Case Shot & Canister

1BA Publication of the Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table Partners with Manor College and the Civil War Institute Our 25th Year!!

December 2017

4BVolume 27

5BNumber 12

Editor Patricia Caldwell

Contributors Fred Antil Hugh Boyle, Book Nook Editor Rose Boyle Nancy Caldwell, Artistic Advisor Jerry Carrier Jack DeLong Paula Gidjunis Carol Ingald Bernice Kaplan Herb Kaufman Walt Lafty, MERRY CHRISTMAS, “Snapshots” Editor Carol Lieberman HAPPY HANUKKAH, Jane Peters Estes John Shivo & Larry Vogel Andy Waskie HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Original Photos Patricia Caldwell (unless otherwise noted) Our Annual Holiday Social

Officers Tuesday, December 12, 2017 President Hugh Boyle 6:30 pm Vice President Austrian Village Restaurant Jerry Carrier Treasurer 321 Huntingdon Pike Herb Kaufman Secretary Rockledge, PA Patricia Caldwell

e-mail:[email protected] U phone: (215)638-4244 NO RESERVATION NEEDED!!

website: HUwww.dvcwrt.orgU

JUST COME JOIN US FOR

Umailing addresses: Membership GOOD FOOD, GOOD FUN, 2601 Bonnie Lane Huntingdon Valley PA 19006 AND HOLIDAY CHEER!! Newsletter 3201 Longshore Avenue Philadelphia PA 19149-2025

our Award of Merit, and Judy Folan for the In This Issue Frank Avato award. Congratulations again for

your outstanding work. We will gather once  First-person accounts of more in December on the 12th at the Austrian Christmas during the Civil War Village Restaurant in Rockledge for our annual  End-of-the-year President’s social. I am looking forward to another super message  Member News and Upcoming evening. It is always great to get together with Events good friends for a night of good food. I hope to see th  Bernice Kaplan provides this all of you there at 6:30 on the 12 . Even if you month’s Snapshot cannot be with us that night, let me take this  Paula Gidjunis with the opportunity to wish everyone of you a happy latest Preservation Notes joyous and peaceful holiday season and I look  Another excellent Award forward to sharing anther year with all of you. Night Meeting recap from Larry Vogel  In Our Book Nook, Hugh Boyle shares ideas See you at the Austrian Village! for holiday gift-giving, and Larry Vogel reviews a new unusual take on Gettysburg in the Civil War  Our Winter/Spring classes for the Civil War Hugh Boyle Institute, and for the inaugural full season of our Military History Institute President  How did Lincoln spend Christmas week while he was in office? Hugh Boyle knows what is “Under Lincoln’s ‘Christmas’ Hat”  Walt Lafty with a Civil War Christmas- As 2017 comes to an end, themed article I’d like to take this  Paula Gidjunis is once again “Off the Beaten opportunity to thank all of Path” you who have helped me  Larry Vogel’s “Rest of the Story” features a this past year to publish a very Christmas baby, but don’t expect peace and goodwill to men rewarding and successful publication for  the Del Val CWRT.

It simply could not have been done

without your reports, stories, book reviews, columns and news items. Please keep them coming!!

So THANK YOU one and all –

Because as I always say

“This is YOUR newsletter.” The Holiday season is on us once again, always a time to reflect and look to the future, but before Have a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry we do that let me take a few moments to look Christmas, and a Happy New Year! back a little. Last month in November we - Pat celebrated another year of awards, recognizing outstanding people for their efforts and successes. Dan Cashin was a worthy choice for 2

Congratulations to John Hartner, our November

dinner book raffle winner, and to our other raffle

winners Bernice Kaplan, Eileen Homa, Rich Do You Know Your Money? Jankowski, Cathy Smith, Matt Bruce and Mary Whose Faces Appear on These Bills? Ann Hartner.

Ann Kauffman was honored at the December 3 Open House at the GAR Museum for her work in transcribing the Civil War diary of Germantown resident George Bussinger. Ann has been praised for her presentation of the diary as copies of the 1 - original pages are displayed next to the transcribed text, and bracketed explanatory information is added where beneficial. Ann’s transcriptions will be displayed at the GAR Museum & Library. The diaries were a gift to the Museum from Judith Greene O’Neal, the great 2 - granddaughter of George Bussinger.

“The Worst President Ever” was the topic of a program presented by Hugh Boyle at Ann’s Choice on November 20. 3 - Fred Antil, organizer of the monthly History Club And I hope a few of you have presentations at Ann’s Choice in Warminster, will some of these in your pockets! speak there on December 13 on “Lest We Forget! A Forgotten Horror of World War II”, a program on the infamous Rape of Nanking. (Answers in next month’s newsletter!)

On December 14, Walt Lafty will speak to the Old ANSWERS TO GETTYSBURG ADDRESS TRIVIA Baldy CWRT on “Walt Whitman, the Civil War’s Poet Patriot”. 1 – What was the date that David Wills set for the dedication of the cemetery before it was changed to November 19th – October 23rd Bernice Kaplan is rightly proud of her nephew 2 – Who was the Grand Marshal of the Parade on Jeffrey Kaplan who has received an honorary th November 19 , 1863? – Ward Hill Lamon award from Fun & Serious, Europe’s largest video 3 – Where did Abraham Lincoln stay during his game festival, in Bilbao, Spain, for his overall time in Gettysburg? – David Wills’ House exceptional career and achievements. Jeffrey, of

Blizzard Entertainment, is responsible for “some of the most epic, entertaining, and successful games in history.” http://www.pressat.co.uk/releases/blizzard- entertainments-jeff-kaplan-to-receive-honorary-

award-at-the-fun-serious-game-festival- 93ceecfed272db9a93fa4cfd901653b1/

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Best wishes to Jack Lieberman who recently suffered a broken shoulder and will be out of commission for several months.

