SEPTEMBER 2019 VOLUME X ISSUE 1 Call to Arms Brunswick Civil War Round Table Newsletter

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER - MIKE POWELL

The two best things that tells the story of the extraordinary about fall: the change in relationship of William T. Sherman and U. weather and the S. Grant. The three acts cover three reconvening of BCWRT. I different periods in the war when Grant hope you could visit a and Sherman met and discussed the national or state park in strategy and planning of the war. your travels over the Sherman once wrote, “I stood by Grant summer. Though we had when they called him a drunk, Grant stood no meetings, that does by me when they called me crazy. Now not mean we have been dormant. Here we stand together.” This trust had an are a couple things we got done. important impact on the war and the fame of both generals. Working with Chris Fonvielle, we were able to publish a brochure highlighting the Thanks to your support, our donations, little-known interpretative markers on and yearly dues we are able to accomplish Bald Head Island, marking the boundaries preservation as a major part of what we of Fort Holmes, as well as identifying do. Last year we brought interpretive several shipwrecks. We’ll offer the markers to Fort Caswell. This year we brochures on the Sutler’s Table, so please sponsored markers at Goldsboro Bridge in pick one up for your next visit to Bald Wayne County. In 1862, Burnside’s Head Island. The brochure tells Fort invasion of North Carolina by way of the Holmes’ Civil War history with a map, GPS Outer Banks and New Bern had Goldsboro coordinates and directions to guide you to as its objective. In 1865, John Schofield the markers. advanced from the coast with William T. Sherman marching from the south, and Also look for the 2019-2020 rack cards. chose the important railroad crossing at Thank you, E. Gifford Stack, for design Goldsboro as their objective point. work on the cards. The cards give our BCWRT continues to compile an impressive speaker schedule for the upcoming year record in the preservation of deserving and are also offered at the Sutler’s Table. Civil War sites in North Carolina (see p.7). We have a great list of speakers, including some old friends and some new folks. 2019 also was the initial year for the Note the two special events. On BCWRT Scholarship Fund in conjunction at November 5, Carolyn Evans will tell the UNCW. Last year we honored Ed Bearss story of through Carolyn’s with the donation. portrayal of the famous abolitionist. On (Continued on page 11) March 3, 2020, we have a three-act play

1 Incredible Story of Bravery Kicks Off Our New Season

The Brunswick Civil War Round Table is Year by the North Carolina Society of pleased to begin our new season of Historians in 2010, and received the m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s o n T u e s d a y, 2 01 2 A l i c e P a r k e r A w a r d f o r September 3, with an Outstanding Literature and Arts from unusual and seldom his alma mater, the University of written account of Alabama. t h e B r a n c h - L a n e Hardy teaches writing and history Brigade. This topic continuing education classes at will be presented by Maryland Community College. In 2013, guest historian and he became a Roads Scholar for the North s c h o l a r, M i c h a e l Carolina Humanities Council. His articles H a r d y . H i s have appeared in America’s Civil War, p r e s e n t a t i o n i s Civil War Times, North & South, entitled, “General Gettysburg Magazine, and the Tar Heel Lee’s Immortals,” Jr. Historians. In 2012, he penned the and is based on his forward to New York Times-best-selling 2018 book recounting the battles and author Sharyn McCrumb’s re-released campaigns of the brigade during the war. novel, Ghost Riders. He is a member of This storied brigade, first led by t h e S o n s o f Lawrence Branch until his death at C o n f e d e r a t e Sharpsburg, and then James H. Lane, Veterans. served with Lee’s Army of Northern A s u s u a l , t h e during its entire existence. The T u e s d a y , names emblazoned on its battle flag read S e p t e m b e r 3 like a history of that army, beginning m e e t i n g t a k e s with the Seven Days’ Battles and ending p l a c e a t H a t c h with the final roll call at Appomattox. Auditorium on the Originally part of A.P. Hill’s famous grounds of Fort “Light” Division, the Branch-Lane C a s w e l l . Brigade earned spectacular plaudits for Registration and its disciplined defense, hard-hitting refreshments begin attacks, and incredible marching at 6:15 p.m. and abilities. Its constant position at the the program starts promptly at 7 p.m. front, however, resulted in devastating The guest admission fee is $10, and can losses, so that its roll call of casualties by be applied toward the $25 annual the end of the war far exceeded its m e m b e r s h i p d u e s . F o r m o r e number of survivors. information, contact president Mike The guest speaker, Michael Hardy, is an Powell at (910) 278-3545, or email to independent scholar of the Civil War and [email protected]. Our website Southern Appalachian history. The is brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com. author of twenty books, he was honored You may also visit our Facebook page for as the North Carolina Historian of the i n t e r e s t i n g f a c t s , c o m m e n t s , announcements and updates.

