Case Shot & Canister

1BA Publication of the Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table Partners with Manor College and the Civil War Institute Our 21st Year

September 2013

4BVolume 23

5BNumber 9

Editor Patricia Caldwell

Contributors Hugh Boyle, Book Nook Editor Rose Boyle Nancy Caldwell, Artistic Adviser Jerry Carrier Paula Gidjunis Bernice Kaplan Jack Lieberman The War’s Second Front: Women Larry Vogel Andy Waskie and the U.S. Civil War

Original Photos Presenter: Patricia Caldwell (unless otherwise noted) Villanova Professor & Author Dr. Judith Giesberg 3BUOfficers President Hugh Boyle Vice President Our September Meeting Jerry Carrier Tuesday, September 17, 2013 Treasurer Herb Kaufman 7:30 pm Secretary 6:15 pm for dinner Patricia Caldwell Radisson Hotel Route 1 @ Old e-mail:[email protected] U phone: (215)638-4244 Trevose, PA

website: HUwww.dvcwrt.orgU

Umailing addresses: Dinner Menu – Grilled Pork Loin with burgundy braised button for membership: 2601 Bonnie Lane mushrooms. Soup, rolls, iced tea, diet soda and dessert. Huntingdon Valley PA 19006 Substitute: Pasta (chef’s selection).

for newsletter items: 3201 Longshore Avenue Call Rose Boyle at 215-638-4244 for reservations Philadelphia PA 19149-2025 by September 12. Dinner Price $24.00 You are responsible for dinners not cancelled

by Monday morning September 16.

Wilson James Award for Research in Women's In This Issue History at Boston College in 1994.

 Local events to help close out the 2013 Dr. Giesberg’s presentation will survey recent studies sesquicentennial year that have expanded the theater of war to consider  Paula Gidjunis with the latest in Preservation how the Civil War was fought in everyday life, on the News war’s home fronts. She reports that a number of scholars are actively remapping the geography of war  Our August presentation is reviewed by Larry in exciting new ways, giving us a Civil War with Vogel greater depth and new surprises. By using examples  In keeping with the court-martial theme from of women engaging the war in their communities and our August meeting, the Civil War Vignette in their homes, Dr. Giesberg will show how women’s highlights an eyebrow-raising court-martial historians and social historians are revitalizing Civil  Hugh Boyle asks for our readers’ input in The War studies as they push scholars to recognize the Book Nook, and Larry Vogel reviews a classic by war’s second front. Edward Longacre  Marines & ? Bernice Kaplan with a feature on the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and its surprising connection to the town  For our TV viewers, we have notice of a returning C-SPAN program  The Fall schedule of classes at the Civil War Institute at Manor College  Commemoration of the Sesquicentennial with events of September 1863

Some people have asked me why we hold meetings in the summer and such. Years ago we asked ourselves that same question. We The Other Side of War were meeting because we believed that there were enough people to attend summer For our September meeting, we will welcome Dr. meetings. That decision held true. Yes, there Judith A. Giesberg, a professor in the History are sometimes fewer people in the summer Department and Director of the Graduate Program at Villanova University. Dr. Giesberg received her BA who attend our meetings, yes it is a high in History from Trinity University, her MA from vacation time, but the big yes is because there Boston College, and was awarded her PhD from are many people who attend our summer Boston University in 1997. She is the author of meetings. The Delaware Valley Civil War several books, including Civil War Sisterhood: The Round Table meetings do just fine. The Sanitary Commission and Women’s Politics in Transition (2000), “Army at Home”: reason? – good presentations, and good Women and the Northern Civil War on the Home topics. Those same reasons are good any time Front (2009), Keystone State in Crisis: of year. So thank you all for making the in the Civil War (2013), and the soon to be published Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table the Memorable Days: Emilie Davis' Civil War Diary, 1863-1865, the diary of an African American woman great organization it is!! living in Civil War-era Philadelphia. Dr. Giesberg has also written numerous articles for scholarly publications such as Journal of the Civil War Era, Hugh Boyle Civil War History, and Opinionator: Disunion Blog, New York Times. She was the recipient of the Janet President 2

On August 28, Andy Waskie led a Civil War Trolley Car Tour for the Union League Round Table, with stories on the many CW sites in the city. Thanks to Jack Lieberman for sharing the photo below.

SEPTEMBER BRAIN TEASERS

1 – When came to Washington as a young congressman he stayed at a boarding house run by Mrs. Spriggs. The Congressman gave it a special name. What was that name?

2 – That boarding house was finally torn down. What building was built in its place?

3 – On the Washington Mall there is a body of water. What was the name of that body of water?

(Answers in next month’s newsletter!)

