Civil War News March 2018 Sample

CW N Civil War News

Vol. 44, No. 3

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America’s Monthly Newspaper For Civil War Enthusiasts

48 Pages, March 2018

Dalton’s Civil War Show Draws A Record Crowd

DALTON, Ga.—Awesome!

The only word that can be used to describe the 2018 Chickamauga Civil War Show and Sale held February 3 & 4, at the Dalton Trade Center in Dalton, Ga., according to Show Chairman Mike Kent. Even though Kent was expecting a solid show based on results from his recent shows in Richmond, Va., and Franklin, Tenn., this one surpassed his estimates in terms of both dealer participation and attendance.

With a show record 500 tables filling the 45,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, the aisles were packed with eager collectors, diggers, enthusiasts, and history buffs looking for deals and renewing old friendships in the hobby.

For MK Shows owner Mike Kent, this represents the end of his Civil War show season even though it is just February. MK

Shows produces the Capital of the Confederacy Show in Richmond in November, the Franklin Civil War Show in December, and the Dalton Civil War Show during February, so this is his last show for the next nine months. These last three shows have been the best in recent memory according to Kent, with dealer participation and attendance up noticeably which has been unusual for the past few years.

Although hard to pin down exactly why, some increases could be traced to the recent publicity surrounding the removal of Confederate statues and memorials around the country.

In the advertising world there is no such thing as bad publicity, so constant attacks on our heritage from the nightly news, social media, and opinion pieces in newspapers appear to have only increased the public’s interest in

The Walsh family (Jonathan, Nikki, John and Alex), owners of Fort Donelson Relics, are mainstays at all the major Civil War shows.

The Chickamauga Civil War Show (known by everyone as the “Dalton Show”) is the second largest attended Civil War Show in the South with MK Shows Franklin Show at number one.

(All photos Jack Melton) the Civil War, not discouraged it. In fact, it appears that more people are now taking the time to fully understand why Confederate statues are being removed in this country when they normally see this happening only in third world countries during military coups.

In studying this trend, Kent has noticed increased activity in three distinct areas that impact the Civil War industry as a whole, particularly the collecting aspect of our hobby; book and periodical sales, metal detector sales, and subscriptions to Internet sites such as Ancestry.com. Whether or not increased interest in these areas has impacted participation in Civil War shows or whether participation in shows helped impact these areas is open to speculation but consider these arguments.

The market for Civil War books and periodicals has never been better. Book dealers are reporting

strong sales at shows and on their websites. Paid subscriptions to the major Civil War publications are up as are ad revenues for same. New authors signing up for tables at most shows are reporting strong sales. Kent said “The number of new books being reviewed each month in publications such as Civil War News is impressive and limited only by the available space.” At a time when many of us thought electronic tablets would signal the end of the printed word, book and periodical sales are flourishing.

Another indication that our hobby is healthy is robust sales and emerging technology in the world of metal detectors.

As relics are becoming scarcer, technology has had to improve to give diggers the ability to search deeper, discriminate better, and be easier and lighter to use. Many of us who grew up with detectors that emitted a beep anytime a

47 – Advertiser Index 26 – Ask The Appraiser 6 – Black Powder, White Smoke 32 – Book Reviews 46 – Classifieds

Inside this issue:

34 – Critic’s Corner 41 – Events Section 18 – Inspection, ARMS! 22 – John Banks’ CW Blog 12 – The Source

metallic object was detected can now choose from machines that are digital, work in any type of soil, can determine what the object is before you dig, and can be paired with a GPS for location logging. The big names in the business spend thousands of dollars in advertising fees each year as evidenced by full page color ads in most mainstream Civil War publications. At a time when we thought all Civil War sites had been hunted out, these new high tech machines are responsible for many of the latest finds which fill up the pages of numerous trade magazines each month. Events such as Digging in Virginia where participants pay a fee to metal detect a known Civil War site under controlled conditions are enormously popular and sell out quickly.

H Dalton

. . . . . . . . . . . see page 14

7 – The Unfinished Fight 20 – This And That 10 – Through The Lens 35 – Small Talk-Trivia

March 2018

Civil War News

2

Civil War News Published by Historical Publications LLC 520 Folly Road, Suite P-379, Charleston, SC 29412 800-777-1862 • Facebook.com/CivilWarNews mail@civilwarnews.com • www.civilwarnews.com Advertising: 800-777-1862 • ads@civilwarnews.com Jack W. Melton Jr. C. Peter & Kathryn Jorgensen Publisher Founding Publishers Editor: Lawrence E. Babits, Ph.D. Advertising, Marketing & Assistant Editor: Peggy Melton Columnists: John Banks, Craig Barry, Joseph Bilby, Matthew Borowick, Stephen Davis, Stephanie Hagiwara, Gould Hagler, Tim Prince, Salvatore Cilella, John Sexton, Michael K. Shaffer Editorial & Photography Staff: Greg Biggs, Joseph Bordonaro, Sandy Goss, Gordon L. Jones, Michael Kent, John A Punola, Bob Ruegsegger, Gregory L. Wade, Joan Wenner, J.D. Book Review Editor: Stephen Davis, Ph.D., Cumming, Ga. Book Review Advisory Board: Gordon L. Jones, Ph.D., Senior Military Historian, Atlanta History Center; Theodore P. Savas J.D., Managing Director, Savas Beatie LLC, El Dorado Hills, Calif.; Steven E. Woodworth, Ph.D., Professor of History, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas.

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L etters T o T he E ditor TO THE EDITOR: Harold Holzer’s oration on the 154th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address (January 2018 CWN issue) was timely and informative. His focus on the uproar in recent months over whether Civil War monuments should stay or go poses difficult questions that require answers from elected officials in this country.

The controversy related to these monuments stems to a great extent from changes in society over the years. Demographic shifts in cities and towns have brought about calls for removal of the monuments by the racial or ethnic groups that replaced prior inhabitants who either favored these memorials or were neutral regarding their existence. Given this state of affairs, the current predominant group or voting bloc should have a say in whether these monuments continue to have a rightful place in their communities.

What should not happen, however, is the destruction or defacing of these images. Those who are guilty of such activity should be prosecuted. At the same time, an effort should be made, as Mr. Holzer suggested, to have the now unwanted memorials removed to a park or museum where they can be preserved for posterity.

While Harold’s overall premise is commendable, his dismissal of selective monuments from protection is unwise. While Jefferson Davis may not be one of his heroes, others undoubtedly think differently; the comment about Davis comes across as a form of political correctness.

Once you allow an exception, thereby encouraging the defacing or destruction of any one monument, the door is open for many more exceptions to follow.

It will indeed become the rule.

The U.S. Congress should pass a law protecting all historical monuments, without exception, from being defaced or damaged.

At the same time, the law should delegate the disposition of these monuments to state and municipal authorities, thereby allowing local residents to have a say in whether to keep them in their particular areas. However, it should be mandatory that arrangements be made for a public or private group to take ownership of the no longer wanted monuments so they can serve to inform future generations about the history of this country.

Tom Ryan Bethany Beach, DE Former president, Central Delaware CWRT

TO THE EDITOR: It’s a shame what’s happening to the Confederate monuments throughout the South.

One wonders if the offended citizens possess any knowledge of World War II much less the intricacies of the Civil War or really care.

Perhaps the next lesson taught would be self-reliance rather than self pity.

Michael D’Antonio Metairie, La. TO THE EDITOR: I have been reading CWN and really liked the great article about Nathan Bedford Forrest that appears in the February issue. I have a half dozen books pertaining to Forrest, he deserves a better place in the history of the Confederacy.

John A. Punola Madison, N.J. TO THE EDITOR: Confederate monuments will continue to be removed as long as people, like yourself, write and say, that the Civil War was fought, “over whether to abolish slavery.” Most everyone who reads your article knows the complexities and many causes for which that war was fought but you chose to simplify it.

Larry Koval Warren, Ohio TO THE EDITOR: To add to my thoughts which I gave in my Sept. 2017 letter; since then, officials in Boston, Mass., removed a Confederate monument at Fort Warren, George’s Island. The monument had been made during the Civil War Centennial, by the then Boston Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, in memory of the Confederates who died at Fort Warren as Prisoners of War. Their remains had been moved elsewhere years before the Civil War Centennial. Now, the famous historical Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston may be re-named, because the original donor, Peter Faneuil (1700-43), owned slaves, even though slavery was legal in Massachusetts until the Revolutionary War. One possibility would be to re-name it the Martin Luther King Hall, as he had strong ties to Boston.

It appears to me that many descendants of slaves, their elected officials, and their political supporters, nation-wide, are having Confederate monuments and statues removed for two reasons: (1) to PUNISH the names and remembrance of Confederates and slave-owners, and possibly to also punish the descendants of Confederates by removing the

monuments and statues of their beloved ancestors; and (2), to attempt to ERASE rather than remember the historical institution of slavery. They are able to do so, particularly in bigger cities that now have large populations of slave descendants. It is their right, with the help of their elected officials and political supporters, and it cannot be stopped. I believe Confederate descendants, like myself, have to live with it, and must adjust to the new norm.

Hopefully, it will always remain legal to have Confederate books and pictures in your home.

Leon Basile Woburn, Mass.

TO THE EDITOR: Received the February issue of Civil War News the other day. It is, as usual, a great read. I was especially struck by your “From The Low Country” editorial as well as the front page article by Steve Davis. The editorial was, as far as I’m concerned, spot-on.

It’s sad that there are citizens in this country who are completely lost when it comes to American history; almost blind to it. They would seem to want the rest of us to celebrate their history/heritage, but do not want us to remember ours. Indeed, there are those whose idea of “history” is what they had for lunch. One has to wonder if city council people, county supervisors, and the like, are more worried about their reelection prospects than having an educated dialogue with the public. Columbus Day, in San Francisco, has officially been renamed “Indigenous Peoples Day;” I kid you not.

As a long time Civil War reenactor (32 years) it is especially disturbing to hear that reenactment events might become possible targets of violence. Every reenactment I have participated in has had education as its very foundation, so much so that historical education of the public is written into club by-laws.

I hope we’re not fighting a losing battle.

Greg Sweatt Foster City, Ca.

Letters to the Editor: Please email your letter to the editor to mail@civilwarnews.com

or mail to: Civil War News 520 Folly Road, Suite P-379 Charleston, SC 29412

March 2018

Civil War News

6

Black Powder, White Smoke

By Joe Bilby NC Cavalry “long range guns,” Southern Starrs & Colt Sales We are back at the battle of New Bern again. Another interesting newspaper clipping arrived from my North Carolina friend Skip Riddle.

First lieutenant William A. Graham Jr., then in command of Company K, the 2nd North Carolina Cavalry, felt he had some explaining to do, and on March 29, 1863, took pen in hand to write a letter to the North Carolina Semi-Weekly Standard. The Standard printed Graham’s letter in its April 16 edition.

It seemed that Graham had heard somehow that there were “various unfavorable reports spread throughout the state concerning the behavior of the 19th North Carolina Troops (2nd Cavalry) in the battle near New Bern on the 14th instant.” The lieutenant went on to claim that those reports were “false.” He never specifically addressed the rumors, but gave an account of his unit during the battle.

Graham’s Company and Company A, under a Captain Hayes, were ordered to dismount and report to Colonel Vance of the 26th North Carolina Infantry, then in defensive earthworks awaiting the arrival of advancing Union troops. It turned out that the two companies were not randomly selected, but chosen due to their arms. Graham explained that they were equipped with “long range guns.” What were these guns?

Well, “Co. A had Mississippi rifles and Company K Hall’s carbine.” It is presumed that the 26th was armed with smoothbore muskets.

Graham related that his men never got the chance to try out their “long range” Hall carbines, but were told to withdraw because they were outflanked. They subsequently found that their horses were not where they left them, and the lieutenant wrote “that they had been ridden off…some say by the militia, others by men

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with uniforms.” So the horseless horsemen continued their retreat on foot. That scenario may have been the source of the embarrassing rumors, but I had another interest—in the casual reference to “long range guns” that happened to be Hall carbines.

The Mississippi rifle was indeed a rifle, although the original sights on that weapon were far from “long range” capable in the usual sense. The Hall carbine, on the other hand, was originally a smoothbore arm. One source states, however, that a number were rifled after they were no longer standard service arms. My friend Bill Adams advised that Halls had been fired at his club’s annual black powder introductory shoot for collectors. He reported that shooters had advised that Hall rifles and carbines were quite accurate at fifty yards, and presumably greater distances. This does not include the “Fremont Halls,” part of a notable acquisition scam early in the war. Those guns had been rifled, but apparently the bore was enlarged by the rifling, and not the chamber.

Bill wrote that surviving Fremont guns fired today have proved quite inaccurate. The Halls used by the North Carolina cavalrymen were probably Hall rifles cut down to carbine length. The Raleigh Register of Oct. 2, 1861, noted that, among other projects, the Fayetteville Arsenal was altering “Hall’s breech loading rifles to carbines, and they make an excellent cavalry service gun.”

