sign in sign up
<<
Home , Last Days in Vietnam, Lincoln Highway

Case Shot & Canister

1BA Publication of the Civil War Round Table Partners with Manor College and the Civil War Institute Our 23rd Year

April 2015

4BVolume 25

5BNumber 4

Editor Patricia Caldwell

Contributors Hugh Boyle, Book Nook Editor Rose Boyle Matt Bruce Nancy Caldwell, Artistic Adviser Jerry Carrier Pat Corey Jim Dover John Gavin Paula Gidjunis Surrender at Appomattox Court House Carol Ingald Bernice Kaplan Walt Lafty Zack Margolies Jane Peters Estes Our April Meeting Pete Romeika “The George Thomas No Apologies Tour” Patricia Rosso Larry Vogel Presenter: William Vosseler Bill Vosseler Andy Waskie Tuesday, April 21, 2015

3BUOfficers 7:30 pm President Hugh Boyle 6:15 pm for dinner (all welcome!) Vice President Radisson Hotel Jerry Carrier Treasurer Route 1 @ Old Highway Herb Kaufman Trevose, PA Secretary Patricia Caldwell Dinner Menu – Stuffed Shells with Basil Tomato Marinara Sauce.

e-mail:[email protected] U phone: (215)638-4244 Served with salad, rolls/butter, iced tea, soda, dessert.

website: HUwww.dvcwrt.orgU Substitute: Pasta (chef’s selection).

Umailing addresses: for membership: 2601 Bonnie Lane Contact Rose Boyle at [email protected] or 215-638-4244 for Huntingdon Valley PA 19006 dinner reservations by April 16. Dinner Price $24.00

for newsletter items: 3201 Longshore Avenue You are responsible for dinners not cancelled PA 19149-2025 by Monday morning April 20.

feelings on a wide range of topics that were gleaned In This Issue from various sources.”

 Lots of Member News and Upcoming Events William S. (Bill) Vosseler founded the Union Library for the Spring season, plus “Around Town” CWRT that existed in Hatboro, PA from 2000-2013.  Preservation News from Paula Gidjunis He was also a co-founder and Past Camp  Our Summer Session for the Civil War Commander of the Baker-Fisher Camp 101 SUVCW, a member of the Meade Society, and a Past Chair of Institute has been announced the Mid-Atlantic Association of CWRTs.  Larry Vogel details our March meeting  In keeping with our Lincoln theme, our Book Bill currently serves as Executive Director of the Nook editor reviews a new perspective on the Charitable Trust and, as a victims of the Ford’s Theater assassination member of the Confederation of Union Generals,  Bernice Kaplan finds some modern-day Lincoln portrays Major-General Geo. H. Thomas, USA. He wit in a “What I Think About That” piece is the owner of Civil War Recreations, a company  A Media Alert on upcoming PBS specializing in the recreation and sale of historic programming from Bernice Kaplan Civil War medals, ribbons and uniform related items. th  Our “Civil War Vignette” tackles Vegetables! Having served in the 4 Infantry Division, in Vietnam, he is a combat disabled Veteran and a life  Larry Vogel with another installment of “The member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Rest of the Story” Bill and his wife Peggy reside in Garnet Valley,  Commemoration of the Sesquicentennial is Delaware County, . winding down with events of April 1865 Please join us as Bill presents us with a PowerPoint look into the life of this honored American.

“Rock of Chickamauga”

George Henry Thomas was born in Virginia, on July 31, 1816. He was a West Point Graduate, a career U.S. Army officer and one of the principal commanders in the Western Theater. Undefeated in battle, he was appointed by Lincoln a Major- General in the Regular Army, This month we remember the events of April one of only five authorized by 1865, 150 years ago. April of that year just Congress at that time. He died shortly after the war might be the most important month of the Civil on March 28, 1870. War, and some may think that it was the most th As General George Thomas, the “Rock of important month of the 19 century. A quick Chickamauga”, by all accounts was a very reserved look at the events of that month shows just how man and rarely spoke out about his feelings toward important they were. Who can deny that April his fellow officers or those serving in the 9th and the surrender of Robert E Lee to General Confederacy, providing a full first-person Grant were important to America. The events of presentation of the general is something of a April 14th with the assassination of Abraham challenge on occasion for our speaker, historian Bill Vosseler. Adding to the challenge, as Bill relates, at Lincoln changed America. It took away this the general’s request, his wife destroyed all his country’s innocence; it altered and changed the correspondence at his death. “Since this presentation course of the future of the country. That event is not a historic representation of the General, it seeks has had lasting effects even down to our world to span his full career, much of which is relatively today. The escape and death of unknown, while filling in some of Thomas's true not only captured the national interest but had 2 an entire nation cry out for justice. Almost forgotten was the greatest maritime disaster in our nation’s history, the explosion of the Sultana, killing over 1800 Union soldiers just freed from Confederate prisons. Then there was MAY 19 the final surrender of Joe Johnston to William Sherman at the end of the month. Yes, there were Historian Jane Peters Estes months with more battles, more men killed. But “The Battle of Gettysburg – Where April 1865 was a month that stakes its claim as Were the Women” the most important month. JUNE 16 150 years later after that fateful month we again Member Paula Gidjunis remember it with our annual Bensalem “A Country Worth Fighting For – Reenactment. We again will be there, our th volunteers will be there and so will a grateful A History of the 128 PA crowd to witness that event. I look forward to Volunteer Infantry” seeing you all there. JULY 21 Hugh Boyle Book Discussion Night President Topic to be Announced

