05/25/2026
Today, we raise our glasses in honor of those who are no longer with us; the brave men & women who gave everything in support of our freedom & independence.
A story of one of NH's fallen: Edward Ephraim Cross was born in Lancaster NH in 1832. After teaching himself to read & write, he began working as a printer for the local Coos County newspaper at just fifteen. By the 1850’s he rose to be a journalist for the Cincinnati Times and New York Herald, eventually becoming a White House correspondent. Throughout these years, he secretly wrote and submitted poetry to newspapers across the country under the pen name "Richard Everett."
In 1858 he moved west to the newly organized Arizona Territory in search of adventure, bringing with him the area's first printing press, & founded its first newspaper: the Weekly Arizonian. During the ensuing years he invested in silver mines, served as a US scout against Apache forces on the frontier, and in 1860, was placed in command of a garrison in Sonora during Mexico’s Reform War. He was even engaged in a "wild west" style duel with a rival publisher (which is a whole other story). These years forged a man of action: disciplined, fearless, and experienced in leading men under fire.
Upon hearing of the outbreak of the Civil War, Cross dropped everything and returned home to NH to join the fight, and was commissioned Colonel of the 5th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, which would soon become famous as the “Fighting Fifth.” Under his command the 5th became one of the Union’s hardest-fighting units, known for their discipline, courage, and effectiveness. Because of this reputation, they were often placed in the midst of the war’s key battles… and thus would suffer the highest casualty rate of any regiment on either side during the war.
Cross, counter to most regimental commanders, always led from the very front, and always while wearing a bright red bandana so his soldiers could see him easily amidst the heat of battle (it's worth noting he also stood 6 and a half feet tall, so he towered over his fellow NH soldiers). Also counter to other regiments, and something he learned facing the Apache, Cross taught his NH men to wear “war paint” on their faces, and yell in unison during their attacks to strike fear into their opponents. His battle cry at Seven Pines, “Charge like hell! Show them you ARE damn Yankees!” became legend within the Army of the Potomac.
Cross was wounded at Fair Oaks, and again at Antietam, yet always recovered & returned to his men. His superiors, including General Winfield Scott Hancock, recognized him as one of the most capable and courageous officers in the army, recommending his promotion to General and commander of the Brigade (even though he never wore his officer's hat in favor of the old bandana).
At Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, Cross led his men through the woods in the early morning hours to defend the Wheatfield on the Union’s left flank, just beneath the famous 20th Maine atop the hill. That morning, General Hancock noticed Cross wearing a black bandana instead of his usual red and asked why, to which Cross replied that he had foreseen his own death while writing what would be his last poem the night prior, and “thought black more fitting.” While leading the 5th near the edge of Rose Woods in the heat of the fight later that day, a Confederate sharpshooter’s bullet struck him down. He passed away later that night at a field hospital. Cross’s body was returned to his hometown of Lancaster, where he was buried with full honors. He was 31 years old.
The 5th New Hampshire monument at Gettysburg stands today on that very ground where he fell. The spot was selected by the veterans of the battle in Cross’s honor, built with New Hampshire granite and dedicated in 1886; a permanent memorial to his sacrifice and the 5th regiment’s extraordinary valor.
Colonel Cross’s short - yet adventurous - life, his fearless front-line leadership, and his reputation as a devoted commander embody the enduring spirit of service we remember this Memorial Day. Today, Colonel Cross is one of NH’s many fallen heroes to whom we raise our glasses in honor. May their memory endure forever. Cheers 🍻
“Come gather around while the campfires are bright;
Let your voices go out on the wings of the night.
We’ve arms tried in battle and hearts without fear;
Let the rebels find in battle that the old Fifth, it is here.
And it’s tramp & hurrah for the Fifth, it is here.
At Fair Oaks we formed in the silence of the night.
With Howard to lead us we opened the fight.
O, we entered the woods & with no one to aid,
We drove out & whipped a whole rebel brigade.
Again at Antietam we charged through the foe,
Their colors were captured, their leaders laid low …
On the red field of Fredericksburg see us again,
As we faced the grape shot & the bullets like rain.
'Close up!' cried the Colonel. 'Stand firm and fire low!
If you fall, die like men with your hearts to the foe!'
And it’s tramp and hurrah for the Fifth, it is here!”
-One of the many poems by Colonel Edward Cross.
