DUTY / VALOR THE

ESPRIT DE CORPS BLUE and GRAY

EVENTUAL BROTHERHOOD CUP The Civil War and Hockey At the mention of the words work...brotherhood and sportsman- 1861-1865 and could apply today to “Civil War” and “hockey” in the ship. these young hockey players as well. same sentence, a puzzled look ap- We just needed to find the historical Seeing the opportunity the histori- pears on peoples face as they at- bridge from the past to the present cal past provided, my immediate tempt to imagine how there could be concern was how to be respectful of With the knowledge that the a connection. SPONSORED BY: the fact that in the Civil War, young Third Michigan Infantry Regiment and In July of 2012, Mr. Phil Sweeney, men fought and died and, while in- the Sixth and Seventh Michigan Cav- THE MICHIGAN head coach of the Davenport Univer- tense and spirited, a hockey game is alry Regiments had formed in Grand COMMANDERY sity hockey team of Grand Rapids, just that, a hockey game. Rapids, I conducted some research OF THE Michigan, contacted me to ask that for units from Lynchburg and learned MILITARY very question - was there a way to of the Eleventh Virginia Infantry and ORDER OF THE share the history of the Civil War on the Second Virginia Cavalry Regi- LOYAL LEGION an ice rink versus a classroom. ments. (More information about OF THE Phil’s question was whether the those units is provided later in this UNITED subject of the Civil War could be document.) STATES combined with an annual three game My name is Bruce B. Butgereit hockey series between the Panthers and I serve as the Commander of the of Davenport University and the Michigan Commandery of the Mili- Flames of Liberty University from tary Order of the Loyal Legion of the Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty head (MOLLUS). coach Mr. Kirk Handy had expressed The Commandery proudly an- genuine interest as well. I then determined that many nounces the creation of the - historical moments provide examples I too had that puzzled look on my BLUE & GRAY CUP face but then started thinking about which can use to effect change or to build upon. The words of DUTY, - to be awarded annually to the Michigan and Virginia...North and VALOR, ESPRIT de CORPS, and school which is the victor in two of South...Blue and Gray...fields of valor EVENTUAL BROTHERHOOD had the three games played between and a sporting event...victors and the applied to those boys of Blue & Gray Davenport and Liberty Universities. defeated...esprit de corps and team-

CONTACT: The Civil War Sesquicentennial BRUCE B. BUTGEREIT Both Michigan and Virginia er to promote events, facilitate Fort Wayne, and History Re- 1691 are commemorating the 150th communication, and to ensure membered, Inc. SUMMERFIELD anniversary of the American Civil that “Michigan Remembers the History Partners Website STREET SE War from 2011-2015. Civil War.” GRAND www.micw150.us/ In Michigan, there is a part- The Partners include: the RAPIDS, MI Seeking Michigan Website 49508 nership between the Michigan Michigan Commandery of the Civil War Sesquicentennial His- Military Order of the Loyal Le- seekingmichigan.org/civil-war 616-827-3369 tory Partners and the Civil War gion of the United States; the Virginia Sesquicentennial Website Sesquicentennial Committee of Department of Michigan, Sons of CIVIL-WAR@ the Michigan Historical Commis- Union Veterans of the Civil War; http://www.virginiacivilwar.org/ COMCAST.NET sion. This alliance works togeth- iMichigan Productions; Historic MILITARY NEWSLETTER DATE Civil War Basics

The idea that a nation could soldiers from North and South SPECIAL POINTS OF exist without a ruling king or returned home, and became the INTEREST FROM dictator had never been tested leaders of the industrial revolu- CIVIL WAR TRUST: before America claimed her tion and were active in their How many soldiers fought - freedom in 1776. communities. They formed vet- Blue 2,128,948 erans groups to maintain the Gray 1,082,119 camaraderie they had established in the War. How many soldiers died* - Blue 360,222 They would also shake hands Gray 260,000 in an effort to bring unity back to *Recent research into medical and