AUGUST 18

Wes Stokes “The Draft Riots of 1863”

SEPTEMBER 15 Dr. Andy Waskie “The Role of the Germans in APRIL 14, 1865 BRAIN TEASERS the Civil War”

1 – What was the name of the actor on stage when Lincoln was shot? OCTOBER 20 2 – What was the name of the sergeant at the Herb Kaufman bridge when Booth came to cross? “The Medical Treatment of 3 – Who was the first doctor at Lincoln’s side after he was shot? our Four Assassinated Presidents”

(Answers in next month’s newsletter!) NOVEMBER 17 Our Annual Awards Night ANSWERS TO MARCH BRAIN TEASERS Local Historian Steven J.Wright 1 – Which Union general became the Governor of “The Indian Wars” Massachusetts? – Benjamin Butler 2 – What Medal of Honor recipient was the last surviving Civil War general, living until April 13th, DECEMBER 8 1933? – Adalbert Ames Annual Holiday Dinner 3 – Of 8 Rebel gunboats, which was the only one to escape the battle of Memphis unscathed? – Austrian Village Restaurant The CSS Van Dorn

3

situation between the East and the West. Once in

Panama, we took a ferry through part of the Canal, passing through three locks to the Pacific Ocean. Congratulations to Matt Bruce for winning the We were in each lock with another ferry and a March dinner book raffle. Winners of the meeting huge car carrier. Even though we know how locks book raffle and special goodie basket raffle were work, it was still exciting to experience it Ann Kaufman, Karl Weigand, Rich Jankowski, Ed firsthand. 54 million gallons of water empty out in Greenawald, Don Andrews, John Shivo, Mary a few short minutes. The new, wider canal is being Ann Hartner, Cathy Smith, John Gavin, new built parallel to the original, and you can see some member Sean Smith, and Hugh & Rose Boyle. of the construction. Costa Rica is really beautiful, worth another trip. We visited a national park, a Paula Gidjunis will be speaking at the Solebury research center, and took a boat ride to see the Historical Society Open House in New Hope on wildlife. For an amusing look at some of the Sunday, April 12. Her topic will be the “History of wildlife, check out http://savetheamericans.org/” the 128th PA”. Larry Vogel reports that he mostly hibernated “The Lincoln Assassination” will be the subject of during the winter, but now that Spring is here he three presentations by Hugh Boyle scheduled for is planning on attending two Chambersburg Civil this month – on April 12 at the GAR Museum & War Seminars. One in April will be the Second Library Open House, on April 19 at the Ryers Annual Symposium on Leadership in Combat Museum in Burholme, and on April 20 at the Legion featuring and honoring Ed Bearss, and one in May Post #405 Meeting at the Union League in will discuss "Those Damn Black Hats-The Iron Philadelphia. Brigade".

Pete Romeika spoke on April 8 at St. Thomas of In March Pete Romeika had the opportunity to Villanova Parish in Rosemont following noon Mass visit his cousin and her family in Mobile, Alabama. during their “Senior Speakers Lunch Program”. He also toured New Orleans and visited Pete’s program was “A Grand Tour of Antietam, Confederate Memorial Hall and Lee Circle. Then Harper's Ferry and South Mountain”. from March 26 to March 29 Pete toured Mobile, Pensacola and Biloxi Civil War sites with the Thanks to all our members who answered the call CompuServe Civil War Forum. to share their winter experiences and their anticipated spring flings with Case Shot & Canister. Continue reading below and I think you’ll agree our members have had some interesting times.

Pat and Fred Rosso became grandparents on December 15 to their 9th grandchild (4th girl) when their youngest daughter Alyssa, son-in-law and 2- year-old Loretta welcomed baby Theresa Elizabeth to the family. Pat also reported “We took an MSC cruise in November that included visits to Cartagena, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica. We went to the walled Old Town in Pete on vacation at Washington Artillery Square

Cartagena, with colorful colonial architecture, lots On February 15, Zack Margolies “saw the most of flowering balconies, ornate churches, quite amazing play in the most amazing venue. I saw beautiful. When our ship approached Panama, it “The Widow Lincoln" in Ford's Theater. Mary was the first time we saw so many ships in the Lincoln was played magnificently by Mary Bacon. Caribbean Sea at once, a vivid image of the trade 4

She was the headliner in this all-female cast that exhibition will trace events in Lincoln’s life through the lens of his Jewish contemporaries. The exhibit will included the characters Laura Keene, Queen explore Lincoln’s profound interest in and connection Victoria, a Union guard, a young maid, Elizabeth to the Old Testament, as exemplified in his wish to Keckley, Mammy Sally and Nettie Colburn. The see Jerusalem before he died. For additional setting took place in the immediately information and exhibit times: (212) 873-3400 or visit following the assassination, and the set consisted http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/lincoln-and-the- jews?utm_source=mail2&utm_medium=email&utm_c of suitcases piled high and throughout the stage. ampaign=NYHS-enews The audience was given the opportunity to view Mary's eccentricities for spending, her extreme April 12, 2015 – Sunday – 1:30 pm – GAR depression upon losing [her son] Willie and her Museum & Library Sunday Open House & husband, and her famous displays of temper. This Program – 4278 Griscom St, Philadelphia – was a thoroughly entertaining and educational “The Assassination of ” – experience and I was in the first row.” Presentation by local Lincoln historian Hugh Boyle. Free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.

