Amazing! What were they thinking? The Gettysburg Battlefield Protection Association has come out in favor of the the proposed Mason-Dixon Resort casino. This is without a doubt the craziest position a battlefield protection group could take. Check out Eric Wittenberg’s recent post on this news item – then go to the Civil War Preservation Trust and donate some money to help fight the proposed casino.
Eric’s Article: The GBPA Sells Its Soul to the Devil
Good morning folks! The Civil War Preservation Trust has announced its Brandy Station 2010 Campaign. This is a great opportunity to save nearly 800 acres of this hallowed ground. Brandy Station was the site of many engagements during the Civil War. It also was the site of the largest cavalry battle in North America in June 1863. This amazing preservation opportunity has a $116 to $1 donation match. For every $85 donated to the CWPT an acre will be saved. This is truly amazing. There is no better time to donate for battlefield preservation.
Click HERE to make your donation!
Click HERE to view my Battle of Brandy Station essay from last year.
Click HERE to listen to my interview with Eric J. Wittenberg, author of “The Battle of Brandy Station.”
This is the final installment of my report of the trip Eric J. Wittenberg and I took to the Trans-Mississippi Theater in July 2010. These photos are from our excursion into northwest Arkansas on July 17, 2010. On this unusually warm day, even by Arkansas standards, we visited Pea Ridge National Battlefield Park, Fort Smith National Historic Site and Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. While Eric and I did not do as much hiking, as at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, we did journey most of the way up Telegraph (Wire) Road to the historic tan yard (Pea Ridge). The trip up the road was more comfortable than the trip back, as it was primarily downhill. While Fort Smith was an interesting site, it did not offer quite as much excitement as the battlefields. We finished our excursion with a visit to Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. This is one of the better battlefield state parks in the country. With excellent interpretation, and many scenic views, it is well worth a trip for any serious Civil War battlefield student. After our visit to Prairie Grove, we drove back to St. Louis, arriving at 11:00 PM – quite exhausted. Our last stops were on Sunday morning, July 18, when we visited Jefferson Barracks and Grant’s Farm. I had an incredible time wandering the Trans-Mississippi battlefields and Eric experienced one final bit of excitement when his flight back to Columbus was delayed by a thunderstorm and then a “mechanical problem” with the Boeing 737. Thanks for a wonderful time, Eric!
Mike’s Trans-Mississippi Battlefield Trip on Flickr.
Friend, and author, Eric Wittenberg and I are in the midst of a Trans-Mississippi battlefield excursion this weekend. Today we drove from Saint Louis to Springfield, Missouri. We were able to spend three interesting hours on the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. The weather was 95+ degrees. With the typical Missouri humidity the “feel like” temperature was around 105. A special treat was a short visit to the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield Museum, which is now managed by the National Park Service. They have an incredible collection of Trans-Mississippi artifacts with an emphasis on the battle at Wilson’s Creek.
Wilson’s Creek was the site of US Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon’s August 1861 thrashing by CSA Major General Sterling Price’s Missouri State Guard. Also present were regular Confederate troops commanded by CSA Brigadier General Ben McCullough. I have posted a few of today’s photos on my Flickr site: BattlefieldPortraits. I will update the photo set after our jaunt into northwest Arkansas.
The Civil War Preservation Trust issued the following press release today. It is good to see so many people coming out against the proposed Gettysburg casino. The idea of a casino within a mile of our most famous battlefield is preposterous. Kudos to the CWPT and the historians who have come out against the proposed gaming parlor.
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CWPT
For Immediate Release: 06/30/10
In letter to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, more than 275 American historians unite to urge rejection of proposed gaming resort one-half mile from Gettysburg National Military Park
(Gettysburg, Pa.) – To mark the 147th anniversary of the bloodiest battle in American history, 276 American historians, including some of the country’s most respected academics, today sent a letter to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board chairman Gregory Fajt, urging the rejection of the application for the Mason-Dixon Gaming Resort. If approved, the proposed gambling hall will be located just one-half mile from America’s most hallowed battleground.