Alan and Donna Shaw Congrats to on the birth of rd st ANSWERS TO THE AUGUST BRAIN TEASERS their 3 grandchild and 1 granddaughter. Daughter Jen Shaw Choudhry and husband Tony 1 – Who led the Irish Brigade at Antietam? – welcomed daughter Skylar Lynn on August 13. Sky Thomas Francis Meagher weighed 6 lbs 3.5 oz, and measured 19.5 in long. 2 – What U.S. Senator [from Kentucky] had two sons become major generals in the Confederate She joins big brothers Chase and Cayden in the Army? – John C. Crittenden beautiful Choudhry family. Miss you, Jen! 3 – What was Robert E. Lee’s first field command as a full general in the Confederate Army? – Command of the Southeastern Coastal Defenses

Congratulations to our August book raffle winners, Jerry Carrier (dinner book), Jerry Rosenthal, Jen, Cayden, Sky, Chase and Tony Choudhry John Shivo, Pat Corey, Joe McCullough, Ann Kauffman and guest Mike Wiener. Bernice Kaplan spent August 25 to September 5 visiting a friend in Peterborough, UK, with whom Tom Stewart sent us his August trivia question – she struck up a friendship as a pen-pal in 1958. What was known as the “old soldier’s disease”? They have stayed in touch for 55 years. After several plausible but incorrect answers from audience members, Herb Kaufman – our Paula Gidjunis will be doing double duty on resident medical reenactor – to no one’s surprise, September 21, speaking at the Cycles and provided the correct answer – “addiction”. Cemeteries Ride, where she will be speaking on 3 General Hancock at Montgomery Cemetery from 8-11 am, and then at the event in the La Mott Community Room (either 1:30 or

2:00 pm) speaking on African American Women in September 15, 2013 – Sunday – 10:00 am to the Civil War. 5:00 – WWII Seminar featuring veterans from the Battle of the Bulge, the Pacific Theater, and others. West Laurel Hill Cemetery – Sponsored by GAR Museum & Library. Lunch at the Conservatory. Free to WWII vets, $15 fee for non- WWII vets to help defray costs. Seating is limited. Contact Hugh Boyle for additional info Joan & John Burke – Jamison, PA [email protected]

September 21, 2013 – Saturday – 8:00 am (start of check-in) – Trail Bike Tour Series: Cycles and Cemeteries Ride – Schuylkill River Heritage Area – Ride OCTOBER 15 on the from Norristown to Philadelphia and visit two historic cemeteries where Local Historian Dan Cashin Civil War notables, including Generals Hancock and The 71st PA at Meade, are buried. Enjoy a unique mix of cycling and history on the second ride in our Schuylkill River Trail Bike Tour Series. Fee and registration required. For NOVEMBER 19 full details see Author Greg Urwin www.eventbrite.com/event/7035941691?ref=elink

Gettysburg – History & Hype September 21, 2013 – Saturday – 10:00 am to DECEMBER 10 4:00 pm – Celebrate Historic La Mott and Honor the United States Colored Troops Annual Holiday Dinner 150th Anniversary and the founding of Camp Austrian Village, Rockledge William Penn - Historical La Mott Regimental USCT Re-enactors - Portrayals of Civil War Figures - Rain or Shine. Events will take place inside and JANUARY 21 outside. Visit www.usct.org for information as the Del Val Member Tom Davis program is developed - Phone: 215 885-2258 Volunteers needed for help in all aspects of this United States Colored Troops event; some starting now and some the day of the event. Ideas and suggestions are also welcome. If FEBRUARY 18 you are able to help or participate, please contact: Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott Member & Author Mike Burkhimer (CROHL), 1618 Willow Avenue, La Mott, PA 19027, The Mary Lincoln Enigma Phone: 215 885-2258, Email: [email protected] . Contributions appreciated (CROHL is a 501c3 non- profit). MARCH 18

Annual Discussion Night October 4, 2013 – Friday – 7:00 pm – Ninth Annual Gravediggers Ball – Crystal Tea APRIL 15 Room – 100 Penn Square East – To benefit the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery Historic Preservation Carol Neumann Waskie Efforts. The Friends of the Laurel Hill Cemetery will 1st Person Clara Barton again ‘resurrect’ the Gravediggers’ Ball. This black-tie or costumed event will be held at the Crystal Tea

