BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 1
The Newsletter of the Bull Run Civil War Round Table — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018
HISTORIAN AND AUTHOR GEORGE F. FRANKS III SPEAKS ON MEMBERSHIP MEETING “THE BATTLE OF FALLING WATERS - 7 p.m. Centreville Library JULY 14, 1863” AT FEBRUARY 8th MEETING THURSDAY, February 8, 2018 GUEST SPEAKER: The story of the Gettysburg Campaign, both HISTORIAN and AUTHOR before and after the July 1−3, 1863, battle itself, has recently received increased attention from George Franks III historians. The movement of the Army of TOPIC: Northern Virginia following Gettysburg, and its pursuit by the Army of the Potomac, are every “Battle of Falling Waters” bit as important to the study of the American Civil War as the events in and around that small crossroads town in Pennsylvania. Many president of the Capitol Hill Civil War Round historians agree the Gettysburg Campaign Table, a member of Hagerstown Civil War Round concluded with the Battle of Falling Waters, Table, Save Historic Antietam Foundation and Maryland, on July 14, 1863. We are so happy to also a member of the Civil War Trust. have a local historian George is a and author to tell us governor and a former the rest of the story! vice president of the George Franks has Company of Military been passionate about Historians. George the study of the has researched the American Civil War July 14, 1863, battle of since visiting the Falling Waters, MD, for Gettysburg battlefield a decade. A 2007 with his parents in July article he originally 1963. He was born published on the battle and raised in the has grown into a new Pittsburgh, PA, area book. and studied history at For more about both the U.S. Naval George, or more Academy and the information on the University of Pittsburgh. battle itself, visit his very handy Web site: A former telecommunications executive with www.fallingwatersmd1863.com. extensive international experience, George is Come on out to meet and dine with George currently the President of Franks Consulting at Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant, 5805 Trinity Group and the owner of CockedHats.com, a Parkway, Centreville, Va 20120: (703) 266-9755. historical hat business. George is the former BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 2 BULL RUN CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE UPCOMING MEETINGS
Executive Committee March 8th, 2018 - Brian Withrow - “Evening with U. S.
Grant” President: Mark Trbovich, [email protected], April 12th, 2018 - Patrick Falci - “Ambrose Powell Hill” 703.361.1396 Past President: Nancy Anwyll, [email protected] May 10th, 2018 - Ed Bearss - "Battle of Ft. Donaldson Vice-President: Mark Whitenton, [email protected] and Ft. Henry" Treasurer: Mark Knowles, 703.787.9811 Secretary: John Pearson, [email protected], June 14th, 2018 - Stephen Phan - “Battle of Nashville - 703.475.1943 December 1864” At Large: Charlie Balch, John De Pue, Brian McEnany July 12th 2018 - Randy Ferryman - “Civil War Press: Fairfax County 275th Anniversary Committee: Blake Myers Resisting Censorship to Publish Secrets” Communications/Media: Jim Lewis, August 9th, 2018 - Chris Kolakowski - "The Kentucky [email protected] Campaign - August to November 1862" Membership: Mark Whitenton, [email protected] Preservation: Blake Myers, [email protected] September 13th, 2018 - "Cavalry Action at Battle of Student Scholarship: Nancy Anwyll ([email protected]), Chickamauga" Brian McEnany and Charlie Balch October 11th, 2018 - Dr. Jeff McClurken - “Take Care of Field Trips: Scott Kenepp the Living: Reconstructing Confederate Veteran Families Webmaster: Alan Day, [email protected]
Graphic Design: Drew Pallo, [email protected] in Virginia“ Newsletter Editor: Nadine Mironchuk, November 8th, 2018 - Mark Dunkleman - “Gettysburg’s [email protected] Unknown Soldier: The Life, Death, and Celebrity of Amos Newsletter Team: Saundra Cox, Ed Wenzel, Eric Fowler, Janet Humiston” Greentree and Andy Kapfer. December 13th, 2018 - Eric Buckland - "They Rode with The Bull Run Civil War Round Table publishes the Stone Wall. Mosby"
General Membership meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at: Don’t forget to renew your membership for Centreville Regional Library 2018! If you know folks who would enjoy 14200 St. Germain Drive Centreville, VA 20121-2255 the BRCWRT, invite them to join! 703.830.2223
For specific meeting dates and information, please visit See the last page of this newsletter, visit our the Web site: http://bullruncwrt.org Web site or renew at the next meeting.
NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSION DEADLINE http://bullruncwrt.org For the March 2018 issue, e-mail articles by 9 a.m., Monday, February 19, to Nadine Mironchuk at: In This Issue [email protected] The President’s Column Page 3 NEWSLETTER ADVERTISEMENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE Preservation Report Page 4 For the March 2018 issue, advertisers should please The Book Corner Page 5 click on “Instructions for Advertisers” at: http://bullruncwrt.org and e-mail ads by noon Ms. Rebelle Page 6 on February 9, to Charlie Balch at: [email protected] BRCWRT Committees Page 10 BRCWRT Scholarship Info Page 14 Support the BRCWRT in its important mission to educate and to commemorate Centreville Fortifications Page 15 the battles and events of the Civil War Civil War Symposium Page 16
- PLACE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT PWC Winter Events Page 18 IN THE STONE WALL - Liberty U. Civil War Seminar Page 19 PWC/Manassas Symposium Page 19
BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 3
The President’s Column
By Mark A. Trbovich
At right, historian and author John Quarstein Bull Run Civil War Round Table Members, was speaker for the We have truly had a cold winter so far this December meeting; below, Ralph Peters year, but spring is just around the corner. I am brought his expertise so looking forward to our February meeting on Ciivl War leader- being warm inside at the Centreville Library, and ship to the January meeting. hearing George Franks speak on the Battle of Photos by Janet Falling Waters. We have a great line-up of Greentree speakers for 2018, and I’m delighted to learned about announce that on June 28th at the Winery at Bull the exploits of Run, we will host a special lecture by Dave the CSS Albe- Goetz, starting at 6:30 p.m. marle from John, Your Executive Committee has been working and different overtime on new initiatives for constantly types of Civil War improving our round table’s vision and mission. Leadership from This year will be another tremendous year for us Ralph. Neither at the BRCWRT, as we continue to bring great men used a lectures and events to the membership. We will Powerpoint never sit on our laurels of past achievements, presentation, but but strive to create new ones each year. Our held us all work is never done. throughout those enjoyable evenings with That leads me to say that this month we will excellent lectures for our imaginations to be unveiling our BRCWRT Committee volunteer picture. They are truly professionals, and I program, through which all members can wanted to thank them again and to say that I participate. An idea from the September 16th hope to have them speak again in the future. Civil War Round Table Congress, hosted by the Don’t forget you can also “tune in” to all of BRCWRT, sparked our Executive Committee to our lectures and follow along with create guidelines, as well as a Committee Chart. accompanying posted Powerpoint slides at our With these tools, members can decide which Web site audio archives, located at the address: committees they would like to volunteer to http://bullruncwrt.org/BRCWRT/AudioArchives/ participate in. Everyone has unique skill sets, Audio_menu.html. and we are looking for folks to become a part of I want to thank all who participated in the the BRCWRT team as we move forward to new 2018 Election for BRCWRT Officers and in heights this year (and in the years to come). finalizing our 2018 Budget at the January We will discuss the new chart at the upcoming Meeting. Thank you, John De Pue, for leading meeting, so please come to see this new the 2018 Nominating Committee last year, and initiative. BTW - we will be looking for a new Mark Knowles for working with the Executive Executive Committee lead to head the Marketing Committee to create the 2018 Budget. The Committee this year. 2018 Budget was presented by Mark Knowles at The December 2017 and January 2018 the January meeting, and a vote to approve was meetings brought us two excellent passed. The passing vote for your 2018 officers presentations, as we hosted our friends John was held in December. Quartstein and Ralph Peters at the Round Table. We are in our second month of the 2018 What outstanding lectures they were, as we (con’t on page 11)
BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 4 Preservation
Report The next steps in the NVTA process include: a by Blake Myers and completion of the National Environmental Policy John De Pue Act Process and preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement EIS , b additional public comment and c selection of the preferred
During the months- of October and November alternative. As of January , PWC and NVTA haveManassas not initiated National the NEPA Battlefield / EIS process. , the Preservation Committee, in accordance with the BRCWRT By Laws, drafted a list of the Transform Outside the Beltway Project threatened Civil War battlefields and sites to be - the primary focus for BRCWRT preservation actions and activities during . The resulting As part of a major I improvement http://project, document was presented to and approved by the outside.t a sfo .o g/Dynamic Tolling Express Lanes will be extended BRCWRT Executive- Committee in December . from the Capital Beltway to Gainesville. The following summarizes the approved - . The project includes: document the list and its contents are not - presentedRoute Transportation in order of priority. Study & Project Multi modal improvements to . miles of I - Two Dynamic Tolling Express Lanes in each The Northern Virginia Transportation direction from I to Gainesville Authority NVTA in completed a Route Three General Purpose Lanes in each direction Corridor Feasibility Study with the goal of HOV and transit- access- to Express Lanes identifying infrastructure projects that will Median Space reserved for future transit improve travel times and network reliability Improved- park and ride options with access to within the Route Corridor through Prince Express Lanes William County, the City of Manassas and the City Bike pedestrian trail integrated with existing of Manassas Park. Public information briefings on and planned trails the study were conducted in September . - In September the Northern Virginia The current proposed design includes elevated Regional Park Authority NOVA Parks , the Civil ft in height access ramps on both- ends of War Trust CWT and the BRCWRT submitted Manassas National Battlefield Park’s MNBP letters to the Executive Committee of- the Route Portici Plantation tract bordering I , which Study Feasibility Study documenting the would negatively impact the view shed, traffic following concerns and their non support of noise and the overall MNBP visitor experience. BRCWRT is a Consulting Partner under the Alternative Alternative B, B the would Feasibility have significant Study’s negative highest rankedimpacts alternative on the . Bull Run Regional Park, provisions of the National Historical preservation including core acreage of the Blackburn’s Ford Act NHPA , Section , and a member of the Battlefield June 8, 8 . group of Consulting Partners working with VDOT and the design & construction firm to resolve The proposed route’s northern section cuts theseFeatherbed issues. Lane through a significant portion of Bull Run Regional Park land and core battlefield area, as - determined by the Civil War Sites Advisory Featherbed Lane, an unpaved road with Commission CWSAC . limited two way traffic, is the sole unimproved Alternative B is incompatible with the historic roadway remaining nd within MNBP and traverses and scenic character of the Bull Run Regional key terrain of the Manassas Battlefield. Key Park and would significantly degrade the preservation concerns include the impact of integrity of the Blackburn’s Ford Battlefield, the paving and straightening the roadway on the