For info 215-289-6484. John Gavin is currently in training to be a volunteer ranger guide at Independence National April 12, 2015 – Sunday – 1:00 pm – Special Historic Park, which involves shadowing staff 'Appomattox - End of the Civil War' Tour – members. John hopes to be working on his own Laurel Hill Cemetery. Featuring notables interred there by the end of April. Bravo, John! here who were principally engaged in the events that led to the surrender of the Confederate forces. Tour

will be led by Dr. Andy Waskie and Russ Dodge, Pat Corey announces that the Corey family was Historians. Cost $20 Donation requested. snow blowing all winter and they are looking Information: 215-228-8200. forward to warmer weather. April 18-19, 2015 – Saturday & Sunday – Matt Bruce wants everyone to know that the 11:00 each day – Grand Opening of The War Came By Train – The Year of 1865 – Abraham March-April issue of Smithsonian Magazine is Lincoln – The Final Journey to Baltimore & completely devoted to the Lincoln assassination Lincoln’s Funeral Train – Funeral Cortege and related events. There are several articles Re-enactment and Federal Brass Band written by renowned Lincoln scholars, such as Performance – Baltimore B&O Railroad Harold Holzer, Terry Alford and James Swanson. Museum, Baltimore, MD – This weekend only see the reenactment of Lincoln’s funeral with an exact replica of Lincoln’s coffin, period music, and military

and civilian reenactors. A CW locomotive decorated as Lincoln’s funeral train and life after the war will be highlighted through the remainder of 2015. For more info see http://www.borail.org/Civil-War.aspx Sean Smith – Langhorne, PA https://www.facebook.com/2015LincolnFuneralTrain

April 21, 2015 – Tuesday – 1:00 pm – “President Abraham Lincoln – The Final Journey – Baltimore B&O Railroad Museum,

Baltimore, MD – Portrayed by Richard Frederick

“Fritz” Klein. This one-time, one performance only is

open to the public free of charge beginning at 12:00 st March 20 to June 07, 2015 (ongoing) - noon. Don’t miss this one hour, 1 person “Lincoln and the Jews” – Exhibit – New York interpretation program by American actor Fritz Klein as he portrays President Lincoln and his final journey, Historical Society Museum & Library, 170 one of the Nation Park Service’s “funeral” stops Central Park West, NY – Focuses on the commemorating the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s significant, and hitherto unknown, relationships and Funeral Train. For details interactions between Abraham Lincoln and his http://www.borail.org/April.aspx Jewish friends and associates. Through never-before displayed original documents, artifacts, photographs, Lincoln's own writings, and first person accounts, the

5 April 25-26, 2015 – Saturday & Sunday – 9:00 Learn about Lincoln's Heritage and enjoy a am, all day – 26th Annual Neshaminy Civil Mississippi riverboat cruise aboard the Spirit of War Reenactment – “The Final Campaign – Peoria featuring live entertainment, wonderful meals, March 29, 1865” – Neshaminy State Park. Camps wildlife, music, storytelling, and more. Tour Includes: open 9:00am - Battles at 2:00pm on Saturday and Spirit of Peoria Riverboat Cruise, Abraham Lincoln 1:30pm on Sunday. Military and civilian reenactors; Presidential Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Union and Confederate camps where troops will Site, Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery, demonstrate military and camp scenes and discuss Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site, Anheuser-Busch aspects of Civil War history; demos of troops drilling, Brewery Tour, Missouri Civil War Museum. Some mounted cavalry, artillery; living history presentations, meals included. For prices and detailed itinerary see period music; sutlers' tent village selling period items, http://www.starrtours.com/tours/details/2378 jewelry, crafts, military items, souvenirs etc.; food Tour will be offered again September 19-25, 2015. vendors plus picnic facilities. Parking lots close to all of the action. Fun and educational for every member of the family. Free Admission and Free Parking! Near Street Road Exit of I-95. For directions or info: www.neshaminyreenactment.org;.

May 2, 2015 – Saturday – 8:00 am to 5:00pm - Around Town General Meade Society Spring Trip to Meade sites in Philadelphia at his 200th Anniversary – Itinerary: 'Meade’s homes, Union League; Meade “Personalities and Their Perspectives of Monuments and memorials; Meade family graves at the American Civil War” – Civil War 150th Laurel Hill; buffet luncheon at the fabled ‘McGillins’ Old Ale Pub.8:00am departure from the Cannstatter, Anniversary Lecture Series 5:00pm arrive back at the Cannstatter. Cost - $60 per person complete: bus, tours, donations, luncheon, A new Civil War Series is being offered at the refreshments. All funds over costs go to the Meade Middletown Free Library to commemorate the 150th Society. Contact: Jerry McCormick - Anniversary of the end of the American Civil War. [email protected] 215-848-7753 There will be presentations from a wide variety of historical interpreters, historians, and authors. The May 17, 2015 – Sunday – Time TBA – Manor Library is located at 21 N. Pennell Rd., Box 275, Lima, College Civil War Living History Day – SAVE PA. Registration Required!! Please register by either THE DATE!! – Manor College, 700 Fox Chase th calling 610-566-7828 or email Road, Jenkintown. Re-enactment by the 28 PA, black powder weapons demonstrations, special [email protected] or appearance and narration by Harriet Tubman (Ms. http://www.middletownfreelibrary.org/ Millicent Sparks), various generals and historical figures, artifacts, medical display, information from Ed Colimore local organizations, Del Val book sale. Family fun.  "The Inquirer's Live Coverage of the Call 215-884-2218 for more information. See the Flyer on page 17 of this newsletter. American Civil War” – Friday, April 10 @1PM Herb Kaufman June 4-7, 2015 – Thursday to Sunday – Starr  "Civil War Medicine” – Saturday, April 18 @ Tours – Civil War Trails: Lexington and 1 PM Appomattox – with Jane Peters Estes Jerry McCormack – History buffs and tourists alike will love this  "General A.A. Humphries” – Saturday, May 16 fascinating trip as Starr's own Civil War Historian @ 1 PM guides you through one of the most resonant and Andrew Miller fascinating episodes in American history. For prices and detailed itinerary see  "Philip Sheridan and the Valley www.starrtours.com/tours/details/2489 Campaign,1864” – Friday, June 5 @ 2 PM Tour will be repeated October 29-November 1, 2015. Mike Wunsch  "Abraham Lincoln & The Great Central June 27-July 3, 2015 – Saturday to Friday – Sanitary Fair, Philadelphia, June 1864" – Starr Tours – Land of Lincoln: Springfield, IL Saturday, June 6 @ 1 PM and St. Louis, MO – with Jane Peters Estes –