2 MONUMENT MAN

Review of Bud Robertson’s May Presentation By Jim Medeiros

The genesis of any talk provides context for the approbation. Readily admitting he had lost the listener. Bud Robertson originally set down his professional detachment of the historian on his thoughts on Civil War memorials specifically to subject, Robertson, confessed admiration for a address the concerns facing the citizens of his man who grew up orphaned yet remained so home state of Virginia, particularly as regards devoted to his God that it guided his whole life native son Robert E. Lee. Then too, as a including an unswerving devotion to his military biographer of , Robertson cause. confessed his years of study had eroded the objectivity the scholar should retain. All of that Both Lee and Jackson inspired their men to undergirded his remarks to our roundtable. For follow them into the fiercest battles. For in spite of his cry of anguish to preserve history, Robertson, monuments to either general stand the question of Civil War as remembrances not of monuments is personal for traitorous intent but as Bud Robertson. markers in the history of “People have no right to individual men and a take my history and greater amalgamation of heroes away from me,” all men in our nation. Robertson declared. You may not like history, but Robertson had other you can’t change it. anguished cries for history. Further, Robertson insists Most Americans, he said, our children cannot know remain ignorant of history. democracy without One in ten will know knowing true history. He basics such as who used the example of was. Robert E. Lee, a man who chose loyalty to a state his One in ten will know what family inhabited for 200 the Declaration of years while only being Independence means. The part of the for seventy years. study of computer science and science in general Again, Robertson cited Lee’s behavior after the has too often displaced history and geography. Civil War to buttress his assertion that far from Our sense of time is disappearing with the deserving condemnation as a traitor, Lee ability to read the analogue clock. Our memory deserved admiration for his refusal to support of history has become an endangered species. nostalgia for the lost cause of war and insistence that the correct path of the future was as faithful For these reasons and more, James citizens of the union. Today, Robertson insisted, Robertson regrets any loss of our Lee would feel shame to see rebel flags flying monuments for they sit smack astride over state buildings and homes. Tearing down aspects of our history. In Robertson’s view, his monuments ignores the good in all this. you cannot look at any action in the past As if Lee were not enough, Stonewall Jackson, without the lens of history on your head. further received Mr. Robertson’s unabashed 3 Ladies’ Department — By Charen Fink