quality of the visitor experience and the area’s historic character of Featherbed Lane within scenic and historic view shed. MNBP, leading to increased use by commuters(con’t on page 1as2) an alternative to Route . BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 5 Tho as is e e e ed ai l fo his pe fo - a e at Chi ka auga, o s all thi g. Master of War goes u h fu the , t eati g the hole a , his i teg it , a d his espe t fo his othe offi e s, a d fo the ilita p ofessio . Not o l as Tho as e e defeated i o at, he as e e pushed Na e, fo e, the U io Ge e al ho as e e f o a attlefield positio the fo e of e e defeated i ou Ci il Wa . G a t? Oh, please. He atta ks. All of this akes Master of War o e of the a el es aped ith his life i his et eat f o ost e jo a le a d e lighte i g eads of the ea . Bel o t, a d e ould a gue all da a out Shiloh. Bo i k also a ages o e of the o e lu id She a ? Ha dl . Routed at Fi st Ma assas; t eat e ts of Li ol ’s a st ategies i the este sou dl eate at Ke esa Mou tai , a d ith theate , i ludi g the i po ta e of holdi g the u e ous ta ti al lu de s i et ee . No, that Bo de States. Fo all the atte tio to Ro e t E. Lee illust ious disti tio elo gs to Geo ge H. Tho as, i the east, Li ol k e that su jugati g the south late of the Co o ealth of Vi gi ia a d West e ui ed i i g i the est. The Bo de States Poi t Class of 4 . Autho Be so Bo i k has e e ke to p ote ti g the e posed a d ul e a le pla ed Tho as p ope l i ou histo ith his este states of ou U io . Weste ail oads a d Master of War: The Life of Ge eral George H. te i als e e ital suppl li es fo a ate ials Tho as Si o a d S huste , . The i to the south. Tho as as ot shuffled off to so e i po ta e of Tho as’ Ci il Wa se i e--a d this a k ate ; he as assig ed to the ost i po ta t ook-- ust ot e o e looked. theate of the a . Master of War is a passio ate usade ot Tho as as u a il a u ate i his p edi tio s e el to do u e t his life, ut to o e t u just of e e t oop o e e ts a d i te tio s. T o iti is of Tho as’ pe fo a e du i g the a . p o i e t este o a de s, Do Ca los Buell Bo i k a gues that oth G a t a d She a ast a d Willia Rose a s, oth a e to p ofessio al u fai aspe sio s o Tho as’ fighti g e o d i o de ui , deaf to Tho as’ ad i es. A d it as i the est to dist a t f o thei o ilita defi ie ies. The that Tho as se ed ith oth G a t a d She a . iti ized his leade ship e e he he as i i g Cu iousl , Tho as had a p ope sit to efuse attles a d o ti ued thei su tle aff o ts tohis a tio s that ould ha e helped hi self. While he e o d lo g afte Tho as had passed f o the adl a ted a i depe de t a o a d, he s e e. Bo i k e edies all that ith do u e ta t i e efused su h p o otio s, i tuall es ui g e ide e, o te po a testi o , a d a G a t’s a ee afte Shiloh o o e su h o asio . eti ulous disse tio of G a t’s a d She a ’s o He ould assist G a t agai i late life. Fo pu lished e oi s. Tho as, this as si ple espe t fo ilita p oto- Geo ge Tho as as a o siste tl outsta di g ol, ut o te po a ies sa it as a suggestio that offi e i the p e- a a . He e ei ed p aise a d Tho as la ked self- o fide e fo highe o a d. p o otio du i g the Me i a a he e he sa We o see it as a u pa alleled se i e to ou o at i i tuall e e ajo e gage e t. He histo . What if G a t had left the a , as he e ei ed th ee e et p o otio s efo e that a pla ed, afte Shiloh? e ded. Whe ou Ci il Wa o e ed, Tho as Tho as as a a eful a d patie t pla e , e t est ith the a k of B igadie Ge e al. ha a te isti s that so eho i itated oth G a t Bo i k does ot offe a detailed histo of the a d She a . Resisti g p oddi g f o G a t efo e este theate o is he st o g o the details of Nash ille, Tho as o ked dilige tl to st e gthe este attles. His e phasis is o Tho as, his ole the it ’s defe ses a d e uild his a afte the as a su o di ate o a de i the ilita Battle of F a kli . O e ead , Tho as e e uted a ope atio s i the est a d his elatio ships ith the lassi dou le e elop e t atta k that ould e the othe p o i e t offi e s i that theate . (con’t on page 9)
BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 6
CIVIL WAR TRAVELS
WITH MS. REBELLE
“Fightin’ Joe” –
Lt. Gen. Joseph E. At left - Wheeler as a student at West Point; Wheeler, CSA below, left - during his By Janet Greentree Confederate service in the Civil War; below, right - service in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of Civil War generals. Of those , do you know how many Union and how many Confederate generals are buried there? There are Union generals and only two Confederate generals. Lt. Gen. Joseph E. Wheeler is one of the two. The other Confederate general was Marcus Joseph Wright, whose government marker rests at the base of the Confederate Monument on Jackson Circle. General Wheeler, however, did not wish to be buried on Jackson Circle. He preferred to be buried with his men from the Spanish American War. His marker is located in Section , Site . General Wheeler was more commonly known as Fightin’ Joe. He was also known as Little Joe st and the War Child. Wheeler was born in commissioned a brevet second lieutenant in the Augusta, Georgia on September , , to U.S. Dragoons. He completed further studies at Joseph Wheeler and Julia Knox Hull. Most of his the U.S. Army Cavalry School in Carlisle, PA, and Wheeler side was from Connecticut and Great was then transferred to the New Mexico Territory Britain, before immigrating to America . On his in . He picked up his Fightin’ Joe nickname mother’s side, he was the grandson of Brig. Gen. while serving in New Mexico. William Hull, who fought - in the Revolutionary When the Civil War began, he resigned War, and was the first governor of the Michigan from the U.S. Army and entered the Confederacy Territory. Hull was court martialed during the with the Georgia Militia. He served under Gen. War of for surrendering Fort Detroit. He Braxton Bragg in Pensacola,th FL, and was then was sentenced to death- for his act, but President transferred to the Alabama Infantry. Wheeler James Madison stepped in and pardoned Hull – fought mostly in the Western Theatre during the one of those split second moments in time that Civil War, including in the battles of Shiloh, changed the fate of Little Joe. Corinth, the Kentucky Campaign, Stones River, He attended schools in Cheshire, CT, living Chickamauga, Tullahoma, Chattanooga, Knoxville, with relatives while his parents lived in Georgia. Atlanta, Savannah, and the Carolinas Campaign. He was appointed to West Point from Georgia in While fighting in the Kentucky Campaign, Gen. July . He was so short that he almost didn’t Bragg assigned most of Gen. Nathan Bedford meet the height requirement for entrance into Forrest’s men to Wheeler, which caused a rift West Point. th between Wheeler and Forrest. Wheeler was Wheeler graduated out of cadets with promoted to brigadiernd general on October , the class of . One of his classmates was , and led the Corps of the Army(con’t o n of pa g thee 7) Edwin Stoughton, later captured in Fairfax by Col. Tennessee. Fightin’ Joe was wounded when an John Singleton Mosby. Wheeler was BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 7