6

Independence Hall & the Civil War Lincoln’s Legacy Submitted by John Gavin By Bernice Kaplan

th The will present some Civil In marking the 150 anniversary of Lincoln’s War related events in April. assassination, the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) Chief Historian and Independence and the American Civil War acclaimed scholar of American Jewish history, Dates: April 18 & 19, 2015 Jonathan D. Sarna, will discuss the importance of Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm Lincoln’s legacy for Jews and for all Americans on Location: Independence Square Wednesday April 29 at 7:00 pm. The cost is $12/$8 Members.  Demonstrations, photo galleries, special ranger talks, and plenty of activities for kids. Lincoln and the Jews: A History by Jonathan D. Sarna At 11:00am and 2:00pm meet a park ranger at the and Benjamin Shapell (March 2015) will be available John Barry Statues for a short walking tour and hear for sale and signing after the program. Presented how Independence Square emerged as a powerful with the and the African American Museum in Philadelphia, a Smithsonian symbol during the American Civil War. You will learn Affiliate. about President-elect Abraham Lincoln's visit in 1861 and the emotional connection he made to the The National Museum of American Jewish History is Declaration of Independence, discover how located at 101 South Independence Mall East (South Independence Square was used to recruit men to 5th Street at Market), Philadelphia, PA . For fight for the Union, and hear about the thousands of mourners who came to Independence Square to pay more information call 215-923-3811 or check their final respects to a slain president in 1865. (30 www.NMAJH.org minutes)

Lincoln in Philadelphia: Funeral Train Commemoration Dates and Times: April 22 at 1:00 p.m. and April 23 at 10:00 a.m. By Paula Gidjunis, Location: Congress Hall Preservation Committee Chair

Join accomplished actor, Fritz Klein, for a special presentation on the 150th anniversary of the arrival GETTYSBURG CLEAN-UP of President Lincoln's funeral train to Philadelphia. Hear about the events surrounding Lincoln's Last month we sent around a sign-up sheet for our assassination, his funeral, his vision for America as Gettysburg Spring Clean-up – Saturday, April 11th he expressed it during his life, and his hopes of with a rain date of April 18th . You can still join us, th moving the nation from civil war to civil rights (1 hr). even if you didn’t sign up. We meet at the 27 Pa monument at 10:00 AM. The 27th monument is on

East Cemetery Hill on Baltimore St., on the other side Building Hours and Program Times - Changes for of the stonewall which separates the park from the April. Beginning March 1, tickets will be required for Tour Center. Independence Hall. Hall tours are every 20 minutes. Congress Hall Tours are every 30 minutes, on the Keep this date open for our Gettysburg Fall Cleanup quarter hour. New Hall Military Museum will remain – Saturday October 17th, with a rain date of open on weekends from 10-5. November 7th.

(If you can make the main date on these but cannot commit to the rain date, this is not a problem, just let us know.)

7 RAFFLE SUCCESS property to the Gettysburg Foundation. The Foundation has agreed to rehabilitate the 3-bay At last month’s meeting on March 17th, the garage for a new cannon carriage and monument preservation committee held our yearly “goodie preservation shop. After the rehab has been basket” raffle. We raised $123.00. The committee completed, the Foundation will donate it to the park. appreciates your support. Thanks also to all those The current preservation work takes place in a rented who donated the awesome prizes. building. For more information: https://npsgnmp.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/a- new-future-for-gettysburgs-armory/