Although many individual historians have previously voiced opposition to the casino proposal, such a large and diverse group uniting in this cause demonstrates Gettysburg’s unique place in our nation’s heritage. Among the signers are some of the most prominent historians in America, including James McPherson, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Battle Cry of Freedom; Garry Wills, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America; Carol Reardon, director of graduate studies in history at Pennsylvania State University; Jeffery C. Wert, author of the acclaimed Gettysburg, Day Three; and Edwin C. Bearss, Chief Historian Emeritus of the National Park Service.
In part, their message states that as professional historians, they “feel strongly that Gettysburg is a unique historic and cultural treasure deserving of our protection. Gettysburg belongs to all Americans equally—future generations no less than those of us alive today,” before concluding that “there are many places in Pennsylvania to build a casino, but there’s only one Gettysburg.”
Beyond the individual signatories, the message and its sentiment has received the endorsement and support of the American Historical Association, National Coalition for History, National Council on Public History, Organization of American Historians, Society for Military History and Southern Historical Association.
The Battle of Gettysburg, fought July 1–3, 1863, was the largest and bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. Commonly called the “high water mark of the Confederacy,” the battle saw nearly 160,000 Americans locked in mortal combat; more than 50,000 became casualties. Historians concur that the engagement was the greatest of Civil War battles, but its place in history was further cemented four months later, when President Abraham Lincoln travelled to the small Pennsylvania farm town to help dedicate a national cemetery for those who died. Lincoln’s “few appropriate remarks” for the occasion, popularly known as the Gettysburg Address, have become one of the world’s most recognized speeches.
Although the proposed casino site along the Emmitsburg Road lies outside the current administrative boundaries of Gettysburg National Military Park, it would be on land identified as historically sensitive by the American Battlefield Protection Program, an arm of the National Park Service. The application before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board would retrofit an existing family-friendly hotel complex into a gambling resort with an initial 600 slot machines in addition to table games.
According to Princeton University professor emeritus and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Battle Cry of Freedom, James McPherson, “The proposed site of the casino lies athwart the advance of Union cavalry toward what became known as South Cavalry Field, which saw substantial fighting on the afternoon of July 3, 1863. This ground is as hallowed as any other part of the Gettysburg battlefield, and the idea of a casino near the fields and woods where men of both North and South gave the last full measure of devotion is simply outrageous.”
This assessment of the importance of this part of the battlefield is shared by Eric Wittenberg, the author of numerous books on cavalry during the Gettysburg Campaign, including the only volume specifically dedicated to the actions that took place on South Cavalry Field. In response to casino proponents who have tried to minimize the significance of actions fought nearby, Wittenberg said, “This was a protracted and ferocious fight. American soldiers died on that ground, and to suggest otherwise only underscores the disregard these misguided investors have for our national treasure.”
In addition to the inappropriate juxtaposition, historians also fear negative indirect impacts on their efforts to interpret the battlefield and share their knowledge with students and heritage tourists. Gettysburg resident and director of the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War at West Virginia’s Shepherd University, Dr. Mark Snell is extremely concerned about the increased traffic and certain commercialization with which visitors and guides will have to contend should the casino be approved..
“As someone who has tried to give a tour to my students at South Cavalry Field — within easy walking distance of the proposed casino,” said Snell, “I personally can attest that the last thing that is needed on the Emmitsburg Road, where that fight took place, is any increased traffic. It wouldn’t just be noisy, it would be dangerous.”
In 2006, when a previous proposal to bring gambling to the fringes of the Gettysburg Battlefield was under consideration, a group of prominent historians similarly spoke out against the ill-advised project. Such thorough and widespread public opposition was among the reasons explicitly cited by the Gaming Control Board in its rejection of the application.
One of those at the forefront of that effort was Ed Bearss, chief historian emeritus of the National Park Service and America’s foremost battlefield guide. A former historian at Vicksburg National Battlefield, who feels that site was irreparably damaged by the emergence of gaming nearby, his opposition to this newer proposal has not diminished in the least. Over the course of his storied career, Bearss has spent many thousands of hours leading tours of the Gettysburg Battlefield.
“Gettysburg, if it embraces the casino, is forfeiting that which has undeniable national and international significance,” said Bearss. “Do you want the most iconic battlefield in America and the site of Abraham Lincoln’s immortal Gettysburg Address, or do want just another slots parlor?”