Ms. Rebelle – (con’t from page 6)
- artillery shell exploded near him in La Vergne, TN. his staff officers. In the advance towards Nashville, he captured Post Civil War, Wheeler marriedPetersburg Daniella Daily more than prisoners and hundreds of Union- Ellen Jones on February , . Under the wagons. He captured three steamboats and subject of News Miscellany, the more prisoners at Harpeth Shoals, January , covered the event as follows:- General Joseph E. . Gen. Bragg recommended a promotion for Wheeler, the Confederate cavalry officer, has Wheeler to major general on January , . taken himself a help mate, Miss Ellen Jones of Poor relations continued between Wheeler Lawrence County, Alabama. They were married and Forrest at Fort Donelson, with Forrest exclaiming to Wheeler: Tell Gen. Bragg that I will be in my coffin before I will fight under your command. Gen. Bragg assigned Wheeler to guard the army’s right flank and Forrest to guard the left flank. In later- action, Wheeler was- trapped on a cliff in Shelbyville, forcing him to jump his horse over- a foot cliff into the rain swollen Duck River below. In McMinnville, he captured a man garrison. It was at Ringgold Gap that Joseph Wheeler and wife Daniella, along with six of their seven Wheeler received a wound to his foot. He was children. placed in position to support Gen. James Longstreet in the Knoxville Campaign, and during
Sherman’s March to the Sea, Wheeler’s men th screened the flanks of- the Army of the Tennessee. on the . Joseph and Ellen had seven children – Wheeler captured Gen. George Stoneman, who girls and boys. His daughter Ella died as an became the highest ranking Union prisoner of infant. Ellen was the widow of Benjamin Sherrod, war. Even though Wheeler caused trouble to Sherman during his march to the sea, Georgia civilians were not happy with Wheeler’s cavalry. Maj. Gen. D.H. Hill stated the whole of Georgia is full of bitter complaints of Wheeler’s cavalry. He defeated Gen. Judson Kilpatrick at the battle of Aiken, SC, on February , . He was promoted to lieutenant general later that month. Wheeler was then assigned to cover Confederate President Jefferson Davis’ flight from Richmond in May, . Gen. Wheeler was captured at Conyer’s Pond Spring - Wheeler, AL. Station near Atlanta. He was imprisoned at Fortress Monroe for two months and later trans- ferred to Fort Delaware, where he was placed in solitary confinement. Wheeler was paroled on who owned the house, Pond Spring, located in June , . During the course of his Confederate Wheeler, Alabama, in which they would eventually (con’t on page 8) service, Gen. Wheeler was wounded three times, live. The house and outbuildings are open to the had horses shot from under him, and lost of BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 8
Ms. Rebelle – (con’t from page 7)
public. back to the Civil War by stating: Let’s go boys! After the war, Gen. Wheeler became a We’ve got the damn Yankees on the run again! partner in a carriage and hardware business; he Gen. Wheeler became ill during the campaign and then studied law and became a lawyer in Wheeler, turned over his command to Gen. Samuel S. Alabama. He was also a cotton planter. In , Sumner. Even though still ill at the battle of San he was elected to the U.S. House- of Representa- Juan Hill, the sound of guns was too much for him tives. His opponent, William E. Lowe, contested to not fight in the battle. He led his division the election, resulting in a year long legal battle through the siege of Santiago and later became a over the seat. Lowe was declared the winner, but senior member of the peace commission. Three of only served four months when he died. Wheeler his six children joined him in the war. His oldest then won a special election and served out Lowe’s son was on his staff; his daughter a nurse, and his remaining time. He ran again in and served youngest son- was in the U.S. Navy. seven terms before resigning in . Wheeler At age , Wheeler fought in the was chairman of the House Ways and Means Philippine American War in . He command- Committee. He tried very diligently to heal the ed the First Brigade of Arthur MacArthur’s Second Division until January, . After the war he commanded the Department of the Lakes until he retired on September , , and moved to New York. Wheeler – authored A Revised six books. System His of Cavalryfirst book Tactics, was usedfor the as Use a manual of the Cavalry by the andConfederacy Mounted Infantry, C.S.A. New York Herald-Tribune in . On January , , the reported that he attended a birthday - celebration- of Robert E. Lee in Baltimore. He was listed as one of the out of town guests attending. th In , West Point held the anniversary of the military academy. Staff of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Regiment, the "Rough Riders" in Tampa - Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt is on the right; Leonard Wood is next to him, and bearded Wheeler attended, and ran into two of former Civil War Confederate General Joseph Wheeler is standing in front. Taylor his former Confederate officers and MacDonald is on the far left and Major Alexander Oswald Brodie is next to him. generals, James Longstreet and Edward Porter Alexander, sitting on the porch of
the Thayer Hotel. Gen. Wheeler was relations between the North and South. wearing his general’s U.S. Army uniform. - Gen. Longstreet said: Joe, I hope that Almighty At age , in , Gen. Wheeler God takes me before he does you, for I want to be volunteered for the Spanish American War. He -within the gates of hell to hear Jubal Early cuss was appointed by President William McKinley, you in the blue uniform. Gen. Longstreet did pre who commissioned him a major general. Wheeler decease Wheeler. commanded a division that included Theodore (con’t on page 9) Fightin’ Joe died on January , , at Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. During the battle of Las Guasimas, Gen. Wheeler momentarily reverted BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 9
Ms. Rebelle – (con’t from page 8)
his sister’s house in Brooklyn, NY, after a long Fight, He has Finished his illness. His son, Joe, Jr., who died in , is Course, He has Kept the buried with him in Arlington National Cemetery. Faith. The Strife is Over, One of the sides of his marker lists the following the Battle Done, the tribute: Soldier, Statesman, Gentlest, Tenderest Victory of Life is Won. and Most Lovable of Men, He Has Fought a Good His wife Ellen is buried in Wheeler, Alabama, and her husband’s infor- mation is listed on her marker. Wheeler was honored in with a bronze statue shown at right , donated from Alabama, locatedNOTE: in Ms. National Rebelle’s Statu-hobby isary traveling Hall in the the U.S. country Capitol. find- ing and honoring the graves of our , Civil War gener-
als. So far, she has located Lt. Gen. Wheeler’s grave marker at Arlington and photographed - National Cemetery. Confederate and Union. You may contact her at Photo above by Janet [email protected].