the nation. pension records indicate this number may be low. The Spanish-American War would also serve to reunite What caused the Civil War? - While many still debate the ultimate these formers foes and serve to causes of the Civil War, Pulitzer Prize restore a truly united America. -winning author James McPherson writes that, "The Civil War started because of uncompromising differ- The Civil War was the first ences between the free and slave test of that new government. states over the power of the national Fought for many issues that are government to prohibit slavery in the still important in our lives today - territories that had not yet become civil rights, states rights, individu- states. When Abraham Lincoln won al freedoms, taxation, tariffs, and election in 1860 as the first Republi- can president on a platform pledging more - the Civil War was neces- to keep slavery out of the territories, sary to not only bring about the seven slave states in the deep South end of slavery but to effect seceded and formed a new nation, the change in so many other areas. Confederate States of America. The incoming Lincoln administration and Following the Civil War, the most of the Northern people refused to recognize the legitimacy of seces- sion. They feared that it would dis- credit democracy and create a fatal precedent that would eventually frag- ment the no-longer United States into The Blue & Gray Cup several small, squabbling countries."

The soldiers from Grand the Civil War, the rivalry by soldiers both Blue and Rapids, Michigan and Lynch- between the Davenport and Gray. burg, Virginia met on the Liberty Universities is often This trophy is meant to field of battle numerous intense and spirited too. symbolize that in victory or times throughout the Civil The tradition of oppo- defeat, we can demonstrate War. nents shaking hands after a proper character through Although far removed hard-fought hockey game is respect and understanding from the service and sacri- similar to the handshakes fice made by the soldiers of that were eventually shared FRONT The Text on Blue & Gray Trophy Base Cup

Each year, the victorious team will tie a ribbon to one of the handles of the trophy - BLUE for Davenport University and GRAY for Liberty University. In the future, a count of Awarded annually to the the number of ribbons attached will help identify which victor of the team was victorious most often. Davenport University & Liberty University Hockey Series

LEFT RIGHT Third Michigan Infantry Regiment Eleventh Virginia Infantry Regiment June 10, 1861 - June 20, 1864 May 15, 1861 - April 9, 1865 Grand Rapids, Michigan Lynchburg, Virginia

Blackburn’s Ford / First Bull Run Blackburn’s Ford / First Manassas Peninsula Campaign / Second Bull Run Seven Days Battles / Second Manassas Chancellorsville / Gettysburg South Mountain / Sharpsburg Wilderness / Spotsylvania / Cold Harbor Fredericksburg / Gettysburg / Cold Harbor Petersburg / Appomattox Sixth Michigan Cavalry Regiment October 10, 1862 - November 24, 1865 Second Virginia Cavalry Regiment Seventh Michigan Cavalry Regiment May 11, 1861 - April 10, 1865 January 16, 1863 - December 15, 1865 Lynchburg, Virginia Grand Rapids, Michigan First Manassas / Jackson’s Valley Campaign Brandy Station / Gettysburg / Cold Harbor Seven Days Battles / Second Manassas Winchester / Cedar Creek Sharpsburg / Chancellorsville / Brandy Sta. Five Forks / Appomattox Gettysburg / Petersburg / Appomattox

BACK Established in 2012 By:

Michigan Commandery Of The Military Order Of The Loyal Legion of the United States

During the Sesquicentennial OF 1861-1865 The Civil War 2011-2015 To Commemorate The Soldiers Both North and South

DUTY / VALOR

ESPRIT de CORPS

AND EVENTUAL BROTHERHOOD Images of the Third Michigan courtesy of Steve Soper: http://thirdmichigan.blogspot.com/

Some of the men who served Third Michigan Infantry in this regiment:

Color Sgt. Daniel Crotty

Abraham Lincoln, President of the Unknown group of Sergeants United States of America Pvt. John Strong

“...Now we are

engaged in a

great civil war,

testing whether

that nation, or 1st Lt. Ernst Synold Pvt. George Wiselogel 1st Lt. Fred Stow

any nation so

conceived and so

dedicated, can

long endure…”

Pvt. Andrew Webster Sgt. Martin Taylor Pvt. Isaac Waite

Gettysburg, July 2nd 1863: Byron R. Pierce, This regiment, deployed as skir- Third Michigan, mishers, held the line extending from the Peach Orchard east to the woods, was the right of de General Trobriand's Brigade, and connect- U.S. Volunteers ed with the left of Graham's.