Jack and Dor DeLong are participating members JANUARY 16, 2018 of Operation Freedom Steps, a 501 completely Round Table volunteer group that sends care packages directly Discussion to service persons overseas. Freedom Steps “Your Family recently completed a Christmas mailing of 9 Military History” packages, averaging 55 pounds each, containing a Christmas tree, food, snacks, munchies, eye FEBRUARY 20, 2018 care products, etc., Author/historian Daniel Crofts and Christmas “Lincoln and the Politics stockings filled with of Slavery” writing materials, tooth paste, and other items. Jack collects MARCH 21, 2018 donations from Historian Peter John Williams hundreds of people, “Philadelphia: mostly Viet Nam The World War I Years” veterans from his unit, and the Corvette car club of over 200 members. One member of his Viet Nam Veterans organization makes three boxes of APRIL 17, 2018 Christmas stockings with no reward asked. Dor is Historian & Meade Society pictured with two of the donated stockings. Treasurer Jerry McCormick Freedom Steps does fund raisers during the year, “An Evening with General George including an annual 5K run and walk. While the cost G. Meade in Late 1872” of mailing the 9 Christmas packages was over $1,700, it was covered by the volunteers. MAY 15, 2018 Historian Robert Hanrahan “The Blockade and the War on the High Seas”

JUNE 19, 2018 “Last night was Christmas Eve. It brought to my Author Ed Bonekemper mind a thousand recollections of the past. The “The Ten Biggest Civil War contrast is great. I sat up late in the evening at Blunders” the fire, after attending to drawing rations, for we were under marching orders for this morning JULY 17, 2018 at five o’clock. A grand movement seems to be Book Discussion Evening at hand. About eleven o’clock at night I heard Topic to be Determined heavy firing in the front. Where will the next Christmas Eve find me?” Henry Freeman, 74th Illinois December 25, 1862

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MEMBERS' SNAPSHOTS by Bernice Kaplan

I think I was the luckiest person in the room when Herb Kaufman gave his excellent presentation recently to our DEL VAL group on "The Music that Got Us through WWII". I was sitting next to member Cathy Smith, who with her beautiful, soft voice was singing along to the many recordings Herb was playing. Cathy gave Kate Smith, Judy Garland and Vera Lynn some stiff competition.

Cathy was born in Philadelphia and lived in West Oak Lane until her parents (she was an only child) moved to Willow Grove. After living in Warminster during the early years of her marriage, Willow Grove once again became her home. Cathy is a graduate of Upper Moreland High School and has a B.S. in Music Education plus 24 graduate credits from West Chester University. She taught elementary vocal music in the Hatboro-Horsham School District for five years. After several years as a stay at home mom, Cathy worked for Wicker and Cane for 7 years and then held various positions with Elmar Window Fashions for 23 years.

She currently works for C3i (Telerx), a subsidiary of Merck, located in Horsham, doing customer support for Merck vaccines and some oncology products.

Cathy has two adult children, Wendy and Jeff. Wendy is an attorney with a Philadelphia law firm. Jeff works for Timberlane Shutters in Montgomeryville, is married to Jeannine and has an eleven year old daughter.

Both Jeff and Wendy are adopted. Jeff was adopted from Vietnam when he was 15 months old. Wendy was adopted from Korea at 6 months. By the way, Cathy lives around the corner from Del Val member, John Gavin. John's son John and Cathy's son Jeff have been good friends since they were youngsters.

As her children got older, Cathy started to explore her options. She signed up for an adult course on the Civil War Soldier with a bus trip to Gettysburg advertised in a Temple Ambler brochure. After this trip, Cathy was hooked. She also started to attend the Union Library Civil War Round Table until it stopped.

Along with her friend, Brian Kulak, who Cathy met in 2003 and shares similar interests in the Civil War, they started to travel to reenactments and Civil War sites. According to Cathy, the best Civil War reenactments are Cedar Creek in Middletown, Virginia, where they have a large group of reenactors, including cavalry as well as the ground which is the authentic site of the battle. The other excellent reenactment which Cathy and Brian enjoy is the Battle of McDowell which takes place every five years. Located deep in the mountains about 25 miles west of Staunton, VA, this is where the beginning of Jackson's Valley Campaign took place. The entire town becomes involved with the reenactment.

However, Cathy has indulged in other interests. In 2002 she drove to St. Louis Missouri on the trail of Louis and Clark. On the way home, she took a detour to visit Lincoln's tomb in Springfield. Cathy also enjoys gardening, crafts and reading. She attends First Presbyterian Church of Warminster and is a member of the choir and active in the women's group at the church. And, she frequently takes courses at Del Val’s Civil War Institute at Manor College.

Cathy found a list of 140 things a Gettysburg Guide Should Know. She and Brian did their research and then went to Gettysburg to find the locations. They started learning of sites there which are not found in the usual guided tours.

Cathy and Brian have an extensive collection of DVDs of Gettysburg Battlewalks. They actually spent almost a year hunting for a rock with a crack in it- one of "dead people" photos from a battlewalk led by licensed guides, Tim Smith and Gary Adelman. Cathy and Brian found it on the Rose farm. Our intrepid Cathy and Brian had to do some fence climbing, dodging cows and probably going to places where they shouldn't have gone. But they finished the day with a great sense of accomplishment. I wonder, Cathy, if you ever sing along your extensive walks.