Book Corner – (con’t from page 5) e of a o at offi e toda . He shatte ed fo his a o plish e ts. His e e e ed hi Hood’s a a d e ded Co fede ate effe ti e ess i e e he e he se ed. Follo i g the a , he the est. ad a ed to the top e helo of the U.S. A as A o a di g ge e al is e titled to iti ize Co a de of the Pa ifi Coast Di isio . U fo tu- su o di ates fo hat he o she thi ks is just ause. atel , Tho as’ post- a se i e as ief. He died Gi e the poo o u i atio s of that ti e, e a at his desk i , ha i g se ed his e ti e a ee i u de sta d G a t’s o e s a d a tio s. The u ifo . G a t-Tho as elatio ship is a su tle ut i po ta t Sadl , Tho as had o de ed all his p i ate pape s ele e t i ou Ci il Wa histo . Master of War u ed, dep i i g us of that spe ial t o e of p i a helps us u de sta d that d a i . G a t, to his sou e ate ial that so e lighte s ou u de sta di g edit, i ediatel ithd e his iti is s a d of the people a d e e ts of ou t agi atio al offe ed o g atulatio s to Tho as afte Nash ille. o fli t. No atte . Master of War offe s o e U fo tu atel , he see ed to slip a k to his old tha suffi ie t e ide e that Geo ge H. Tho as as p ejudi es ea s late i his auto iog aph . the si gle ost apa le su o di ate ge e al i the G a t’s e oi s a e still a o th ead; She a ’s U io a . a e a u e lighte i g o e. U til e t ti e, keep eadi g.
Tha kfull , e do ’t eed G a t o She a to Note: The Book Corner welcomes your comments and, tell us a out Geo ge H. Tho as. He as a supe io especially, your recommendations for outstanding books on the Civil War. Send your comments to [email protected]. offi e th oughout his a ee a d a pl e a ded
BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 10 BULL RUN CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE (BRCWRT) COMMITTEES by Brian McEnany and Blake Myers The BRCWT has a long history of success in delegate any duty, except those dealing with financial pursuing its two major objectives – Education of its matters, to any standing or special committee. The members and the general public and the Executive Committee may aid and support in any Preservation of historic battlefields, historic sites, way it deems appropriate other groups or organiza- and monuments. To manage and conduct BRWCRT tions with similar or like interests in the American activities, our 501c(3) bylaws establish the Executive Civil War.” Committee, four standing committees (Newsletter, Discussions conducted during the September 16, Preservation, Field Trip and Website), and two 2017 Civil War Round Table Congress hosted by special committees (Membership and Nominating). BRCWRT at the Centreville Regional Library The bylaws also provide that “The President, with the resulted in BRCWRT leaders re-assessing the Round approval of the Executive Committee, may appoint Table’s committee structure to ensure the internal such other committees as may be required to carry organization adequately supported the BRCWRT out the business of the Organization.” mission and activities. Our assessment and The business activities of the BRCWRT are discussions during the past few months led to the managed by the Executive Committee whose decision to establish three ‘new’ committees, the specified duties include, “to plan for regular or Marketing, Education and Fundraising Committees. special meetings of the Organization, to supervise all These three committees provide a logical organiza- financial transactions, and to perform any act with the tional entity to manage and conduct related functions objective of preservation, prestige and well-being of and activities, several of which were being done the Organization. The Executive Committee may within our Round Table, but on an ad-hoc basis.