Went into action with 19 officers, 267 men. - Total 286 Casualties - 7 men killed, 3 officers and 28 men wounded, 7 men miss- ing - Total 45.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/MI/3MI.php Images of the Eleventh Virginia courtesy of Library of Congress Eleventh Virginia Infantry Some of the men who served in this regiment:

Pvt. Peter Arthur

Jefferson Davis, William Henry Taylor and Stephen Stewart President of the Pvt. John Anthony Confederate States of America

“I worked night

and day

for twelve years to

prevent the war,

but I could not. Pvt. J. Ray Unknown Unknown Unknown The North was mad

Gettysburg: and blind, would Longstreet's Corps Pickett's Division Kemper's Brigade not let us govern 1st, 3rd, 7th, 11th, & 24th Virginia Inf. July 2. Arrived about sunset and bivou- ourselves, and so acked on the western border of Span- gler's Woods. the war came.” July 3. In the forenoon formed line in the field east of the woods with right flank near Spangler's Barn. At the close of the cannonade advanced and took part in Longstreet's assault upon the Union posi- tion in the vicinity of the Angle. Exposed to Samuel a severe fire of artillery and vigorously Garland, Jr., assailed beyond the Emmitsburg Road by Eleventh Virginia, infantry on the right flank with ranks thinned and much disorganized by its loss- Brig. General es especially of officers it pressed on Killed at the against the Union line at the stone wall Battle of where after a fierce encounter the strug- South Mountain, gle ended. Gen. J. L. Kemper fell wound- Sept. 14, 1862 ed in front of the stone wall. July 4. Spent the day in reorganization and during the night began the march to Hagerstown. Present 1575. Killed 56, Wounded 356, Missing 317 - Total 731

Photo courtesy of: http://www.gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/HQ-CSA/ANV-1-Pickett-Kemper.php Images of the Sixth & Seventh Cavalry courtesy of the Library of Congress and public domain Sixth & Seventh Michigan Cavalry

Some of the men who served in this regiment:

Capt. James Kidd

George A. Custer, Brevet Major General of Unknown group U.S. Volunteers Pvt. Orrin Arnold

“I would be

willing, yes glad,

to see a battle

every day during

my life.” Lt. Edwin Havens Pvt. Jacob Sciler Maj. C.W. Deane

Thomas Custer, (brother to George) Sixth Michigan, Lt. Colonel, Two-time recipient of the Gettysburg: At the same time as Pickett's Charge, Brig. Gen. George A. Custer's Michigan Cavalry Brigade helped turn back an attempt by Con- federate Cavalry commander J.E.B. Stuart to outflank the on what is now the East Cavalry Battlefield. The Wolverine Brigade - the 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th Michigan Cavalry Regiments - would go on under the Boy General to become one of the hardest-hitting, elite units of the Union Army - and to have the highest casualty rates of any Union cavalry in the war.

Photos courtesy of: http://www.gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/MI/Wolverine.php Images of the Second Cavalry courtesy of the Library of Congress and public domain Second Virginia Cavalry Some of the men who served in this regiment:

Pvt. George Gilmer

James Ewell Brown “Jeb” Stuart, Pvt. James Woodson Maj. General Fitzhugh Lee Maj. General, C.S.A Cavalry

General Stuart,

speaking of

Fitzhugh Lee after

the Battle of

Gettysburg was Pvt. James Watts Pvt. Jesse Rusher Pvt. John Cundiff Pvt. Thomas Robertson quoted as saying,

“one of the finest

cavalry leaders on

the continent, and Gettysburg: richly [entitled] to Army of Northern Virginia Stuart's Cavalry Division promotion.” FItzhugh Lee's Brigade 1st Maryland Battalion and 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Virginia Cavalry July 3. The Battalion being on duty with Ewell's Corps the Brigade brought Thomas Munford, only five regiments to this field where it Colonel, arrived soon after midday and took posi- Second Virginia tion on the left of Hampton's Brigade on the edge of the neighboring woods. It Cavalry, participated actively in the conflict which ensued. Losses: Killed 5, Wounded 16, Missing 29 Total 50 Brig. General, C.S.A. Cavalry Photo courtesy of: http://www.gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/HQ-CSA/ANV-Cav-FitzLee.php