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JOIN THE DISCUSSION “YOUR FAMILY MILITARY HISTORY” December 12, 2017 – Tuesday – 6:30 pm – Delaware Valley CWRT Annual Holiday Social – On Tuesday, January 16 the round table is Austrian Village Restaurant, 321 Huntingdon Pike, pleased to announce that this is your night to Rockledge – Reservations ARE NOT required. Just share your history of your family’s military show up for a fun dinner!

members. December 31, 2017 – Sunday – 11:30 am – Annual General Meade Birthday Celebration Many of our members have relatives – – Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, or Philadelphia – Parade and ceremony to mark the anniversary of his birth will begin at 12 noon at cousins – who have served in the U. S. General Meade’s gravesite. All are asked to gather at military. It could be a Civil War ancestor, or a the Gatehouse at 11:30AM. A champagne toast and relative who served in any other conflict, the reception will follow the program. A tour of the historic cemetery will be offered (weather permitting). This Revolution, World War I or II, Korea, Vietnam, year marks the 26th anniversary of the Meade or any other time in our country’s history. birthday celebration by the General Meade Society. For directions, call: 215-228-8200 Laurel Hill Cemetery. For info contact Dr. Andy Waskie at 215- This is a time for us to honor the veterans who 204-5452. have so nobly served our country and share their experiences with our members. January 14, 2018 – Sunday – 1:30 pm – GAR Museum & Library Open House Program – 4278 Griscom Street. Holiday Band Concert. The Please consider a presentation of about 10 to 28th Pennsylvania Regimental Band “Geary’s Own” 15 minutes, and feel free to bring any will be performing a concert of “Music from the Middle memorabilia you may wish to share or display. of the War”. Following the tradition of reliving the war in five year cycles, the 28th PV Band will present music that would have been played by Union Army This will be a memorable evening and bands in 1863. Band Master Ken Cavender will be we hope that you will consider participating leading the band and giving a short history of each piece played. and sharing this history. FREE & Open to the public! For info (215) 289-6484 www.garmuslib.org

January 21, 2018 – Sunday – 11:00 am - 2:00 pm – Annual General Meade Society “Yesterday was a rather dull day for Christmas. Champagne Brunch & Awards Ceremony – One of our mess got a box from home on Cannstatter Volkfest Verein, 9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia. – Presenting the Society “Award of Christmas Eve containing a large roasted turkey Merit” Toast the New Year, and toast the ‘hero of and several other good things. So we had the Gettysburg'. To reserve, contact Jerry McCormick at pleasure of eating a very good Christmas dinner 215-848-7753; [email protected], Reservations but I was not as happy as I was when I ate my should be made at least one week prior to the event. The cost is $45/person, $85/couple. Christmas dinner one year ago with my dear http://www.generalmeadesociety.org/ wife and I hope before another Christmas rolls around that we may be together never more to February 4, 2018 – Sunday – 1:30 pm – GAR part.” Museum & Library Open House Program – nd 4278 Griscom Street. Speaker Alan Silverman – “The Samuel J. Alexander, 62 PVI Lincoln Line Drawing”. FREE & Open to the public! December 26, 1861 For info (215) 289-6484 www.garmuslib.org

February 10, 2018 – Saturday – 11:00 am-2:00 pm – Open House at the Union League of HOLD THE DATE! Philadelphia – Free tours of the historic Civil War GETTYSBURG COMES TO MANOR Era Union League House at 140 S. Broad St. Philadelphia. Call:215-563-6500 for details. MAY 19, 2018

February 12, 2018 – Monday – 10:00 am – We are thrilled to advise our members and Annual Lincoln Birthday Celebration Parade and Ceremonies, sponsored by the Union friends of this year’s outstanding group of League of Philadelphia – Civil War military units, speakers for our annual Gettysburg civilians, and heritage groups are welcome and symposium at Manor College. encouraged to march in the parade to Independence Hall to honor President Lincoln. Participants will gather at the Union League, 140 S. Broad St. by Our speakers are: 10:00 am. Convenient FREE parking available for Matt Atkinson, National Park Service Ranger, participants near the Union League prior to 10:00 am. author & historian at Gettysburg; also served RSVP required. Pick up a ticket at the Sansom St. garage. Complimentary lunch for the participants at as NPS Ranger at Petersburg, Manassas & 12 noon. After the parade ALL are invited to return to Vicksburg Battlefields. the Union League via coach for refreshments and entertainment in the historic League House. To register: Contact: Dr. Andy Waskie. 215-204-5452 - Sue Boardman, author, historian, Gettysburg [email protected] Leadership Program Director, Licensed Gettysburg Battlefield Guide and lead March 24, 2018 – Saturday – 12:00 noon (cocktails), 1:00 pm (luncheon) – Annual historian for the Gettysburg cyclorama GAR Museum Preservation Luncheon – conservation project. Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd. Philadelphia. Cost: $35 pp - $65 per couple. Choice Scott Mingus, historian, author of numerous of Beef, Chicken, or Salmon. 11am open for book browsing, and signings; 2pm presentation: “Lincoln’s histories including Flames Beyond Gettysburg, White House” by James Conroy, nationally known The Second Day at Gettysburg: the Attack on Lincoln historian and author. Presentation of the Cemetery Ridge and The Louisiana Tigers in ‘Grand Army Award’ for preservation efforts. Fundraiser raffle of prints; door prizes; books; sutlers; the Gettysburg Campaign. entertainment; fun!. To reserve contact: [email protected]; or call:215-289-6484 Herb Kaufman, historian & lecturer; Adjunct Deadline to reserve is March 16, 2018. Faculty at Camden County College, Gratz May 19, 2018 – Saturday – 9:00 am to 3:00 College, and the Civil War and Military History pm – Manor College Civil War Day, Institutes at Manor College. Gettysburg Comes to Manor – Manor College, 700 Fox Chase Road, Jenkintown. SAVE THE DATE!! Speakers – NPS Interpretive Ranger Matt We will kick off the day @ 10:00 am with Atkinson, author and historian Scott Mingus, NPS Herb’s presentation, followed by Matt Licensed Battlefield Guide and Cyclorama historian Atkinson @ 11:00 am. There will be an hour Sue Boardman, and Herb Kaufman. More details forthcoming. break for lunch and browsing – and book buying! – before the program resumes with October 20, 2018 – Saturday – Civil War Navy Scott Mingus @ 1:00 pm. Our program will Symposium – Blue Water Navy / Brown conclude with Sue Boardman @ 2:00 and a Water Navy – Presented by Old Baldy CWRT. Symposium to be held on board the Battleship New final chance for browsing and purchasing Jersey in her berth at Camden (Delaware River), books for preservation! New Jersey. SAVE THE DATE!!! For information and updates see www.oldbaldycwrt.org More information to follow!!

