Monthly Archives: July 2009

The Battle of the Crater

On July 24, 1864, commanding general, Ulysses S. Grant approved US Major General George Gordon Meade’s request to detonate a mine under the Confederate lines at Petersburg.  In his order, Grant stated, “If this is attempted it will be necessary … Continue reading

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Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant is dead! – A Country Mourns

This week is the 124th anniversary of the death of US President, and Civil War general Ulysses S. Grant.  An unlikely force in the Civil War, Grant performed best during the heat of battle.  Born to Jesse and Hannah (Simpson) … Continue reading

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We Can Still Save The Wilderness Battlefield

Dear Fellow Civil War Enthusiasts, I write to you this evening with further confirmation that Wal-Mart’s plans to locate a Supercenter adjacent to The Wilderness Battlefield can be averted.  Today, the Civil War Preservation Trust sent an email to its … Continue reading

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The Sound of Guns at Bull Run – The Battle of First Manassas

July 21, 2009 marks the 148th anniversary of the Battle of First Manassas.  Called Bull Run, in the North, for a creek that meanders through the rolling hills of Fairfax County, Virginia, the Battle of First Manassas ignited the American Civil War.  … Continue reading

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Interview with Earl J. Hess, Author of In The Trenches at Petersburg

I have been a fan of Earl Hess’ books since reading “Pea Ridge: Civil War Campaign of the West,” co-written with William L. Shea, and released in 1997.  I read his other books on field fortifications, “Field Armies and Fortifications,” and “Trench Warfare Under … Continue reading

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The Wilderness Wal-Mart – Not a Fait Accompli?

As reported by the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT), on July 15, there is still hope that Wal-Mart may reconsider their plans to build a Wal-Mart adjacent to The Wilderness National Battlefield.(i)  Several high ranking state officials, including Governor Tim Kaine … Continue reading

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Captain David Acheson – Co. C 140th Pennsylvania

David Acheson was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on January 10, 1841.  He was the third of nine children born to Alexander and Jane Acheson (Wishart).  With the outbreak of the Civil War, the Acheson boys began enlisting in the army.  … Continue reading

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A Short Visit to Fort Moultrie

Earlier this week, I was on the road – as usual.  I had a business meeting in Columbia, South Carolina.  When I checked flights, it was significantly less expensive to fly into Charleston.  Obviously this gave me a great opportunity … Continue reading

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Interview with James A. Hessler, author of Sickles at Gettysburg

When I recently read about a new book on US Major General Daniel E. Sickles, that Savas Beatie, LLC. was publishing, my interest immediately sparked.  Like many of my readers, I have read a significant amount about Dan Sickles, but … Continue reading

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Test Drive: The Complete Gettysburg Guide by J. David Petruzzi

Earlier this week, I was in Gettysburg.  As my frequent readers may recall, I reviewed J. David Petruzzi’s newest book, “The Complete Gettysburg Guide,” on June 1. (click here for the review and an interview with JD)  Deciding that any good … Continue reading

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