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THE BUGLE CALL The Newsletter of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation Summer, 2010 A Change of Convictions? Republic Elementary The Mystery of Gen. F.C. Armstrong Schools Named After By Jeff Patrick Wilson’s Creek Generals any unusual stories about people and events have Mcome out of the tumultuous years of the Civil War. The four kindergarten through fifth grade elementary Circumstances where brother fought brother or friends schools in Republic, will be named after gener- found themselves on opposite sides were fairly com- als who fought in the August 10, 1861 battle at nearby mon, but some soldiers may have even struggled over Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. With some encour- their own loyalty to the North or the South. In a story agement from Battlefield Superintendent, Ted Hillmer, worthy of the best Civil War trivia book, Frank Craw- Republic School Board members decided to capitalize ford Armstrong was reported to have fought as a Union on the city’s proximity to Wilson’s Creek when renam- officer at the Battle ing its schools next year. The current E-I building will of Bull Run outside become Schofield Elementary; the current E-II building Washington in July will be McCulloch Elementary; E-III will be named Lyon 1861, then quickly Elementary; and the building that is the current middle headed west and school will become the fourth elementary school, and participated in the will be Price Elementary. Battle of Wilson’s Superintendent Vern Minor said the board made its Creek as a Confeder- decision after several other ideas were considered. A lot- ate officer less than tery was held and the administrators drew to pick names a month later! Even for their respective buildings. Wilson’s Creek National more amazing is the Battlefield will be providing plaques to be placed inside detail that he sup- the each of the four schools highlighting the accomplish- posedly resigned ments of the namesake Civil War Generals. his commission in All four men were respected leaders on and off the the U.S. Army three battlefield. was a diplomat to France and days after he fought later served as Secretary of War. Ben McCulloch traveled at Wilson’s Creek, with and served in the . technically serving was a popular Missouri Governor and in both armies at the U.S. congressman. was vocally opposed same time! It makes to slavery. He was the first Union General killed dur- a great story, but did ing the Civil War and his death at the Battle of Wilson’s Armstrong actually Creek was largely responsible for keeping Missouri in fight in the first two the Union. battles of the It is hoped that the historic names will encourage the Frank Crawford Armstrong Civil War—but on students who attend these schools to explore their local 1835 – 1909 opposite sides? history and learn more about those who shaped it. See Armstrong on page 3

WILSON’S CREEK NATIONAL wBATTLEFIELD FOUNDATION e ANNUAL MEETING! 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 10, 2010 PLAN TO ATTEND! IN THE VISITORS CENTER MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM AT WILSON’S CREEK NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD - ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE AT 10:00 AM AT THE VISITOR CENTER Armstrong continued from page 1 A quick glance at the Official Records of the War of to Louisville, perhaps on some important business for the Rebellion seems to confirm the story. In his official General Benjamin McCulloch? That doesn’t appear to be Words from the President report to the adjutant general of the Confederacy in the case either. Although Armstrong’s whereabouts in the Richmond, Western Army commander General Benjamin weeks after First Bull Run are somewhat unclear, there is by Ken McClure McCulloch paid tribute to the valuable services of “Arm- evidence available to help us track his movements. strong,” one of his volunteer aides, at the Battle of Wil- One important document is a letter dated August 23,