Graham’s men, by the way, eventually found their horses in Kinston.

a few days since, and must acknowledge that we were agreeable surprised by its great range and accuracy. Without being heavier than is desirable for a serviceable belt-pistol, they carry a sufficiently heavy ball to be effective, and, in the hands of a good marksman, a man could be brought down every time at from one hundred to one hundred fifty yards. The trial we made convinced us of this, and further, that they possess all the advantages of the Colt army and navy revolver, with additional ones of being better adapted for quick shooting, and having conveniences for cleaning and keeping in order what in active service will render them less liable to damage. Military companies, about supplying themselves with side arms, could do no better than choose this pistol.’

The story reveals that there was at least one Model 1858 double action Starr revolver in New Orleans at the outbreak of the Civil War, and probably a few more.

Colt Sales It was no secret that Sam Colt kept selling his products in the Confederacy until the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter. Colt advertisements appeared in southern newspapers all during the secession crisis, and the one

pictured here actually ran on June 5, 1861, in the Raleigh Register.

The ad was from the Colt company itself, not a local merchant, but I doubt any guns were still going south by that date. Most likely the advertisement had been paid for in advance and ran its course. Of course local merchants probably still had some new Colts in stock as of that date.

Joseph G. Bilby received his BA and MA degrees in history from Seton Hall University and served as a lieutenant in the 1st Infantry Division in 1966–1967. He is Assistant Curator of the New Jersey National Guard and Militia Museum, a freelance writer and historical consultant and author or editor of 21 books and over 400 articles on N.J. and military history and firearms, and as publications editor for the N.J. Civil War 150 Committee edited the award winning New Jersey Goes to War. His latest book, New Jersey: A Military History, was published by Westholme Publishing in 2017.

He has received an award for contributions to Monmouth County (N.J.) history and an Award of Merit from the N.J. Historical Commission for contributions to the state’s military history. He can be contacted by email at jgbilby44@ aol.com

Southern Starr?

De Bow’s Review was a New Orleans magazine dealing with Southern agriculture and commerce. The magazine’s “Editorial Miscellany” column for April 1861 notes: The proprietors have placed in our hands a self cocking hair trigger revolver, which is one of the simplest, cheapest and most powerful instruments of defense with which we have met.

The agent for New Orleans is O. S. Jennings, 20 Camp Street. Our contemporary of the “Crescent” says most truthfully of the weapon: ‘Starr’s revolvers – We made a trial with one of these pistols

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Newspaper advertisement for Colt firearms on June 5, 1861, in the Raleigh Register.

March 2018

Civil War News

8

The Civil War Letters of James Andrew James

By Bruce S. Allardice and Wayne L. Wolf During the Civil War Private James A. James wrote numerous letters home to his family, describing life in the Confederate Army of Tennessee. A collection of these has recently come to light.

James Andrew James (1839– 1903) was the son of John “Jack” and Rachel Kelly James, farmers in Anderson County, S.C. On April 1, 1863, he enlisted in Thomas B. Ferguson’s Battery, SC Artillery, formed during April 1862 at Charleston. In May 1863, the unit was sent to Mississippi to aid in the relief of the Vicksburg garrison. Attached to General States Rights Gist’s Brigade, the battery joined the Army of Tennessee in late 1863 and served with that army the remainder of the war. Captain Ferguson was wounded in 1863 and leadership passed to Capt. Henry Davis Calhoun (1838–66), nephew of Vice President John C. Calhoun. The battery eventually came under Rene Beauregard (1843–1910), son of the famous general. The unit was largely captured Dec. 16, 1864, at the battle of Nashville.

Despite protestations that he’d never desert the army, J.A. James is listed as having deserted in May 1864. After the war he and

his wife Emeline Phillips farmed in Monroe County, Ark. The transcripts below have been lightly edited for spelling and clarity, but not for grammar.

The first letter is datelined Columbia. It appears James has been left behind in South Carolina due to his boil. He gives advice to his family on how to dispose of his belongings, and suggests that any locals seeking to join the army could join his unit.

Columbia, S.C. August the 13 [1863] Dear Father and Mother and Brothers and Sisters.

I seat myself to drop you a few lines that I hope many find you all well as I am the same more than I have got a very bad boil on me at this time. I received your letter and ‘was glad to hear from you one time more. I have not got that box yet. I go to the depot every day and saw that it don’t come and I want to know if you have started if [sic it] or not and if you have not I want to know whether you are or not. If you have started some you had Better not start any more for if it don’t come perhaps the next one would be the same war. I want you to tell Jane and the children all handy for me and John and family and Mom, Griffin, James and John Macklorland

is a getting along and when you heard you wanted to know how I was satisfied in camps. I reckon I am as well satisfied as any man can be in camps.

You wanted to know how long we would stay here. I can’t tell you how long we will stay yet. But we will not stay long I reckon.

I want to know if you have sold my fiddle yet or not and if you have not sell it and return the money over to Emeline [his wife] and tell Emeline that I will send her a present in my next letter and I want to know if Tomey [brother Thomas Elias James (1845–99] is gone up to my house yet or not and if he is not I want you to send him up in a few days and take care of my things and you may have the fodder and shacks in pay for him a staying. If John wants to go to the war to come to this company for it is a good company and if he does want to come tell him to write and I will get it arranged for him and if you no [sic] of anyone else about there that has to go tell them to write to me and I will fix it up with Capt.

Calhoun.

So close write soon and oblige your son, J.A. James From the dateline “Atlanta” in the next letter it appears Private

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James is again is away from his unit, which five days later fought in the Battle of Missionary Ridge.

Atlanta Ga Nov 20th, [1863] Dear Father I have read your kind letter today & was happy to hear from you although they have been some time since on the road they were tacked so they went to the front to Lookout Mountain Tenn. & the old company, they was a man came down from them to day & brought them to me. I am quite well at present. I have not heard from John [James’ brother John K. James (1834–1912), a captain in the Hampton Legion, who evidently visited his brother while on leave] since he left.

John Chapman is at home, he left with him & says he is coming back & the Captain says for John to come back & it will go a heap lighter with him than if he is sent for if he comes home tell him [should] come back at once. [Private John F. Chapman is listed as AWOL from the unit Oct. 16 to Dec. 1, 1863] I want you to (post) your letters to Atlanta Ga in care of Capt. H D Calhoun’s Light Artillery that is enough I have often heard tell of the devil but yesterday evening I saw him plain in the shape of a man. There was two men that stole some money at the Trout house a hotel & they caught them & tarred & feathered one of them & sheared one side of their heads and marched

through the city with a fife & drum. The one that was tarred looked like a frizzly chicken only _ the other one had a large Board on his back with The Trout House Thieves marked on it. __ like The devil before day. I want to know if you have seen Henry Barkley yet to know if he is going to come or anybody else. If you have write & let me know if there is anybody & you will write maybe I can come home & get them if they will come to the company. Tell Jane and her children howdy for me & respects to enquiring friends. Be sure & write soon, nothing more but remain your Loving son J. A. James Write To J. A. James Capt H D Calhouns Light Artillery Atlanta Ga. The next letter is written on Christmas eve. It appears Calhoun’s battery awaits transportation to the front at Dalton.

Dec the 24 Christmas eve Atlanta, GA [1863] Dear father and Mother I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am Well at this Time a hoping that these few lines may come safe to hand and find you all quite well I have not got anything of importance to write you more than to let you know that we are on the eve of starting to the front we are at the Depot at this time a waiting for them to get

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March 2018

Civil War News

10

Through The Lens

By Stephanie Hagiwara

I Fights Mit Sigel “A charge of infantry like that last closing scene has never been made on this continent.” – U.S. Gen. Samuel Curtis Missouri began the War as a slave state torn between a rural population that had migrated from the Southern states and an urban population of former Northerners, German, and Irish immigrants. The city of St. Louis controlled the waterway hub of the Missouri, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers, keeping the state in the Union. Franz Sigel, an idealist and “champion for democracy,” rallied the immigrant community to the Union cause. “I fights mit Sigel” became a hallmark of German American participation in the War. Siegel was born in Germany, graduated from a military academy, and made a name for himself fighting in the failed Revolution of 1848. Emigrating to New York

City, he taught school; moving to St. Louis, he became a leader in the large German community.

Between his avid supporters and raising troops in St. Louis, Siegel was promoted to Brigadier General.

It was the start of the idolatry of Sigel that would last decades after the War. Popular ballads and poetry touting loyalty to Sigel were circulated. Sigel received hundreds of letters of support. In December 1861, Sigel went on medical leave. On the 25th, U.S. Gen. Samuel Curtis was appointed commander of the Army of the Southwest. Sigel, feeling slighted, resigned his commission to return to teaching. Union military leaders, who considered Sigel “superior in theoretical [tactics), incompetent in battle, and hell on retreat,” accepted his decision.

However, the German community sprang into action. Committees were formed in New York

Portrait of Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, Federal officer, Colorization © 2018 civilwarincolor.com courtesy civilwarincolor.com/cwn

(Library of Congress)

and Chicago; a Congressional investigation was demanded, German soldiers threatened to resign. Sigel was presented a sword engraved with the inscription, “Defender of Liberty,” and a silver goblet. In the end, Sigel returned to the army under Curtis’s command.

Both sides had designs for Missouri. Confederate General Earl Van Dorn, Commander of the Army of the West, planned on capturing St. Louis, but Curtis moved first. Some 12,000 Federals left Rolla, Mo., for the Springfield, Mo., encampment of C.S. General Sterling Price during a blustery snowstorm. They arrived three days later, on February 13, to find Price’s men had abandoned the city. Not expecting a winter attack, the Confederates had spent their time sacking the city instead of building defenses.

Determined to fight, Curtis followed the Confederates over the ice and snow-covered roads into Arkansas. Curtis positioned himself on high ground above Little Sugar Creek. The upcoming March 6–8, 1862, battle that would determine Missouri’s fate centered on Mr. Cox’s Tavern near Pea Ridge, Ark. The tavern served as the local post office and telegraph terminus, had space for lodgers, and sported a skull and antlers on the ridgepole, hence the name Elkhorn Tavern.

Van Dorn decided to split his men and circle behind Curtis in a surprise attack. To travel fast, each man would carry three days rations and a blanket. Anticipating a flanking move, Curtis had his engineers place obstacles along the way. He would also turn the army, so it would face north instead of south with his back to his own entrenchments.

“In one hour they will be ours,” Rebel Gen. Benjamin McCulloch told an aide as he rode, forming a line on the extreme right of the Federal line at Leetown. With the attack set, McCulloch wanted to observe the Federals for himself. “l will ride forward a little and reconnoiter the enemy’s position.

You boys remain here,” he told his staff. “Your gray horses will attract the fire of the sharpshooters.” As he rode over a small rise, McCulloch was clearly visible against the blue sky, heading straight towards the 36th Illinois sharpshooters. McCulloch was soon tumbling to the ground, dead, a bullet to the heart.

The Confederates waited until McCulloch’s body was accidently discovered. Command passed to James McIntosh, who preferred leading his men from the front.

McIntosh ordered the assault that McCulloch had prepared. He took his place in front, rode forward and was shot dead near where McCulloch had perished.

Command passed to Colonel Louis Hébert who heard the gunfire but had no idea the generals had been killed.

Without receiving the order to advance, Hébert decided to move forward anyway, running into Battery A, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery.

“Suddenly something like a tremendous peal of thunder opened all along our front.” recalled the 3rd La. Inf.’s William Watson. U.S. Capt. William Perkins Black, with a Colt repeating rifle, held off the onslaught as four of the Battery’s six cannons were saved, earning the Medal of Honor. In the thick brushwood, Hébert’s men retreated, stumbling into McCulloch’s waiting division.

Soon Hébert and three of his officers were captured, leaving the division leaderless again.

In the meantime, Van Dorn was fighting the Federals at Cross Timber Hollow, waiting for McCulloch to arrive. After hours of fierce fighting, Van Dorn realized that Price’s division was larger than the Federals. He ordered Price to extend his flank beyond the Union’s, and captured the Tavern at dusk.

After midnight, Sigel rode out to observe the enemy camps. He realized the Confederates had united and would probably attack the Federal right wing. Sigel spent the night gathering, feeding, and moving his men into position. At 6 a.m. he ordered Col. Peter Osterhaus to reconnoiter the field. At 6:30 a.m. Curtis opened the battle with his artillery. He rode over to Sigel to ask him to bring his troops into his line. Sigel refused, “I have taken my position General Curtis.” As the men argued tactics, Osterhaus returned, reporting he had “found an excellent position to deploy.”

Sigel’s men cheered as his batteries opened fire with deadly accuracy. For two hours the cannon roared as Sigel rode between them. About 10 a.m., Curtis said, “General, I think the infantry might advance now.”

The entire army, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, 10,000 men began to move forward. “With

banners streaming, with drums beating, and our long line of blue coats advancing upon the double quick, with their deadly bayonets gleaming in the sunlight, and every man and officer yelling at the top of his lungs. The rebel yell was nowhere in comparison,” recalled Capt. Eugene Payne. The Confederates scrambled to get out of the way, retreating in three different directions. “Oh, dot was lofely,” proclaimed Sigel. Curtis rode up and down the cheering lines, swinging his hat yelling, “Victory.”

