 1999). This charge was a success. The enemy was driven back and over 300 prisoners were taken. It is amazing to me how one man can make such an impact. His courage fueled the courage of his men, and gave heart to those who otherwise would have lost it. Because of Chamberlain, history was written that day.

 In my life, Chamberlain, and other leaders like him inspire me to grow, to become. To give my life for a cause greater than myself is my fervent desire. To raise a family, to bring hope and light to others, this is the life I want to lead, the cause I can give my life for. However I am only 17 years old, my time has not yet come to lead in some large way, so the cause I am enlisted in now is towards becoming. Becoming a man, gaining an education, growing character, preparing for the life that is ahead of me. It is very seldom a smooth ride. Ironically, I struggle with writing and making myself focus, but to pay the price now, to learn how to use words could be a great blessing for me in the future. It was the same for Chamberlain in his early life. He gained an education, developed courage and a strong work ethic.

Joshua Chamberlain stood tall in his convictions.  His noble cause filled his life with purpose, and spurred him forward in the noble actions of his heart. Chamberlain and other heroes like him inspire me now to become who I am meant to be. This is my noble cause, to grow my character and gain a solid education now, so that I may make an impact for something greater in the future. In our lives we will likely never do such a heroic act as a bayonet charge, yet as Chamberlain’s men followed his lead, who or what leads us on? What is the noble cause that spurs us to our individual bayonet charge? Maybe you are as Chamberlain, a leader for brave souls, and the cause you fight for gives you the strength when it is needed, and the courage you lead with gives heart and “new zeal” to all. Whatever the case may be, “The inspiration of a noble cause… enables men to do things they did not dream themselves capable of before.” Find your noble cause, and let it guide you. That is where true courage is found.

Bibliography 

Chamberlain, J. L., Ezhaya, J. B., Marden, D. H., & Gleason, M. P. (1999). Joshua L. Chamberlain’s Battle of Gettysburg After Action Report. Maine Military Historical Society.

Stan Clark, Jr., “Bayonet! Forward”: My Civil War Reminiscences, by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Pennsylvania: Stan Clark Military Books, 1994), pp. 27-28.

Top 23 quotes by Joshua Chamberlain: A-z quotes. (n.d.). https://www.azquotes.com/author/2683-Joshua_Chamberlain