The Wives who went beyond the call of domestic duties to help the war effort

Fanny Ricketts—was the wife of U.S. Army store of rum and the captors became thoroughly Capt. James B. Ricketts. Her drunk. Then the wife put irons on the husband was in the Battle Confederates and sailed the bark into St. Thomas of Bull Run and when he where she delivered it and her captives to the did not return with his U.S. consul. unit, Fanny secured a pass from Lt. Gen. Winfield Kady Brownell—joined her husband with the Scott to go through the First Rhode Island Volunteers rather than be left lines to the site of the behind. She went conflict. When she got as with him to Bull Run far as the Confederate in 1861 and won the outpost, the pass was worthless. Her husband nickname “Child of had been a friend of J.E.B. Stuart who gave her a the Regiment.” pass that enabled Fanny to go to the Manassas When they were near battlefield. She found her husband in a field the fighting at hospital at the Lewis house. She remained in Manassas, she picked Richmond while her husband was a prisoner in up the regimental flag Libby Prison. She had visiting privileges until he from a fallen standard was exchanged in 1862. bearer. Then Kady was wounded while Julia Grant—was probably the only wife of a carrying it across the field. She relinquished it Union major general to be but picked up a trophy, a “Secessia rifle.” taken prisoner by a Confederate force. Nathan Princess Agnes Salm-Salm—was married to Bedford Forrest learned the Prussian nobleman and identity of the civilian as soldier of fortune, Felix Julia Grant. He gave the Salm-Salm. She stayed oral command, “Pass that with her husband throughout woman through the lines, the conflict spending her and waste no time!” energy caring for the sick and wounded. Governor Unknown Union female— Richard Yates of Illinois was crew members of the Confederate privateer so impressed he gave her a Retribution captured the coal brig P. Ellicott. commission as an honorary They were rejoicing over how much prize captain. money the vessel would bring when sold. But the crew members were replaced by References Confederates. The wife of the Ellicott’s mate was Garrison, Webb. “Civil War Curiosities.” left aboard and when the Confederate ship Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994, pgs.39-46. Retribution sailed out of sight, she broke out a 4 All-Star Speakers Will Present at 2019-20 Meetings

Perhaps some members are not aware that in addition to his responsibilities as our round table president, Mike Powell is the person who secures our speakers. For the coming year, he earns a gold star for our lineup of extraordinarily talented presenters. Here is our scheduled speaker list for 2019-20.

Tuesday, September 3 : Michael Hardy, societies, organizations and at historical sites. His independent scholar of the Civil War, college topic: “Success and Failure in the Saddle: Union professor, and award-winning author of twenty and Confederate Cavalry in the 1865 Campaign in books. His topic: “General Lee’s Immortals,” North Carolina.” considered one of the hardest-fighting units in Tuesday, March 3: Derek Maxfield, associate Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. professor of history at Genesee Community Tuesday, October 1: Larry Hewitt, Ph.D., College in Batavia, NY. He and his associate, college professor, prolific author, served as Tracy Ford, will portray Union generals Ulysses S. Managing Editor and Book Review Editor for Grant and in a three North & South Magazine, and past Historic Site act theatrical “conversation” which took place Manager of the Port Hudson. His topic: “Fightin’ near the end of the Civil War. The title of this Dick Anderson: Lee’s Most Maligned General.” portrayal is, “Now We Stand by Each Other, Tuesday, November 5: Carolyn Evans, a New Always.” York actress will perform what is considered a Tuesday, April 7: Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., Ph.D., “histo-drama,” a one-woman show portraying popular Wilmington historian, frequent guest Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist, speaker, outstanding Civil War battlefield tour political activist, and one of the most heroic guide, prolific author, and retired assistant women in America. Tubman was known most professor of history at UNCW. His topic: notably for her involvement in the Underground “Closing Down the Kingdom: The Battle of Ft. Railroad, rescuing slaves via a network of Fisher: 1864-1865.” antislavery activists and safe houses. Tuesday, May 5: Brian Luskey, Ph.D., Director of Tuesday, December 3: Jim McKee, Site Graduate Studies and Associate Professor in the Manager of Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State History Department at West Virginia University. Historic Site, and one of the original advisors of He is a prolific author of books, journal articles, our Civil War round table. His topic: “Fort book chapters, and essays. His topic: “The Bounty Anderson in the Civil War.” The fort was pivotal Men.” These were men who enlisted in the Union in protecting the Cape Fear River inlets and or Confederate army, collected a bounty, and then Wilmington for the Confederate army. deserted to a new area to enlist again to earn Wednesday, January 8: Ed Bearss returns for another bounty. his eighth visit. He is a renowned Civil War Tuesday, May 26: Scott L. Mingus, Sr., an award- historian, prolific author, battlefield guide, and winning historian and the author of 21 books on television commentator. His topic: “Reflections of the Civil War and the . His the Civil War,” recounting highlights of his vast great-great-grandfather was a 15-year-old drummer knowledge of Civil War events, without the boy in the 51st Ohio Infantry. Other family benefit of a single note or script. members fought in the Army of the Potomac at Tuesday, February 4: Col. (Ret.) Wade Antietam and Gettysburg. His topic: “Eastern Sokolosky, a 25 year veteran of the U.S. Army is Theater Railroads.” Railroads were a major factor one of North Carolina’s leading experts of the in the Civil War, especially in the North which 1865 Carolina Campaign. He lectures throughout had a commanding advantage given its industrial the Carolinas speaking to Civil War round tables, strength and miles of railroad track. 5 Sign Up for Bentonville Trip