The victory at Pea Ridge gave the Union control of Missouri for the next two years. Van Dorn moved his army to the Mississippi River. Sigel was promoted to Major General. Although he would eventually lose his command, Sigel’s supporters never wavered. At his death in New York City in 1902, 25,000 people attended his visitation. In 1909, 100,000 people in New York City honored his memory with a parade. Statues have been dedicated, schools, parks, and a WWII Liberty ship have been named after the man who inspired German-Americans to fight for the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Sources: • Engle, Stephen Douglas, Yankee Dutchman: the life of Franz Siegel • Shea, William, War in the West: Pea Ridge & Prairie Grove • Giffen, Lawrence E., “The Strange Story of Major General Franz Sigel: Leader and Retreater.” Missouri Historical Review, Volume 84 Issue 4, July 1990 • Foote, Shelby, The Civil War: Fort Sumter to Perryville Stephanie Hagiwara is the editor for Civil War in Color.com and Civil War in 3D.com. She also writes a weekly column for History in Full Color.com that covers stories of photographs of historical interest from the 1850’s to the present. Her articles can be found on Facebook, Tumblr and Pinterest.

The original Elkhorn Tavern was built around 1833 by William Reddick and his son-in-law, Samuel Burks. In 1858, Burks, sold the house and the 313 acres to Jesse & Polly Cox for $3,600.

March 2018

Civil War News

11

The Confederate Museum in Charleston, South Carolina The Confederate Museum sits above the city market at 188 Meeting Street in historic downtown Charleston.

In 1894 the Charleston Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy was founded. They immediately began to collect relics and the collection grew quickly. By 1898 this group of ladies became Charleston Chapter #4, United Daughters of the Confederacy.

In 1899 the reunion of the United Confederate Veterans was to be held in Charleston. The men decided to help these ladies form a permanent Confederate Museum in Charleston. A call went out asking former soldiers to bring their war-time possessions to the reunion for donation to the new museum. The enthusiastic response showed that a large building would be needed to house the collection. Since the Mayor and the city councilmen were all former Confederate soldiers, it was only natural that they selected Market Hall for this purpose.

The same building where they had gone to become young soldiers became the place they brought their relics to be preserved for the future. The Confederate Museum opened in 1899.

The site of this building was originally occupied by the Masonic Hall, which was completely destroyed by fire in 1838. Market Hall was built in 1841. It is a copy of the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens, Greece. Money flowed freely in Charleston at that time and materials for the new building were brought in by water from as far away as New York, Connecticut, and Italy. Its original purpose was to be the “head building” or front entrance to six blocks of roofed, open air market space attached to Market Hall. This was a farmer’s market where fruits, meats, vegetables, and fish were sold, but not slaves as is often thought.

Two small rooms upstairs in the hall housed the offices used by the market commissioners for day to day operations. The main room was used for meetings, balls, and banquets. When the War Between the States commenced, men actually signed up to fight in the room where the museum is housed today.

In 1898, the Confederate Veterans held their reunion in Charleston and decided there should be a new museum dedicated to the War. The base of the collection was the relics donated by the Veterans who also helped to secure the building for use as a museum. The Museum opened in June 1899.

Operated by friendly members of Charleston Chapter #4, United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Confederate Museum houses such relics as the first national Confederate flag to fly over Fort Sumter, a lock of Robert

E. Lee’s hair and the original South Carolina secession flag.

The collection boasts over 2,000 artifacts.

The museum has seen a rise in visitors from all over the world who support the preservation of

history. We welcome you and your family to come experience the unique Southern experience which is the Confederate Museum.

Open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. all year, the

museum is a must see.

For more information visit their website at www.confederatemuseumcharlestonsc.com for more information. Email: confederatemuseum@gmail.com

Confederate Museum is located on the corner of Meeting and Market streets in downtown Charleston.

(Jack Melton)

March 2018

Civil War News

12

The Source

By Michael K. Shaffer

The National Tribune Civil War Index A reviewer stated, in 1881, “The Tribune will be a power for its cause.” This praise centered on The National Tribune, which began as a monthly publication in October 1877. In August 1881, the publisher changed to a weekly format, and the newspaper, emboldened with the phrase “To Care For Him Who Has Borne the Battle, and For His Widow and Orphans” beneath the masthead, continued to serve as the official publication for Union veterans. Submissions started slowly, but over time, many veterans penned articles for the newspaper. From frontline privates to higher ranking officers— including several notables—the men provided accounts of their various actions during the Civil War. Many of these stories never appeared elsewhere, making this

Sample page of Vol. 1 index.

The National Tribune Civil War Index, Vol. 1-3 a valuable source of information for researchers. While most of the accounts came from former Federals, a few Confederates submitted articles as well.

Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Richard A. Sauers, and the publishing team at Savas Beatie, researchers now have access to an invaluable index of the various issues of the National Tribune. Sauers spent many years going through microfilm copies of the newspaper at the Library of Congress and other repositories. His three-volume set includes not only the National Tribune—which published Civil War accounts under varying titles 1877–1943—but also captures entries from The National Tribune Scrapbook and The National Tribune Repository; both of these sources contain original articles

not found in the newspaper.

Volume one provides, in chronological order by publication date, the various entries found in each issue of the newspaper, 1877 through 1903. The same methodology applies to the second volume covering 1904– 1943; volume two also contains listings from the Scrapbook and Repository. The final volume, one where many researchers may prefer to begin their search, consists of four sections with the following listed in alphabetical and chronological order. An ‘author’ index, a ‘subject’ index, a ‘military unit’ index, and lastly, a ‘units as sources’ index. This final section lists accounts of various corps, divisions, brigades, and regiments written by soldiers who did not serve in the subject unit.

Sample page of Vol. 3 index.

Although research tactics will vary, this writer offers the following steps on how one might best use the indices. Beginning the search in volume three, I selected the ‘Gettysburg Campaign’ heading, and ‘Boonsboro, MD. 1898, September 15’, as my topic. As shown in the sample page from Vol. 3, one sees Boonsboro, 1898 (the publication year), and September 15 (the issue containing this article).

Next, after consulting volume one of Sauers’s set (this volume contains articles from 1898), the listing for the September 15 edition reveals 7:5. S.B. Jenkins (1st US Cav), “A Cavalry Encounter.” [7/8/63, Boonsboro].

(Please see the sample page from Vol. 1 shown.) First, the number ‘7’ indicates the article resides on page seven of the September

15, 1898, issue; the ‘5’ signifies the article rests in column five on page seven. S.B. Jenkins serves as the author; he served in the 1st U.S. Cav.; the title of his story, “A Cavalry Encounter;” and the actual date and location of the engagement in question—July 8, 1863, Boonsboro, MD. Now, we have the information needed to locate this particular article. Thanks to the internet and digitization of many newspapers from the period, researchers can access a large number of the National Tribune editions online.

One can consult the Library of Congress ‘Chronicling America’ site at https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82016187 for free, or the subscription site, Newspapers.com at https://www. newspapers.com/title_1345/the_ national_tribune. The LOC site contains issues from 1877–1917, and Newspapers.com archives

Jenkins’s September 1898, article.

15,

March 2018

Civil War News

16

White House Of The Confederacy Bicentennial Programs Focus On 200 Years Of History, Preservation RICHMOND, Va.—The White House of the Confederacy observes its bicentennial in 2018.

Throughout the year, programs and activities will focus on the structure’s rich history as a home, school, and museum, and the diverse people who occupied it during its first 200 years.

“Though it is known primarily as the residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family, the house has many fascinating stories to tell,” says Stephanie Arduini, Director of Education and Programs at the American Civil War Museum.

“Throughout the year, we’ll explore these different perspectives through monthly programs, online exhibits, and eventually a new, permanent exhibit in the house’s lower level.”

Beginning in January, monthly programs will include presentations by local, regional, and nationally known historians, panel discussions, and special dramatic presentations commissioned especially for the bicentennial.

Topics will include life in prewar

Richmond, the influence of high society women during the Civil War, self-emancipation by the house’s enslaved laborers, complex relations of servitude, public education in Richmond, and the house’s uses after the war, among others.

Daily guided tours will focus on the house’s varied meanings to the Civil War and its legacies, as seen through the eyes of the people who lived, worked, and passed through as visitors. Special guided tours, focusing on Presidents Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln, will be offered during weekends. Arduini says those tours will compare the two men through their experiences in this house and more broadly through the choices each made during the war.

A new website has been developed to provide an online focus on the house. It will feature a variety of information about programs and special events, as well as new online exhibits that focus on the history of the house and its occupants. Website visitors

also will be able to donate to ongoing preservation work at the house, and will be encouraged to contribute their own memories through stories and photographs of the personal experiences.

The website can be reached via the Museum’s main website at ACWM.org.

“We’re especially excited about the opportunity for online visitors to add their personal histories to that of the house,” Arduini says. “We have very little information, for example, about the house’s time as a public school.

It would be amazing to find stories and photos from that era, and even people’s unique experiences with the house over the years and what it’s meant to them.”

Preservation work will continue through the year and beyond.

Arduini says restoration of the house’s 35 windows will be completed during 2018. Other projects include plaster repair and restoration, restoration of the exterior shutters, cleaning and painting the exterior, reinterpretation of the garden, and the creation of

exhibit space in the house’s lower level. Fundraising in support of this work is under way and donations are encouraged.

Arduini says the Museum is working closely in partnership with organizations throughout Richmond and beyond. Among them are the National Park Service, Virginia War Memorial, Richmond Public Schools, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Library of Virginia, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Women’s Club, and many others.

“Through the Confederate President’s House, you can see the history of Richmond and the Civil War era,—and how we’ve chosen to remember that past,” Arduini says. “Through the stories told here, visitors will discover complex choices that were made by all Americans before, during, and after the war, and how those choices impact Americans today.”

The White House of the Confederacy is located at 12th and Clay Streets in downtown

Richmond.

It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours are offered throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased there or online at ACWM.org. Information about and schedules for special programs and tours also can be found online.

Founded in 2013, the American Civil War Museum operates three sites: The White House and Museum of the Confederacy, and Historic Tredegar in Richmond, and the American Civil War Museum – Appomattox. Through exhibits and programs, the Museum explores the American Civil War and its legacies through the perspectives of people free and enslaved, military and civilian.

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Civil War News

18

Inspection Arms!

By Tim Prince

Lindsay’s “Double Musket” On October 9, 1860, John Parker Lindsay of New York City received U.S. Patent #30,332 for “improvement in locks for firearms.” The patent covered a unique, superimposed muzzleloading percussion firearms action that combined two hammers, a single trigger and two loads, fired from a single barrel. Lindsay’s patent actually claimed that his “new and useful Improvement in Locks for Fire-Arms” could be applied when “two or more hammers are used.” The primary patent coverage was for the firing mechanism, which combined a single trigger and two (or more) hammers. It is possible that Lindsay developed the concept for his mechanism circa 1859 while working with New York gun maker John Walch, who had patented a double-hammer percussion revolver that utilized superimposed loads to double the number of rounds fired from a percussion revolver.

Lindsay’s mechanism allowed two hammers to be fired sequentially from a single trigger.

The auto-selecting single trigger would always release the right hammer first and the left hammer second on two consecutive pulls; not unlike a modern double-barreled sporting shotgun with a single trigger. Using his superimposed chamber concept, with one load on top of the other in the breech, the first hammer would fire the front chamber of the gun, and the second hammer would fire the rear chamber.

In 1861, Lindsay relocated from New York City to New Haven, Conn., and began to actively produce and promote his unique firearms. Lindsay initially applied his concept to a series of handguns that he marketed as the “Young America” line. The guns were produced for Lindsay circa 1860-62 by the Union Knife Company of Naugatuck, Conn.

Two variations totaling less than

Tim Prince College Hill Arsenal PO Box 178204 Nashville, TN 37217 615-972-2418

www.CollegeHillArsenal.com

March 2018

Overall view of a Lindsay M1863 Double Rifle Musket. three hundred guns were manufactured in .41 caliber, and another one hundred were produced in .45 caliber. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Lindsay became intrigued with applying his concept to a .58 rifle musket and obtaining a U.S. military contract.

Using the superimposed load concept, in combination with his patented double-hammer/single-trigger system, Lindsay produced a sample musket that ef- A rare Lindsay “Young America” .45 caliber double-hammer/ fectively doubled the firepower single-trigger pistol; only 100 were manufactured during the of the average soldier in combat, early 1860s.

(All photos by Tim Prince) as the design could be fired twice before it was reloaded. The design allowed the gun to retain a single barrel, keeping it virtually as light and handy as a standard percussion rifle musket. During the summer of 1863, Lindsay worked in vain to obtain an Ordnance Department contract for his “Double Musket;” however, Chief of Ordnance James Ripley was unimpressed and no orders were forthcoming. This was despite the fact that a trial musket, tested at West Point, had been found quite satisfactory, with Breech of a Lindsay “Young America” .45 caliber pistol showing the reviewing officer noting that, the markings.