MEN OF CHARACTER - THE PRICE PAID

When the Third Michigan few days before their term ex- The Eleventh Virginia In- Infantry left Grand Rapids pired. The regiment has been fantry would have 1,544 men June 13, 1861, they num- engaged in twelve different ac- serve in its ranks during the bered 1,042 strong. Their tions, since the commencement war. Their first engagement first engagement was Blackburn’s of the present campaign, and was would also be at Blackburn’s Ford, Virginia on July 12, 1861, under fire constantly for sixty Ford in July of 1861. On July followed three days later at First (60) days. The endurance of the 3rd, the regiment would be Bull Run where they covered the officers and men was severely decimated during the assault Union retreat to Washington, tried by the incessant night that became known as D.C. At Gettysburg on July marches and digging in the Pickett's Charge. Forming 2, 1863, they went into ac- trenches and the excitement of up in the late morning, the tion with only 286 men - being constantly under fire. In regiment stepped off in the they would lose 45 in killed, the first engagement May 6th it middle of the afternoon and wounded and missing. numbered two hundred and within the hour, its men ninety (290) [and] of this number soaked the lush fields with The regiment suffered terri- two hundred and twenty (220) their precious blood. The ble losses in its last six weeks of have been killed, wounded and unit participated in the Battle of existence (1864). On July 20, taken, not over twenty are miss- Cold Harbor and the siege of 1864, Major Daniel Root of the ing. The Third effectively mus- Petersburg. When the regi- (consolidated) Fifth Michigan, tered out with only several hun- ment surrendered at Appo- writing from a camp near Peters- dred men fit for duty and those mattox on April 9, 1865; burg, informed Michigan Adjutant men had been transferred to the there was only 1 officer and General John Robertson, that Fifth Michigan Infantry Regiment.. 28 men left. the Third Michigan “accompanied the army in all its marches and was on duty up to the last of its term of service. Not a man flinched from his duty though several were killed but a

Some Numbers

Of the leading 48 battles Antietam The Wilderness, May 5-7: studied, it was concluded that 2,108 dead 2,700 17,666 out of every 1,000 Federals in 9,549 wounded 9,024 Spotsylvania, May 10 and 12: battle, 112 were wounded. Of 753 missing 2,000 10,920 every 1,000 Confederates, 150 12,410 total 13,724 Cold Harbor, June 1-3: 12,000 were hit. Mortality was greater Petersburg, June 15-30: 16,569 among Confederate wounded Total: 26,134 for one day because of inferior medical ser- Horses were not immune from vice and lack of supplies. Some of the bloodiest battles of the slaughter of battle either, Gettysburg the War came as Grant drove with over 5,000 horses killed at Union Confederate on Richmond in the spring of Gettysburg. One artillery battal- 3,155 dead 3,903 1864. Confederate casualties are ion, the 9th Massachusetts, lost 14,529 wounded 18,735 missing for this campaign, but 80 of its 88 animals on the Tros- 5,365 missing 5,425 were enormous. The Federal tle Farm. 23,049 total 28,063 toll:

Total: 51,112 for three days Images courtesy of the Library of Congress and public domain MEN OF CHARACTER - THE PRICE PAID The Third Michigan at Fair Oaks and Groveton As students of Civil War history, we can only read the stories or letters that describe daily life and battles. For those of us who have never served or faced possible death on a battlefield, we will never know the feelings of apprehension, fear, or courage that drove these men, just ordinary men, to charge into the jaws of death. Wallace W. Dickinson, Co. K, Third Michigan wrote to the Mecosta County Pio- neer, June 9, 1862 describing the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia:

“…The “Gallant Third,” which had for many months been anxious to meet the enemies of their country, led the advance; and having reached the wood in which lay concealed their mortal foes, they sent up a shout that announced to the enemy that they were again face-to- face with “the brigade of sharp-shooters” that drove them from the woods and slashings at Williamsburgh (sic). The Third found themselves opposed by four regiments, but by a well-directed fire, and several splendid bayonet charges, scattered them like sheep. The Michigan 2nd, 5th, and New York 37th fought with their usual coolness and bravery.