Be one of 50 BCWRT members joining at 8:15 a.m. for the 1 1/2 hour trip up our bus tour to the well-preserved I-40 to Bentonville. (There is a "Park Bentonville Battlefield, led by retired and Ride" area for our use in front of Colonel Wade Sokolosky, the expert on the Lowe's food store at Brunswick Forest.) • We'll tour numerous sites at the battlefield by bus, with Wade narrating at frequent stops. • Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost. • The cost for the trip is $50 for BCWRT members, and $55 for non-members. • We’ll return to Brunswick Forest around 5 p.m. this battle, on Saturday, October 26! • To sign up, simply send a check, made March 1865: The Union has captured out to BCWRT, to John Walsh, 2795 Fort Fischer and Wilmington and on Golfmaster Ct, Southport NC 28461. March 3 Lincoln is inaugurated for his Include number of attendees, full second term. In Virginia, Grant has Lee name of each, your cell phone number in a desperate situation while and e-mail address. Sherman's seemingly unstoppable army We expect this trip, limited to 50 marches speedily north, devastating attendees, to sell out early, so mail your Columbia SC and capturing Fayetteville check today! on the way to Goldsboro. General Joe Johnston's tired and outnumbered Any questions? E-mail or text John at forces launch the Confederacy's last [email protected], or 609-651-7719. major offensive of the Civil War against Sherman's flank at Bentonville, NC, on March 19. After Johnston's initial success, the Union wins a substantial victory in a hard fought three-day battle resulting in over 4,000 casualties, the largest conflict of Sherman's Carolinas campaign. Here are the details.

• Our air conditioned luxury bus will leave the parking lot in front of Brunswick Forest in Leland, with Wade on board providing an overview,

6 BOARD APPROVES DONATIONS

At their meeting on August 13, the BCWRT proved $1,000 for a 2020-21 scholarship, Board of Directors approved a contribution given to honor our co-founder Tom of $6,000 to the Goldsborough Bridge O’Donnell, at UNCW to a student (graduate Battlefield Association for five signs preferably) studying Civil War history. Last providing interpretive information on the year the Board approved a similar amount, Battle of Goldsborough Bridge. These are given in honor of Ed Bearss, for the 2019-20 replacement signs for ones destroyed by school year which begins this month. We Hurricane Florence flooding. hope to have the scholarship recipient attend one of our meetings during the program year. According to President Mike Powell, “The Goldsborough Bridge donation perfectly Since our founding in May 2010, the exemplifies our round table’s mission to BCWRT has made donations of over $45,000 promote, encourage, and support Civil War to various Civil War sites or to organizations battlefield preservation.“ The Board also ap- promoting, teaching, and expanding interest in this epic conflict. (See below.)

Summary by Organization of BCWRT Donations Since 2010: Friends of Fort Anderson $8,684 Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield Association 6,000 Friends of Fort Fisher 5,850 NC Baptist Assembly (Fort Caswell) 5,281 Friends of the Graveyard of Atlantic Museum - Hatteras 5,000 Trinity UM Church 3,400 Friends of NC Maritime Museum - Southport 3,250 Friends of Bentonville Battlefield 1,100 NC Literary & Historical Assoc. 1,000 UNCW Scholarship (2019-20) 1,000 Pamplin Historical Park 665 Richmond Battlefield Assoc. 578 CSS Nuese Museum 500 City of Southport - Fort Johnson 500 Oak Island Station, U.S. Coast Guard 500 Fort Holmes 344 Kennesaw State University 300 National Civil War Museum 250 Loenoir City Tourism 200 Boy Scout Troop #238 200 Old Baldy Foundation (Fort Holmes) 120 Angel House - Cape Fear Hospice 100 Brunswick County Charters of Freedom 100 Oak Island Rec. Center - Veterans Park 100 $45,022