“In my opinion, the invention is a success.” In September 1863, April 1864, as had been specified and would result in both chamRipley was replaced by General in the contract and Lindsay had to bers detonating simultaneously; George Ramsay, and Lindsay saw request a contract extension. The usually with disastrous results for an opportunity to press his case production issues were resolved, both the musket and the shooter. again. In October, he submitted and the entire order of 1,000 guns The other problem, which was an improved version of the mus- was delivered and accepted on equally disastrous, was that the ket that had been tested at West Aug. 16, 1864. Less than one long flash channel to the forward Point, and managed to obtain a month later, on Sept. 12, 1864, chamber could become fouled, small contract to provide 1,000 of half the muskets were issued for preventing it from discharging. his patented double rifle muskets. field trials.

When the second charge was The contact was officially issued Lindsay Double Rifle Muskets fired, with the first charge still in mid-December, with deliveries were issued to the 5th, 16th and blocking the barrel, the results due to commence in April 1864 at 23rd Michigan Volunteer Infan- were often catastrophic. Either a price of $25 each. try regiments, as well as to the problem ensured a bad day for As with his pistol project, Lind- 9th New Hampshire Volunteer the gun and the soldier using it, say had to turn to outside manu- Infantry. The 16th Mich. received and as a result the weapons were factures to actually produce the 166 guns and used them at the universally despised by the men firearms. He appears to have re- battle of Peebles’ Farm, fought they were issued to. Due to the lied upon his old contractor, the as part of the Petersburg Cam- various calamities involving the Union Knife Company, to manu- paign from Sept. 30, through Oct. use of the double musket in the facture the gun’s receiver and me- 2, 1864. The other regiments all field, the guns were fairly quickly chanical action, although some received 83 guns each. Reports condemned and withdrawn from sources think that Lindsay may from both the 16th Mich. and 9th service. have manufactured this compli- New Hampshire, indicate that The U.S. M1863 Lindsay Patcated lock work himself. The some catastrophic failures oc- ent Double Rifle Musket had the guns themselves were produced curred in the field, causing both same basic profile of the U.S.

by Samuel Norris of Springfield, injuries and deaths.

M1861, M1863, and M1864 rifle Mass. Norris had previously proThe failures of the guns in the muskets then in service. In fact, duced U.S. M1863 Rifle Muskets field were completely under- other than the special lock mechfor the state of Massachusetts, but standable. While the superim- anism and breech, the majority of that contract was at an end and no posed loading concept worked the parts were the same as found further contracts appeared to be fine in theory, it did not work so on U.S. M1863 Rifle Muskets; forthcoming. As such, Norris was well in a combat situation. The this is not surprising, as Norris more than happy to take on pro- system relied upon very careful likely had lots of spare parts from duction of the Lindsay muskets, loading, with the bullet from the his M1863 contract on hand. mating the Lindsay provided re- rearmost charge preventing the The gun was .58 caliber, with a ceivers with the rest of the com- second powder charge from going barrel that measured 41 1/8" in ponents necessary to produce the off when the first chamber was length rather than the usual 40" completed rifle musket. fired. This did not always happen of the M1863 rifle musket. This Due to various delays, the guns (especially when the musket was was due primarily to the longer were not available for delivery in loaded quickly or under duress), breech to accommodate the two

March 2018

Civil War News

20

This and That

By Gould Hagler

Perspectives on Manassas Last month we examined the First Battle of Bull Run from the point of view of five Federal officers who commanded brigades in the first major battle of the Civil War. In this article we will review the writings of four Confederate officers and learn what they have to tell us about the battle they named Manassas.

The Confederates won the day and remained on the field. They were not tested in a large-scale retreat, as were the Federals, who suffered a dramatic breakdown of discipline in their panicky flight. Still, the Confederate officers’ memoirs make it plain that the Southern army was far from mature as an instrument of war.

The men were neither toughened for long marches nor hardened to the demands of battle, and their officers were not yet efficient at moving and fighting the men.

Our first witness is E. Porter Alexander, Beauregard’s engineer and signal officer. Assigned to this position in the first days of July, he recounts in his memoirs that “my first duty was to organize & instruct a signal corps & my second to study the topography of our probable field of action.” His account paints a clear picture of the terrain, the position of the armies and the distances between key points.

“The creek would average perhaps 30 feet in width & with alternate deep & shallow places.

Infantry could find places to cross in almost any locality & there

were several farm fords & roads along the line.” He provides a map showing these features, plus the railroads, other battlefield landmarks, and the tributary creeks.

The map also shows his main signal station behind the right end of the Confederate line from which he observed early in the day, “the reflection of the sun from a brass cannon” and “the glitter of bayonets all along the road,” as Federal troops beyond the creek moved in force toward the left of the Confederate line.

Alexander also discusses some of the principles of military science illustrated by the battle fought on this terrain—concentration of “all your force against fractions of the enemy’s,” the use of interior lines of communication, and unity of command.

Concerning this last principle, he writes: “ the fault on both sides lay I think in each not having one commander in chief over both its armies, with authority & power to handle both as one without waiting to explain to, or convince, any body. Both of us learned better than that before the war was over.”

There were other lessons to be learned also. As to our ‘line of battle’ along Bull Run, it was never put to the test of an attack in front, but judged by experience acquired later it was not particularly a good one, & we did little or nothing to strengthen it.

Later in the war we would have

straightened & shortened it, & had more & better roads behind it parallel to its direction, & we would have had rifle pits at important points & a few empandements for guns.

We turn next to the account penned by Joseph E. Johnston, who transferred his army from the Shenandoah Valley to join Beauregard’s on the Manassas battlefield. At noon on July 18, eleven hours after he was notified that Beauregard was under attack, Johnston started his troops on the 60-mile trek to Manassas.

“The discouragement of that day’s march to one accustomed, like myself, to the steady gait of regular soldiers, is indescribable,” he writes. The new and inadequately trained troops’ “frequent and unreasonable delays caused so slow a rate of marching as to make me despair of joining General Beauregard in time to aid him.”

Johnston was able to arrange for some of his troops to board trains for part of the trip and, he tells us, he joined Beauregard at noon on the 20th, accompanied by just 40% of his force. At that point the Confederates’ plan was to cross Bull Run on the lower fords and attack toward Centreville on the Federal left. The plan was quickly altered, as Johnston tells us: “At nine o’clock, Captain Alexander…reported that large bodies of Federal troops could be seen from one of his signal-stations, crossing the valley of Bull Run, about two miles above our extreme left.”

Recognizing immediately the need to transfer men to face the attack on the left, Johnston issued the necessary orders, then “set

out at a rapid gallop, accompanied by General Beauregard, to give such aid as we could to our troops engaged four miles off.”

The two generals arrived as the brigades on the left were beginning to break. Stragglers were put back into the fight as Thomas Jackson and his brigade were beginning to earn their immortal sobriquet on Henry Hill. The immediate crisis was passed, but for much of the day the Confederate effort was aimed at moving

troops from the right to the left of the line—and hoping for the rest of Johnston’s men to arrive from the Valley.

Jubal Early’s brigade was among the troops hurrying to the threatened left. Early writes that between noon and 1 pm he received the order to move. He took three of his four regiments, plus one borrowed from Longstreet, and was moving by 1 pm.

Towards 3 o’clock P.M. we reached the field of battle,” Early

Confederate General Jubal Early.

(Library of Congress)

Ruins of Mrs. Judith Henry’s house at Bull Run, Va.

(Library of Congress)

GEORGIA’S CONFEDERATE MONUMENTS In Honor of a Fallen Nation Gould B. Hagler, Jr.

This unique work contains a complete photographic record of Georgia’s memorials to the Confederacy, a full transcription of the words engraved upon them, and carefully-researched information about the monuments and the organizations which built them. These works of art and their eloquent inscriptions express a nation’s profound grief, praise the soldiers’ bravery and patriotism, and pay homage to the cause for which they fought.

www.mupress.org 866-895-1472 toll-free

March 2018

Civil War News

22

John Banks’ Civil War Blog

By John Banks Dying 108th N.Y. soldier: ‘Tell Charlie I tried to do my duty’ In the spring of 1864, the hard fighting 108th New York struggled to replenish its ranks after brutal battles at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. “Difficulty was experienced in getting recruits to join our regiment,” a soldier recalled, “as they said it was sure death to join the 108th.”

But when a call went out in Monroe County, N.Y., for men to join the 108th, John W. Bailey was all-in. On Feb. 25, 1864, the 20-year-old orphan from Webster mustered into the regiment as a private, joining his brother Charles in Company F. (More than a decade earlier, the brothers’ parents had died, leaving sister Lydia as their guardian. John leased a farm of “about 75 acres” in Webster, using income from his labors to help support Lydia and another sister.)

It didn’t take long for Charles and John to participate in the relentless, terrible fighting together. On May 6, 1864, Corporal Charles S. Bailey, a color-bearer, was wounded at the Wilderness, knocking him out of the war. At Spotsylvania Courthouse six days later, John was severely wounded, but he recovered in time to rejoin the regiment on the front at Petersburg.

On the morning of June 18, the 108th New York came under Confederate fire near Petersburg, the strategic town about 25 miles

south of Richmond, the Rebel capital. According to Thomas G. Grassie, the regiment’s 32-yearold, Scottish-born chaplain, John was shot in the back when he “left the breastworks to go toward” Confederate fire. Another soldier recalled a slightly different scenario.

[W]hile the regiment was reposing upon a roadside, much annoyed by sharp-shooters,” he recalled, “[Bailey] was struck by a ball on his spine. In his excruciating agony he partially raised upon his elbow, and seeing us across the road, cried out, ‘Haven’t I done my duty? I can die happy that I have done so.’ We responded, ‘Yes, yes, John you have truly and unflinchingly done heroic duty.’

Chaplain Thomas Grassie, probably in a post-war photo.

He wrote a letter to Charles Bailey about his brother’s final hours after he was shot at Petersburg.

John was transported to a hospital, where he “bore the pain with admirable fortitude and with Christian resignation,” Grassie recalled in a poignant, six-page letter to Charles.

“I gave him a soothing medicine which soon eased his pain & lulled him to sleep,” the chaplain remembered. But even though John’s pain apparently briefly subsided, there wasn’t much that could be done for the severely wounded private, who said he was unafraid to die.

In his final hours, Bailey told Grassie he had expected to be killed when he joined the army— and spoke frequently about his brother, Charlie.

“Tell [him] I thought of him

John Bailey’s grave in City Point National Cemetery in Hopewell, Va. (Find A Grave)

Rifle pits at Petersburg, Va. Private John W. Bailey was mortally wounded at Petersburg on June 18, 1864. (Library of Congress)

when I was dying – and my sisters too,” John said, according to the chaplain. “Tell Charlie I tried to do my duty to my country & tell him I hope he will be spared to his friends. Tell him I was ready to die & expect to see him again. Tell all our folks not to feel bad for me.”

Two hours later, at about 10 a.m. on June 19, 1864, John W. Bailey died. “I had to go to the Regt. & had not returned before his brave spirit was released,” wrote Grassie, who added John was buried in a II Corps graveyard near Petersburg. After the war, Bailey’s body was recovered and re-interred in City Point National Cemetery in Hopewell, Va., where the remains of more than 5,000 other Civil War soldiers are buried.

Letter Transcriptions appear below and on the next page.

Front of Petersburg Since 8th July Dear Bailey Your letter of 3rd inst. is received this morning; I reply by today’s mail. It is sadly true your dear brother is dead. He was shot in the morning of the 18th June and died about 10 o’clock the next day. He died like a soldier and a Christian. It was in front

of Petersburg. Our troops had advanced the day before; were behind breast-works; very near the enemy’s line. The bullets were frequently coming from the enemy’s skirmish end. John left the breast-works to go toward a fire & received a bullet in the back passing through.

He acted as [indecipherable] soldier. When it was seen that he would die he said, “he was not sorry; did not fear he would die like a soldier.” Better than that – far better – he died like a Christian. As soon as possible he was brought to the Hospital. When I first saw him after he was struck he was suffering much but he bore the pain with admirable fortitude and with Christian resignation. I gave him a soothing medicine which soon eased his pain & lulled him to sleep. He remained in a drowsy state, but easily roused to consciousness till he died next morning.

Charlie Bailey, I’d be proud to have a brother, even in the grave, who died as nobly as yours. I was moved with admiration. His was real patriotism; real supporting religion.

When his pain was a little soothed I began to talk with him.

He said when I told him he would not live, “I see that. I’ve made up my mind to that, but I’m not sorry. I’ve expected this I got ready for it before I left home.