Room at Wanamaker’s and will include cocktails, 4

dinner, dancing and musical entertainment by a dynamic 11-piece dance band. All proceeds go November 16, 2013 – Saturday – 10:00 am – towards the continued restoration and preservation of Remembrance Day in Gettysburg – Generals historic Laurel Hill Cemetery (burial site of General Reynolds and Meade & the veterans of the Battle of Meade and many Civil War veterans!). Cost: $175 Gettysburg Honor/Dedication Ceremonies during the donation per person, At Meade Society Table: $150 Remembrance Day Observance. Please meet at the per person! For info call 215.228.8200, or visit Reynolds Monument in the National Cemetery at theundergroundmuseum.org Ticket reservations are 10:00 am; then proceed to the Meade Equestrian re quested by September 20. Monument at 10:30 am for traditional honor ceremonies and wreath layings. Contact Jerry McCormick at [email protected] or (215) 848- October 17-19, 2013 –Thursday to Saturday – 7753 for info. 7:00 pm – Spirits on Stage: Our Residents Speak – Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia – The “Not Ready for December 31, 2013 – Tuesday – 11:30 am - Afterlife Players” have portrayed Laurel Hill’s most Annual General Meade Birthday Celebration restless spirits in the cemetery’s annual Halloween – Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, tours for the past twelve years. In 2013, however, the Philadelphia – Military parade and ceremony will Players will move to center stage for separate commence at 12 noon. Visitors and participants are theatrical performances. From a founder of the asked to gather at the Gatehouse of Laurel Hill at cemetery whose reputation was stained by scandal; 11:30AM.The parade of Civil War reenactment units, to a murderer and his victim buried just yards apart; civilians in period attire, heritage groups, and to a general who deserted his country for love, Spirits participants will process to the final resting place of on Stage will feature nearly a dozen of the the Victor of Gettysburg and memorialize his services cemetery’s most provocative and memorable to the nation. A champagne toast and reception will permanent residents, as they return from the dead to follow the program. A tour of the historic cemetery will tell their stories. The evening performances will be be offered (weather permitting). This year marks the staged deep amid the storied stones and haunting 23rd anniversary of the Meade birthday celebration histories of Laurel Hill Cemetery’s grounds, and will by the General Meade Society. For directions, call: be punctuated by poignant period music. Please 215-228-8200 Laurel Hill Cemetery. For information bring your own blankets, beach chairs, snacks, and registration call Dr. Andy Waskie at 215-204- and/or beverages. The cost is $20/person general 5452. admission. Reservations are requested by phone (215) 228-8200 or email [email protected]. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online. Upon arrival, register at Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Free parking is located in the lot directly

across the street from the Gatehouse.

October 26, 2013 – Saturday – 7:45 am to By Paula Gidjunis, 8:30 pm (approx.) – Del Val Day Trip to Preservation Committee Chair – Bus leaves Whitman Square Shopping Center, Route 1, Roosevelt Blvd. – North of Grant Avenue, promptly at 7:45 AM and will return to FALL CLEAN-UP AT GETTYSBURG Whitman Square approximately 8:30 pm Fort McHenry with program on the history of the American nd Flag, private tour of B&O Railroad Museum “The Our fall cleanup date is set for November 2 . If you War Came by Train”, lunch and shopping on your want to enjoy a fun day in Gettysburg with fellow own at the Inner Harbor, full course dinner at CWRT members, with a little work added in, please Chiapparelli’s Restaurant in Little Italy. All fees, bus, consider joining us. We meet at 10:00 am at the 27th tips, dinner included. Cost $89 pp. Snacks, drinks, PA monument on East – right on the prizes, fun events on the bus. other side of the stone wall separating the battlefield from the Tour Center on Baltimore Street.

5 MARK YOUR CALENDAR battle tours, these apps are great tools on the battlefield. http://www.civilwar.org/battleapps/ The Citizens for the Restoration of Historic LaMott There are also great lesson plans for teachers. (CROHL) will be sponsoring an event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of Camp William Penn, the largest training facility for African CENTRAL VIRGINIA BATTLEFIELD TRUST Americans during the Civil War. Camp William Penn is in the LaMott section of Cheltenham The nonprofit Central Virginia Battlefields Trust Township. It will be held on September 21st, from 10 (CVBT) was established with a two-fold mission: To to 4. CROHL is seeking volunteers to help with the purchase significant Civil War battlefields and event in a variety of activities such as setting up, landmarks, both in fee and in easement, and to parking or museum monitors and tour guides. The preserve them in perpetuity and to serve as a CWRT will have an information table at the event. facilitator and advocate for battlefield preservation There will also be a parade in the morning and on a local, state and federal level. Recently, CVBT speakers in the afternoon. If you would like to received two grants: $77,000 for a 9.2 acre tract on volunteer, a signup sheet will be passed around at Jackson’s Flank Attack during the Battle of the next meeting, or you can contact me at Chancellorsville and $700,000 to assist the Civil War [email protected]. Free event. Trust in a 56 acre acquisition of Fleetwood Hill on the Brandy Station Battlefield. To learn more check out their website at http://www.cvbt.org HEADSTONES FOR VETERANS

From Charlie Kelly of the Montgomery County Civil War Round Table. Please take the time to sign the petition at www.marktheirgraves.org