7 ALWAYS POPULAR LADIES’ FORUM SET FOR OCTOBER 29

The tenth Ladies’ Forum for WOMEN and full-size quilts. The art of making these ONLY, sponsored by BCWRT, featuring quilts will be discussed in detail. three different programs, is scheduled for Completing the evening’s program is the Tuesday, October 29, 2019. chairperson for the Returning is Rhonda Florian, of Leland, NC, Forum and the presenting “From BCWRT Vice Natchez to New York: President, Charen The Former Fink. Charen, also a Confederate First resident of Lady in the World of Southport, will Journalism.” Who present on the topic was Varina Davis? of Mary Lincoln. Why, the wife of There are so many misconceptions and myths Confederate President, surrounding the life of the wife of Abraham , of Lincoln. While many slanderous statements course! But Varina will be dispelled, the numerous acts of her was far more than that. The death of kindness will also be brought out. Also Jefferson Davis was the opening of Varina’s discussed will be the negative comments Act II. about the Lincoln’s private lives, and the oft- mentioned opinion of Mary’s sanity. Part of Follow the Confederate First Lady into the the presentation will be in first person. exciting world of journalism. Join her in breaking the glass ceiling. Salute her as she The Forum will be held at Trinity United applies a healing balm to the wounds of a Methodist Church’s Murrow Hall on Nash St. torn nation…all while making a life for in Southport, NC. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. herself and her daughter. Take an and the program begins promptly at 6 p.m., unforgettable journey with the Confederate ending at 8 p.m. First Lady…to New York City! There is no charge for BCWRT members The second segment of the evening features (again, WOMEN ONLY) while the guest fee Marion Martin, a resident is $5. In addition to the featured speakers, of Southport, NC, who there will be period-made refreshments and will present a program on door prizes. the making of Civil War To insure there is plenty of food and era quilts, using period beverages, reservations are a must. Please patterns and reproduction call Charen Fink at 330-507-2773 or email at fabric. She will display [email protected]. Also, there will be lap quilts, some of which a registration table in front of the Hatch will be available for sale, stage, open before and after our program. 8 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Help Enhance BCWRT

If you enjoy the round table and are Home Owner Association websites such as interested in giving a few hours of your time St James. You do not need to have to help out, here’s your opportunity! experience in all of these networks, but at least one is preferable. We are seeking assistance with three BCWRT activities. First, we need a couple of Finally, the presidency responsibilities have volunteers to help with our popular 50/50 grown (as expected when we are the largest raffle. Specifically, you’ll replace member round in the country!), and Mike Powell Roger Albizu (thanks, Roger!!!) who is would like help from time to time with stepping aside to head up a local service miscellaneous projects. organization. You’ll sell 50/50 tickets throughout the auditorium, as well as Please remember all three activities assist outside our entrance door. with bringing in quality speakers, supporting Civil War preservation, and Secondly, we need volunteers for two new working with youth to understand our Civil positions assisting with online sales of War history. donated civil war books and art objects. The positions require knowledge with online If you are interested in volunteering or have sales via one or more of the following: eBay, questions, please contact Wally Rueckel at Facebook, YouTube, Craig’s List, and local 248-252-6844 or [email protected].