The diagram (above) depicts the revised and organized, have increased dramatically in size and updated BRCWRT organizational structure, scope. All of our committees need volunteers to including all current BRCWRT committees and their assist in conducting committee activities and respective functions. actions. To that end the president and the executive BRCWRT activities, compared to when first (con’t on page 14)
BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 11
President’s Column – (con’t from page 3) Membership Campaign, and I would like to say “thank you” to all who have joined us so far and for all who plan to join us this year. We will conclude the campaign, as always, at the end of April. I encourage everyone to bring new folks in to join the Round Table, either at our Web site or at the next meeting. We are so happy to announce that our Annual Members Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 16th, at the Winery at Bull Run. More details will follow, but folks - you don’t want to miss that event! Join today online at The Bull Run Civil War Round Table was awarded recognition at the Fairfax County History Conference in November for the 25th our Web site, or see Mark Knowles at the next Anniversary Book, published by the Round Table last June; the meeting. Executive Committee (shown above) brought it back to the members at the December meeting. Joining the ExComm at the Our Scholarship Committee, led by Nancy meeting was Fairfax County History Commission member Lynne Anwyll, is in full swing as we head to our April Garvey Hodge (second from left). Along with the award, the ExComm brought back a presentation given to the BRCWRT noting deadline for applica- the entry of the award into the Congressional Record, sponsored by tions. We are very Cong. Gerry Connolly. Below, left (l to r) - BRCWRT Pres. Mark fortunate to have our Trbovich receives the Fairfax County History Award, handed over by Jim Lewis. Below, right - Jim Lewis presents the Congressional scholarship fund up to Record citation to the crowd. $2,000 this year! Photos by Janet Greentree Please also continue to spread the word to your family and friends, encouraging them to visit our Scholarship page on the Web site, and to encourage high school Scholarship Committee Chair Nancy Anwyll switched hats for seniors to participate. the December meeting and Our Preservation became “the Cookie Lady!” lead, Blake Myers, and 2018), we will continue to offer for sale Ed Photo by Janet Greentree his team have been Wenzel’s Chronology of the Civil War of working on many projects for this year and look Fairfax County. This book is the perfect gift for to be involved with many more as the year the Civil War enthusiast on your shopping list. unfolds. Our BRCWRT Tour Guide lead, Scott The BRCWRT 25th Anniversary book will also be Knepp, is also working on his 2018 tours; he has on sale at the meeting and on the Web site. scheduled our Spring tour for May 5th, to learn As the year moves forward, we will be here about the Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville bringing you the best Civil War lectures, tours, cavalry battles in June 1863! events and newsletters in the region, with As always, please try to make it out to each preservation and education as a solid part of our meeting, as we will have so much local Civil War mission! information and fellowship to share with you Let us never forget the people who served, and friends. This month (and every month in and what they did for us. God Bless all of you.
BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 12
Preservation Report – (con’t from page 4)
The National Park Service NPS is a primary monument to be included in the Planning Office’s property owner of Featherbed Lane and land Princeresponse William to the developer. County - adjacent to Featherbed Lane, with VDOT holding a Cellular Communications Tower monopole at foot wide prescriptive easement, and the Signal Hill Park Signal [Wilcoxen] Hill majority of the property on both sides of the roadway is included in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Manassas National Milestone Communications representing Battlefield. Verizon is planning with the municipality of The NPS’s primary concerns focus on Manassas Park for the installation of a cellular preserving the roadway setting, which includes communication tower monopole by Trileaf dense tree cover, as well as the safety of the public Communications in Signal Hill Park located on at the three existing MNBP trail crossings of Signal View Drive in Manassas Park. Featherbed Lane, particularly the crossing at On August , , the Virginia Department of General Trimbles Lane. Historic Resources DHR concluded its VDOT has funds and wants to pave Featherbed assessment of the proposed communications Lane up to the intersection with General Trimbles- tower and issued its findings; We believe that the Lane. Local homeowners initially supported undertaking will have No Adverse Effect on paving contingent- on including traffic calming historic properties listed in or eligible for the measures – current traffic count/use data -does not National Register- of Historic Places, - specifically qualify for traffic calming measures. Homeowners the First Battle of Bull Run, First- Battle of do not support paving without traffic calming Manassas , Signal Hill , and measures. As of November , , the project is the Bristoe Station Battlefield . Latsios Property on hold. BRCWRT is working with the Prince William County Historical Commission and the Prince southeast quadrant of the intersection of US Route and Pageland Lane, William County Planning Office in encouraging Manassas Park to incorporate the preservation opposite Stuart’s Hill & the MNBP HQ In November , a rezoning application was and interpretation of the adjacent Signal Gainesville Crossing submitted to Prince William County for the Wilcoxen Hill historical site into its plans for this area.Bristoe Station/Kettle Run Battlefields development proposed for thisnd tract of land. While no direct fighting in the Broad Run Golf Academy. Battle of Manassas occurred on this land, which is adjacent to the Manassas Battlefield, it was the location for several unit camps and a This property is well within the core Bristoe Texas field hospital, the site of the August , Station Battlefield and contains some winter hut , meeting between Generals Lee, Longstreet sites. Much of this property is also wetlands. The and Jackson,th and includes a monument to Thomas Golf Academy property was recently sold to a Dunklin, Texas Infantry,nd who was mortally commercial interest that may seek tract rezoning; wounded during the Battle- of Manassas. however, as of November , no rezoning request/application has been filed with Prince The Prince William County Planning Office is currently reviewing the re zoning application. Brown’sWilliam County Battery PWC . Site.