son’s Creek. But is this really Frank Crawford Armstrong, 1861, from Anne M. Smith, Armstrong’s mother, written the veteran of Bull Run and (at that time) a Union officer? from her home in Maryland, to Confederate President A habit at our home over to be commended for the time and financial commit- To answer this question, we need to examine the . For some months past, wrote Mrs. Smith, the last several years has ment they make to the battlefield. I thank them for all career of Frank Crawford Armstrong. Born on November her efforts had been directed at getting her son Frank been to watch the Warner of their efforts and for the privilege of serving with 22, 1835, in (modern Oklahoma), where to Richmond so he could offer his services and “aid our Brothers Gettysburg video them. The Foundation’s staff is without equal. Execu- his army officer father was stationed, Armstrong was noble southern friends in our just & holy cause.” But the tive Director April McDonough and Finance Director during the anniversary of the commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Dra- correspondence between her and her son, “which would Roseann Blunt give the Foundation countless hours battle on July 1 through July goons in June 1855 following his graduation from Holy have been held sacred by all honorable men,” was inter- of their time and talent to make the Board’s job easy. 3. This video, based upon Cross Academy and College in Massachusetts. By the cepted by officials in Washington, allowing them to learn The Foundation’s success can be traced directly to the Michael Shaara’s The Killer spring of 1861, he was attached to the staff of Department his intention to resign his commission. By August 23, Angels, is a fascinating depic- work of April and Roseann. I am most grateful for of the West commander brigadier General William S. she was apparently unsure of his exact location, but she tion of that epic Civil War their work and support. Harney in St. Louis. When the fateful order came reliev- wrote that she knew that he had been ordered to Wash- battle and one that never fails to make me appreciate The coming year will be an exciting one as we ing Harney of command and appointing Nathaniel Lyon ington and then rushed over to Arlington. The only other the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice of those prepare to recognize the 150th anniversary of the in his stead, Armstrong received the envelope containing information she had was that she had noticed an article who fought on both sides. With the completion of Au- battle in August of 2011. The events being planned by the relief order and opened it. Once he was aware that in the August 22 issue of a local paper stating that two gust Light by Wide Awake Films, we will be starting the Board’s Reenactment Committee are designed to Harney had been relieved, Armstrong asked the general dragoon officers passed through Nashville on their way a new tradition—watching it each year on August 10, focus attention on the Wilson’s Creek National Battle- to return him to his regiment. A few days later, Arm- to Richmond. during the anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. field. Let me encourage you to be involved in these strong was promoted to captain and assigned to duty It is possible that Frank had some difficulty making As noted in last quarter’s newsletter, August Light is a activities and their preparation. again with the 2nd Dragoons. Shortly after that he was his way to the Confederacy. The August 26, 1861, issue seventy-minute video recounting not only the actual Finally, thank you for your continued interest in sent to Washington, D.C. of the Richmond Daily Dispatch noted that two officers Battle of Wilson’s Creek, but also events in the months the Foundation. It is your support of the battlefield Captain Frank Armstrong did in fact lead his com- who had recently resigned from the U.S. Army (one preceding the battle. Wide Awake Films has done a that makes possible the many activities highlighting pany of dragoons at the Battle of First Bull Run on July being Armstrong) passed through Nashville on Au- superb job of capturing the very essence of the battle the significance of what happened here on August 21, 1861, and then returned with his men to Arlington, gust 12, headed for Richmond. Both officers had been at Wilson’s Creek. The video will serve as a great 10, 1861. . By this time, apparently the young officer had compelled to fight at Bull Run when their resignations teaching tool, bringing to life the people, issues, and firmly decided to resign from the U.S. Army and serve were declined, the paper reported. Following the battle significance of Wilson’s Creek. Copies of the video can the Confederacy. According to one dramatic but errone- they received furloughs, traveled to neutral Louisville, be obtained at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Sincerely, ous account, on July 23 Armstrong obtained permission , forwarded their resignations, and headed to Visitor Center or by contacting the Foundation. to visit relatives in Washington, where he handed his Richmond. A later issue of the Dispatch reported that The battle’s anniversary on August 10 of this year letter of resignation to his brother in law, then made his according to his mother’s hometown newspaper, Arm- will mark the end of my two-year term as President of Ken McClure, President way to Confederate lines, with instructions not to deliver strong had resigned his commission and as of Septem- the Board of