. battlefields, the Trust also seeks to save the battlefields connected to the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Through educational programs and By Paula Gidjunis, heritage tourism initiatives, the Trust seeks to inform Preservation Committee Chair the public about the vital role these battlefields played in determining the course of our nation’s history.” COMMITTEE MEETING SET The CWT began in 1987 when various historians and The Preservation Committee will meet in January to preservationists decided something had to be done plan our year of events. If anyone knows of any local about the dwindling acres of Civil War battlefields in events where we can set up and sell our books for the D.C. and Northern Virginia area. They began as preservation, please let any committee member the Association for the Preservation of Civil War know, or email me at [email protected] Sites (APCWS). Eventually they merged with an organization that was called the Civil War Trust to become the Civil War Preservation Trust, and CYCLORAMA IN 360 DEGREES eventually shortened the name back to the Civil War Trust. The Civil War Trust has a very interesting item on their website, a 360-degree film and description of The CWT is able to attract large donors and other the entire Gettysburg Cyclorama. There is an audio organizations that provide matching dollars to description with the film, along with additional ordinary citizen’s contributions. When the Round resources. Definitely worth the 5 ½ minutes. Table’s Preservation Committee donates to the CWT, https://www.civilwar.org/learn/videos/gettysburg there are always matching funds involved, which fact -cyclorama-360%C2%B0 makes our contribution more valuable. They have saved over 40,000 acres. CWT’s FAQ’s: https://www.civilwar.org/about/faqs-battlefield- CIVIL WAR TRUST PROVIDES 360 DEGREE preservation TOURS OF BATTLEFIELDS In the future, I plan on periodically highlighting another organization to which we have donated in Other 360 degree tours of battlefields provided at the the past. Civil War Trust website are: Antietam,

Chancellorsville, Chattanooga, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Overland Campaign and the Entire Civil War Animated Map. https://www.civilwar.org/visit/virtual- “Weather continues moderate. Changed camp tours/chattanooga-virtual-tour about a mile to obtain wood. Spent the day chopping poles and building a bunk. Began bringing the comforts of home from our old PRESERVATION ORGANIZATION camp. Went to town. The city is badly damaged HIGHLIGHT: CIVIL WAR TRUST (CWT) from the shelling – and looting – by the enemy.

There is some research behind a contribution that has Bits of china and pieces of furniture still lie in the been made to an organization from the Preservation streets. Some of the residents have returned, but Committee funds. The committee recognizes that they are in pitiful condition. The children won’t when you entrust us with your books, magazines have much of a Christmas celebration. Nor will and other items, you want us to get the most bang for we. I miss Bal very much. There is some comfort the buck when we donate. One of our favorite (not much) in knowing that, if she is looking at organizations to which to donate is the Civil War Trust. Their mission as stated on their website is the heavens to-night, she sees the same stars as such: “The Civil War Trust is a nonpartisan, I do. So we are not so far apart after all.” nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of Franklin Lafayette Riley, 16th Mississippi America’s hallowed battlegrounds. Although December 1862, outside Fredericksburg primarily focused on the protection of Civil War 8

Another Successful Year perfect seat to hear her short but heartfelt acceptance speech. Although she later told me she By Larry Vogel was nervous, you could not tell as she spoke like a seasoned pro. Before handing her the award Hugh The November Meeting of the Delaware Valley said that naming Judy the award winner this year Civil War Round Table is always a special one, as it was an easy choice as her infectious personality is the Annual Awards Night. This year’s meeting and willingness to volunteer had to be recognized. was extra-special as for the second meeting in a row we were presented with a must see musical So all the awards were given, and it was time to performance. hear the fine presentation, “Musical History of the Irish Brigade” by Charlie Zahm. Charlie was In addition to all that, the November Meeting is dressed in Union Blue, complete with sword as he usually the one in which President Hugh Boyle portrays Captain James Haggerty of the 69th New gives the “State of the Round Table” address, York State Militia which became part of the Irish listing all of our accomplishments. This year Brigade. though Hugh did not list our accomplishments, instead he said he was very proud of our group for Charlie or rather Captain Haggerty, in fine brogue, continued success this year and that all of us proceeded to give us a history of the Irish should be proud of ourselves. Brigade through story and song. To enhance his program, Charlie used a drum and a guitar at Hugh then proceeded to the awards portion of the various times. program. This year the “Award of Merit” went to Dan Cashin. Dan unfortunately could not be at the meeting due to health issues. Hugh said that Dan was deserving of this award as he has dedicated himself in many ways to keeping alive the memory and education of the Civil War, in particular his work with the Fort Delaware Society over the years. Dan has been of frequent speaker to our group and he usually participates in the Round Table’s Annual Manor Day, at Manor College.