CIVIL WAR TRUST (CWT) CAMPAIGN TO SAVE 3 WESTERN BATTLEFIELDS

The Civil War Trust has saved over 1,500 acres at Mill Springs, Perryville, and Stones River, three crucial battlefields in the Western Theater. Due to a combination of grants and federal funds, the CWT Raffle prizes photo provided by Paula Gidjunis hopes to add 19 acres to these important sites. For every $1 donated, $4 will be matched. For more information check out: HELP NEEDED http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/mill- springs/western-theater-2015/ A reminder that the Preservation Committee has a busy 2015 schedule and will need extra help. If you are interested in helping out at any of the events, NEW MEMORIAL FOR DRUMMER BOYS please feel free to speak to myself or any of the other AT GETTYSBURG members of the committee who are: Carol Ingald, Jim and Linda Dover, Mary Ann Hartner, Rich Andrew Adam from Boy Scout Troop 88 in Jankowski, Herb Kaufman, Matt Bruce, Walt Lafty, Mechanicsburg, PA is close to finishing his Eagle John Shivo, Alan Ash and Tom Donnelly. We Scout Project. His project is “Unity Park”, a park appreciate any time you can allow, you don’t have to designed to educate visitors on the many aspects of stay the entire day, a few hours can be a big help. the American Civil War. The centerpiece of the park will feature a bronze statue, dedicated to musicians We will be selling books, magazines and other items and the many young people who participated in the at these events: Civil War. Almost one fifth of both the Confederate  Neshaminy Reenactment at Neshaminy State and Union armies were under the age of 18, and Park – April 24-26 many of them served as musicians. Adam has  Manor Day, Manor College, Jenkintown, Pa, announced that Unity Park will be located in http://www.manor.edu/cont- downtown Gettysburg, on a plot of land owned by ed/upcoming-events.php – May 17 the Gettysburg Area School District. Unity Park will  Pennypacker Mills Reenactment, be unveiled in the late spring of this year to honor the 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, Pa, 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and to www.civilwarreunion.org – May 30-31 celebrate unity and peace in America. The statue as described on the website:

NEW USE FOR NATIONAL GUARD  Statue will feature a young drummer boy. ARMORY AT GETTYSBURG The statue’s message will be “Unity” and will pay tribute to both Northern and The National Guard Armory on West Confederate Southern soldiers, especially musicians that

Avenue at Gettysburg was declared excess property fought in the war. several years ago. The building is listed on the  The statue will be casted from bronze using National Register of Historic Places because of its materials from the North. Statue will be significance as an early armory of the Pennsylvania sculpted by US Veteran Gary Casteel, National Guard. The state has donated the 3.67 acre 8

sculptor of the war frequently came to the civilians’ doorstep. No Longstreet Monument. one, in or out of uniform, was untouched by the  The pedestal of the monument will be made Civil War. from granite coming from the South. DATE: Wednesdays June 10-24 FEE: $79 Adam has raised the majority of funds need for this INSTRUCTORS: Paula Gidjunis, M.A., M.B.A. project and needs to fund the balance. For more and Sandy Kaufman, M.Ed. information and/or to donate check out: http://www.unitypark2015.org/ NOTE: As of today, the course title listed on the Manor College website is “Life From the Homefront to the Battlefield”. In addition, the course description provided on the website is

incorrect. The course described is “Causes of the Civil War.” Please refer to this newsletter for the The Civil War Institute correct information.

Our Winter/Spring semester is winding down – but our Summer Session is right on the horizon, **Gettysburg: Aftermath of a Battle - 6 hrs – The with three electives being offered. biggest battle ever fought on American soil obviously had a major impact on the outcome of Classes may be taken as part of the certificate the war and on the men who fought it. But it also program or individually. Completion of your changed the lives of the civilians who lived in the choice of any four of six core courses, and any four little Pennsylvania crossroads town. When the elective courses is required to receive the armies left, the people of Gettysburg had to pick certificate. Call (215) 884-2218 to register or for an up the pieces. application for the certificate program, or online at DATE: Mondays, July 13-27 www.manor.edu/cont-ed/civil-war/courses.php FEE: $79 Class hours are 6:30 till 8:30 pm. Manor College is INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Caldwell located at 700 Fox Chase Road in Jenkintown, PA.

* Indicates Core Course ** Indicates Elective Course The War as a Learning Tool **Meet the Generals - 6 hrs – We’ve all heard of By Larry Vogel Lee, Grant, Sherman and Jackson, and their colorful careers and personalities are a fascinating For the second year in a row Mother Nature study. But other Civil War generals with equally played a trick on the DVCWRT by forcing a fascinating careers are virtually unknown today. cancellation of a monthly meeting, this year in In this course, you will meet them all. DATE: Thursdays, May 21 to June 4 February. Thus it was with some sense of FEE: $79 anticipation and relief that a good crowd INSTRUCTOR: Herb Kaufman, M.Ed gathered for the March meeting to see friends but also hear a good speaker, Dr. Robert Hicks. NOTE: As of today, the course title listed on the Manor College website is “Civil War Officers: Dr. Hicks is the director of the Mütter Museum Heroes and Fools, Patriots and Duels”, and the and Historical Medical Library of The College of course description is incorrect. Physicians of Philadelphia. For those of us who

attended DVCWRT’s November meeting, we **Civilians in the Civil War – 6 hrs – Although it know that Dr. Hicks received the DVCWRT’s was the soldiers who did the war’s fighting (and Award of Merit. dying), the civilians were much more than bystanders. On a greater scale than before, the

9 Before getting into his subject for the night, The Firm used the tragedy of the Civil War as Dr. Hicks spoke on the Mütter Museum and an opportunity to study injuries and diseases of their current exhibit Broken Bodies, Suffering the nerves. They made many discoveries and Spirits: Injury, Death, and Healing in Civil War developed treatments for nerve injuries such as Philadelphia. causalgia and “phantom limb syndrome.”

After the war Dr. Mitchell, wrote about his experiences at Turner’s Lane both in medical treatises, but also in fact based fictional stories, like the "The Case of George Dedlow", in which he described the case of a quadruple amputee soldier.