“For those not aware the Federal Government has changed its application process for headstones. Prior to the change ANYONE could apply for a stone for a Talking in Your Sleep?? deceased veteran whose grave was unmarked. If By Larry Vogel there were a family marker in place then a marker would not be provided. The plan was simply to The August Meeting of the Delaware Valley Civil assure that anyone who served our country would be recognized for their service. We have placed about 50 War Round Table featured Jim Heenehan as such markers in Montgomery Cemetery. There are speaker. Jim has been a member of Old Baldy Civil other cemeteries throughout the country where the War Round Table for years and he has been an same has taken place. Well now they have changed attorney for the United States Environmental the program. Only related persons can give Protection Agency since 1978. He has written consent for a stone and this has in effect wiped out several articles for various Civil War publications the program. There is a group seeking signatures to including The Gettysburg Magazine. Jim gave the support a change in the rule. Go lecture wearing a red kepi that was worn by the to www.marktheirgraves.org and sign the petition 84th New York Infantry also called the 14th also write your congressman and urge them to th change the regulation.” Brooklyn. The 14 Brooklyn was in the same th brigade at the with the 7 Indiana Regiment, the subject of the talk. CIVIL WAR TRUST WEBSITE Specifically the topic was, “The 7th Indiana at One of the best websites for great Civil War Battle Culp’s Hill & Colonel Ira Grover’s Court-Martial.” information is the Civil War Trust website. Battle maps, videos and other information are available. th Jim gave us a history of the 7 Indiana regiment Also the free battlefield apps for both iPhones and while also telling us the curious tale of Ira Grover. droids have expanded. With GPS ability, “Field Glasses”, an augmented reality viewer and in-depth 6

The 7th Indiana Infantry served as a member of that fighting had broken out at Gettysburg and Cutler’s Brigade in Wadsworth’s Division of the quickened the pace. Arriving that evening, his men First Corps, Army of the Potomac. The unit was were posted on the north side of Culp's Hill, going commanded by Colonel Ira G. Grover (1832-1876). into line next to the survivors of the . Grover was a lawyer from Greensburg, Indiana and This strong and fresh regiment added greatly to a member of Indiana state legislature. the security of Culp's Hill that evening.

Colonel Ira Grover's decision to violate orders and march his 7th Indiana infantry from Emmitsburg, MD to Gettysburg, PA on July 1, 1863 helped to save Culp's Hill from an attack that night by Maj. Gen. 's division.

Jim Heenehan addresses the Round Table while wearing his 14th Brooklyn kepi

The 7th Indiana has a long history. It was one of the first regiments to be mustered in to the army. It was organized at Indianapolis, Indiana in April Part of the attentive full house of Del Val members 1861. The Regiment was sent to Grafton, Virginia includes (lower table) Cindy Reihmann, new members (now West Virginia) on May 30, 1861 and it John & Joan Burke, (upper table) Mike Burkhimer, participated in the Battle of Philippi, one of the Matt Bruce and Alan Ash first land battles of the Civil War, on June 3, 1861. And what was Grover's reward for this service? A court-martial for leaving Emmitsburg without As part of Brigadier General Thomas A. Morris' orders. At least that is the story that has been Indiana Brigade (of Major General George B. told for well over 100 years. Although he was McClellan's Army of West Virginia), the 7th acquitted of the Court Martial, that was not good Indiana participated in the Rich Mountain enough for Jim. He wanted to find out why Colonel Campaign from July 6 to 17 in which the first Grover was court-martialed in the first place as Confederate General of the war was killed, namely his act, although technically against orders, helped Robert Garnett. to save the Union.

So 8 or 9 battles later including the Second Battle Jim reviewed previous publications on the matter of Bull Run, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and they all stated that Colonel Grover was court- the 7th Indiana found themselves on July 1, 1863 martialed for that instance. Once again at Emmitsburg, MD led by Colonel Ira Grover. unconvinced, Jim sent away for the court-martial Their task was to guard the corps trains with papers from the National Archives. By carefully orders to wait until relieved by one of Brigadier reviewing the court-martial paperwork, Jim finally General Stannard's Vermont regiments. As the found some discrepancy that has been repeated day continued Colonel Grover grew impatient consistently through the years. waiting for the overdue relief. Finally, at 10:00 AM he ordered his 7th Indiana to move north to Jim told us that his meticulous research revealed rejoin the main army. On the march, Grover heard that Colonel Grover was indeed court-martialed 7 but it was not for disobeying orders on July 1. Jim discovered that the court-martial was for another incident entirely.

The 7th Indiana was ordered to start on the move An Incredible – and Shall we early in the AM sometime in the spring of 1863. A Admit, Amusing – Court- courier came into to Colonel Grover’s tent and told Martial him to be ready to move out at a certain hour. By Pat Caldwell, Editor Colonel Grover answered in the affirmative. A th short time later, it was noticed that the 7

Indiana was not moving, so once again, a courier Last month at our regular meeting we heard was sent to talk to Colonel Grover to give him his the story of Colonel Ira Grover and his court- orders. Once again the colonel answered in the martial acquittal (see summary of the th affirmative. Eventually the 7 Indiana got moving presentation on pages 6-8). And while we may but due to a personality conflict with the have been surprised to learn the Commander, Colonel Grover was court-martialed circumstances of the charges, at least they for this instance because of the delay. So why was seemed militarily legit. While reading a book Colonel Grover acquitted when it was clear that in entitled, Brother Against Brother: The Lost Civil War Diary of Lt. Edmund Halsey, I came this instance he disobeyed orders. Well, Colonel across the account of a court-martial that Grover was asleep. He proved to the court that he would strain the credulity of any reader. was talking in his sleep when he supposedly consented to move out. Colonel Grover even In early 1864 Lt. Halsey presented an eye or rather an ear witness who had (right) was serving as a has heard him talk in his sleep in the past. judge advocate on a court- martial board. Considering the growth and make-up of the volunteer army, it is easy for us to understand that charges and punishments could vary widely among court-martial boards. The job of the judge advocate was to present charges and extenuating circumstances and argue for fairness in an army where soldiers were young recently converted civilians, and crimes such as desertion sometimes resulted in a slap on the wrist or sometimes in death.