The letter was circulated among the historian community by a coalition of preservation groups which have opposed both efforts to bring gambling to Gettysburg. The Civil War Preservation Trust, National Parks Conservation Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preservation Pennsylvania have consistently emphasized that their opposition stems from the direct threat posed to the battlefield by the site’s proximity and potential for increasing traffic and development pressures on the park, as opposed to any objection to gaming. Spurred by the passionate involvement of so many individual members, member groups of the National Coalition for History also lent their institutional weight to the effort.
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About the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT)
With 55,000 members, the Civil War Preservation Trust is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve our nation’s remaining Civil War battlefields and encourage their appreciation through education and heritage tourism. Since 1987, the organization has saved more than 29,000 acres of hallowed ground, including 700 acres at Gettysburg. CWPT’s website is located at www.civilwar.org.
About the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)
Since 1919, the nonpartisan, nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its members, and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for generations to come. NPCA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with more than 325,000 members, including more than 15,000 members in Pennsylvania. NPCA’s website is located at www.npca.org.
About the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history took place, NTHP helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, 9 regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, NTHP provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories. NTHP’s website is located at www.preservationnation.org.
About Preservation Pennsylvania
Preservation Pennsylvania is a private statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania’s historic places through creative partnerships, targeted educational programs and grassroots advocacy programs. Since 1982 and with the support of 2600 members and member agencies, the organization has been the statewide voice for historic preservation and has provided support and technical assistance to individuals, groups and municipalities. Preservation Pennsylvania’s website is www.preservationpa.org.
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To read the complete letter and view the list of historian supporters, click HERE.
If you are not involved in the Civil War Preservation Trust, I encourage you to do so. Click HERE to learn more about the No Casino Gettysburg Campaign.
I recently finished reading Eric J. Wittenberg’s newest book, “The Battle of Brandy Station.” Thoroughly researched and well written, the book is up to the high standards that Wittenberg has established with his previous titles on Civil War cavalry. Jim Lighthizer, president of the Civil War Preservation Trust, penned the foreword for the book.
“The Battle of Brandy Station” starts quickly with background information on events following the debacle of US Major General Joe Hooker’s Battle of Chancellorsville. The author next discusses the changes in command of the Federal Cavalry Corps that took place when US Major General George Stoneman takes sick leave and is replaced by Major General Alfred Pleasanton who will command the cavalry until he is replaced by Major General Philip Sheridan prior to the Overland Campaign. A brief amount of space is next given to Pleasanton’s actions in the Northern Neck of Virginia that the author explains provides a boost in morale for the Federal mounted arm.
Next, Wittenberg provides expert appraisals of the cavalry commanders. In this discussion, he provides his reviews on Pleasanton, J.E.B. Stuart, John Buford, David Gregg, Alfred Duffié, Charles Whiting, W.H.F. “Rooney” Lee, Wade Hampton, William E. “Grumble” Jones and Beverly Robertson. I found this analysis fascinating. It provided me the background knowledge I needed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each commander and how they impacted their actions at Brandy Station.
No narrative of Brandy Station would be complete without a discussion on J.E.B. Stuart’s grand reviews. The last grand review took place on June 8, the day before the battle, with Robert E. Lee in attendance. Wittenberg describes in detail Stuart’s reviews and the controversy surrounding them. I found “Grumble” Jones’ reaction to the final grand review particularly interesting.
Wittenberg next moves to the tactical actions of the battle. Brandy Station is fascinating because of the complexity of the action. The author is able to make you feel as if you are taking part in the charges, all the while keeping the actions framed in the larger scope of battle. While complex, Wittenberg breaks the battle down into easily understood segments, each being given their own chapter:
The final chapter provides the author’s expert analysis of the battle. As you would expect from one of the foremost authorities on Civil War cavalry, Wittenberg is able to wrap up all the loose ends and put them in one nice tidy package of eleven pages that places North America’s largest cavalry engagement in context with previous actions and the upcoming Gettysburg Campaign. The epilogue, “A Tale of Two Soldiers,” is very enjoyable and makes the book even more valuable to any Civil War student.
While often overlooked by readers, the appendix’s of the “Battle of Brandy Station,” provide additional useful information on the battle.