Paula Gidjunis poses a question to Dr. Hicks

Dr. Hicks’s main presentation was titled, “The Awful Harvest of Gettysburg and the Remarkable Year at Turner’s Lane.” He started by quoting Walt Whitman, “The real war will never get into the books…”. He then gave a brief synopsis of the battle of Gettysburg highlighting some participants who would be Dr. Hicks is presented with the traditional certificate discussed later in the talk, as it would relate to and “esteemed drinking vessel” by President Hugh Boyle the Turners Lane Hospital. Dr. Hicks stated The Firm’s work eventually led to the founding that well over 20,000 wounded soldiers were of The American Neurological Association, and left on the field at Gettysburg, and the last one their research has influenced medicine even was not evacuated from the town, many to today. hospitals in Philadelphia, until about five months later. So Dr. Hicks’ fine presentation left us with

more knowledge on the interesting field of Civil For the rest of the talk, Dr. Hicks discussed War Medicine. the Turner’s Lane Hospital in Philadelphia and the medical innovations that were developed Last but not least I would be remiss, if I did there, led by Dr. Silas Mitchell and others, not mention that I was very glad to see Matt collectively called, “The Firm.” Bruce at the meeting who missed the January

meeting due to a recent medical issue. Dr. Mitchell was born in Philadelphia. Along with his colleagues, William W. Keen, and George R. [Photos in this article provided by Walt Lafty.] Morehouse, they created one of the most unusual and important temporary hospital wards during the Civil War. They used many innovative tools and methods to help their patients, including thermometers, poultices, hypodermic medication, hygienic nutrition, electric and massage therapy, and of course leeches.

10

The The NY Times is running a feature entitled Disunion on its Opinion Pages. It’s a daily chronicle of the events of 150 years ago today.

Book HUhttp://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/categor

y/disunion/U

UNook

Worst Seat in the House – Henry Rathbone’s Front Row By Hugh Boyle, Book Editor View of the Lincoln

Book Discussion Night Assassination By Caleb Jenner Stephens

Each year we at the round table have a book discussion night. It is a night when everybody can Reviewed by Hugh Boyle take part in the evening. Each year the board of directors comes together and chooses a book to be discussed. One might think that it is a simple task and When John Wilkes Booth shot somebody just has to suggest a book and that is all Abraham Lincoln on April there is to it. It is not that simple, there is so much 14th, 1865 at Ford’s Theater, he that has to be considered in that choice. First the topic not only killed the President must be one that appeals to a broad audience, one that but he altered and changed the most of our members would read or have read, United States, as well as those second it has to be a book that all can get, that means close to that tragic event. good availability [Barnes & Noble or Amazon] and it has to be at a price that our membership can afford. The couple that Mary Lincoln Then we have to announce it to give the members asked to attend the theater that enough time to purchase it, read it and evaluate it night, Henry Rathbone and Clara Harris, before that discussion night. When all this is done our would never forget or stop reliving that night. Their deepest hope is that you the members will read it and story is one that we all know, and many know the come to the night eager to discuss the book. Coming tragic outcome of Henry murdering Clara, but the to discuss is the last and most important part of the story of their lives has not been fully explored until entire project. You the membership make the night now. There was a very good fictional account of the work, it’s your involvement, your opinion and two by Thomas Mallon some years ago entitled discussion, and it is your night. That book for July Henry and Clara. 2015 will be announced soon, so be ready, willing and available for another great night. Caleb Jenner Stephens has put forth a fact filled book on Henry and Clara, their lives before that fateful Happy Reading! night and the years of anguish after. They were step brother and step sister. Clara’s father was the Senator from New York Ira Harris, who stepped into that position when William Seward moved up to Secretary of State. Harris, a widower, married Mrs. Rathbone, a widow, and the families became one. … that Abraham Lincoln served as Henry and Clara fell in love. Henry joined the army President of the United States for and rose to the rank of major. 1,503 days? th On the night of April 14 1865 the two were invited to the theater by Mary Lincoln. General Grant and his

11 wife were scheduled to attend, but begged off to visit Willow Manor Publishing, 2014; 204 pages; retail their son in Burlington, . After asking $24.99 (cloth), $15.99 (paper), also available on many other couples to join them, and receiving no Amazon new & used for $12.79, and as an e-book takers, Mrs. Lincoln asked Henry and Clara.

That night the Lincolns picked up their guests up in a Do you enjoy the Book Nook feature of carriage at the Harris home at 15th and H Street in Washington. They arrived at Ford’s Theater and sat Case Shot & Canister? down to enjoy the show “”. All We need your support with book reviews! was fine until about 10:30 pm when they were Please consider sending us a review startled and shocked, hearing the shot from the pistol (regardless of length) of John Wilkes Booth. Henry lunged at the attacker, of the book you’re reading (or have just only to be cut severely on his arm by Booth’s dagger. Rathbone still struggled with him as Booth tried to finished). You don’t need to be a leap to the stage. Booth caught his spur on a flag and professional writer – landed awkwardly and broke his leg. He got up and amateurs welcomed and encouraged! exited the theater and escaped. Thank you!!!

Henry was badly cut and was bleeding profusely. It would take until after Lincoln was removed to the before he was attended to; in fact, he fainted on the floor of the Petersen House. Rathbone was taken back to the Harris home for additional care.