Following his presentation, Jim receives the traditional Politics, too, played a role in courts-martial, certificate and esteemed RT drinking vessel from as we saw in our August presentation. The President Hugh Boyle judge advocate had this to deal with, as commanding generals sometimes overturned decisions of the board. And sometimes cases If you want to get more details of this interesting were just plain ridiculous, such as the case of story, Mr. Heenehan has published his finding one Private Peter Clancy of the 4th NJ. about the exoneration of one of the heroes of Culp’s Hill in Gettysburg Magazine. It can be found Clancy’s duties involved maintenance of in the July 2011 Issue (Volume #45). General Alfred Torbert’s HQ tents. Torbert was known to have a sweet tooth and to stash candy and other sweets among his possessions in a chest in what has been described as a tent “cluttered with tables, 8

chairs, boxes, and piles of paperwork.” One day Clancy found the candy and decided to The help himself to a few pieces. This happened on numerous occasions, Clancy trusting that the theft would not be noticed. Book But, lo and behold, Torbert (left) returned to his tent unexpectedly one day and caught Clancy in

UNook the act. He allegedly “became incensed” and immediately had Clancy court-martialed, “harrumphing that the theft of candy was By Hugh Boyle, Book Editor symbolic of what was wrong with discipline What Are Your Reading Interests? throughout the entire army.” People always come up to me and ask “What more Now of course, Halsey realized this was a pea- could be written about Abraham Lincoln?” I just brained case that should not be taking up his say there is more to come, but it is the same time, but he had to proceed because the general himself was the eyewitness. The generally with books on the Civil War. They just overwhelming evidence led to a conviction but keep on, each month, each year. All of us have the board gave Clancy a light sentence in view topics that we want to see as the topic of a good of the offense. Torbert, hearing of the result, book. We all have that event, person, battle or “became enraged”. He fired the entire board moment we want to read about. Write to me with the exception of Halsey and demanded a ([email protected]) and let me know what it is. retrial with a new board. Halsey reminded Send it to this column and we can share with all of Torbert that Clancy could not be tried again the round table. for the same crime, but the general retorted that “this was the army, and, oh yes, he could.” Lt. Halsey was now caught between Happy Reading!! the commanding general and his own sense of decency and determined to stall the case as long as he could. Halsey was able to pull this off for months while promising the general that it would be dealt with as soon as the case backlog could be caught up-to-date. In … that as a result of Union General reality, every time the case moved to the top George McClellan’s Peninsula campaign, of the docket, Halsey dropped it back down to the bottom. the Confederate Army acquired some 60,000 Yankee overcoats? This farce continued until General Torbert was promoted and transferred out. Halsey immediately tossed out the case of the candy thief, and Clancy was free and clear. The NY Times is running a feature entitled Hopefully, Clancy’s sweet tooth was satisfied Disunion on its Opinion Pages. It’s a daily with more conventional methods. chronicle of the events of 150 years ago today. Source: Brother Against Brother: The Lost Civil HUhttp://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/categor

War Diary of Lt. Edmund Halsey, edited by y/disunion/U Bruce Chadwick, Carol Publishing Group, New Jersey, 1997, 308 pages.