Directors. It has been a distinct honor to the resignation until his relatives knew he was safely ber 3 was in Richmond. Although the dates cited in the serve in this capacity. My fellow board members are beyond Union control. Richmond paper do not exactly mesh with the date of The truth is less dramatic but just as interesting. Arm- his resignation, the scenario makes Armstrong’s trip to strong’s resignation to Brigadier General Lorenzo Thomas, Louisville, Nashville, and Richmond quite plausible. In the U.S. adjutant general, was, in fact, dated August 13, addition, an endorsement letter from Senator 1861, three days after the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. It was Robert W. Johnson to the Secretary of War explained Have any stories of local or historical interest The Mission of the Wilson’s Creek short and to the point: “Genl I have the honor to tender that Armstrong “had to run off, to make his escape from relating to the Civil War? We’re always on the National Battlefield Foundation my Resignation as Captain 2d Dragoons My reasons for the enemy.” lookout for new stories and unique images for so doing are of a private nature. I am sir Very Respectfully So if Armstrong missed Wilson’s Creek, when did To work in cooperation with and to support the Wilson’s Yr Obt. Servt Frank C. Armstrong Capt 2d Dragoons.” His he arrive at General McCulloch’s headquarters west of The Bugle Call. Please send your newsletter Creek National Battlefield, a unit of the National Park Ser- resignation was marked “Accepted as tendered Received the Mississippi? That question is a bit harder to answer. contributions to: vice and its staff. To further, by all proper and legitimate A(djutant) G(eneral’s) O(ffice) August 19, 1861.” The Little Rock State Gazette reported on September 7 Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation agencies and means, the acquisition of Civil War histori- So it appears that the story holds up to scrutiny. But that James McIntosh had arrived in town from sadly, when certain annoying historical details are con- Richmond, and that “several very accomplished officers Attn: Bugle Call Editor cal properties and materials especially those related to the sidered, this “Believe It or Not” tale is ruined. Take the have been assigned to Gen. McCulloch’s command,” Battle of Wilson’ Creek, or usable in the interpretation of P.O. Box 8163 place where Armstrong’s letter was written, for instance. including Lieut. Armstrong, recently resigned from the the Wilson’s Creek battle. To be a friend of the park whose Springfield, MO 65801 The August 13 resignation was not written in Springfield, U.S. Army. The editor of Texas Captain John J. Good’s let- FAX to: 417-864-7428 primary purpose is to support Wilson’s Creek National Missouri, where the officer would logically be had he ters believed that Good was referring to Armstrong when Battlefield in a partnership through activities which E-mail: [email protected] fought at Wilson’s Creek, but in Louisville, Kentucky, and he wrote from Camp Jackson, Arkansas, on September may include fund-raising, volunteerism, education, in fact Armstrong also mentioned that “My address will 18 that “a Capt Somebody” who had been in “Lincoln’s advocacy, and research. be at Galt House Louisville Ky.” Could Armstrong have Army” had arrived in camp and been named assistant left the Wilson’s Creek battlefield and quickly traveled adjutant general. Supporting this theory is the fact that 2 3 the earliest document in Armstrong’s Compiled Service Atlanta Campaign, and helped cover the retreat of John So where did the legend of Frank Armstrong, Bull Record is dated September 27, 1861, signed by him as an Bell Hood’s Army of Tennessee after the Battle of Nash- Run and Wilson’s Creek come from? Some were already acting assistant adjutant general. Further, a card in an- ville. His last action was at Selma, in April 1865, wondering about Frank C. Armstrong’s participation Battle of Wilson’s Creek other of Armstrong’s compiled service record files states and he surrendered the following month. in the Battle of Wilson’s Creek as early as 1885, when a that Second Lieutenant Frank C. Armstrong was ap- Following the war Armstrong served as newspaper article noted that “Whether this Armstrong pointed to the provisional rank of major on September 14 Indian Inspector and Assistant Commissioner of Indian [mentioned in McCulloch’s Official Records report] and 149th Anniversary Activities and confirmed on December 13, 1861. The appointment Affairs, and died in Bar Harbor, Maine in 1909. Interest- Secretary Lamar’s Indian inspector are identical is a ques- Membership Dinner was signed by Confederate Secretary of War Leroy Pope ingly, although other aspects of his Civil War service are tion involved in some doubt….At any rate his is believed Monday, August 9, 2010 7:00 p.m. Walker and delivered to General McCulloch. It seems mentioned in Armstrong’s obituary, no mention is made to be the only case where an officer who actually fought Sahara Room, Oasis Ramada Hotel quite likely then that Armstrong was in Richmond by late of Wilson’s Creek. on the Union side at the beginning of the rebellion after- August or early September, met with the Secretary of War So if Frank Crawford Armstrong was not the Arm- ward took up arms against his country.” Foundation Annual Meeting no later than September 14, and by September 18 was in strong that General McCulloch referred to in his Wilson’s Perhaps some day we will find a statement from