I highly recommend “The Battle of Brandy Station” for any serious student of the Civil War. It provides more than enough detail for the avid reader while at the same time providing the necessary background information for the casual reader. For more information on Eric Wittenberg, or to purchase his books, check out his website by clicking HERE.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Eric about “The Battle of Brandy Station.” In this 75 minute interview Wittenberg speaks candidly about his newest book. It is quite revealing and highlights his expert knowledge on Civil War cavalry. I have edited the interview into smaller segments that allow you to listen at your leisure and return to the next part without losing your place. This is my second interview with Eric. Last September I spoke with him about his book, “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short but Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren.” You can listen to this interview by clicking HERE.
Details about “The Battle of Brandy Station”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: The History Press
Date of First Edition: March 2010
ISBN-10: 159629782
Eric J. Wittenberg Interview – 11 Parts
“The Battle of Brandy Station”
Interview Date: May 10, 2010
Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes 07 seconds
Part 1:
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Time: 6:17
Contents: Welcome and introductions | How Eric got involved with The History Press | Why write about Brandy Station? | The Battle of Chancellorsville and the lead up to Brandy Station | The raids on the Northern Neck of Virginia in May 1863 | About Alfred Pleasanton
Part 2:
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Time: 8:23
Contents: Federal cavalry scouting in Culpeper County, Virginia | US Major General Joe Hooker’s concerns about a Confederate cavalry raid in Northern Virginia | The Federal failure to detect Robert E. Lee’s movement to the north | Hooker is again plagued by indecisiveness | The tactical deployment of the opposing cavalry forces | Pleasanton’s intelligence is flawed with regards to the position of Stuart’s cavalry | Pleasanton’s tactical plan
Part 3:
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Time: 6:10
Contents: Wittenberg’s assessment of J.E.B. Stuart and a comparison to Alfred Pleasanton | Stuart’s actions during the Battle of Brandy Station | An assessment and background of US Brigadier General John Buford
Part 4:
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Time: 7:52
Contents: Wittenberg’s assessment of Pleasanton’s subordinate commanders | J.E.B. Stuart passed over for infantry corps command
Part 5:
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Time: 5:46
Contents: Eric’s assessment of J.E.B. Stuart’s brigade commanders | J.E.B. Stuart’s final cavalry review – did it provide essential intelligence for Pleasanton? Was this intelligence properly used?
Part 6:
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Time: 8:04
Contents: Pleasanton’s use of infantry units | How did Pleasanton not know the disposition of Stuart’s forces? | The Battle of Brandy Station opens on Buford’s front | The death of Benjamin “Grimes” Davis | The gallant charge of the 6th Pennsylvania and 6th U.S. Regular cavalry against Beckham’s cannons
Part 7:
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Time: 6:24
Contents: Eric’s use of firsthand accounts and how he approaches his research | The arrival of David Gregg’s Federal cavalry division | John Buford’s frustration at being held back | J.E.B. Stuart reacts to Gregg’s attack | Beverly Robertson’s Confederate brigade’s performance at Kelly’s Ford
Part 8:
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Time: 6:40
Contents: The battle for Fleetwood Hill | The charges of the 1st New Jersey and 1st Pennsylvania cavalry regiments | Captain Joseph Martin’s Federal artillery endures an attack by the 6th Virginia Cavalry and the 35th Virginia Cavalry Battalion | The actions of Pierce Young’s CSA Cobb’s Legion at St. James Church and Fleetwood Hill | The actions of Calvin Douty’s 1st Maine Cavalry at Fleetwood Hill
Part 9:
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Time: 7:27
Contents: A description of the fight for Fleetwood Hill | Lunsford Lomax’s 11th Virginia attacks Martin’s Federal battery – Martin’s gunners valiant effort to save their guns | Buford’s division is turned loose against Rooney Lee’s Confederate cavalry brigade | The 3d Wisconsin and 2d Massachusetts infantry attempts to flank Rooney Lee | The 6th Pennsylvania and 6th U.S. cavalry and the duel for Yew’s Ridge | 2d U.S. Cavalry goes into the fight | Rooney Lee commits his reserve and is wounded by Captain Wesley Merritt | Thomas Munford’s troopers (Fitzhugh Lee’s brigade) arrive on the field in time to rescue Rooney Lee | Buford’s retreat across the Rappahannock River
Part 10:
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Time: 7:17
Contents: Alfred Duffié finally arrives | The death of Will Farley and Frank Hampton | An analysis of Alfred Duffié | The implications of battle on the home front | The maturation of the Federal mounted arm | An analysis of the Battle of Brandy Station and its implications during the Gettysburg Campaign
Part 11:
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Time: 3:47
Contents: Future projects Wittenberg is working on | Wrap up and closing
Today is the 146th anniversary of the Battle of Yellow Tavern – and the mortal wounding of Confederate Major General James Ewell Brown “J.E.B.” Stuart. Stuart, whom historian Eric J. Wittenberg considers the “best cavalry commander ever sired in the United States,” had commanded the Army of Northern Virginia’s mounted arm since the Peninsula Campaign. Commanding general Robert E. Lee would rely on Stuart to provide accurate intelligence on the Federal Army of the Potomac and to screen the movements of his army. His death would be produce mourning in the Confederacy not seen since the death of Lieutenant General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson nearly a year earlier.