9 hold out as five months later General Van Dorn was Mounted Raids of the Civil War killed, not by combat but buy a jealous husband of a By Edward Longacre married woman with whom the General was having an affair. [For more details on this incident, see Civil Reviewed by Larry Vogel War Vignettes “The Terror of Ugly Husbands” in the May 2013 issue of Case Shot & Canister.] When I knew I would be taking a course at Manor Another raid featured in the book was Colonel Abel College last winter titled Streight’s Raid through Alabama. The goal was for “Cavalry Raids and the Federals to destroy as much of the Western & Campaigns” taught by Herb Atlantic Railroad as possible to disrupt General Kaufman, I decided to pick Braxton Bragg’s Army of the Tennessee which had a up this book at one of our fairly comfortable position in Middle Tennessee. DVCWRT book sales. When Colonel Streight developed his plan he envisioned that his men and horses would be As it turns out I read it transported by boat up the Tennessee River to the city while I was taking the of Eastport, and then they would continue on their course. This book was in way. General Rosecrans had other ideas. For a Herb’s recommended variety of reasons, he issued mules to Colonel reading list and on the last Streight, not horses. It was thought that mules would day of the course he suggested the be more sure footed then horses in the rugged book personally, stating that it was an easy read. territory, and the general did not want to risk his horses on this venture. The raiders quickly found out Well, I concur with Herb’s assessment. It was a nice that the mules did not take kindly to being ridden, easy read. Mr. Longacre took twelve distinct cavalry and many times during the raid the mules’ very loud raids and profiled each in about 25 pages or so. Mr. brays let the enemy know they were coming. Despite Longacre states in the book introduction that he has this comedy of errors, the raid was fairly successful, taken a cross section of the “most” important Civil though it ultimately ended after three weeks by War Cavalry raids. Colonel Streight surrendering to Bedford Forrest, thinking himself out numbered badly. As it turns out I really liked this format. I like to read short vignette Bedford Forrest through trickery and troop type stories of Civil War events initially before movement convinced the Colonel that he was moving on to longer more detailed books about a surrounded and outnumbered. After discovering the subject, if I like it. ruse, Colonel Streight tried to “un-surrender”, but it was too late. General Forrest responded by throwing The book started with General Jeb Stuart’s back his head and laughing loudly. He said to Chambersburg raid in October 1862 and, in Streight, patting him on the shoulder, “Ah, Colonel, somewhat chronological order, ended with 27 year all is fair in love and war, you know”. old Major General James Wilson’s Selma Campaign which ended about three weeks after Robert E. Lee One of the most successful raids of the Civil War, surrendered in April 1865. Benjamin Henry Grierson’s raid through Mississippi was profiled. General Sherman said after its Mr. Longacre does a great job in summarizing each completion that Grierson’s raid was, “The most raid, so I will not do that here, but I will provide brilliant expedition of the war.” some highlights. I learned two interesting things about Grierson. Several of the raids were conducted in part so that the Number one he was born in Pittsburgh, PA, which leader could redeem himself from previous failures. quite frankly would be of no interest to anyone else This was the case in General Earl Van Dorn’s Holly but me as I also was born there. He alas did not grow Spring’s Raid. The raid on Holly Springs was a up there as I did, as his family moved after his birth success and had a decisive effect of the Civil War in to Youngstown, Ohio. As an 8 year old the second the west and helped bring back Van Dorn’s interesting thing occurred. Ben was kicked in the face reputation as a soldier. Unfortunately his luck did not by a pony. The kick split his forehead, sliced his cheek and left him blind for two months. The 10

incident scarred him figuratively and literally. He did point, a breathtaking sight from Interstate not like or trust horses most of his life and tried to 95. Photographer Joe Rosenthal’s historic avoid them. Ironically after Grierson joined the photograph of five marines and a navy army, Major General Henry Halleck sized Ben up, corpsman determinedly raising the and said that he had the making of a good cavalry American flag above Mount Suribachi, Iwo officer. As it turns out General Halleck was right, as Jima, during World War II was the Ben Grierson ended up being one of the greatest inspiration for Fentress Architects to design leaders of volunteer cavalry in the Civil War. this lofty glass and steel structure. The Iwo Jima flags are well preserved in the World The raid started in LaGrange Tennessee and ended in War II section of the museum. federally controlled Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It accomplished its goal of keeping a large contingent of Confederates away from Grant’s army as he moved towards Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Other interesting raids profiled include the Dahlgren Kilpatrick Raid and Sheridan’s raid of Richmond where Jeb Stuart was killed.

I highly recommend this book as a means to learn about the cavalry and to get a brief overview of how some of the raids were conducted. And if you like what you read in a certain 25 page chapter of a raid, you might be so inclined to get a much larger book on any of the particular raids profiled here.

Façade of the National Museum of the Originally published by A.S. Barnes & Co. 1975; Marine Corps reprinted by University of Nebraska Press, 1994 (this edition); 348 pp; available from Amazon for When you enter the National Museum of as little as $2.99 the Marine Corps, which incidentally

opened in November 2006, you are warmly

greeted by active and retired Marine Corps men and women who are readily available to assist you. Some of the retirees are docents and are eager and willing to share their vast Marine Corps knowledge with you. One of the volunteers with whom I Semper Fidelis – spoke is a Civil War buff and is a member of the Fredericksburg Civil War Round A Gettysburg Story Table.

Article and Photos by Bernice Kaplan Incidentally, the admission and parking are free. Our final visit on Sunday, June 9, 2013, the fourth day of STARR Tours Civil War The museum is replete with fascinating Trails on Land and Sea in Virginia, led by permanent exhibits as well as traveling the inimitable Jane Peters Estes, was the exhibits. I spent three hours traipsing stunning National Museum of the Marine around the different exhibits without Corps. Located about 20 miles from stopping for lunch. Mind you, there are two Washington, D.C. in Triangle, Virginia, decent restaurants available: the Devil Dog adjacent to Quantico Marine Corps Base, Diner and Tun Tavern. Legend has it that the museum’s dazzling architectural the birthplace of the Marines was a centerpiece soars 210 feet at its highest Philadelphia pub called the Tun Tavern

11 where Captain Samuel Nicholas, first designated officer of the American Marines, began recruiting men in November 1775.