Tuesday, August 10, 2010 9:00 a.m. McCulloch’s camp, more than a month after the Battle of Creek report, who was the mysterious “Armstrong”? each of the two Frank Armstrongs—one describing his Visitor Center Wilson’s Creek. The answer is Frank W. (or Francis Wells) Arm- role at Wilson’s Creek, the other detailing his escape Even though he missed the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, strong, Frank Crawford Armstrong’s cousin. Accord- from the and his journey to join Mc- Anniversary Program Frank Armstrong saw a great deal of combat during the ing to Frank W.’s Compiled Service Record, he was Culloch’s army. In any case, based on the evidence Tuesday, August 10, 2010 10:00 a.m. remainder of the war, including actions in the Indian Ter- mentioned on July 5, 1861, as a doctor and volunteer presented here, the anecdote of Frank Crawford Arm- Visitor Center ritory and during the Pea Ridge Campaign. In July 1862 aide-de-camp to General McCulloch. He was officially strong’s service in two armies and two battles twenty Reception Armstrong was appointed an acting brigadier general by appointed an ADC on December 31, 1861. Sadly, Frank days apart is put to rest. Tuesday, August 10, 2010 11:00 a.m. Sterling Price and given command of all cavalry in the W. apparently did not live long enough to document Visitor Center . He led a cavalry brigade at the Battle his role in the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. On May 6, 1868, In 1863 the U.S. Congress enacted a Please join us to commemorate the 149th anni- of Thompson’s Station, Tennessee in March 1863, and, Jefferson County, Arkansas resident Dr. Frank W. Arm- military draft for male citizens between the after being promoted to brigadier general the following strong died in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief illness. versary of Battle of Wilson’s Creek. This year’s events ages of 20 and 45, but exempting those month, took command of a brigade in General Nathan A “gallant soldier, generous gentleman, beloved friend will feature guest speaker, author and MSU Professor, TRIVIAL TIDBIT who paid $300 or provided a substitute. Bedford Forrest’s cavalry division. He led a division at and brother” and relative of the far more famous Con- Dr. Bill Piston. Don’t miss any of the fun and his- the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, a brigade during the federate general passed into history. Poor Northerners complained, “The blood of a poor tory! For more information, contact the Foundation man is as precious as that of the wealthy.” office at 417-864-3041. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Annual Membership Dinner To Be Held Friday, August 6 he annual Foundation membership dinner will be held in the Sahara Room, Oasis Ramada Hotel, 2546 N. Glen- Tstone, Springfield, Missouri. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a cash bar. From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we will enjoy a buffet dinner followed by a program with guest speaker. We hope that many of our members and supporters will be able to join us for an evening of entertainment, great food, and friendship. Come out Annual Moonlight Tour and meet our great Foundation board and loyal supporters! A reservation form is included below. If you need driving directions to the event, please call the Foundation office Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 417-864-3041 or e-mail [email protected]. Don’t miss the annual re-creation of evening and night time battlefield scenes ✁ – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. The tour will depict scenes at various locations along the tour Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation road, showing events that occurred before, and after the 1861 battle. The Wilson’s Creek Foundation will 2010 Membership Dinner Reservation Form Wilson’s Creek be offering Chili Suppers at the Visitor Center from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 9, 2010 National Battlefield The first tour starts at 6:45 p.m. and the final one at 10:00 p.m. Tours leave every 15 minutes and each in the Sahara Room, Oasis Ramada Hotel lasts 75-90 minutes. Tour leaders will provide an overview of the events of August 10, 1861, and back- 2546 N. Glenstone, Foundation ground for each of the scenes. Visitors may ask questions and interact with tour leaders, but they will only Social Hour: 6:00 p.m. (cash bar) – Dinner: 7:00 p.m. – Program: 8:00 p.m. ❏ Yes, I plan to attend. Please reserve _____ be observers of the historic dramas presented at each stop. Dinner – Italian buffet, drinks, desserts seats at $26.00 Per Person. Tickets for the Moonlight Tour go on sale August 14. Tickets are $5 each, and may be purchased by Cost: $26.00/person - Attire: Business Casual mail or in person (no internet sales). Tickets are limited and usually sell out early. Call the Wilson’s Creek Reservations must be received by August 6, 2010. Total Enclosed $______Visitor Center at (417) 732-2662 for information. Please make checks payable and return to: Name(s)______Wilson’s Creek National Tickets on sale at the Visitor Center now. Battlefield Foundation Address______P.O. Box 8163 Only $5.00 per person! Springfield, MO 65801 City ______State______Zip______Contact the Battlefield Visitor’s Center at (417) 732-2662 or call the Foundation office at: 417-864-3041 Phone ( )______Number for Dinner______or fax form to: 417-864-7428 4 5 Foundation Hosts 7th Annual Arts in the Park Events Superintendent’s Corner By Ted Hillmer