I’m not afraid to die: I left myself

Civil War News

24

March 2018

National Park Service names Tracy Stakely as Fort Sumter National Monument Superintendent ATLANTA, Ga.—On Jan. 12, National Park Service (NPS) Southeast Regional Director Stan Austin announced the selection of J. Tracy Stakely as superintendent of Fort Sumter National Monument, Fort Moultrie, and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in South Carolina. The position also includes administrative oversight of Reconstruction Era National Monument. Stakely is currently Congaree National Park superintendent and South Carolina State Coordinator for the NPS Southeast Region Leadership Council, working to ensure cooperation between the NPS sites in South Carolina, South Carolina State Parks and various other state partners. Stakely assumes his new role February 5, 2018.

“Tracy has extensive experience working to preserve complex natural and cultural resources,” said Regional Director Austin. “He has proven himself to be an accomplished leader intently focused on helping the American people find deeper meaning and connections with their national parks. Tracy is sure to add tremendous value as superintendent of these parks and to the South Carolina lowcountry.”

“It is truly an honor to be selected as the superintendent of sites that preserve resources and stories from some of the most significant periods of our nation’s history,” Stakely said. “I am excited to join park staff, volunteers, partners, and local communities in their efforts to protect these special places. I look forward to helping continue the important work of telling all the relevant stories associated with these sites and increasing public

engagement and support for these national treasures.”

For the past five years, Stakely has served as superintendent of Congaree National Park in the South Carolina midlands.

Under Stakely’s leadership, the park made significant progress in advancing key strategic goals, including highlighting the park’s natural and cultural resources, expanding educational programming and recreational opportunities, advocating for park wilderness, establishing fiscal sustainability, and improving employee engagement and satisfaction.

During his nineteen years with the National Park Service Stakely has worked effectively with NPS staff, community partners, and contractors in the areas of resource preservation and park management. He spent several years in the NPS Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta as program lead for the region’s Cultural Landscape Program. In that role, Stakely led program staff and contractors in documenting park landscape resources and providing park managers with technical assistance to aid in cultural and natural resource management and reservation. Stakely gained additional park management experience during time spent as Acting Superintendent and Chief of Resource Management at Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park and as Acting Superintendent at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Georgia.

Prior to his tenure in the southeast region, Stakely was a landscape architect at the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, a NPS technical service center based in Boston, Mass. There

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he authored cultural landscape reports and related planning documents and provided technical expertise on cultural landscape preservation to park managers and community partners.

Additionally, Stakely has served on national workgroups within the NPS to revise Director’s Order #61: National Cemetery Operations, Director’s Order #100: Resource Stewardship for the 21st Century, and the nationwide agreement for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Stakely earned a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Louisiana State University and a graduate certificate in Leadership for Public Lands and Cultural Heritage through the Academic Consortium, a learning and development program cosponsored by the NPS, the Eppley Institute for Park Management, and six partner universities.

Both Stakely and his wife Cheri are originally from Chattanooga, Tenn. They are the parents of two active teenagers, Bryson and Bella.

Tracy Stakely, the newly appointed Fort Sumter National Monument Superintendent. (NPS.gov)

March 2018

Civil War News

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Central Virginia Battlefields Trust organizes an Annual Youth Day FREDERICKSBURG, Va.— While many of their peers slept in, a group of 20 students decided to wake up early and brave freezing temperatures to help preserve a local Virginia battlefield. Central Virginia Battlefields Trust organizes an annual Youth Day for impassioned young persons looking for a way to serve their community through performing the much needed maintenance tasks necessary to keep battlefields neat and orderly for visitors and local residents. This year that meant clearing and expanding drainage ditches, picking up litter, and cutting down heavy brush which had grown up in several retaining ponds.

Providing key support was the 47th Virginia, who not only brought chainsaws, but also shared their knowledge about Confederate Major John Pelham and his important role during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Using only a handful of horse-artillery he was able to enfilade the Union right flank and thereby delay the attack being undertaken at what would shortly come to be known as the “Slaughter Pen.” When asked why they had decided to come out, students cited the importance of preserving American Battlefields. Boy Scout Xavier Gonzalez stated, “It’s what makes us who we are and it’s important to know where we’ve come from in order to move on into the future and to show past generations to our future generations one day.”

After hearing about Major Pelham the students boarded the Fredericksburg Trolley which took them over to Slaughter Pen for an artillery demonstration courtesy of Stribling’s Battery.

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Portraying the 1st Connecticut Light Artillery Battery for the day, Stribling’s Battery crewmen talked to the students about how young men manning the guns were not in fact all that different from themselves. Matthew Devor confided privately afterwards that, “War is a terrible thing, war is a godawful thing that should be avoided but the fact is they did remarkable feats during these battles, during these marches. Their ancestors did incredible tasks that they need to realize.”

A Riverbend High School Senior, Katie Scarbeck, was surprised with the opportunity to pull the firing lanyard herself.

She later commented that, “I learned a lot about artillery and about the dangers that come with the job and how the men who used to do this, how brave they were to do it.”

After all the excitement, the volunteers were went home with a t-shirt, a complimentary copy of CVBT’s Journal with articles relating to the Battle of Fredericksburg, a free digital student membership, and a personally signed letter from CVBT President Tom Van Winkle thanking them for their time and effort.

Stribling’s Battery firing demonstration for the volunteers.

The youth group watching as the cannon crew talks about the gun.

Student interview during the day.

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Vol. 42, No. 3

48 Pages, April 2016

Battlefield Of Franklin Land Preservation Purchase

By GreGory L. Wade

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — What is considered the bloodiest acreage in the Nov. 30, 1864, Battle of Franklin is now being reclaimed as part of the evolving Carter Hill Battlefield Park.

Local preservation leaders recently closed on a $2.8 million purchase from owners Reid and Brenda Lovell after a months-long process of coordinating various funding sources for the critical 1.6 acres that adjoin the Carter House, a major battle landmark.

Details were recently provided at a press conference led by Franklin’s Charge board member Julian Bibb, who praised the “remarkable transition” of the Franklin battlefield.

Franklin’s Charge is a coalition of civic and preservation groups who joined together more than ten years ago to purchase local battleground.

Over 150 years ago the Army of Tennessee stepped off in a series of charges to be virtually destroyed

by Federals under John Schofield in hopes of taking Franklin and later Nashville.

At that time, most of the terrain was open farmland on the outskirts of what was once a small Middle Tennessee farming community. Over time development covered much of the battlefield with houses, light industry, and small businesses.

All that remained of the critical area where the Confederates temporarily broke the Federal line was the small farmhouse and a few acres known as the Carter House farm.

The 1.6 acres purchased, which adjoin the southern boundary of the Carter House property, is comprised of two lots. Today, they are occupied by a flower shop and other structures

that were turned over to the City of Franklin Parks Department by Franklin’s Charge and the Battle of Franklin’s Trust (BOFT), managers of the Carter House the nearby Carnton Plantation. The structures will be removed in coming months, possibly relocated for other use.

The purchase is only the latest step in a long and arduous effort to rebuild the Franklin battlefield.

“It had to be a miracle,” quipped Civil War Trust (CWT) President James Lighthizer, referring to the most recent acquisition. Local resident Michael Grainger, long time Trust board member and former chairman, said, “Local leadership has been incredible and will continue to be a partner [with the CWT].”

In 2005, after years of frustration attempting to preserve Franklin battleground, local preservationists decided it would have to be done the hard way, by buying properties, often with buildings on them.

The largest parcel of land was originally a local golf course slated to be sold to a developer to build houses on what was the right flank of the Confederate attack north toward the Federal lines just south of the town.

It was then that Franklin’s Charge came into existence. Funds have been raised for the $5 million purchase from private donors, the CWT, the City of Franklin and others. That 110-acre segment, now fully interpreted and known as the Eastern Flank Battlefield, is what got the preservation ball rolling in Franklin.

Since that time nine other parcels in proximity to the Carter House have been purchased and have been, or will be, turned over to the Frank-

Franklin Charge leader Julian Bibb speaks at the Lovell purchase closing.

(Gregory L. Wade photos)

Battle of Franklin. 1891 print by Kurz and Allison. Restoration by Adam Cuerden. (Library of Congress) lin Parks Department, according to Bibb.

But it was the land just south of the Carter House, long considered the most bloodied ground in Franklin, and some say in America, that was the most coveted.

BOFT Chief Executive Officer Eric Jacobson noted, “to not have this ground reclaimed and preserved, would be like having Omaha Beach cut out of Normandy.”

The most recent acquisition evolved when Franklin’s Charge and the BOFT began discussions with the Lovells, who have a strong sense of the history of the land, having grown up in Franklin.

“I was born and raised in Franklin on ground many believe should have been a national park,” said Reid Lovell. He recalled when visitors came to town and had to envision what happened, not walk on ground where it transpired.

“My great-grandfather, who fought here, and my parents would be proud of what we are doing here today,” he said at the press conference.

The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously in February to fund part of the remaining debt on the Lovell property purchase. The previously saved plots, valued at $6.8 million, are being transferred to the city in exchange for $1.08 million to be paid by the city on a non-interest basis over seven years.

These funds will cover the balance now bridged by a local bank and will be derived from the city’s hotel-motel tax. Local banker Chuck Isaacs was instrumental in working out the loans. All the city funds are allotted as well as a donation of $25,000 by his employer, First Farmers and Merchants Bank.

A $1.3 million grant from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) was a major piece of the

Franklin Alderman Michael Skinner, left, and Franklin Charge Board member Ernie Bacon attended the Franklin press conference. funding and the most complex, according to Bibb.

“With help from city officials, the Civil War Trust and others at the ABPP, we got it done,” Bibb noted.

Other funding came from private donors including local Civil War Trust board member Grainger, who has been involved with other national preservation efforts.

Representatives of Save the Franklin Battlefield, the oldest battlefield

preservation group in Franklin who for years advocated the possibility of a battleground park, attended the signing of official documents and “have been with us every step,” said Bibb.

The site interpretation work will be led by representatives of the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage

H Franklin

. . . . . . . . . . . see page 4

Inside this issue: 23 – Black Powder, White Smoke 24 – Book Reviews 33 – Critics Corner 36 – Events Section

11 – The Source 8 – Through The Lens 10 – Treasures From The Museum 14 – The Watchdog

The youth group stands ready to go.

One of the students pulls the lanyard firing the gun of Stribling’s Battery.

Civil War News

26

March 2018

Ask The Civil War Appraiser Colt’s address on top of the barrel on serial number 120185. This gun’s photo is courtesy James D. Julia’s Inc.

By John Sexton Colt Army Revolvers A reunion of a pair of presentation Colt Army Revolvers just recently brought back together James Julia Auctions sold SN 112018 engraved presentation Colt Model 1860 Percussion Revolver in their Fall 2014 Auction as Lot 3048 for $23,000.

The backstrap is inscribed “Col. W.S. Truex / From the Enlisted Men of His Reg’t.” Herb Glass, renowned Colt expert and dealer, recently examined another engraved Colt Model 1860 Army, SN 81262 with identical inscription. These two guns were reunited by the purchaser from the Julia’s sale with the addition of this newly discovered gun. Both guns are in good overall condition retaining traces of finish and both showing use with crisp well-defined factory engraving. Both guns were mounted with identical fancy burled walnut grips.

These guns were most likely not purchased from Colt but from a retailer as the serial numbers are so far apart.

The Julia gun was made mid1863 and the recently discovered gun in late 1862. It is also most unusual to note that the Julia gun has been fitted for a stock by adding a 4th screw to the frame well past the time of 4-screw frames from 1861. It is most likely that, when these guns were presented, they were cased with a detachable butt stock. The Julia gun had great collector provenance coming from the renowned collection of Nick Penachio.

General William Sydney Truex (1819–1889) had a long military history. Truex attended Holmdel Academy and was appointed to West Point from New Jersey in 1837. After just one year at West Point, Truex enlisted in Col. Quitman’s regiment of mounted infantry to serve in Texas under Sam Houston. He served for

three years before returning to New Jersey. At the onset of the war with Mexico, he enlisted as a private in Company G, 10th U.S. Infantry. Promotion came rapidly, Sergeant, then Sergeant Major and, finally, 2nd Lieutenant, after participating in the Battles of Palo Alto, Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, and Resaca de la Palma. After returning to New Jersey, he was instrumental in the local militia and, by 1856, was a Lieutenant Colonel. In the spring of 1858 he joined the antiMormon Expedition under Col. Albert Sydney Johnston. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he was living in Kansas with his family but was appointed Major of the 5th New Jersey Infantry

by New Jersey Governor Olden, who knew of his great military leadership abilities.

On March 7, 1862, he was promoted to Lt. Col. of the 10th New Jersey and just 3 months later commissioned Colonel of the newly-formed 14th New Jersey Infantry. He 14th had hard service and Truex was eventually

Note both guns engraved with similar design with punch dot backgrounds and “E” denoting factory engraving.

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Note both guns engraved (above two photographs) with similar design with punch dot backgrounds and “E” denoting factory engraving. Serial number 120185 is the top revolver.