As you walk past the main desk you are ready to enter the Leatherneck Gallery. This centrally-located gallery displays artifacts, testimonials and images celebrating the contribution of every Marine. A Jenny biplane (from the 1920s Banana Wars) is suspended overhead with two Corsairs (World War II). On the ground a Sikorsky helicopter offloads Marines into a Korean position and an LVT-1 amphibious tractor is depicted breaching defenses on the Pacific Island of Tarawa The museum’s Gettysburg display during World War II. There are large portraits of eight marines overlooking the Lo and behold a few feet away I found area and the surrounding travertine walls myself in the area of the Civil War exhibits, are inscribed with eloquent quotations. As specifically the one entitled WITH LINCOLN an after-thought, the nickname AT GETTYSBURG. The Marines did not “Leatherneck” became popular among the fight during the Battle of Gettysburg in July Marines during the 19th century when they 1863. However, four months later, on wore leather stocks on their necks. November 18, a 21-year old Marine Lieutenant, Henry Clay Cochrane, a native of Chester, Pennsylvania, traveled with President Lincoln to Gettysburg, as a member of his official guard. They were en route for the dedication ceremony of the new battlefield. Lieutenant Cochrane and Lincoln rode together in the Presidential railcar to Gettysburg from Washington, D.C.

According to Cochrane, upon retiring for the evening, Lincoln commented that “the Sikorsky helicopter in Korean War display people will expect me to say something to them tomorrow, and I must give the matter As eager as I was to see the Civil War some thought”. Exhibit, I somehow got caught up with one The following of the interactive exhibits, Making Marines, day, sitting and was introduced to my female drill close to the instructor, determined to transform me into podium where a disciplined leatherneck. That experience Lincoln gave his lasted a short time but provided me with extraordinary some good laughs. A popular sight with speech, young adult visitors is the rifle range where Lieutenant you could test your skills with a laser- Cochrane designated target acquisition M-16. uttered “something had been said which 12

would live forever.” The Marine Corps the Marines’ presence during the Civil War band, led by Francis M. Scala, such as: First Battle of Manassas; The had a strong presence Battle of New Orleans; The Battle of Mobile during these Bay; Battle of Sailor’s Creek; and the USS momentous days. Kearsarge versus CSS Alabama. There are They performed also displays covering Amphibious Warfare while traveling on and Amphibious Misfortunes; and Marine the President’s Weapons. The First Marine Corps Medal of train, during the Honor was awarded to procession while Corporal John F. marching through Mackie for bravery Gettysburg on shown while he was November 19th and also aboard the ironclad while the ceremony was held at the warship Galena cemetery. Lieutenant Cochrane remained during the Battle of with the Marine Corps until 1905, retiring Drewry’s Bluff in as a Colonel but was promoted to Brigadier May 1862. After the General, while retired, in 1911. General war, Mackie married Cochrane died in Chester, Pennsylvania at and settled in the age of 71 in 1913. Philadelphia. He is buried in Drexel Hill. The Civil War Exhibit at the museum is fascinating, beginning with John Brown’s An interesting narrative among the exhibits Raid at Harpers Ferry and the Marine states that when the war began, many Corps’ immediate and successful veteran officers chose to fight for the involvement in this struggle. Interestingly, Confederacy. “The Marines who remained one of the explanatory narratives dealing loyal to the Union performed valiantly at with John Brown and Harpers Ferry states: sea and ashore, but at 3,300 officers and “Charging the building under fire with a men, the Corps was very small when battering ram, the Marines cut down the compared to naval strength and U.S. defenders and rescued the hostages enlistments. Of the total Americans who unharmed. Few Marine operations in the died during the war, only 148 were U.S. ensuing Civil War were as professionally Marines and about 50 were Confederate executed”. Marines. “Fifteen U.S. Marine non- commissioned officers and two privates received the newly created Medal of Honor for bravery. Eight were foreign-born (five from Ireland); ages ranged from 19 to 53; and all but three of the awards resulted from conspicuous bravery under fire during the Mobile Bay and Fort Fisher campaigns.”

You will need an additional two hours to visit and fully appreciate the phenomenal World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Galleries. The atmosphere is so authentic that you feel as if you are in the thick of each battle. There are highly realistic cast figures; photographs; movie The museum’s John Brown display footage depicting combat actions; sound effects from the artillery and shouting from However, I was surprised and pleased to the marines; you can feel the ground see the plethora of displays demonstrating shaking under you. If you go, please think

13 twice about bringing young children as the scenes are very graphic and can be disturbing. There is still more to see including the Global Expeditionary Force Gallery which covers the years from 1866- 1917. There are films shown in the comfortable theater and, of course, the Return of the First requisite gift shop – which happens to be well stocked with books, clothing, and other Ladies of the United Marine Corps memorabilia. States By Bernice Kaplan

I am happy to announce that Season Two of the brilliant series presented on C-SPAN – FIRST LADIES: INFLUENCE AND IMAGE – will be returning on Monday evenings at 9pm, starting on September 9, 2013. The C-SPAN series covers: “the First Ladies White House Years; the interests they championed; their policy influences on the presidents; their stewardship of the White House; and their approach to private and public life.” Two flags from Mt. Suribachi