or the seventh year in a row, the Wilson’s Creek National FBattlefield Foundation, along with JP Morgan Chase and Eastern National, hosted five Arts in the Park concerts, including Dear Foundation Members, in conjunction with Pea Ridge NMP has begun; and a the Ray House Jamboree. major reenactment of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek is being Performers at the Visitor Center concerts this year included Societies sometimes experience what President planned for August 12-14, 2011. Activities are also being The Missouri State University Band on May 8, a special double in his Lyceum Address called “the scheduled at the battlefield to educate our visitors about feature including Crazy Mule and The Missouri Boatride Bluegrass silent artillery of time,” a kind of inertia that develops as the importance of the Civil War and the battle that took Band on May 22, The Back Porch Players on May 29, and High a culture matures. People become comfortable and grow place here in 1861. Strung on June 5. less creative and inventive – and often less adventure- As I think ahead to the sesquicentennial, I want to The Jamboree was held on a beautiful June day. Four groups some. In later generations they may lose their drive and also express my appreciation to Ken McClure for his performed traditional old time music from the front porch of the become complacent. This is not the case with Wilson’s outstanding leadership as president of Wilson’s Creek historic home throughout the day. Refreshments of fresh pop- Creek NB staff or the Foundation. This past year has NB Foundation and for his support of the battlefield. It corn, cookies and cold lemonade were served, and living histori- been and the next will continue to be exciting, educa- has been my privilege to work with Ken and to see the ans in period dress led tours of the Ray House. Several local tional, and vibrant for all of us as we look forward to results of his dedication. While I am sad to see Ken step music groups performed, including Jeremy Myers fiddler with new challenges together. down, I look forward to working with Steve Ross as our Alvie Dooms on guitar, Gail Morrissee and Elizabeth Coleman One of those challenges is how to commemorate one new president. on hammer dulcimers, Dan O’Day fiddler with Kenny Key on of the bloodiest chapters in our nation’s history. There is This next year is a great opportunity for Wilson’s Crazy Mule band members have some fun with a a buzz across Missouri and in the greater Springfield area Creek NB and America to shine, as we educate our citi- guitar, and Ripplin’ Creek with Bill and Ann Riggs. We hope to see young volunteer from the audience. another great turnout again next year! because of the upcoming Civil War sesquicentennial that zens about the importance of the Civil War and promote starts next year. Several groups are beginning to plan ac- America’s best idea—the national park system. Thank tivities and programs around the theme of the Civil War. you for your continued support and appreciation of this The Governor’s Sesquicentennial Commission has been valuable resource located here in the southwest region of meeting and planning events for the State of Missouri; Missouri – Wilson Creek National Battlefield. the Springfield Literary Council has scheduled an event in 2011 with a Civil War theme; representatives of area Ted Hillmer, groups will meet this month to discuss Civil War activi- Superintendent ties during the next four years; coordination of activities