******************************************************************* LAST SIGN INSTALLED AT FORT CASWELL

As noted on page 7, BCWRT donated $5,281 for new interpretive signs on Ft. Caswell. Over the summer the last two signs were installed adjacently, in front of Hatch Auditorium (in background). The signs provide information and pictures of the fort’s construction, how it defended and protected the Cape Fear River during the Civil War, the fort’s post-war history, and the various guns utilized. Members are urged to view the signs prior to one of our meetings. (Photo by M. Powell)

9 Book Review by Mike Powell The Rifle Musket in Civil War Combat - Reality and Myth by Earl J. Hess, University Press of Kansas, 2008 Only two speakers have declined an invitation the line of battle in the Napoleonic Wars to speak to BCWRT. Earl Hess is one of them. engaged at very similar distances to those in But we will not hold that against him. A the Civil War leading them to call the American leading authority on the use of field Civil War the “last battle of the Wars of fortifications in the Civil War, Hess in this book Napoleon.” challenges a long held belief that the rifled In addition to range and accuracy, rifled musket with it’s added range and accuracy weapons have also been credited with proved decisive factor in Civil War battles. motivating soldiers to dig earthworks and The typical musket of the Civil War, a throw up field fortifications to escape the smoothbore, muzzle- deadly fire. Earl Hess also disputes this claim. loading weapon, had an His study of fortifications revealed that the effective range of 100 rise of field defenses and earthworks resulted yards and a maximum from the closeness of Civil War armies before range of 500 yards. battle, especially in 1864-5. And, the fact that Rifling the inside of the these positions were held for days, not just barrel (adding spiral hours, made the men dig for safety. Anyone grooves) spun the who has visited the battlefield of Cold Harbor projectile as it left the surely noticed the small distance between the barrel. This spin battle lines. The terrain is such that you can increased range and easily see both enemy lines of battle. This accuracy. Being able to proximity to the enemy again negated the shoot accurately from advantage of additional range in the rifled 350-400 yards rather weapon. than 100-150 yards, would seem to be a So, what was decisive on the Civil War decisive advantage on the battlefield. battlefield? Hess says that--besides his However, Hess expands the research done by beloved fortifications--only an increase in the such Napoleonic War historians as Paddy rate of fire could be decisive. The mostly Griffith and Brent Nosworthy. Their research Springfield rifled muskets charged by muzzle shows that most lines of battle in the Civil War loading. The Civil War soldier could usually did not engage until within 100-125 yards of fire 2-4 rounds per minute at the start of a each other. The line of battle negated the battle. As the battle wore on, the rate of fire range advantage. decreased. “The impact of the rifle musket in Civil War Hess’s book is not for everyone. A prerequisite combat has been exaggerated, misunderstood knowledge of the military history of the war and understudied ever since Union and improves the book’s reading as it uses Confederate volunteers shouldered hundreds of examples of the effectiveness or firearms.” (Hess, p. 197) Hess acknowledges ineffectiveness of regimental fire in combat. that rifled weapons did provide a great Scientific in nature, the topic does not lend advantage to skirmishers and snipers who itself to prose. But if you want a better engaged at longer ranges, but not to the understanding of the use and effectiveness of regular private in the line of battle. firepower on the Civil War battlefield, this Nosworthy and Griffith’s research shows that book offers a good read by a leading expert. 10 (President’s Corner, Continued from Page 1) This year we honor one of the co-founders Those of you who were lucky enough to of BCWRT, Tom O’Donnell. His time with know Tom know why it is so appropriate to BCWRT was too short, but his ideas remain honor him with the 2020-21 BCWRT and still impact us. I know Tom would be Scholarship Fund. proud of what we have accomplished. Tom insisted that we do all we could to include the ladies and not just have a “boy’s club”. Mike +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Fonvielle Joins Hole-in-One Club Congratulations to Chris Fonvielle they could achieve: a hole-in-one. who usually gets recognition for his Said Chris, “I thought I'd hit my knowledge of Civil War happenings shot short of the green and was in the Cape Fear and North Carolina shocked when one of my buddies area. On July 16, at the third hole said, ‘Your ball is in the hole!’” No on Wilmington’s Inlands Green Golf doubt we’ll hear more about this Course, Chris did what many achievement the next time Chris BCWRT golf members only WISH presents at one of our meetings!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pamplin Historical Park’s 23rd Annual Civil War Symposium

