The Angel of Marye’s Heights

“Not all Civil War heroes were remembered for fighting — some were remembered for compassion.”

During the Battle of Fredericksburg, Confederate soldier Richard Kirkland saw Union troops

suffering in the field, wounded and crying out for water. Risking his life,

he climbed the stone wall at Marye’s Heights and carried water to the enemy — again and again

— under fire. Union soldiers called him “The Angel of Marye’s Heights.” His act of mercy

became one of the most human stories of the war, reminding us that compassion can shine

even in the darkest battles. To learn more of the Civil War history, subscribe.