BRCWRT has submitted its recommendations for a comprehensive military site survey of the tract, As of December , the proposal to extend adequate buffer zone along US Route to protect - - the Virginia Railway Express VRE line to the view shed from Brawner Farm, commemora- Haymarket has been abandoned. However,(con’t on pa g VREe 13) tive site/kiosk for the Lee Longstreet Jackson August, , meeting, and a repair of the Dunklin BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 13
Preservation Report – (con’t from page 12) and Confederate soldiers who fought in the September , 8 , Battle of Chantilly/Ox Hill – the has announced plans to establish a railroad only major battle to occur in Fairfax County. maintenance yard in the vicinity of the presumed site of Brown's Battery, which is on property owned by Prince William County The FCPA’s expressed primary concerns were PWC . Both BRCWRT and the PWC Historic for citizen safety and taking care to not create an Resources office have proposed incorporation of opportunity for outside groups to stage protests the battery site into Bristoe Station Battlefield and confrontations. The FCPA’s expressed intent Park. Preliminary plans for the VRE railroad is to fully implement the plan for the park, as maintenance yard, as published in the local media, envisioned in the Ox Hill Battlefield Park General mayManassas encroach Assembly on the presumedof God Property battery site. Management Plan and Conceptual Development - PlanFarr’s approved Cross Roads in January Redoubt . Site
This church owned property includes the terrain over which Brigadier General Wil- Local historians have long known of the liam Kirkland's North Carolina Brigade advanced significance of the area surrounding the Ox Road toward the railroad cut occupied- -by Union forces Route /Braddock Road Route during the Battle of Bristoe Station. The church intersection Farr’s Cross Roads . Of particular and its pastor- have, from time to time, proposed interest is a redoubt constructed by Col. Robert to develop the tract for various purposes -including Rodes’ th Alabama Ewell’s Brigade in July , that of a for profit cemetery. The southern half of prior to Battle of st Manassas/Bull Run, located this property is currently zoned M light on the George Mason University GMU Fairfax industrial ; the entire property is shown as Campus. The site is in a small wooded area on the Flexible Employment Center on the northeast quadrant of the Ox Road/Braddock Comprehensive Plan. This property is crucial to Road intersection. preservingHylton Property the core Bristoe Station Battlefield. While construction of the Mason Inn and parking lot and the enlargement of student parking lot K has reduced the overall size of the The southeast quadrant of the Bristoe Station site and potentially obliterated some of the Battlefield, incorporating portions of- the Union earthworks, the redoubt remains and is in defensive lines and the site of Arnold's battery is remarkably good condition. The site is owned by Hylton Enterprises, a large scale home documented in the Fairfax County Civil War Sites developer in Prince William County PWC . To Inventory completed by John Milner Associates, date, the committee is not aware of any action s Inc. for the Fairfax County Park Authority FCPA byFairfax Hylton County to develop this tract. in , and is included FX in the Fairfax Ox Hill Chantilly Battlefield Park County and Virginia historicArcheological site databases. Assessment Brian of - SiteCorle, FX 8 , while a student The Earthwork at George at Mason Farrs CrossroadsUniversity Fairfax GMU , County, completed Virginia an The long awaited installation of the Union and Confederate soldiers’ monuments at Ox Hill in . Battlefield Park, scheduled for September , BRCWRT members Blake Myers, Brian was postponed indefinitely by the Fairfax McEnany and Jim Lewis are supporting GMU’s County Park Authority FCPA . BRCWRT History Department and its Facilities Department representatives met with the FCPA director and in developing a concept plan for preserving and BRCWRT Preservation Committee: Blake Myers Thestaff subject members monuments to discuss were the approved status of, by and the plansPark interpreting the Farr’s Cross Roads Redoubt. Authorityfor, installing in the soldiers’ as part ofmonuments the Ox Hill in Battlefield the park. Chair , John DePue, Kim Brace, Rob Orrison, John Pearce, Jim Lewis. Park General Management Plan and Conceptual
Development Plan and are memorials to the Union BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 14
BRCWRT Committees – (con’t from page 10)
Committee are seeking interested members who wish to join any of the round table’s committees and asking them to step forward and become an active member of a terrific committee team.
Committee Chairs: Membership – Mark Whitenton Field Trip – Scott Kenepp Education – Brian McEnany Marketing - TBD Fund Raising – Charley Balch Newsletter – Nadine Mironchuk Web Site – Alan Day Preservation – Blake Myers
The functional responsibilities of each of these committees can be found on the BRCWRT home page. WE NEED YOU. If you are interested in being a volunteer on one of our committees, please contact the respective Committee Chair.
Preservation
BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 15 The Centreville Fortifications by Karl Reiner In October 1861, Confederate Gen. Joseph E. By the standards of the day, the Confederate Johnston entrenched his army of 45,000 around fortifications at Centreville were substantial. There Centreville, VA, when it became apparent that the were over five miles of earth works with 13 forts at reinforcements needed to attack Washington were key positions. Over 70 pieces of artillery could be unavailable. Although now on the defensive, mounted along the defense line. The entrench- Johnston’s army would remain in Northern Virginia ment line began in the valley of Cub Run, north of for the winter of 1861- 62. During that time, it would be within striking distance of Washington, while at the same time, prevent the Union army from moving against Richmond. Johnston had chosen wisely in picking the location because Centreville is located on a plateau that provides an extremely strong defen- sive position. The de- scending slopes offered perfect fields of fire for Centreville fortifications. a defending army. Once fortifications were what is now Route 29, and followed the high completed, the position would be virtually ground north of Centreville. Northeast of the impregnable to attack during the remaining period village is a hill which controls the stream valleys of of good weather. Big Rocky Run and Little Rocky Run. Here, the Confederate army engineers soon had the Confederates constructed one of the larger forts, troops busy building miles of interconnected trench and the defense line that turned south. From that lines, forts and huts for shelter during the cold point, the majority of the field works followed the weather. The troops were engaged in a large ridge line to where Little Rocky Run flows into Bull construction and earth moving job with tools no Run. The Centreville earthworks were the strong more sophisticated than shovels, spades, axes and point on a Confederate defensive perimeter that hand saws. The soldiers engaged in this manual ran over 50 miles from Leesburg to Occoquan. labor must have grumbled as they worked under Along the Centreville line, the engineers the watchful eyes of officers. Not all the soldiers, constructed many “double saps” - two walls of however, were reluctant participants. Those who reinforced earth approximately six feet high had witnessed the damage shells and bullets did separated by 12 feet of space. These connected to the human body at the first battle of Manassas the forts, which were built on knolls and hilltops. were more than willing to build fortifications before Many of the forts were fronted with a 10-foot-wide, there was another encounter with the enemy. six-foot-deep ditch. The sloping fort walls rose 12 Confederate spies in Washington were providing to 14 feet above ground level, and were 20 feet or reports on the continuing buildup of Union forces. more in height, if measured from the bottom of the President Lincoln was urging the new commander, ditch. The interior walls were virtually perpendicu- Gen. George B. McClellan, to move against the lar and braced with logs to prevent the earth from Confederates while the roads remained passable. (con’t on page 17)