If you are looking for an educational opportunity to The authors and topics are as follows: expand your knowledge of the Civil War, • Peter Cozzens – Battle of Iuka Pamplin Historical Park’s Annual • Jerry Desmond – Battle of Ringgold Symposium, held this year from • Rod Cragg – Battle of Fort Fisher October 18-20, near Petersburg, • Jeff Hunt – Battle of Mine Run Va., may do the trick. • James Morgan – Battle of Ball’s Bluff • Timothy Smith – Champion Hill Recognized for always • Brian Steel Wills – offering some of the nation’s greatest Civil War scholars, The cost of the symposium is $339 per attendee, the symposium begins Friday which includes all lectures, the Friday night night with a reception at the reception, two mid-morning coffee breaks, two park (a little over 250 miles lunches, and a Saturday night banquet. from Oak Island) where attendees and speakers can meet and enjoy refreshments. Saturday is filled with Call (804) 861-2408 or visit http:// lectures and opportunities to purchase published www.pamplinpark.org for more information and to works by the speakers for autographs and register today. Space is limited. See and print the participation in a silent auction. Sunday features registration form at https://pamplinpark.org/wp- additional speakers and a panel discussion. content/uploads/2018/11/.

11 Civil War Trust Seeks Our Support

America’s leading companion Senate bill, S 225. The legislation, which has bipartisan support, o r g a n i z a t i o n t o funds the Battlefield Land Acquisition preserve Civil War Grants Program up to $20 million a year battlegrounds and and includes provisions to enable nonprofit educate the public groups like the American Battlefield Trust about what to restore and interpret battlefield sites. happened there and why it matters, is Contacting our representative (David seeking our support Rouzer) and senators (Thom Tillis and for an important Richard Burr) is done efficiently — and matter. And it quickly — by using the Civil War Trust on- couldn’t be simpler. line letter form. Simply go to this site: https://www.battlefields.org/tell-your- T h e C i v i l Wa r federal-legislators-protect-americas- Trust, a division of battlefields. Fill in six boxes with your t h e A m e r i c a n name and address, then hit send. Done. Battlefield Trust, is You’ve contacted your elected officials in asking Civil War enthusiasts to tell their Washington regarding your support for this elected officials to support HR 307, and the legislation. ************************************************************** Raffle Winner Member Mary Carman (left) had her lucky raffle ticket pulled at our May 28 meeting, making her the winner of the Dale Gallon signed and numbered print. (Kindly donated by member Charles Gormley.) Skip Maxwell, BCWRT’s Artifacts Manager (right), said all money raised through the raffle goes toward the BCWRT mission of education and battlefield preservation. (Photo by Dave Carman)

12 CIVIL WAR VIEWS The editors of Call to Arms ask you to share your visits to a Civil War battlefield, monument, park, reenactment, or historical site. Simply email your high resolution photo(s) to [email protected] along with the name of the location, date taken, a short caption, and name of photographer. (This month we feature member Roy Pender’s account of his July trip to Gettysburg.)