We don’t hear about Henry and Clara again till Just a Modicum of Lincoln-Related Wit Christmas Eve 1883, when Henry went into Clara’s By Bernice Kaplan bedroom and shot her dead. The book’s author gives us the reasons for that murder. Henry suffered from a In the March 2015 edition of the Reader’s Digest, an stomach ailment and severe depression. He was article entitled “Proverbs Gone Wild”, by Teddy Wayne, depressed over not being able to save Abraham caught my attention. Lincoln, and that depression followed him for all those years. Mr. Wayne is a New York Times columnist, a frequent contributor to The New Yorker and Vanity Fair, as well Henry and Clara had moved to Germany, and as the author of the novels The Love Song of Jonny although it is believed that he went there as a Valentine and Kapitoil. “Proverbs Gone Wild” first government agent, that was not the case. Henry and appeared in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency in 2014. Clara had sufficient funds to go there and live. His depression grew worse and worse, he was filled with All of the proverbs included in the article are very sorrow, depression and jealousy. And on that humorous, but the one that stood out for me is the Christmas Eve it just boiled over, and the result was following: “A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT murder. STAND. Wait, I forgot about duplexes. Duplexes are

the exact literal definition of bifurcated housing. Argh! The author asks and brings up an interesting point. I can be such an idiot sometimes.” Did Henry see Booth enter the box, and did not act fast enough? The popular belief is that he did not see Ted Wayne ends his article with the following proverb: Booth enter the box, but if he did, the guilt would “PRACTICE MAKES PERFECC…Practice makkes have been great and maybe overwhelming. We will perfect…Practice makesperf—darn it, I’ll never get this. never know. I’m calling it a day.”

Caleb Jenner Stephens has given us a wonderful book to read, a book that allows us to think about two of And, so am I. the lives that were tragically changed as a result of the Lincoln assassination. It is a good book, and worth reading. 12

THE VIETNAM WAR – A multi-part documentary film series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, sheds new light Media Alert!! on the military, political, cultural social and human dimensions of the war. This series will premiere in 2017, but some highlights of it may be shown during PBS Remembers the Vietnam War the Vietnam War remembrance week in April.

with Special Programs in April Note: Since there are numerous PBS channels in the By Bernice Kaplan area, it would be advisable to verify program scheduling online, TV Guide or your local Starting on April 27, PBS will be airing the following newspapers. Vietnam War related programs:

THE DAY THE 60s DIED – In May 1970, four students were shot dead at Kent State during an anti-war protest. The chaos that followed has been called the most divisive moment in American history since the Civil War. This program will illustrate the turbulent spring that took place 45 years ago. Shown on Vegetables Monday, April 27, from 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET By Larry Vogel

DICK CAVETT’S VIETNAM – On the 40th anniversary How many of you refused to eat your vegetables of the official end of the Vietnam War, this show as a kid? Well, believe it or not, the Federal examines the war and its impact on America through Army had trouble trying to get some of their the use of interviews conducted by the famous talk soldiers to eat their vegetables as well. These show host, featuring insightful conversations and weren’t fresh vegetables, which were a rare and debates from different sides of the political hard to come by delicacy. The “vegetables” that spectrum. Monday, April 27, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET the soldiers did not like were “desiccated” vegetables. What in the world is a “desiccated”

vegetable? It is a vegetable that had been dried THE DRAFT – An in-depth look at the history of the by a process consisting of dividing the military draft in the United States, especially during vegetables “into pieces, placing them in an the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 70s, featuring apparatus into which dried air is driven, until stories and interviews of those who were directly they have parted with all the water, and have involved. Part of PBS Stories of Service. Tuesday, become perfectly dry.” April 28, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET The desiccated vegetable that was served to the

soldiers came dried in cakes, blocks and sheets. : LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM – When placed in water the sheets swelled and Award-winning filmmaker, , when boiled they became an astounding size. documents the turbulent concluding days of the Vietnam War. While the North Vietnamese Army were closing in on Saigon, an incredible band of heroes (American officers and diplomats), defying military orders, did whatever possible to save the lives of many South Vietnamese, whom they had grown to value and love, while serving in their country. LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM was one of the five nominated documentary films in this year’s Academy Awards. Part of PBS Stories of Service. Tuesday, April 28, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET

Army officials found desiccated vegetables to be compact, long-lasting and portable. The

13 American Desiccating Company of New York Several examples include: General George advertised that its desiccated vegetable soup Washington’s Revolutionary War success, leading cost 25 cents per pound and that a cubic yard him to become the first American President; General contained 40,000 rations. Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War triumph which also led to his becoming President; and more recently, both Republican and Democrats recruited World War II’s General Dwight D. Eisenhower to run for the presidency under their banners.

Well this story is about John who had a successful Civil War career in the military that led to an equally successful political career.