I saved the best part for last. You can visit Series one, began on February 25, 2013 with each gallery, watch useful museum videos, First Lady Martha Washington, and the series rotate 3D models of artifacts and enjoy concluded on June 10 with First Lady Ida many other innovative features from you McKinley, wife of President William McKinley. own computer by logging in on www.virtualusmcmuseum.com However, I I think that most people who have been still encourage you to visit the National following this series will agree that the Museum of the Marine Corps, located at historians discussing the different First Ladies 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA 22172; Phone: 1-877-635-1775 or visit (from the Washingtons to the McKinleys) have the website WWW.USMCMUSEUM.ORG attempted to give as accurate information as The Museum is open 9 am to 5 pm every possible. A great number of the speakers have day except Christmas. spent many years studying and writing about their subjects. In addition to the discussions during the 90 minutes broadcasts, there are From our August speaker: videos showing the private residences where the families lived as well as the Presidential Hi Nancy - I just wanted to thank you for Museums that are in existence. inviting me to give my Col. Grover talk to DelVal. You have a good group and it was Audience participation is invited via phone calls, a fun evening. Facebook and Twitter. However, the audience participation is not possible during the encore - Jim Heenehan presentations of the programs. Usually, the programs are repeated on Saturday evenings. 14

On weekends they are usually shown on C-SPAN videos, as well as condensed versions of the as well as C-SPAN3. biographies. See www.c-span.org/first ladies.

Kicking off the new season on September 9 will be Edith Roosevelt, the wife of President Theodore Roosevelt. Although throughout

Series 1, the Executive Mansion was referred to as the White House; it was actually Edith Roosevelt who changed the name to the White House. Mrs. Roosevelt made important I NEED YOUR HELP!!!! restorations to the White House, including the creation of the West Wing. Member contributions to the

Following Edith Roosevelt, First Lady Nellie newsletter are always Taft will be featured on Monday evening, welcome and encouraged. September 16. Mrs. Taft was the 1st First Lady to own and drive a car. Although she suffered a severe stroke two months after President Please submit short articles, William Howard Taft’s inauguration, Edith Taft had a strong spirit and resolve, and was able to book reviews, resume most of her official duties in about a informative pieces, year. newsy items The First Ladies Series continues with the two and opinion pieces Mrs. Wilson (wives of President Wilson) on September 23 and by October 14, Lou Hoover, to the Editor at the wife of President Herbert Hoover will be [email protected] featured. Lou always interested me. She spoke fluent Chinese and was the first woman to major in geology at Stanford University. First-time authors are

And the list of First Ladies continues on with encouraged!!! Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Please consider submitting Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary a review or article Clinton, Laura Bush and the final program, on February 10, will feature Michelle Obama. of any length to Case Shot & Canister. If you are unable to view the programs on Mondays or the encores on Saturdays (hopefully, it will still be on Saturdays), don’t THANK YOU!!! despair because C-SPAN along with the collaborative agency, the White House Historical Association, have developed a wonderful interactive website to accompany the series. The site has historic letters, recordings, 15

The battle of Devil's Backbone, aka Backbone Mountain, AR is won by Union forces on September 1.

On September 2, Ambrose Burnside occupies Knoxville, TN.

On September 5, British Lord Russell stops the shipment of two ironclads from Liverpool destined for the Confederacy, dashing hopes of British support during the war.

On September 6, P. G. T. Beauregard orders the evacuation of Battery Wagner and Morris Island.

General William Franklin steams past Sabine Pass on September 8 to Confederate Fort Griffin on the Texas-Louisiana border. John Bankhead Magruder, with two "cotton-clads" and a force of 44 men turns back more than 200 Union troops.

On September 9, Federal troops enter Chattanooga, TN, and leaves Virginia with his corps to reinforce the Army of Tennessee.

The Battle of Davis Crossroads, GA, is won by Union forces on September 10-11.

On September 10, Union forces score a victory at the Battle of Bayou Forche, AR, causing Sterling Price to withdraw his Confederates from Little Rock.

On September 13, pushes the Army of the Potomac to the Rapidan River.

Lincoln suspends the writ of habeas corpus on September 15.

On September 17, Longstreet's Corps begins arriving in Northwest Georgia.

At the September 19-20 Battle of Chickamauga, a Federal retreat is halted only by the Rock of Chickamauga, General George Thomas, on Snodgrass Hill.

On September 21, Confederate General Benjamin Hardin Helms, Lincoln’s brother-in-law, wounded at Chickamauga dies.

General Joseph O. "Jo" Shelby begins his raid of Missouri and Arkansas on September 22.

On September 23, Colonel Henry Sibley defeats the Sioux at Wood Lake, ending the Great Sioux Uprising.

Beginning on September 30, Joe Wheeler raids Federal positions north and east of Chattanooga.

“Our Women and the War” Harpers Weekly, September 6, 1862

Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table 3201 Longshore Avenue Philadelphia PA 19149-2025

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