Our loss is 30 killed, 124 wounded and 15 missing…Colonel Champlin was wounded in the hip during the early part of the engage- ment…Our Colors were brought down four times. The Color Sergeant and one of the guard was killed, and three of the guard was wounded…”

Colonel Champlin was not yet fully recovered from the hip wound he had received just three months before when he was again back with the regiment. George French, Co. K, Third Michigan wrote to his brother describing the events surrounding the Seven Days Campaign of 1862, the battle of Groveton, Virginia: “The Third went into the fight with 283 men, and out of that number there was 139 men killed and badly wounded…We were all in the fight and what saved any of us God only knows, for it was a horrid place. There was rebels on the left and front of us, and on our right was a battery throwing an enfilading fire of grape, canister and shell, while a fancy Pennsylvania regiment was firing on us from behind. Poor old Third! She caught —then. Our United States flag was shot to bits until there was not a piece as big as your hand left; and finally the standard was shattered and left on the field covered with the blood of the men who had so proudly borne it through all the battles of the Peninsula. Our State colors fared but little better, but we brought it back with us.”

W.W. Dickinson also described the battle of Groveton in another letter dated September 26, 1862 (the numbers reported in battle and killed, wounded or missing often varied from soldier to soldier):

“…The bravery of the “Gallant Third,” that has been tested at the battles of Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill, was to be tried again, if possible, by a more terrible ordeal. That your readers may form some idea of the murderous fire from which it was received, I have only to state that out of 260 men that went into the fight, only 120 came off the field unharmed!

Within the space of fifteen minutes 140 of our number was either killed or wounded!…Col. Champlin, not yet recovered from wounds received at Fair Oaks, was at the head of his regiment and led them into the fight. But in the early part of the engagement his partly healed wounds received fresh injury and he left the field, leaving the command to our gallant Major Byron R. Pierce…”

Currier and Ives and Kurz and Allison were two companies that created very colorful lithographic prints of battle scenes that were nothing like the actual action on the field. The above Currier and Ives image of the Battle of Fair Oaks includes Professor Thaddeus Lowe’s balloon the “Intrepid,” the first aerial reconnaissance of a battle in history.

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress Defending the Flag

Most regiments had a stand Third Michigan was Daniel Crot- Battle of in both legs in the knee area, and of colors - usually a national flag, ty. In his book, “Four Years Five was struck in the side by a piece U.S. or C.S.A. and a regimental Campaigning in the Army of the Forks, of shell as he planted the 11th state flag, often sewn by the Potomac” he describes a scene Virginia Virginia colors on the stone wall women of the community from involving his flag at the Battle of was 1st on Cemetery Ridge during which the regiment mustered the Wilderness: Lieutenant Pickett’s Charge on July 3, 1863. into the service. Presentation Martin ceremonies included exhorta- “An incident happened during Van Buren Note: At the time of this publi- tions to never lower the flag in this days' fight that I never shall Hickok of Company D “Fincastle cation, there is an effort under- defeat and never let it be dis- forget. As we are going forward Rifles”. Winegar was awarded way in Lynchburg to raise funds graced or captured by the ene- on the charge, a wounded the Medal of Honor for his hero- for the preservation of the Elev- my. soldier, as he is borne to the ic actions that day. Winegar’s enth Virginia Infantry flag. rear on a stretcher, caught Medal of Honor citation reads, The flag was “guarded” by a sight of my tattered banner, and “The President of the United unit called the Color Guard begun the song, "Rally States of America, in the name of which consisted of Sergeants that Round the Flag, Boys." Every Congress, takes pleasure in pre- carried the flag(s) and corporals man took up the words and senting the Medal of Honor to who were ready at anytime to went in with renewed vigor, (Cavalry) Wil- defend the flag against capture or driving the rebel lines inside their liam Wirt Winegar, United to carry the flag if a color bearer works. They reform and drive us States Army, for extraordinary was killed or wounded. The flags back...Some of our lines com- heroism on 1 April 1865, while also served to guide a regiment mence to fall back, and a huge serving with Company B, 19th under fire on a battlefield thence rebel asks me to surrender my New York Cavalry (1st New the term, “Rally around the flag colors, but those I never intend York Dragoons), in action at Five boys.” The flags, on a nearly ten- to let go out of my hands till I Forks, Virginia. While advancing The 11th Virginia Infantry Flag foot pole and six feet six inches have no life in me to carry in front of his company and on the fly and six feet on the them.” alone, First Lieutenant Winegar pike could be seen above the found himself surrounded by the smoke on the battlefield. The Eleventh Virginia Infantry enemy. He accosted a nearby has a different story to tell re- enemy flag-bearer demanding Both Blue and Gray recog- garding their flag as researched surrender of the group. His nized the importance of these by Mr. Kevin Shroyer of the effective firing of one shot so flags and members of the Color Eleventh Virginia Infantry re- demoralized the unit that it sur- Guard were some of the first enactors. rendered with flag.” As a result targets in a battle - whether of his actions at Five Forks, Vir- from an effort to capture the flag The following is a summary of ginia, Winegar was brevetted to or to kill the Color Guard - in an the events surrounding the cap- the rank of . effort to create confusion on the ture of the Eleventh Virginia field. Infantry’s battle flag at the Battle As for Hickok, like Winegar’s of Five Forks, Virginia on April 1, Medal of Honor citation notes, At Gettysburg, the Twenty- 1865. he is believed to have been cap- Fourth Michigan Regiment lost tured along with the other mem- eleven men who carried their The battle flag was captured bers of the 11th Virginia color- flags - eight were killed and three by 1st Lieutenant William Wirt guard, although no confirmation wounded - in about an hours Winegar, 19th New York Caval- of this has been found. Hickok time. ry (1st New York Dragoons). reportedly was wounded five The 11th Virginia officer in times during the war. Allegedly, The Color Sergeant of the charge of the color guard at the at Gettysburg, Hickok was shot