Charlie Zahm with an incredible performance

Before getting into the history of the Irish Brigade, Charlie also gave us a brief history of Ireland and the Irish immigration to the United States. A couple of interesting stats that he provided include the fact that Ireland’s population th Judy Folan accepts her award from Hugh Boyle today never recovered from the mid-19 century potato famine. In 1840, Ireland’s population was 8 This year’s recipient of the “Frank Avato Award” million. It is less than 7 million today. Also there (formerly the President’s Award) was Judy Folan. were more Irish-born living in New York City in I had the good fortune of sitting next to Judy 1860 than were living in Dublin. during the meeting in the front row so I had a

Charlie did not only talk about the battles that the Irish Brigade were in, including Bull Run, The Antietam and Fredericksburg, but he also gave us detailed information on the colorful personalities who led the Irish Brigade – Michael Corcoran and Book Thomas Francis Meagher. Nook

By Hugh Boyle, Book Editor

What Gift Can I Give This Year?

Yes, it is that time of year when you think, “What gift I can give for that special holiday?” Do you have a Civil War buff on your gift list? If yes, perhaps we can help you. In books here are some suggestions.

Charlie proudly displays an Irish Brigade flag For the Lincoln buff, Dr. David Herbert Donald’s Biography of Lincoln Charlie ended the performance with a rousing For the Gettysburg buff, Allen Guelzo’s Gettysburg edition of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, For the novices in the Civil War, James McPherson’s before being presented with a certificate of Battle Cry of Freedom For the Lincoln Assassination, James Swanson’s appreciation and the traditional “coveted Manhunt esteemed drinking vessel”. The movie Gettysburg is still an excellent watch.

[Photos by Bernice Kaplan] These are just a few. Be inventive – there are places to go and things to see and learn about the Civil War, and if you run out of ideas, try these.

“Having heard some intimations that the boys were about to make me a Christmas present, I took occasion to inform them that I did not stand in need of it but if they wanted to honor our Infant Savior they might bestow their charitable gifts to his representatives, the poor orphans of St. Joseph’s Asylum in Richmond. They acted on my suggestion and during the following week made up among themselves a very handsome sum of $1,206.” Reverend James B. Sheeran, C.Ss.R Chaplain, 14th Louisiana Infantry

See You in January!

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Gettysburg Rebels – Five Native to sell his business and move south to Shepherdstown, Virginia (now West Virginia), taking Sons Who Came Home to Fight as with him not only his three sons, but also one of his Confederate Soldiers workers who decided to join him, Wesley Culp. By Tom McMillan I found this book very enjoyable as the author takes you through a brief history of prewar Gettysburg, and Reviewed by Larry Vogel follows the lives of all five young men from their youths in Pennsylvania, and then Virginia, and why One TV show I try to catch they decided to join the Confederate army. He every week is PA Books on follows them through each engagement from Bull the Pennsylvania Cable Run until the end of the war. One of the five was Network (PCN). Recently I even present at Harpers Ferry during the John Brown caught the program with raid. This book also discusses their postwar lives, as Tom McMillan, who was four of the five survived the war. I recommend this talking about his new book as an addition to your Civil War Book Case. book, “Gettysburg Rebels”. The subtitle is, Regnery History, 2017; 352 pages; $19.49 “Five Native Sons Who hardback, also available in kindle and Came Home to Fight as audiobook editions Confederate Soldiers”. I was already familiar with Tom as I had seen him on the show before with this first book on Flight 93 (of 9/11 infamy). And as a Pittsburgh native I was familiar with Tom because in his past life he was a

Pittsburgh sportswriter. For the last twenty years he has worked for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and currently WE NEED YOUR HELP! holds the title of Vice President of Communications.

Although Tom works in sports, his passion is history. Member contributions to this newsletter For his second book project he was looking for are always welcome and encouraged. something related to Gettysburg but he did not want to write a book on previously covered ground, such Please submit book reviews, short as Pickett’s Charge. Well, during one of his many trips to Gettysburg, Tom came across an old stone articles, informative pieces, foundation with a sign in front of it that said the newsy items and opinion pieces Wentz house. Tom knew from other readings that the to the Editor. owner was John Wentz and that John’s son Henry was posted six hundred yards from his father’s house during the Battle of Gettysburg as he was artillery Book reviews and short articles of sergeant in the Confederate Army. This gave Tom the 600-800 words are especially desired. idea to write a book about the two former Gettysburg First-time authors encouraged!!! residents who fought in the battle of Gettysburg but for the Confederates. Wesley Culp, of course, being Please send as a Word document to the other that most people have heard about.

[email protected] In the process of researching the book Tom came up with three other former “Gettysburgers” who fought Thank you! for the Confederacy. They were the three Hoffman Brother, Robert, Frank and Wesley.