Digital Issues of CWN are available by subscription alone or with print plus CWN archives from 2012 at CivilWarNews.com

March 2018

Civil War News

28

American Digger Lowcountry Civil War & Artifact Show MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.— Jan. 6-7. It was against all odds: A snow and ice storm coupled with sub-freezing temperatures turned the city of Charleston and nearby Mount Pleasant into a winter wonderland. Roads froze and heaters failed. Even so, the 2018 annual American Digger Lowcountry Civil War & Artifact Show carried on as usual with vendors traveling from as far away as New York and Missouri for the first major relic show of the 2018 season.

Despite the almost apocalyptic weather, the public braved the elements to view almost 200 display and sales tables. While much of the focus was on Civil War artifacts and history, eras from

WWII all the way back to the stone age were represented. Included were old bottles and clay ware, paper memorabilia, stone artifacts, dug and non-dug relics, books, metal detectors, and more.

Several notable door prizes were given away during the show, including three metal detectors (a Teknetics Patriot, A Fisher F22, and a Garrett AT Pro). As always, this event was heavily promoted to increase attendance, with advertisements in national and local print and broadcasting media, TV news coverage, interviews, and billboard. As a direct result, almost 1,000 visitors came through the gates despite the frigid weather and icy conditions. Vendor cancellations were few, and those

Jerry Kirkland’s display of South Carolina Brass won him Best of Show.

(Photos by Butch and Anita Holcombe)

The view from the show hall. Despite the palm trees, this was NOT sand, but rather several inches of snow and ice.

who made it through the snow were pleasantly surprised with the turnout. Many dealers reported brisk sales, as well as numerous opportunities to purchase choice pieces brought to the show hall by the public.

A complimentary Lowcountry Shrimp Boil and Oyster Roast, catered by Jamie Westendorff of Charleston, S.C., was also provided to vendors on Friday evening after dealer setup, spearheaded

by Civil War News and sponsored

by Wallace Markert/ CS Acquisitions (www.csacquisitions. com), American Digger magazine (www.americandigger.com), Nick Periut/ Army of Tennessee Relics (www.armyoftennesseerelics.com), Richard Ferry Military Antiques (www.floridaconfederate.com), Civil War Shop/ Lynn & Will Gorges (www.civilwarshop.com), Le Juneau Gallery LLC (GWJuno@aol.com).

Next year’s show has already been announced for Jan. 5-6, 2019, with many dealers already signing up. While climatic conditions are never a certainty, it’s a pretty good bet next year’s Mount Pleasant weather will not include a major snow storm.

Visit http://americandigger. com/american-digger-events for more information about future events sponsors by American Digger.

Show awards were given as follows: (Left to right) Best Dug Artifact: Riley Bryant, (Union identification disc, his first find ever); Best Non Dug Artifact: Rick Burton, Colt Dragoon revolver; Award of Excellence/Best of Show: Jerry Kirkland, South Carolina Brass; People’s Choice: Mick Aderholt, Southern Soldiers – A Tribute; Most Educational: Charlie Harris, Lookout Mtn. Cave Rifles.

March 2018

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Gone but not Forgotten

By Pete Dalton In the late summer and fall of 1864, the American Civil War was entering its final phases. To those fighting the war, the outcome was still anything but certain. Even with the Union victory at Gettysburg more than a year before, there were still several critical theaters of war left to be resolved, and there was a great deal of sacrifice yet to transpire.

With the outcome of a presidential election also in doubt, a successful resolution of all these combat arenas was critical to the resolution of the war. One of the most important of these combat theaters was the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the so-called Breadbasket of the Confederacy.

Between Sept. 1, and Oct. 19, 1864, some forty thousand Union soldiers under General Phillip Sheridan and twenty thousand troops under Confederate General Jubal Early were destined to fight it out in several major battles in the Shenandoah Valley. During this campaign some two thousand Maine men would struggle there.

Of this number nearly 500 men, some twenty-five per cent, would end up either killed, wounded, or missing. Many fatalities would be buried at the national cemetery in Winchester. The casualties originated from four Maine infantry regiments and two artillery units. Among these would be the 1st Maine Veteran Infantry, the 12th Maine, the 14th Maine, and the 29th Maine Infantry Regiments, as well as the 1st and 5th Maine Artillery Batteries.

As you visit these many battlefields in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley one thing becomes painfully clear. There are no permanent monuments to the sacrifice of these brave Maine heroes on any of these battlegrounds. Currently there is an opportunity to place a lasting memorial to these Maine soldiers on the largest of these battlefields.

The contest of which I speak

was the Third Battle of Winchester, fought on Sept. 19, 1864. In this fight more than 230 Maine men became casualties and nowhere is there an undying testament to their bravery and sacrifice.

The wounded Maine men were doctored in a variety of temporary field hospitals. Take for example the case of Captain Ira Gardner of the 14th Maine. Ira was wounded in the arm in the Second Woods at Third Winchester. In spite of his serious injury Ira walked a half mile across the Middle Field to a field hospital on Red Bud Run. He would soon be joined by some three hundred other wounded men at the nearby home of Charles L. Wood where Ira’s arm was amputated near the shoulder.

Ira’s limb was “wrapped in cloth, placed in a box, and buried in the yard. Thirty years later Gardner returned and was told that Mr. Wood had unearthed his arm and reburied it in the Winchester National Cemetery.”

Currently there is an effort, in conjunction with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, to raise the funds needed to purchase and install a stone memorial to Maine’s contribution at the Third Battle of Winchester.

Some money has already been raised but we still need to raise an additional three thousand five hundred dollars.

Please help keep the memory of these men alive by contributing to https://www.gofundme. com/monument-to-maine-soldiers or by mailing a check to Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, PO Box 897, 9386 S. Congress St., New Market, Va. 22844. Put “Maine Monument” in your note on your check.

Thanks very much for your consideration and thanks very much for helping to keep the memory of these men, and their units, upon the battlefields in which they fought, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Civil War Antique Shop

Heller’s Antiques

Buy and Sell Fine Antiques & Civil War Items Steven E. Heller 231 Juniata PKWY East• Newport, PA 17074 Phone: 717-567-6805 • Email: seheller@pa.net

www.CivilWarAntiqueShop.com

First Annual CWN Symposium

By Stephen Davis As a special feature of Mike Kent’s popular Civil War Show held February 3-4 in Dalton, Ga., Civil War News sponsored a half-day seminar. Four Civil War scholars—all of whom happen to be regular columnists for this newspaper—spoke on topics about which they’ve written.

The session, held on Saturday morning, was free of charge and open to all attendees of the Dalton show. People could drop in anytime, hear a lecture, and then return to the huge exhibit hall to shop for relics, weapons, memorabilia, books, or ordnance.

During our symposium we saw some seventy-five or eighty people, a fine demonstration of interest in our speakers.

First up was Gould Hagler, whose monthly column is titled, “This and That.” Gould is author of Georgia’s Confederate Monuments: In Honor of a Fallen Nation, which was published

by Mercer University Press in 2014. Gould spoke on “My Favorite Confederate Monuments in Georgia and Alabama.” One of them is the obelisk standing on the Decatur, Ga., courthouse square whose wordy inscription instructs passersby on the central

nature of the U.S. Constitution (justifying secession).

Salvatore Cilella, who writes on “The Graphic War” for CWN, spoke on “Collecting Civil War Prints for Fun and Profit.” Sal showed examples of lithographs, steel engravings, and woodcut illustrations. An interesting point: printmakers would use the same background and even torso of an individual being featured in the picture, and would just plop different heads on it for other images.

Michael K. Shaffer, who contributes his monthly “The Source” column, addressed the

subject of his book, Washington County, Virginia, in the Civil War. The area, in southwest Virginia, was a major producer of salt (think Saltville). Mike informed us that Washington County gave the Confederacy six generals, from the famed Joseph E. Johnston to the little known Gilbert S. Meem.

Stephen Davis, the paper’s Book Review Editor, described “Gen. John B. Hood’s Efforts to Defend Atlanta, July 18-September 1, 1864.”

The success of our “First Annual” encourages us to plan another similar event next year!

Our four speakers, from left: Steve Davis, Mike Shaffer, Gould Hagler and Sal Cilella.

(Jack Melton)

The Virginia Military Institute and the Stonewall Jackson House announce the 17th Biennial

Stonewall Jackson Symposium Friday evening, June 8 & Saturday, June 9, 2018 You may know “Stonewall.”

Do you know “Thomas?”

This two day symposium will explore the pre-war life of the man who became the first hero of the Confederacy and internationally known as Stonewall.

Speakers include: Nora Brooks Richard Cheatham Keith Gibson Robert K. Krick John W. Mountcastle Frank O’Reilly Ran Shaffner Larry Spurgeon Visit the only home that Jackson ever owned, the Virginia Military Institute where he taught, and the town he loved.

Discover the man who became a legend.

All symposium events will be held at the

Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia

Register before May 1st to receive the “Early Bird” pricing.

Registration closes on June 1st .

Stonewall Jackson House, 8 E. Washington St., Lexington, VA 540.464.7704

March 2018

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Bull Run Civil War Round Table’s 25th Anniversary Commemorative Publication Wins Award On November 11, the Fairfax County (Va.) History Commission presented the Mary Fehringer Achievement Award to the Bull Run Civil War Round Table (BRCWRT) for its 25th Silver Anniversary Commemorative Publication. This booklet is considered a template for other historical organizations. The award specifically noted that the publication had enlightened many as to the county’s rich historical heritage and would be helpful for historians, students, and the general citizenry for generations to come. Recognizing the comprehensiveness and full-color quality, the commission actually created a new category of award in order to incent other historical organizations to document their history over the years in a similar manner.

The publication was the result of two years of effort by a small group within the Round

Table’s Executive Committee.

Co-chaired by Jim Lewis and Brian McEnany, the monthly meetings resulted in assigning various responsibilities to a talented group of diverse skillsets.

The foundation for the publication lay in the creation of 40 categorized tables, primarily from the Round Table’s electronically archived and acclaimed Stone Wall newsletter. In addition, input was solicited by the membership and various legacy members were interviewed for their memories for a personal touch.

The final product resulted in 104 pages plus cover. The introduction includes a foreword by Ed Bearss and a letter from the current president. Bios of all the presidents were included along with the founder’s original vision and subsequent accomplishment of his objectives. The tables chronologically listed lectures (293), tours (128), and over 70

The Award and Congressional Record Entry. (Left to right) Nancy Anwyll, Jim Lewis, and Mark Knowles.

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markers/kiosks, which were directly supported by the organization and/or its membership.

Finally, the entire document was cosmetically enhanced via the incorporation of numerous full-color items customized throughout, including section separator pages, maps, collages, photos, and membership antidotes.

This publication was celebrated at a festive affair by

BRCWRT’s membership and numerous local interested parties on its actual anniversary in June 9. Highlights of the planned program included a panel of past presidents reminiscing about their tenure, living history input, and U.S. Representative Gerald Connolly (11th District, Virginia) noting BRCWRT’s exemplary contribution over the past 25 years, which was later input into

the Congressional Record.

Acquisition of this publication can be made by going to the website www.Amazon.com/books and enter “Bull Run Civil War Round Table 25th” into the book search box (paperback only) For further information, contact Jim Lewis @ antietam1862@ verizon.net

Several of the Project Committee Receiving the Award. (Left to right and their book responsibilities) Brian McEnany (co-chair), Blake Myers, Gerald Connolly (U.S. Representative 11th District, Va.), Sharon Bulova (Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors), Jim Lewis (cochair, project manager, and receiving the award), Mark Knowles (editing), Nadine Mironchuk (publisher), Nancy Anwyll (president bios).

March 2018

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Reviews

of

Civil War Books

Civil War News book reviews provide our readers with timely analysis of the latest and most significant Civil War research and scholarship.

Stephen Davis, Civil War News Book Review Editor. Email: BookReviews@CivilWarNews.com

Collecting Gettysburg Relics—A Patriot’s Legacy J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg: A Collection of Relics from the Civil War Battle. By Bruce E. Mowday and G. Craig Caba. Map, photos, appendices, bibliography, index, 144 pp., 2017. Schiffer Publishing, www.schifferbooks.com. $34.99 hardcover.

Reviewed by Joseph J. Bordonaro

A shell whistled through the trees, clipping off branches as it came. Exploding, it nearly hit J. Howard Wert, who was guiding General Strong Vincent’s men up Little Round Top. He picked it up, still warm, and thus it became one of the first items of what

turned into a fantastic collection of battlefield relics.

Wert came by his proclivity towards collecting relics honestly. He grew up in a patriotic family (members fought in all of the American wars from the French and Indian through the War of 1812) who valued their relics of the past and kept them in the family home. Among these treasures from the past were his maternal grandfather’s American Revolution sword; his father’s friend Thaddeus Stevens’ patriotic eagle walking stick, and a special gift from his father Jacob’s friend and Revolutionary War comrade, Benjamin Rush.

Dr. Rush gave Jacob President Washington’s official documents box.

Another source of family relics were those associated with their anti-slavery efforts. J. Howard’s family was very active in the Gettysburg area’s Underground Railroad. When he was just nine years old, he helped his father assist in the escape of a slave. He guided the carriage containing his father

$39.