Peter Carmichael, Director of the Robert C. ended up with my two sons’ and three of Fluher Professor of Civil War Studies at their children’s schedules, we finally got Gettysburg College, spoke to our round together, Friday morning, July 26, in table last December about the fate of a Gettysburg, a day that turned out to be confederate deserter. Afterwards, Wally long, hot, sunny, educational and very Rueckel introduced me to him, noting my entertaining. distant relative is General William Dorsey Right up front, let me tell you that Peter Pender. Dorsey and his wife are buried in was a most gracious host and an amazing guide who kept three generations of Penders entranced. First, he took us out to ’ iron furnace west of town and told us that this is where Pender was first given orders on July 1, 1863,at 4 a.m. to move towards Gettysburg. The fact that Stevens was a rabid abolitionist probably had a lot to do with the ironworks being destroyed. Then to the Cashtown Inn where along the march, Dorsey probably stood on the roofed front porch. Then to where the first probing and then fierce fighting took place west of town, across the rocky and beautiful Willoughby Run, and Tarboro along with many other of my finally up Seminary Ridge late that day. As Penders. Peter said, “great, come on up,” Peter described that day of violence, he said and he’d give me a personal tour focused on that today it is still not well known as being Pender’s two days in Gettysburg, because so bloody. Pender is one of his favorite generals. In the hot afternoon, Peter guided us up to He quickly learned that you should never what is now known as Confederate Avenue, tell a Southerner to come visit unless you showing us how Pender’s troops were not mean it. Working around his in the middle of the July 2 battle. However, overwhelmingly busy schedule and what (see next page) 13 as always, the general was close by, just soldiers from one army were rearranged behind the Confederate’s lines. Peter among the boulders, photographed, and walked back across the road and pointed then described as fallen heroes of another into the trees west of army to help inspire a the road, saying, “There dispirited public. Peter is where I believe then showed us via Dorsey was mortally battle sketches and wounded,” by stray modern photographs shrapnel. how one determined Even with busy Peter’s researcher walked every schedule, he took the inch of the battlefield time prior to our visit until he found the lie, to pull together and proved the truth. comprehensive folders The next day we spent showing where Pender touring with a was those two days, Gettysburg native and plus historical letters, old friend, who shared correspondence, army strengths, casualties with us his knowledge and perspective as a and more. A full college semester of young person and now a preservationist, learning for one day of classes. growing up with the park as his neighbor. He ended our day in the field among A full two days plus two days of travel. boulders west of Rose Wood, where dead Well worth it.

Photos: Roy and Peter pause on a Civil War-era cannon. The Pender family down in Willoughby Run, where Dorsey’s troop ran into the - Roy, son Dow, grandson Sawyer, granddaughter Hunter, son Cliff, and grandson Dow. (Photos - family member & Peter Carmichael)

More Civil War Views - E. Gifford Stack headed south on a spring motorcycle ride, stopping to admire the multi-war historic Ft. Moultrie on Sullivans Island, SC. (Photos by EGS and passerby)

14 Pictured at our May 28 Meeting Bud Robertson and 493 members attended our May 28 meeting (two attendees shy of the record 495 set at our May 7 meeting!). Some of the happy attendees, including the $212 winner of our 50/50 raffle, paused for our cameras. (Photos by E. Gifford Stack)

15 Pictured at our May 28 Meeting - Continued

16 MUSTER NOTES and NOTEABLES

The next meeting of the BCWRT is Tuesday, October 1, 2019. The meeting will be held at Hatch Auditorium, NC Baptist Assembly, Fort Caswell, Oak Island, NC.

Registration and refreshments begin at 6:15 p.m., and the meeting starts promptly at 7 p.m.

BCWRT is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, co-founded by Tom O’Donnell and Wally Rueckel, and organized in May 2010.

The BCWRT website, brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com, contains helpful information and is available to everyone, no user name or password required. Our Facebook page is at https:// www.facebook.com/brunswickcivilwarroundtable/. Visit both sites to learn of future speakers, trips, and interesting Civil War information.

2019 Officers, Directors, Advisors, and Liaisons Mike Powell: President & Director Tom Kehoe: Advisor Charen Fink: VP, Director & Ladies’ Forum Coord. Paul Laird: Advisor Jim Johnson: VP, Director & Ft. Fisher Liaison Jim McKee: Advisor Jennifer Chapman: Secretary & Director Roy Pender: Advisor Gary Krupp: Treasurer & Director Leslie Rivers: Advisor Tish Gordon: Director Wally Rueckel: Advisor Kathy O’Donnell: Director Lori Sanderlin: Advisor Chuck Roedema: Director Dave Shultz: Advisor E. Gifford Stack: Director Nathan Sloan: Advisor Peter Carmichael: Advisor Wade Sokolosky: Advisor Jack Carpenter: Advisor & Ft. Anderson Liaison Len Trizinsky: Advisor Chris Fonvielle: Advisor Peter Whalen: Advisor Ken Keast: Advisor Max Williams: Advisor Emeritus

**************************************************** Call to Arms co-editors: Charen Fink and E. Gifford Stack

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