Images courtesy of Kevin Shroyer, Asst. Adjutant, 11th Virginia Infantry Re-enactors Second, Third and Fifth Michigan Infantry Regiments Annie Etheridge - Daughter of the Regiment

“The world never produced coln called for troops in 1861. chevrons, Annie never received ter, and they deserve to go forth but very few such women, for He joined the Second Michigan that appointment because Gen- to the world to show that if she is along with us through Volunteer Infantry, which was eral Kearny was killed two days England can boast of the achieve- storm and sunshine, in the heat forming under Colonel Israel B. later at Chantilly. And in spite of ments of a Florence Nightingale, of the battle caring for the Richardson in that city. Annie, the fact that she was given nei- we of America can present a still wounded, and in the camp look- accompanied the regiment to ther official rank nor pay; the higher example of female hero- ing after the poor sick soldier, Washington on June 5, 1861 as a men still called her their little ism and exalted acts of humanity and to have a smile and a cheer- volunteer nurse. Her duties also Sergeant in Petticoats. in the person of Anna Ether- ing word for every one who included cooking and laundering. idge.” Despite social disapproval of comes in her way. Every soldier Annie served for the entire four a woman serving in such a posi- Annie was brave and dedicat- is alike to her. She is with us to years as a volunteer nurse play- tion, Annie’s character and virtue ed in her work. The administer to all our little wants, ing a vital role in the histories of were above reproach. A Febru- Advertiser and Tribune also which are not few. To praise the Second, Third and Fifth Mich- ary 16, 1863 article in the De- reported that “At the com- her would not be enough, but igan Infantry Regiments. troit Advertiser and Tribune mencement of a battle, she fills suffice to say, that as long as one A week later, the Third Mich- states “Her demeanor is perfect- her saddle bags with lint and of the old Third shall live, she igan Infantry left Grand Rapids ly modest, quiet and retiring, and bandages, mounts her horse, and will always be held in the great- on June 13, 1861, and joined the her habits and conduct are cor- gallops to the front, passes under est esteem, and remembered Second Michigan in Washington. rect and exemplary; yet on the fire, and, regardless of shot and with kindly feelings for her good- Both regiments were placed in battlefield she seems to be alone shell, engages in the work of ness and virtues.” the Army of the Potomac so possessed and animated with the stanching and binding up the These words were written by they often fought side by side. desire to be effective in saving wounds of our soldiers…on Color Sergeant Daniel Crotty, of On July 18, Annie and the Michi- the lives of wounded soldiers. many occasions her dress has the Third Michigan Volunteer gan troops saw their first action No vulgar word was ever known been pierced by bullets and frag- Infantry, in his book ‘Four Years at Blackburn’s Ford, Virginia, to be uttered by her, and she is ments of shell, yet she has never Campaigning in the Army of the followed by the first major battle held in the highest veneration flinched and never been wound- Potomac. “ They describe his of the war at Bull Run on the and esteem by the soldiers as an ed.” respect and appreciation for Civil 21st. The brave men of the angel of mercy. She is indeed “No history on the war War nurse Annie Etheridge of Second and Third Michigan cov- the idol of the brigade, every would be complete that did not Michigan who performed ex- ered the Union retreat while man of which would submit to contain some mention of the traordinary deeds on the front- Annie worked tirelessly to help almost any sacrifice in her behalf. noble services performed by lines of battle amidst all the same the wounded. She takes the deepest interest in Mrs. Anna Etheridge of De- dangers and peril the soldiers the result of this contest, eagerly In August, 1862, Annie was at troit… “ (Detroit Free Press, themselves faced. reading all the papers to which the Second Battle of Bull Run, on 1881) she can obtain access, and keep- Early Years - August 29. While she was ad- ing thoroughly posted as to the Annie would serve for four Annie Etheridge started in ministering aid to a wounded progress of the war. She says years in a role that we would call this life as Lorinda Anna Blair, soldier from the Seventh New she feels as if she stood alone in a combat medic. She served in born May 3, 1839, in Michigan. York Infantry, an artillery shell the world, as it were, and desires nearly every battle of the Army In 1863, an article in the Detroit burst and “tore the soldier to to do good. She knows that she of the Potomac including Fair Advertiser and Tribune describes pieces.” Later that day, General is the instrument of saving many Oaks, Chancellorsville, Gettys- her “of Dutch descent, about five saw her binding up lives and alleviating much suffer- burg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, feet three inches tall, with a fair wounds of a soldier while under ing in her present position, and Cold Harbor and others. complexion, brown hair and a fire. “That is right”; he said. “I feels it her duty to continue in so vigorous constitution, and decid- am glad to see you here helping doing.” After the war, Annie lived in edly good looking. these poor fellows, and when Washington, DC where she died this is over, I will have you made The article continued, “These Annie was in Detroit with in 1913 and is buried in Arlington a regimental sergeant.” facts can be substantiated by her second husband, James Cemetery. testimony of the highest charac- Etheridge, when Abraham Lin- Although given the Sergeant