The three brothers were the sons of former Gettysburg carriage maker and prominent citizen C.W. Hoffman. In the mid 1850’s C.W. had a dispute with another “Gettysburger” and ultimately decided

*The Gettysburg Campaign – 8 hrs – Two mighty Civil War & armies engaged by chance in the largest battle ever fought in the Western Hemisphere. The events Military History leading up to the battle and each day’s activity will be covered. Did the Army of the Potomac finally get Institutes the leadership it deserved? Did Robert E. Lee blunder in his strategy? Would he have prevailed if Our Civil War Institute at Manor College has been Stonewall Jackson were alive? Was James expanded. We now are also offering classes under Longstreet, Lee’s “War-Horse,” right in his view of the aegis of the Military History Institute. the battle? Instructor: Herb Kaufman, M.Ed. Semesters include multiple-week courses, 2-week Fee: $105 courses and 1-night seminars. Classes may be taken Mondays, January 22 and 29, February 5 and 12 individually or as part of a certificate program. Completion of four core courses (each 4 weeks/8 **Gettysburg: Lee’s Retreat and Meade’s Pursuit – hours), plus any 24 hours of electives will now be 2 hrs – Beginning with July 4, 1863, this class follows required to receive the certificate. the Confederate retreat and combat operations of George G. Meade’s pursuit, political consequences Manor College is located at 700 Fox Chase Road in of the battle, treatment of the wounded, and Jenkintown, PA. You may call (215) 884-2218 to creation of the National Military Park. register or for an application for the certificate Instructor: Herb Kaufman, M.Ed. program, or online Fee: $30 http://manor.edu/academics/adult-continuing- Monday, February 26 education/civil-war-institute/ **Gettysburg: A Town in Turmoil – 2 hrs –The Class hours are 6:30 till 8:30 pm. biggest battle ever fought on American soil obviously * Indicates Core Course had a major impact on the outcome of the war and ** Indicates Elective Course/Seminar on the men who fought it. But it also changed the lives of the civilians who lived in the little CIVIL WAR INSTITUTE Pennsylvania crossroads town. When the armies left, the people of Gettysburg had to pick up the SPRING SEMESTER pieces. Instructor: Nancy Caldwell This semester, we will take a comprehensive look at Fee: $30 the largest battle ever fought on American soil. With Monday, March 19 one exception, every course will relate to Gettysburg. **Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address – NEW – 2 **“Vicksburg Is the Key” – 4 hrs – With this quote, hrs – On Nov. 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln gave his President Lincoln himself recognized that the greatest speech. It is remembered, recited and fortress city on the Mississippi River was the South’s memorized more than any speech in history, but most strategically important site. U.S. Grant’s what is behind these words? How did the President campaign to approach, besiege and finally capture on short notice come up with these everlasting Vicksburg and its defenders had more impact on the words? Lincoln was facing the difficulties of war, war’s outcome than even the “high water mark” at family problems and sickness – and still was able Gettysburg. to focus on the central issue of the day. Find out how Instructor: Jerry Carrier the speech came about and its impact on the United Fee: $55 States in 1863 – and its impact today. Wednesdays, January 10 and 17 Instructor: Hugh Boyle Fee: $30 Monday, April 9

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Save the Date: If these Gettysburg classes leave **Up Periscope: A View of Submarine Warfare in you hungry for even more knowledge about the World War II – NEW – 2 hrs – During World War II, iconic battle, come to Manor College on Saturday, submarines comprised less than 2 percent of the May 19, for an all-day event that will feature four U.S. Navy, but sank more than 30 percent of the distinguished speakers. Each speaker will focus on Japanese Imperial Navy. This class will focus on some a different aspect of the battle and its aftermath. of the more interesting stories of America’s submarines, but will include some British, German, and Japanese underwater warships. Instructor: Walt Lafty MILITARY HISTORY INSTITUTE Fee: $30 SPRING SEMESTER Wednesday , April 25

Recently, we inserted classes about World War II into ** “Duel at Dawn” – NEW – 2 hrs – Early in the our Civil War Institute curriculum. The response was morning on July 11, 1804, two men met on the so positive that we’ve spun off a brand-new dueling grounds of Weehawken, NJ. When the duel enterprise, covering not only World War II but ALL was over, one man was dead, the other a fugitive. All military history. We will go beyond our own shores schoolchildren know about that fatal duel between and embrace both ancient and modern times to Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, but do they include anything of interest. (Meanwhile, our Civil really? This class will go behind the dueling grounds War classes will go forward undiminished and to the story behind the feud that led to the duel. undiluted – with existing classes that have generated Instructor: Hugh Boyle interest in the past and new ones we hope will spark Fee: $30 even more response in the future.) Thursday, May 10

** “Et tu, Brute?” The Assassination of Julius **World War II on the Big Screen – NEW – 2 hrs – Caesar – NEW – 2 hrs – On Ides Martiae, 710 AUC – After Pearl Harbor, Hollywood quickly enlisted in the better known as the Ides of March 44 BC – Caius war effort. With drama, comedy and the gravity of Iulius Caesar was assassinated by a group of Roman war from “Buck Privates” and “A Yank in the RAF,” senators. What precipitated this history-changing through “Flags of Our Fathers,” “Saving Private event? This class will examine the character of Ryan” and “Dunkirk,” Hollywood has had a long Caesar and the atmosphere in Rome before and fascination with World War II. This program looks at after the assassination and the impact on the Roman many of the notable, interesting and more Republic. remarkable films that capture different perspectives Instructor: Pat Caldwell, M.A. of World War II. Fee: $30 Instructor: Herb Kaufman, M.Ed. Wednesday, March 28 Fee: $30 Thursday, May 17 **Crimsoned Prairie: The Plains Indian Wars: 1864- 1876 – NEW – 2 hrs – Even while the Civil War raged in the East, there was great unrest in the West, as westward expansion created tensions between whites and Native Americans. This class will explore the Plains Indian war from the Sand Creek massacre in November 1864 to General Custer’s defeat along the banks of the Little Big Horn River in June 1876. In between, we will explore the Fetterman massacre, battles along the “bloody Bozeman” Trail, Custer’s Yellowstone Expedition, and more.