95

Available online at http://booklocker.com/books/9403.html Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Hardcover, 534 pages.

and the escapee through a hideaway on Wolf’s Hill, pursued by slave hunters. Among these relics are a walking stick given to Adam Wert for his assistance in helping slaves escape and a first edition, custom leatherbound Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Attached to the book is a brass paper clip that held Mrs. Stowe’s notes while she was writing this classic.

J. Howard Wert took this existing family collection to a whole new level when the Civil War broke out. A local militia man after graduating from Gettysburg College, Wert ended up scouting under the command of Major Granville Haller, of the 7th U.S. Infantry. Haller had been ordered to recruit Gettysburg area citizens to fight the Confederates. His activities during the battle and the relics he collected are covered in great detail in the book. Suffice it to say that he played an important part in the battle and an even more important part in preserving the history of the battle.

An article about the collection by Robert Swift appeared in Gettysburg Magazine (#38, Jan. 2008). The article was well written, but only contained two pages of text and two pages of black-and-white photos, so it cannot compare with this book.

It would be worth getting a copy of the magazine, however, if you want a very concise summary of J. Howard Wert’s collection as an adjunct to the study of the many color photographs in this book and did not want to read its much longer text.

J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg contains a partial list of books

by Wert, which is a nice bonus.

His A Complete Hand-book of the Monuments and Indications and Guide to the Positions on the Gettysburg Battlefield is an extremely useful guide to interpreting the meaning of these monuments. It is readily available as a book in print and in a free online Google Books version.

Mowday and Caba’s book also contains two samples of Wert’s poetry. Although wildly out of style, extremely patriotic and sentimental in nature, this reviewer found them to be excellent. Especially poignant is “Under the Oaks of Rock Creek. Culp’s Hill: 1853–1863–1883.” The poem takes the reader through time from the peaceful picnic spot that Culp’s Hill was before the Civil

War, through the carnage of the fighting there during the battle of Gettysburg, to the sadness of a survivor’s walk in the woods there.

There are only two areas of weakness in this book, which perhaps can be improved in later editions. One is the paucity of maps.

There is only one in the book. It would be helpful to have more, including a map showing Wert’s movements on the battlefield during the battle and the location of places mentioned in the text, such as the Wert family farm. The other shortcoming consists of incomplete or missing identification in the captions of items photographed. Twenty-one groups of photographed items contain at least one relic that is not identified. The most glaring omission is the failure to identify the lectern that President Abraham Lincoln used when he gave his Gettysburg Address. It took a bit of research online to find a photo of it to confirm that it is part of the Wert Collection. It is currently on loan to the Union League of Philadelphia and is probably the most valuable item in the entire collection, so the failure to identify it in the book is startling.

On the positive side, the text is very well written and the photos are very often placed in conjunction with mention of the items in the text. The photographs themselves are of very high clarity, and are all in color. The book is printed on high-quality, glossy paper and is well bound. All in all, I strongly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in the battle of Gettysburg. It will reward the casual reader as well as the student of the battle.

Wert—who joined the 209th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as lieutenant in 1864—created a magnificent collection of relics related to the battle of

Gettysburg, as well as from earlier periods in U.S. history, and bequeathed it to his son, Howard Houck Wert. He followed the instructions in his father’s will and kept the collection intact. It was kept together by the family over the years until 1957, when it was sold to family friends John and Vanita Cobaugh, who promised to keep the collection together.

They in turn sold it, intact, to G. Craig Caba, a past president of the Harrisburg Civil War Roundtable and also of the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association. He is currently the CEO and curator of the J. Howard Wert Gettysburg Collection and has tried very hard to keep the collection intact, going so far as to sue a Gettysburg shop when stolen items (fortunately not important relics) from the collection turned up there. He has now teamed with noted author, Bruce E. Mowday, an award-winning journalist and author, to create this excellent book. And so J. Howard Wert’s patriotic legacy to his country lives on.

Joe Bordonaro has been covering events for Civil War News since 2016. A long time Civil War reenactor and living historian, he is currently in training for this year’s 155th Anniversary Commemoration of the Union Army’s Sixth Corps March to Gettysburg, which will involve a march in Civil War uniform, including brogans, from Edward’s Ferry, Maryland, to Little Round Top in Gettysburg National Battlefield.

Deadlines for Advertising or Editorial Submissions is the 20th of each month.

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March 2018

Civil War News

34

S teve D avis ’ s C ritic ’ s C orner

By Stephen Davis Harwell’s In Tall Cotton

“Confederate history has survived its eras of apology, of brag and bombast, of pietistic biography, of de-bunking, of reappraisal and revisionism,” Richard Barksdale Harwell wrote forty years ago. The truth he told then is even truer now, as “Confederate

history,” along with almost every genre of historical writing, continues to be reinterpreted to suit the predilections of the present.

That’s why I recently enjoyed looking again at Harwell’s In Tall Cotton: The 200 Most Important Confederate Books for the Reader, Researcher and Collector (1978). Confederate history is, unfortunately, being erased, covered up, hushed, closeted, even re-written in our current culture. In his time Dr. Harwell was able to write about it unabashedly, even affectionately. Perusing his listing is like traveling back through history.

Harwell (1915–1988) was perhaps the most renowned scholar of Confederate bibliography, second only to Douglas Southall Freeman. The latter’s “Confederate Book Shelf” I discussed in this space back in November 2016.

Dr. Freeman compiled a list of almost three score important books on Confederate history, published as an appendix in his The South to Posterity (1939). Inspired by that listing and wishing to bring it up to date, not to mention expand it, Harwell prepared his list of the 200 most important Confederate books, as he saw them.

Expand it he definitely did.

While Freeman’s compilations largely featured works of history in such categories as basic reference works, biographies and memoirs, Harwell did not categorize his entries at all, listing every manner of book, such as specialized works on Confederate railroads, newspapers and warships. August Dietz’s The Postal Service of the Confederacy

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(1929) is included; so is Harwell’s own Confederate Music (1950). Moreover, he included novels published from wartime to Gone With the Wind. Best of all, he mashed them all together, naming them alphabetically by author. Number 1 is E P. Alexander’s Military Memoirs (1907).

Number 200 is Stark Young’s novel of a Mississippi plantation, So Red the Rose (1934).

“This list is a guide to an imaginary collection designed to help an imagined reader find his own version of the Confederacy,” Harwell wrote in his Introduction, emphasizing the breadth of experiences one may derive from literature. Part of the fun of In Tall Cotton is to turn to a page—any page—and discover what he saw fit to include. Page 46 has John Singleton Mosby’s Reminiscences (1887), a history of White’s battalion of Virginia Cavalry (1871) and Robert Manson Myers’ epic The Children of Pride (1971).

For each book chosen, Harwell offers commentary that is at once expository and personal. And erudite: for James Boyd’s novel Marching On (1927), he quoted an opinion offered in the New York Herald Tribune Books of May 9, 1927.

Harwell spent his last working years as director of the University of Georgia’s Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library. It’s not surprising that In Tall Cotton showcases his knowledge of rare Confederate titles. Example: Francis P. Porcher’s Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests, Medical, Economical, and Agricultural, published at Richmond in 1863, was an attempt to catalog Southern trees, plants and shrubs for their useful medicinal extracts. Harwell terms Porcher’s “probably the most important work produced in the Confederacy.”

I was fortunate to have known Dr. Harwell (he received an honorary doctorate from New England College in 1966) when he was still in Athens. I’ll never forget the time he interrupted my research at Hargrett to ask if he could take me—a poor graduate student!—to lunch. (Who could ever forget that?)

Rick, as I came to call him, appreciated the value of fiction as a way of embracing the Confederate experience. Among his 200 titles, I count a dozen novels, including those by Joel Chandler Harris and William Faulkner (that’s cool).

But Dr. Harwell was much more interested in personal narratives. Emma LeConte’s When the World Ended (1957) he deems “a truly exciting view of Columbia,

Harwell’s number 1 book is E P. Alexander’s Military Memoirs (1907).

South Carolina, in 1865 through the eyes of the teenage daughter of …one of the most capable Southern scientists.” What strikes me is that Rick found Miss LeConte’s book exciting—that’s the kind of book-lover’s world he lived in.

I don’t think it’s too much to say that Richard Barksdale Harwell—he was related to the famed general from Mississippi, and always used his middle name—spent his life pondering the question of what it meant to be an enlightened Southerner with a passion to study the Confederacy. I was therefore not surprised that he wrote so positively of Robert Penn Warren’s The Legacy of the Civil War: Meditations on the Centennial (1961).

Harwell quoted Warren’s meditation that “only at the moment Lee handed Grant his sword was the Confederacy born.” In other words, Southerners lost their war for independence, but in fighting and losing it, they gave us a set of experiences which I suspect will continue to fascinate Americans for a long time to come.

Note: In Tall Cotton was originally printed by Jenkins Publishing Company of Austin, Texas, in a limited edition of 1,500 copies. In 2006 it was reprinted by Broadfoot Publishing Company of

Wilmington, N.C. Unfortunately, Harwell’s opus is currently out of print; I bought my copy last year from Marc Ramsey when Owens & Ramsey had a table at a big Civil War meeting. In 2006 Tom Broadfoot also published In Taller Cotton: 200 More Important Confederate Books for the Reader, Researcher, and Collector, a work he intended both to emulate and update Harwell’s listing of 1978. To select this newer 200 he enlisted the services of Gary W. Gallagher, Nathaniel Cheairs Hughes, Jr. and Robert K. Krick.

Watch for a future column on Taller Cotton.

Stephen Davis is the Book Review Editor for Civil War News.

Among his publications is an article, “Eastern Theater” in Steven E. Woodworth, ed., The American Civil War: A Handbook of Literature and Research (Greenwood Press, 1996), in which he lists more than 200 books and articles published 1950-1995 pertaining to the war in the east.

Deadlines for Advertising or Editorial Submissions is the 20th of each month.

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March 2018

Civil War News

41

Civil War Events March – May Before making plans to attend an event contact the event host.

Deadlines for Advertising, Editorial or Events Submissions is the 20th of each month.

Email to: ads@civilwarnews.com March 2-4, Florida. Reenactment

Held on the original site of the battle at the Natural Bride Battlefield Historic State Park. Registration begins on Fri. with battle reenactments on Sat. and Sun. No reenactor fees. Children’s Tea and Ladies Tea on Sat. Military, medical and living history demonstrations throughout weekend including historic presentations by volunteers from the John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History. Period merchants on site. Food vending

by Tallahassee Elks Lodge. Sutlers and artillery by invitation, no cavalry.

Limited authentic civilian camping; apply in advance at: carrie.cook14@ gmail.com. For more information; Bob Trapp at btrapp@nbhscso.com

March 3, Pennsylvania. Skirmish

Winter Tactical at the Colonial Plantation at Ridley Creek State Park located at Route 3, Westchester Pike, Edgemont, Pa. will portray troops skirmishing during the winter of 1862 in the hills and valleys of western Virginia. Overview and pre-registration forms available by contacting Winter Tactical, 413 New Brooklyn Road, Williamstown N.J. 08094, email: asiganuk@comcast.net

March 3-4, Tennessee. Military History & Civil War Show

The 51st annual Civil War show will be held at the Agricenter Showplace Arena located at 105 S. Germantown Parkway, Memphis, TN 38018. For information; Donald Harrison, 901-832-4708 or dwharrison@aol.com, PO Box 171251. Memphis, TN 38187-1251.

March 10, Pennsylvania. Civil War Presentation Ball

The 15th Annual Civil War Preservation Ball in the rotunda of the Pennsylvania Capitol Building in Harrisburg, to support the Gettysburg Monuments Project Endowment Trust Fund will be held 7–10 pm This ball has raised over $98,000 for preservation. Music by the Philadelphia Brigade Band and dance instruction by the Victorian Dance Ensemble, the performing troupe of the Civil War Dance Foundation Cost: $35/person or $65/couple. Tickets limited; advance ticket sales only. Visit www.CivilWarDance.org. For more information; 717-732-5330 or email PreservationBall@CivilWarDance.org.

March 10, Pennsylvania. Civil War Era Dancing

Informal dance with instruction and recorded music. At the Village Hall, 108 West Main Street, Fairfield, PA. 7:30–10 pm Informal period attire or modern casual clothes. $10 per person. Sponsored by Gettysburg Civil War Dance.

For information, 717-337-0748, civilwardance@earthlink.net, or www. civiliansofgettysburg.com

March 17, Virginia. Civil War Ball

The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers cordially invites you to return with us to the beautiful and historic Melrose Caverns Lodge, 6639 North Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, Va. for the 6th Annual Red, White, Blue & Gray (and Green) Ball. Social hour 6:00 with refreshments and silent auction.

Dancing from 7:00 to 10:00. Music by the Shenandoah Valley Minstrels.

Admission $20 singles & $35 couples. Period clothing or modern semiformal. Proceeds to benefit the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.

For information; tommack1861@gmail.com. http://www.melrosecaverns. com/about.