Images courtesy of U.S. Army Heritage Center and State of Michigan Historical Archives MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES

Early History On April 15, 1865, as word of President Abraham Lincoln’s death spread throughout the country, three Union Army officer friends met in Philadelphia to discuss the tragic news. Rumors from Washington of a conspiracy to destroy the Federal government by assassination of its leaders prompted the three officers to call other officers and ex-officers together to form an organization that could help thwart future threats to the national government. A mass meeting of Philadelphia veterans was held on April 20, 1865 to pledge renewed allegiance to the Union and to plan for participa- tion in the funeral arrangements for the President. The Philadelphia officers, who served as an honor guard for President Lincoln’s funeral cortege, met again after the funeral was over to establish a permanent organization of officers and ex-officers. The name they chose, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, first appeared in a notice calling for a meeting on May 31, 1865 at Independence Hall. By 1899, the MOLLUS had more than 8,000 Civil War officer members on its rosters and was sometimes referred to simply as the Loyal Legion. At its zenith, practically every prominent officer could be counted among the ranks of the MOLLUS. In addition to Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes, Original Companions Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, and William McKinley served as President of the United States. Objects and Activities Although originally organized to promote fraternal ties between Companions, advance the interests of veterans, provide relief to widows and children of deceased comrades, and promote allegiance to the United States government, the focus of the MOLLUS today also includes perpetuating the memory of those who fought to preserve the unity of the Republic and honoring the memory of wartime President, Abra- ham Lincoln and promoting his ideals. We do this by sponsoring and participating in ceremonies honoring President Lincoln and memorializing events of the Civil War and the men and women who were active in them; by furthering the study of military and naval science with ROTC awards; by promoting research and writing about Lincoln and Civil War subjects through the presentation of literary awards; by erecting, restoring, and maintaining plaques and monuments commemorating events and personalities of the Civil War; by publishing a historical journal, The Loyal Legion Historical Journal; and by engaging in other patriotic and educational activities.

MICHIGAN COMMANDERY

Established 4 February, 1885 in Detroit, Michigan. For many years, the Commandery met at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial (GAR Build- ing). Original companions included: Bvt. Maj. General (U.S.V. ) Russell A. Alger; Bvt. Brig. General (U.S.V.) James H. Kidd; Bvt. Maj. General (U.S.V) Byron E. Pierce; 2nd Lt., 4th Mich. Cavalry James Vernor.

Enemy Combatants 1861-1865 Opponents 2012