Monthly Archives: November 2009

Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

The American tradition of Thanksgiving was given to us by Abraham Lincoln.  By the Fall of 1863 the Civil War had been waging for over two years.  While the summer of 1863 had brought victories to the Federal arms at … Continue reading

Posted in General Musings, Historical Events, This Day In The Civil War | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

U.S. Grant – Interesting Quote on the “Lost Cause”

I have just finished reading Joan Waugh’s new book on Ulysses S. Grant, “U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth.”  Released earlier this month, by The University Press of North Carolina, it has been a very interesting read.  A full review … Continue reading

Posted in General Musings, Quotes | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Today is the 146th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln delivering a “few appropriate remarks” at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  When Lincoln received an invitation, from David Wills, to attend the dedication, he believed it was an … Continue reading

Posted in General Musings, Historical Events, This Day In The Civil War | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Interview with Sal Cilella, author of “Upton’s Regulars”

As most of you are aware, I am very interested in the smaller units of the Civil War.  The volunteer infantry regiments comprised the backbone of the opposing armies of the American Civil War.  Most regiments were comprised of ten … Continue reading

Posted in Book Reviews, Interviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Seymour H. Hall – Captain Co. F 121st New York Infantry

Seymour “Hiram” Hall was born in Barkersville, New York on September 26, 1835.  Little is known of Hiram’s early life.  With the outbreak of the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln’s call for 75,000 state militia volunteers on April 15, 1861, … Continue reading

Posted in Commissioned Officers, Congressional Medal of Honor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Veterans Day – Remembering Those Who Served

Armistice Day Today marks the 90th anniversary of the first Armistice Day in the United States.  Originally instituted by President Woodrow Wilson, on November 11, 1919, the celebration would be called Armistice Day to commemorate world peace, after World War I.  On June 4, … Continue reading

Posted in General Musings | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Battle of Belmont – U.S. Grant Shows His Potential

The Battle of Belmont, Missouri is an often overlooked battle.  While the number of casualties were modest, compared to subsequent battles in the western theater, it was newly commissioned Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant’s first battle as an independent commander.  … Continue reading

Posted in Significant Battles, This Day In The Civil War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Interview With John Hoptak – Author of “Our Boys Did Nobly”

The Maryland Campaign has always been one of my favorite campaigns  in the eastern theater.  CSA General Robert E. Lee’s first incursion on northern soil was designed to take advantage of the momentum the Army of Northern Virginia experienced after … Continue reading

Posted in Book Reviews, Interviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gettysburg National Military Park – Rehabilitation Update

As a follow up to my recent article, “Gettysburg National Military Park – A Study In Contrasts,” I received an update today on the ongoing battlefield rehabilitation efforts at Gettysburg National Military Park.  Sent to me by Katie Lawhon, of the … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Civil War in Sin City

This morning, I am leaving for a work conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I am not a gambler.  I do not bet on horse, baseball, football or anything else for that matter.  I’m staying at one of the best properties … Continue reading

Posted in General Musings | Leave a comment