New Members & Contributors

The following people and organizations have recently joined or contributed to the Wilson’s Creek National Battle- field Foundation. Our sincere thanks to everyone for your generous support! Alvie Dooms and Jeremy Myers as seen Mary Munsell Abroe Denna Emerson Bill and Nancy Piston A fish-eye view of the crowd on the Visitor Center lawn. through a window in the Ray House Robert and Barbara Weber John and Patricia Ferguson Martha Railey Don Akers Richard Freihofer David L. Rauch Richard Wilbur David Glaser Jim Ridenour Mike Ball Ray E. Greenlee Jesse F. Roberts Scott and Traci Williams William Hahn William Robinett Brent Barnett Kevin Hageman Steve Ross Larry and Sundhild Barrett Jack and Virginia Halterman Arthur C. Schrieber Kenneth & Charlotte Buckingham Robert Herb Cynthia Schowengerdt David and Stacey Burton Ronald Himstedt Holmes Semken Virginia Bussey John Houlehan, Jr. Richard Simpson Bill Charles Scott Hughes Harold Sites Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks Jane Ann Johnson Shane Sondermann Thomas Coay Tracy Kimberlin Lezah and Ron Stenger Lincoln Connell Richard and Mary Jo Kirkey Vicki Stephens Gary Conwell Alan Kloehn Naomi Tate John Coryell John W. Mayer Ralph Thaemlitz Hal and Kathy Funk Ken and Joey McClure Florence Thompson John and Carolyn Gerdes Jim and Patty Millikin The members of Crazy Mule and The Missouri Boatride Bluegrass Band Gail Morrissee and Elizabeth Coleman J.D. Gillenwaters Michael Mitchell team up for the first two band jam session in Arts in the Park history. perform with hammer dulcimers and guitar.

6 7 Upcoming Events: at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

August 7-8 “1st Iowa” Living History Weekend–Artillery Firing Demonstrations, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at stop 5 on the Tour Road 10 149th Battle Anniversary Observance, 10-11 a.m. – No Entrance Fee 14-15 Fee Free Weekend – No Entrance Fee 14 Moonlight Tour tickets go on sale at the Visitor Center for the September 18 event: $5.00 each. 14 Artillery Firing Demonstrations, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at stop number 5 on the Tour Road.

September 6 Artillery Firing Demonstrations, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at stop number 5 on the Tour Road. 7 Change to Fall Hours, 8 am - 5 pm Visitor Center, 8 am - 7 pm Tour Road. 18 Special Event: “Moonlight Tour”: Evening living history program highlighting events before and after the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, 6:45 - 10:00 pm – Tickets required: $5.00 each. 25 National Public Lands Day – No Entrance Fee

October 24 Change to Winter Hours, 8 am - 5 pm Visitor Center and Tour Road.

Note: All Small Arms and Artillery Firing Demonstrations are located at Tour Road Stop Number 5 (Sigel’s Final Position). All programs are weather dependent and subject to availability of volunteer assistance. For more information, call (417) 732-2662 or visit the Web Site at www.nps.gov/wicr

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation P.O. Box 8163 Springfield, MO 65801

Visit our Expanded Website! www.wilsonscreek.com

Address Correction Requested