John was born to Alfred and his wife in 1833. Alfred was a college graduate and could trace his ancestry back to England in 1600. John also went to college, There was some dispute on whether or not they but his academic career was not as stellar as his fulfilled the army’s purpose of using the father’s. He first enrolled in his father’s alma mater, vegetables in the first place, which was to but he could not hack it, so he left college after two prevent scurvy. years. The next semester he tried again, enrolling in The dried vegetable compound was unpopular another school, this time taking Classical Studies. He amongst enlisted men and officers, alike, some was far above average in Latin, Greek, and literature calling them “desecrated” vegetables, but they (all of which he enjoyed), but mathematics was a reflected the Union Army’s attempt to use what problem for him. In his third year a quarrel erupted it deemed an advanced method of supplying between himself and a notorious bully. A nutrition efficiently to the soldiers. One General confrontation ensued. John pulled out his pistol and however deemed them more suitable for “Southern swine than Northern soldiers”, but shot his adversary in the neck. John was arrested the supply of fresh vegetables often led to and did jail time. Obviously he was also expelled wasted funds and food loss from decomposition. from college. Though detested, desiccated vegetables provided a transportable and long-life substitute source While serving time, John won the friendship of his for nutrition and vitamins for over 2 million prosecutor, attorney William J. Robertson. When citizen-soldiers. John expressed his desire to study law, Robertson

offered the use of his law library. John studied law for the rest of his incarceration. Friends and family

used political influence in an attempt to obtain a pardon. Gov. Joseph Johnson reviewed the evidence and pardoned John on December 23, 1853.

After studying for months in Robertson's law office, John was admitted to the bar and established his own law practice. About this time, John met Pauline, John whom he eventually married and with whom he had by Larry Vogel two kids.

With Appreciation to Paul Harvey I present, “Civil Then, as it did for everybody, the Civil War ensued War: The Rest of the Story.” and changed John’s life plans. Before the war he had been against secession and slavery. Like many others It is not unusual that a successful military career can he joined the army. He eventually impressed his enhance one’s later career in politics. superiors with his ability to gather intelligence, and John was promoted to first lieutenant and assigned to an elite group of cavalry scouts. He helped his 14 general develop attack strategies and was responsible for an effective raid during the Peninsula Campaign. He was captured and imprisoned for ten days before being exchanged. Even as a prisoner John spied on his enemy.

John moved up in the ranks quickly. He was promoted to captain, on March 15, 1863, and major, on March 26, 1863, and soon promoted to lieutenant colonel on January 21, 1864, and to colonel, December 7, 1864. John was also wounded several times in the execution of his duties.

After the war John became an active Republican. He Full inscription on the Veterans Memorial in was state campaign manager for President Ulysses S. Scranton, PA Grant. In his autobiography Grant stated, "Since the close of the war, I have come to know John personally and somewhat intimately. He is able and thoroughly honest and truthful."

John’s friendship with Grant, gained him an SWEATSHIRTS FOR PRESERVATION appointment as U.S. consul to Hong Kong. John then served as a lawyer in with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Later he worked for the Jim Dover has procured a number of Department of the Interior, first enforcing federal Del Val sweatshirts that will be available fencing laws in Omaha, then evicting trespassers on for purchase at our April meeting. government-owned land in Alabama. He also worked They are light gray with blue color logo. as an assistant attorney in the Department of Justice (1904–10). The cost is $18 for members and $20 for non-members. John’s legacy is enormous, even today. He has a $5.00 from each sale will go to our museum named for him. There are 35 monuments preservation fund. and markers dedicated to his actions. A section of US Route 50 is named for him. See Jim if you are interested in purchasing one of the shirts. An inscription of John’s military quotation is on the Veterans Memorial at the Lackawanna County The logo is pictured below. Courthouse in Scranton, Pennsylvania…."War Loses Its Romance".

Who was this Republican friend to Ulysses S. Grant? None other than former Confederate raider and Gray Ghost John Singleton Mosby, AND NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY.

15

On April 1, Confederates under George Pickett are defeated in the Battle of Five Forks.

On April 2, with the Petersburg line crumbling, Lee informs Davis he will abandon his position that evening, and the Confederate government evacuates Richmond.

Also on April 2, Nathan B. Forrest is defeated by General James Wilson at the Battle of Selma, AL.

On April 3, Mayor Joseph Mayo surrenders Richmond to Federal General Godfrey Weitzel, and Union troops occupy Petersburg and Richmond.

On April 4, President Lincoln visits Richmond, including the Confederate White House.

Also on April 4, the Battle of Jetersville is fought, as Lee’s troops try to join up with Joe Johnston’s forces.

On April 6, at Sailor's Creek, Ewell and 8000 Confederates are forced to surrender.

On April 7, Grant begins communication with Lee known as the "Surrender Letters”.

In the April 8 Battle of Appomattox Station, Sheridan’s cavalry strikes the rail depot south of the Appomattox Court House, capturing essential Rebel supplies.

Lee surrenders the ANV to U.S. Grant at the home of Wilmer McLean in Appomattox Court House on April 9.

The Confederate government withdraws to North Carolina on April 11.

On April 14, Lincoln is shot. takes the oath of office when Lincoln dies on April 15.

On April 18, Sherman and Johnston agree on surrender terms for all remaining Confederate armies.

Lincoln’s funeral in Washington, D. C. is held on April 19.

On April 24, Sherman learns from Grant that President Johnson rejected surrender terms to Joe Johnston, and is ordered to commence operations against Johnston within 48 hours. Sherman is incensed but obeys orders.

On April 26, Joe Johnston surrenders to Sherman at Bennett Place, NC.

John Wilkes Booth is shot while fleeing a burning tobacco shed on April 26.

Carrying former prisoners-of-war, the Sultana explodes on the near Memphis on April 27.

On April 29, commercial shipping restrictions are lifted from most Confederate ports.

Columbia, or Lady Liberty, kneeling and weeping over Abraham Lincoln’s Coffin – Thomas Nast Harpers Weekly, April 29, 1865

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

18