---
title: John Sedgwick
author: Mathew Brady
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21378/john-sedgwick/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2025-11-27
---
# John Sedgwick
_Authored by Mathew Brady_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21378.png)
## Image Caption
Portrait of John Sedgwick, photograph by Mathew Brady, c. 1860-1864.
Depicted here is Major General John Sedgwick, commander of the VI Corps of the Union Army of the Potomac in the [American Civil War](https://www.worldhistory.org/American_Civil_War/). He was killed on 9 May 1864 during the [Battle of Spotsylvania Court House](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2844/battle-of-spotsylvania-court-house/), shot by a Confederate sharpshooter moments after uttering the ironic words "They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance!"
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Brady, M. (2025, November 27). John Sedgwick. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Brady, Mathew. "John Sedgwick." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 27, 2025. .
### MLA
Brady, Mathew. "John Sedgwick." *World History Encyclopedia*, 27 Nov 2025, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Sedgwick.png) by [**Mathew Brady**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Sedgwick.png). Submitted by [Harrison W. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/harrisonwmark/ "User Page: Harrison W. Mark"), published on 27 November 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.