Instructor: Steve Wright, M.A. Fee: $30 Thursday, April 19

In 1862 President Lincoln again was absorbed with military matters and was preparing the final draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. On December 23 he wrote to Fanny McCullough, whose father had been killed in action and had been a long-time friend of his. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln visited soldiers in Washington hospitals on Christmas Day.

From Under Lincoln’s In 1863 President Lincoln reassured the Christmas Hat Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society he had no By Hugh Boyle intention of retracting the Emancipation Proclamation. On Christmas Day he discussed the constitutionality of the draft with John Hay, How did Lincoln spend Christmas one of his private secretaries. week as President and In 1864 President Lincoln received the following President-elect? dispatch from General Sherman, who had captured Savannah, Georgia: "I beg to present In 1860, as President-elect, Lincoln received you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah with callers such as Thurlow Weed in Springfield, 150 heavy guns & plenty of ammunition & also Illinois, and dealt with cabinet selection issues. about 25000 bales of cotton." On December 26 He was especially concerned that federal forts Lincoln gave a Christmas reception at the White had been taken in the South. On December 20 he House. received the stunning news that South Carolina had seceded from the Union.

“This is Christmas day and the third one I have passed in the Army. I have enjoyed a good long ride on my new horse Kate. I traded Old Abe for her and think I have one of the finest horses in the Army. She is a beauty and very fast, both running and trotting. I gave a dinner party of officers, and we tried to celebrate Christmas in a becoming manner.” Elisha Hunt Rhodes, 2nd Rhode Island December 25, 1863

In 1861 President Lincoln was deeply involved in Civil War problems such as the Trent affair, but found time on December 22 to attend services at New York Avenue Presbyterian

Church. On Christmas morning he held an important cabinet meeting, but was able to entertain a large number of dinner guests by evening.

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CHRISTMAS WITH THOMAS NAST By Walt Lafty

Born in Landau, Germany in 1840 Thomas Nast emigrated to the U.S. in 1846 with his mother. His father followed three years later after completing his military enlistment as a member of a Regimental band.

Thomas began studying art and worked at the Bryan Gallery of Christian Art. His artistic talents were such that by the time he was 15 years old, he was hired by Frank Leslie’s Illustrated. A few years later he was hired by the New York Illustrated News. He was sent by the News to England to cover a major prizefight, then to Sicily to cover Garibaldi’s military campaign. By the time he returned, the Civil War had started and in 1862 he was hired by Harpers Weekly where he remained until 1886.

During those years, Nast had become the premier cartoonist in the country and has been called the “Father of American Caricature” and “Father of American Political Cartoon”. Among his credits is the creation of the Donkey and Elephant as the respective political symbols for the Democratic and Republican parties.

As a radical Republican, Nast was anti-slavery, and his support of the war with his patriotic drawings led President Lincoln to refer to him as the Union's best recruiting sergeant. Nast was also anti-Chinese exclusion and anti-Ku Klux Klan. His biting political cartoons took on civic dishonesty and corruption whereever he found it. His work to that end helped to bring down the notorious politician "Boss" William Marcy Tweed of Tammany Hall.

While he focused mainly on political cartoons, Nast is also noted for creating the “modern image” of Santa Claus. The Santa we know today has a long history as to his name and his look. Today, he is thought of as the jolly man in red, but his story stretches all the way back to the 3rd century. He has

been known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, La Befana, Yule Tomte, and Christkindl, among other names around the world.

While struggling to create an illustration in 1862, Thomas and his sister were reminiscing about Christmas as children in Germany. That conversation helped inspire him to create his image which combined his own native German traditions of Saint Nicholas with other German folk traditions of elves, and stories of other countries.

Illustration left appeared in Harpers Weekly January 3, 1863

Between 1863 and 1886, Nast contributed 33 Christmas drawings to Harper’s Weekly and Santa is seen or referenced in all but one. His own image of Santa even evolved over time.

In 1890, Nast published a book of Christmas Drawings and included 69 of his best-known illustrations of Santa Claus and Christmas. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Nast should be remembered for helping create the Santa Claus which we recognize today.

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Meigs name, I found out that, yes, Margaret is related to the General Montgomery Meigs’ family, but our guide was not certain of the Wister On the Road Again … to connection. Thereby giving this trip a Civil War connection. The Mansion tour was very Harrisburg interesting, as most of the items were owned by By Paula Gidjunis the various families that had lived there. Our guide was very knowledgeable. John and I visited Fort Hunter, just north of Harrisburg on Front Street. Today there is no fort at Fort Hunter. In fact, they are still looking for the site where it once stood. What is there makes the 2-hour journey more than worth the travel time.