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Centreville Fortifications – (con’t from page 15) collapsing. Openings for cannon were located at in order to block McClellan’s anticipated move. strategic intervals in the walls. In some areas, a After the Confederate evacuation, Union troops fortification known as a “single parapet” was built. and newspaper reporters quickly determined that It was a 6-foot-high wall of earth with a step to the defenses had been manned by an army only permit the defenders to fire over the top. Since half as large as General McClellan had estimated. much of the defense line was interconnected, That fact, along with the revelation that many of troops could move from fort to fort along protected the cannon were fakes, put the first dent in the routes. general’s reputation as a field commander. There The autumn of 1861 was a time of tension in were many in the North who believed he had made Northern Virginia as rumors of the hefty Confeder- a big mistake by not attacking Centreville. ate defenses at Centreville began to filter through Large armies came to Centreville twice more the Union camps around Washington. The name during the course of the war. A Union army “Centreville” struck a degree of dread in the troops occupied the plateau after General Pope’s defeat who would have to attack what was widely believed at the second battle of Manassas in August 1862. to be a very strong position. Faulty Union General Meade’s Army of the Potomac dug in on intelligence did not help matters. Inaccurate troop the high ground north and south of Centreville in strength estimates listed the number of Confeder- October 1863. On both occasions, Gen. Lee ate defenders at 90,000, double the actual declined to launch attacks against the formidable number. Centreville heights. Although they held a strong position, the Because they were never attacked, the Confederates had problems. The usual range of fortifications at Centreville were ignored after the diseases common in the Civil War swept through war ended. Farmers, reclaiming the land, obliterat- the camps sickening soldiers and sending many to ed many of the trench lines over time. Much of an early grave. Bedeviled by a shortage of cannon, what remained was destroyed by road projects and the Confederates painted logs black and placed residential development as time progressed. A few them in the gun ports of many of the forts to create accessible parts of the old fortification line have an illusion of massive firepower. These fake been preserved and are marked with signs. An artillery pieces were known as “Quaker Guns.” interesting section lies along Battery Ridge Lane at The supply system was not functioning well. the corner of Stone Road. One of the forts still Large excesses of some food items and clothing stands on Wharton Lane between Gresham Lane piled up while other necessary goods remained in and Lawrence Mill Lane. On the east side of short supply. To lessen dependence on the roads Pickwick Road, north of Leland Road, are the which would be virtually impassable in wet entrance path and marker for two forts and their weather, the Confederates began constructing a connecting trench line. This was the strong point railroad spur from Manassas Junction to the that hinged the defenses running east-west with camps at Centreville. It was the first railroad in the those running north-south. world built solely for military use. These worn mounds of earth are reminders of Despite the constant wear and tear on the the time the grim fortification line at Centreville, nerves of the troops, nothing happened. Because Virginia riveted national attention for five months. the Centreville defenses had General McClellan On ground now replete with yards and patios, spooked, he simply avoided attacking. Autumn nervous gunners once sighted their cannon and slipped into winter while the armies stayed in their tense infantry waited for an attack that never respective positions. In early 1862, McClellan de- came. Although no battle was fought at Centre- cided to bypass the Centreville position altogether, ville, it had an impact on the course of the Civil and began preparations to shift his army south by War. In avoiding combat on its plateau, generals water. In early March 1862, the Confederates made decisions which caused battles to be fought evacuated Centreville as Johnston shifted his army at other locations.
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BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 19 2018 Liberty University Civil War Semi nar—Saturday, April 14, 2018
The Liberty University Department of History will be Dissemination Advancement of Religious Publications hosting its annual Civil War Seminar on During the Civil War” Saturday, April 14, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the Dr. Carey Roberts (Professor of History and Liberty University Visitors Center. (Here are directions to Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the Visitors Center: http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm? Liberty University) - “Monuments and Memory of the Civil PID=452) War” This event is free and open to the public. The seminar will also feature displays of Civil War This year’s seminar is titled “Civil War Legacies” and weaponry from the National Firearms Museum, period features guest speakers R. David Cox, Paul Dakin, Doug religious publications, and artifacts of Brigadier General Wicklund, Alan Farley, and Dr. Carey Roberts. James Dearing (CSA) who was born in nearby Altavista, Speakers’ topics include: VA. These displays will be open throughout the seminar. R. David Cox (Professor of History at Southern In addition, Civil War-themed books will be for sale. Virginia University and Author of The Religious Life of Finally, door prizes will be awarded at the end of the Robert E. Lee) -“Robert E. Lee, Peacemaker” seminar. Paul Dakin (Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Discounted rate rooms are available at the Fairfield Lynchburg, VA)—“Hymns of the Civil War” Inn (434) 845-1700 under the Liberty University Depart- Doug Wicklund (Senior Curator at the National ment of History. For more information, call Mrs. Rachel Firearms Museum)—“The Legacy of Firearms Advance- Allison at 434-592-4366 or contact her ments of the Civil War” at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you Alan Farley (Director of Reenactors Missions of at the seminar. Jesus Christ) and Lloyd Sprinkle (Pastor of Providence Kenny Rowlette, Director Baptist Church) -“The Legacy of the Printing and The National Civil War Chaplains Museum When I spent Christmas with his sister's family, my niece, who is nineteen, made a comment about this whole monument controversy which I think summarizes the matter very well in one sentence. She said, "Anyone who is offended by monuments needs to get a life." Sincerely, Tim Duskin
BRCWRT — Vol. XXIV, Issue 10, FEBRUARY 2018 Page 20 BULL RUN CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE The Stone Wall P.O. Box 2147 Centreville, VA 20122
2018 Bull Run Civil War Round Table — MEMBERSHIP FORM We are delighted that you are interested in joining our organization and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting and at our upcoming events! Annual dues are: Individual—$20. Family—$25. Student (age 22 and under)—FREE. Make checks payable to: BRCWRT (Bull Run Civil War Round Table). This form may be given to the Treasurer at the General Membership meeting, or mail it to: Mark Knowles, BRCWRT Treasurer, 169 Applegate Drive, Sterling, VA 20164 NAME______ADDRESS______CITY______STATE______ZIP______PHONE______E-MAIL______