March 17-18, Maryland. Antique Arms Show

Sponsored by the Maryland Arms Collectors Association. With over 1,000 tables of the finest in collectable rifles, revolvers (pre-1898) and sporting shot guns, this show attracts thousands of serious collectors from across the globe.

Open to the public on Sat. from 9-5, and Sun. from 9-3. Admission is $10.

Located at the Maryland State Fairgrounds Cow Palace, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093. For information visit http://www.baltimoreshow.com

March 23-24, Indiana. Civil War Show

The 8th Annual Crossroads of America Civil War Show and Sale featuring 70 + tables with thousands of quality Civil War and political items offered by dealers from 7 states. Hours are: Fri. 4–6:30 pm and Sat. 9 am – 4 pm Admission is $3 for both days, 13 and under free. For more information; Harvey Warrner, 317-784-2617 or www.ironbrigaderelics.com

March 24, Pennsylvania. Lessons in History Speaking Series

The National Civil War Museum will offer the third program in its 2018 Series of 12 free lectures to the public. “Gettysburg Rebels: Five Native Sons Who Came Home to Fight as Confederate Soldiers” with Tom McMillan.

Tom McMillan’s book, Gettysburg Rebels, is the gripping true story of five young men who grew up in Gettysburg, moved south to Virginia in the 1850’s, joined the Confederate army - and returned “home” as foreign invaders for the great battle in July 1863. Saturday 1 pm - 2 pm. Free to the public. Regular museum admission applies for entrance to the museum galleries. For more information; www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org, or info@nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

March 24, Virginia. Family History Day

This event is open to all families seeking a day of fun, exploration, and learning. There will be hands-on activities for all ages. Join the Army and learn to drill, try dancing the Virginia Reel, enjoy 19th-century games and crafts, watch the Emmy-award winning film, Field of Lost Shoes, take a guided tour through the battlefield, learn 19th-century food ways and much more. Visit the General’s Store for a great selection of books and souvenirs. Special event rate of $3/person is only available by preregistered. For more information; Contact the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at 866-515-1864.

April 4-8, Pennsylvania. Annual Nat’l. Ed Bearss Symposium on Military Leadership & Combat

Featuring Edwin Bearss, Steve Bockmiller, Jim Schmick, & others. Sessions on all aspects of American military history including a tour of the decisive 1814 battle of Baltimore, which saved the city from destruction and yielded our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. Tour also includes frontier forts in the Cumberland Valley with Fort Loudon and Fort McCord as well as visiting the National Civil War Museum, U.S. Army War College and other sites.

Optional tours of Shepherdstown battlefield, historic confederate graves and more. For information; 717-264-7101 or visit CivilWarSeminars.org

April 6-8, Maryland. Symposium

Nineteenth Annual Lincoln Assassination Studies. Current researchers and authors in the field share thoughts on how a divided nation dealt with the death of Lincoln, how John Surratt interacted with female agents for the Confederacy, the ongoing stories of Dr. Mudd, the illegalities of the Conspiracy Trial, a CSI: Washington investigation of how the evidence was handled, and more. Also included are off-site bus tours and a dinner program. Reservation and payment required in advance. Cost: $185/person – bus tours priced separately. Special hotel rates. For info; 301-868-1121.

April 7, Virginia. Conference

Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute annual spring conference (8:30 am– 4 pm) “Another Era in Our War Life”: When the Home Front Became the Battle Front. Join nationally-recognized Civil War historians Eric Campbell, Allen Guelzo, Jonathan A. Noyalas, Frank O’Reilly, and Anne Sarah Rubin for an in-depth examination of how some of the Civil War’s most storied battles and campaigns impacted communities and civilians. Registration fee of $50 (special $20 student rate with valid student id) covers all lectures, lunch, and tour of Sheridan’s Field Hospital site in Winchester. Space is limited so register early! For registration information or to register contact Prof. Jonathan A. Noyalas at jnoyalas01@su.edu or 540-665-4501.

9TH Annual Corinth Civil War Relic Show and Sale Sponsored By: COL. W. P. ROGERS • SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS • Camp # 321, P.O. Box 1591, Corinth, Mississippi 38835

Expanded Show!

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Sunday, April 8TH 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Show & Sale TABLES: $60.00 8 201 After Jan. 15, 2018 $70 - Day of Show $80 ADMISSION: $5.00 | Children Under 12: Free For more information call Larry McDaniel at 662-415-5676 ( mgm21@avsia.com ) or Buddy Ellis at 662-665-1419 ( bellis1960@comcast.net ) or visit www.battleofcorinth.com

NO TRIP TO HISTORIC CORINTH IS COMPLETE WITHOUT VISITING • CORINTH CIVIL WAR INTERPRETIVE CENTER • CROSSROADS MUSEUM AT THE DEPOT • SHILOH NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD (Nearby)

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March 10 & 11, 2018

Columbia Gun & Knife Show

South Carolina State Fairgrounds 1200 Rosewood Drive Columbia, SC 29202

March 17 & 18, 2018

Capital of the Confederacy (Richmond) Civil War Show

Richmond International Raceway 600 East Laburnum Avenue Richmond, VA 23222

Nov. 17 & 18, 2018

Middle TN (Franklin) Civil War Show

Bring this page with you and receive $1 off admission

Williamson County Ag Expo Park 4215 Long Lane Franklin, TN 37064

Dec. 1 & 2, 2018

Mike Kent & Associates, LLC • PO Box 685 • Monroe, GA 30655 770-630-7296 • Mike@MKShows.com • www.MKShows.com

Civil War News

May 5-6, Ohio. Civil War – WWII Show & Artillery Show

41st Annual Ohio Civil War Show & 25th Annual Artillery Show at Richland County Fairgrounds, Mansfield, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-3. Living history, cannon firing, field hospital, music, demonstrations. $7 ages 12 up. Seven buildings – One Gate Admission, Food and Handicapped Facilities, 30-Gun Artillery Show – Indoor/Outdoor, 6-Gun Battery Firing Demonstrations, Sutler’s Row, Civil War Field Hospital by the Society of Civil War Surgeons. Period Church Service Sunday Morning with Period String Music, Abe Lincoln Live Presentations, Living History Campfire by Brigade of American Revolution, 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, Period Music by Camp Chase Fife & Drums, 24rd Annual Civil War Veteran’s Historical Association Encampment and a $100 Door Prize Daily. For info: 419-8842194; www.ohiocivilwarshow.com

45

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May 12, Pennsylvania. Civil War Era Dancing

Informal dance with instruction and recorded music. At the Village Hall, 108 West Main Street, Fairfield, PA. 7:30-10 pm. Informal period attire or modern casual clothes. $10 per person. Sponsored by Gettysburg Civil War Dance. For information, 717-337-0748, civilwardance@earthlink.net, or www.civiliansofgettysburg.com.

May 15, Virginia. Director’s Guided Battlefield Tour

Explore the battlefield with Civil War historian and Site Director, Lt. Col. Troy D. Marshall of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War who will explain the action as it took place exactly 153 years ago. Hear accounts of the battle in the words of the soldiers who were there. The tour includes a visit to the Bushong home, the movie “Field of Lost Shoes” and the “Bloody Cedars.” The tour will last from 2-4 p.m. You may bring a camp chair if you like. Participants receive a complimentary bottle of water and light refreshments. Tour will include walking on the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and driving personal vehicles to the nearby Days Inn parking lot. This event is limited to 50 participants. Pre-registration is required. For more information call 866-515-1864 or email: nmbshp@vmi.edu

*Admission price includes the Civil War & Military Show!

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May 18-20, Georgia. Reenactment

Hosted by the Georgia Division Civil War Reenactment Association, Inc., The Battle of Resaca is located at Chitwood Farms, Chitwood Road NE, Resaca GA 30735. Registration by May 1: $10. After May 1: $20 (strictly enforced).

Walk-0ns: $20. Age limit is 12 years and older. Fri. is school day, Sat. has a reenactor blanket sale at the Social Fly. Ladies Tea at 11:30 a.m. Sunday church service and period baseball game. 11:30 a.m. cavalry competition. Battle reenactment at 2 p.m. on both days. Usual amenities available to all reenactors. For information; Dixon Grubbs: sawdusthead@bellsouth.net, Event coordinator; battleofresaca@gmail.com

May 18-20, Virginia. Period Firearms Competition

The North-South Skirmish Association 137th National Competition near Winchester. Over 3,000 uniformed competitors in 200 member units compete in live-fire matches with muskets, carbines, revolvers, mortars and cannon plus costume competitions and historical lectures. The largest Civil War live-fire event in the country. Free admission, large sutler area, and food service. For more information visit the N-SSA web site: www.n-ssa.org.

May 19-20, New York. Artillery School

The 30th Annual Artillery School at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, N.Y. is open to all branches of service, both Federal and Confederate. Registration fee is $7. Sponsored by the National Civil War Artillery Association and Reynolds’ Battery L. For information; contact John Beatty, jrbeatty21@aol.com or call: 716-432-0456, www. reynoldsbattery.org

May 19-20, Virginia. Annual Reenactment

Come and join us for the 154th Anniversary Battle of New Market Reenactment held on our original battlefield property. One of the oldest continual reenactments in the nation. Experience Civil War soldier life as you visit ongoing demonstrations and living history presentations prior to and after the battle each day. Walk in history’s footsteps as you explore the sights and sounds of the Civil War with artillery, cavalry, musket firing, camp life, medical corps, and much more. Enjoy treats from a variety of food vendors and shop for souvenirs on Sutler Row. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Admission Fee: $10 for ages 10 and older, children ages 9 and under are free. Advance tickets are available by phone. For more information; 866-515-1864.

DuPage Co. Fairgrounds DuPage Co. Fairgrounds

WHEATON, IL WHEATON, IL 2015 W. Manchester • Wheaton, IL 60189

2015 W. Manchester • Wheaton, IL 60189

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May 26-27, Pennsylvania - Living History

Encampments include infantry units, loading and firing demonstrations and much more! Museum visitors will see demonstrations of Civil War muskets and rifles being fired. Guests are encouraged to visit the camps and ask living historians questions about their attire, food rations and daily life. Saturday demonstrations are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Living History encampments outside are free to the public. Regular museum admission applies for entrance to the museum galleries. For more information: www.NationalCivilWarMuseum.org

May 26-27, Pennsylvania. Military Timeline Living History

Reenactment units and individuals along with displays from the major American conflicts from the Revolution, the Civil War, our part in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and through the conflicts in the Middle East. Sponsored by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association. Located at the Historic Daniel Lady Farm, 1002 Hanover Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Free Parking. Admission: Adults $10, children 15 and under are free. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. & Sun. For info: www.gbpa.org, email: info@gbpa.org.

May 27, Pennsylvania. Annual Memorial Day

Recreating the Original G.A.R. Decoration Day Service of 1868: The traditional Decoration Day service of the Grand Army Meade Post #1 will be held at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia on Sunday at 12 p.m. After the ceremony we will gather at the grave of General Meade, hero of Gettysburg to perform the traditional service to honor all veterans who fell defending the Nation. Historical groups, veterans, and citizens, color guards, music and period civilians are encouraged to participate. For information; 215-228-8200

May 31-June 3, West Virginia. Reenactment

Activity filled weekend includes Horse and Carriage Parade and Grand Parade, Blue & Gray Community Choir Concert, tours of the 1903 built Barbour County Courthouse, visits to both Union and Confederate camp sites, visit from Civil War era historical character, walking history day, antique train display, craft park, food vendors, 5k race, kayak and stand up paddle board races on the Tygart River, live entertainment on the Courthouse Square Gazebo, pie contest, talent show, ladies tea, Civil War Ball, little soldiers battle, night time skirmish, reenactment of the First Land Battle of the Civil War. Reunion activities begin Thursday, May 31 at 6 p.m. and run Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. concluding with June 3’s Battle of Philippi at 2 p.m. For information; Ed Larry, 304-457-3773 or frank.larry45@gmail.com; www.blueandgrayreunion.org

Before making plans to attend an event contact the event host. Deadlines for Advertising, Editorial or Events Submissions is the 20th of each month.

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41st Annual Ohio Civil War | Including WWI & II 26th Annual Artillery Show Military Material From 1775 Through 1945

Saturday May 5th – Sunday May 6th 2018 Sat. 9:00 – 5:00 | Sun. 9:00 – 3:00 Richland County Fairgrounds, Mansfield, Ohio Location: US-30 and Trimble Road 800 Tables of Military Items, Books, Prints and More For Buy, Sell, Trade & Display

SPECIAL FEATURES Artillery Demonstrations & Cannon Firing Demonstrations Civil War & WWII Encampments • Sutler’s Row Field Hospital Scenario • Period Church Service rd Camp Chase Fife & Drum & 73 OVI Regimental Band Gettysburg Address Presented by President Lincoln Marlboro Volunteers Traveling Museum & Military Vehicles $7 Admission (includes parking) – Under 12 FREE Handicap Facilities, Food and Door Prizes www.ohiocivilwarshow.com Ohio Civil War Show, LLC For Information Call: 419-884-2194

March 2018

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