With the threats of the French and Indian War, the British built a series of small forts along the Susquehanna River. One of those was Fort Hunter, situated at a bend in the river with a wide view. After the end of the war in 1763, the fort Fort Hunter Mansion was left to decay. In 1787, a Revolutionary War officer who served directly under George The site still has a variety of buildings, but except Washington, Captain Archibald McAllister, for special events, only the Mansion is open for purchased the land containing the decaying fort. touring. It is a Federal style house built in three stages. The first two sections were built by McAllister and the last part by Boas. It is believed that the house sits on the site of the original fort. The park is open 8 AM to dusk and is free. The Mansion hours vary seasonally and the fee is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for students/children. https://forthunter.org

River view from Fort Hunter

McAllister developed the land into a frontier village. Over this time, twenty slaves worked the farm. In 1870 the land was purchased by Daniel Boas who left the area to his daughter Helen and her husband John Reily. They had no children and left the property to the Reilys’ nine nieces and Fort Hunter Barn nephews. After your tour, if you are looking for a reasonably One niece, Margaret Wister Meigs, of Washington, priced and hearty meal, head to the Front Street D.C., recognized the importance of the site and in diner on the road from Fort Hunter to Harrisburg. 1956 set up the Fort Hunter Foundation. Today http://frontstreetdiner.com/ the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is owned by Dauphin County. Recognizing the Wister and [Photos by Paula Gidjunis and John Shivo]

This wounding also did not deter him, as he was at the Battle of Shiloh, involved in the Corinth campaign, and then spent most of 1863 in Tennessee and Mississippi and finally advanced to the command of a division in the XVI Corps Tom Sweeny just in time for the Atlanta campaign. At the by Larry Vogel battle of Resaca in May of 1864 it was Sweeny's division which flanked Joe Johnston's line and Thomas William Sweeny was born in County forced his withdrawal. Cork, Ireland, December 25, 1820. Given the fact that he was born on Christmas Day one might As a career Army man Tom was jealous and think that he was influenced by that peaceful annoyed by others who received their and holy day, but his life was anything but commissions and promotions through political peaceful or holy. connections.

When he was twelve years old he came to Fast forward to July 25, 1864 where this America alone to join his mother who was annoyance and jealousy came to a head in already here. Once he arrived, he told the story Tom’s tent as both Grenville Dodge and another that during a storm at sea he was swept political general, General John W. Fuller, were overboard by a wave only to be re-deposited there. Tom had been feuding with Grenville back on the deck by another wave. Although Dodge for years. Soon, fueled by alcohol, words this story maybe apocryphal it was an omen to started flying and then fists. Tom got the best of his future stormy life. both of them, which cemented his nickname “Fighting Tom”. In the early 1840’s Tom joined a militia group, and soon found that he was born to be a soldier. So one man beating up two men may not be He fought valiantly in the Mexican War, getting that unusual, but oh, I forgot to mention that severely wounded at the Battle of Churubusco. Tom’s injury back in the Mexican War caused his He stayed in the Army and was fighting Indians right arm to be amputated, so one-armed on the Great Plains when the Civil War came in “Fighting Tom” beat up two Generals with two 1861. arms each, and NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY. Tom was a Captain in the regular Army Postscript: The idea for this story was when the war germinated by Herb Kaufman’s Manor College started, but he Class, “Duels, Fools & Scoundrels”. was quickly promoted to Brigadier General of Volunteers. He fought with Franz Sigel at Carthage against the Confederates and at Wilson Creek under Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, being wounded again. 18

A REMINDER

All-Electronic Case Shot &

Canister

Dear Members of the Delaware Valley CWRT: “There came a carload of boxes for the prisoners about Christmas which, after reasonable The Board of the round table wishes to extend its inspection, they were allowed to receive. My box sincere appreciation for your continued from home contained more cause for merriment participation and support of the round table. One of our most important goals is to bring you the and speculation as to its contents than best possible speakers presenting a wide variety of satisfaction. It had received rough treatment on topics. Also, we are so very proud of your its way, and a bottle of catsup had broken and contributions to our outstanding journal, Case its contents very generally distributed through Shot & Canister. We firmly believe that we have the box. Mince pie and fruit cake saturated with the best monthly journal of any Civil War Round tomato catsup was about as palatable as Table or historical organization. "embalmed beef" of the Cuban memory; but there were other things. Then, too, a friend had While we are pleased that our annual dues will sent me in a package a bottle of old brandy. On remain the same, we must also advise all Christmas morning I quietly called several members that the costs of printing and mailing comrades up to my bunk to taste of the precious have continued to significantly increase. fluid – of disappointment. The bottle had been opened outside, the brandy taken and replaced Our membership dues pay for the use of the with water, adroitly recorked, and sent in. I hope Radisson Hotel meeting rooms, the honorarium the Yankee who played that practical joke lived for our guest speakers, as well as other additional to repent it and was shot before the war ended. operating costs. But then there came from my same friend, Johnston of Baltimore, a box containing thirty Therefore, beginning in January, 2018 all monthly pieces of clothing, for such disposition as I chose journals will be sent solely by email. This is the to make of them, and another box of hams, most trouble free and economical method of chickens, biscuits, and cigars from my own mess; delivering our newsletter. and from Mrs. Mary T. Semmes – aunt of the

‘Alabama’ Semmes – another wholesale box of If you are now receiving your monthly Case Shot & Canister by USPS, this will be discontinued coffee, whiskey, sugar, cigars, gloves, soap, after the December issue. Please provide us with worsted nightcaps, Tennyson’s poems, a an email address so that you may continue to spinning top (from her grandson), etc. She receive our fine monthly journal. duplicated it afterwards.” Major Henry K Douglas We are sure that you understand the necessity of Recalling Johnson’s Island Prison, 1863 this change and sincerely hope that you will continue to support what has become one of the finest round tables in the country.

Sincerely, The Members of the Board

Happy Holidays

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