With the promotion of Ulysses S. Grant, to lieutenant general commanding all U.S. ground forces, in March 1864, the complexion of fighting in the east would drastically change. Grant would replace his cavalry corps commander, Major General Alfred Pleasanton, with Major General Philip H. Sheridan. Sheridan had earned his “stars” commanding infantry in the western theater and was a hard fighter. Grant’s command structure would have his new cavalry commander reporting to Major General George Gordon Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac. During the Overland Campaign, Sheridan would struggle with Meade who was accustomed to using his cavalry to guard his supply train and on scouting missions. Wanting to be used in an offensive capacity, against his Confederate adversary, Sheridan would 
appeal to Grant to turn him loose behind Lee’s lines. Grant would acquiesce, much to Meade’s dismay. While Grant was battering Lee at Spotsylvania Court House, Sheridan would ride south with his cavalry corps in search of Stuart. He would find him on the afternoon of May 11 at the abandoned inn at Yellow Tavern – approximately six miles north of Richmond. While Sheridan had over twice as many troopers, Stuart’s three cavalry brigades made a valiant effort to prevent the Federals from breaking through their lines. During the fight the 1st Virginia Cavalry would charge the Federal lines causing Colonel Russell Alger’s 5th Michigan Cavalry to bolt for the rear. Stuart, always leading from the front, would be shot a close range by John A. Huff, a former sharpshooter. Shot through the side, with the bullet tearing through his stomach, Stuart would be removed to Richmond where he would die on May 12. The fight at Yellow Tavern would continue for an hour after Stuart’s wounding with CSA Major General Fitzhugh Lee taking command. Sheridan’s numerical superiority would prove too much and he push south towards Richmond, never piercing the city’s outer defenses.
The Battle of Yellow Tavern permanently changed the complexion of the Confederate Cavalry. No longer would they out soldier their Federal adversary. With J.E.B. Stuart’s death the fighting elan of the Confederate mounted arm was diminished, depriving Robert E. Lee of arguably the best cavalry commander to ever fight in America. Stuart is a true American HERO.
As many of you are aware, I am a fan of Savas Beatie, LLC. Savas Beatie publishes quality historical narratives, biographies and other non-fiction titles. Based in Northern California, Savas Beatie Publishing was formed in 2004 when Theodore P. Savas and Russell H. “Cap” Beatie agreed to form the publishing house. Their tag line, “Independent, scholarly, and a bit old fashioned,” really sums it up.
Savas, an attorney by trade, had been a publishing consultant, working with many publishers. In 1992, he formed a publishing company with David Woodbury, Savas Woodbury Publishers which published a quarterly journal, “Civil War Regiments: A Journal of the American Civil War.” With the 
departure of Woodbury, in 1995, the company became Savas Publishing Company, focusing on the American Civil War, World War II and the Indian Wars.
With the formation of Savas Beatie, LLC, Savas had a partner that enjoyed the Civil War as much as he did. Originally from Kansas, Beatie served as an artillery lieutenant. “Cap” graduated from Princeton University and Columbia Law School. He has been a trial attorney in New York City for more than three decades. At a young age, Cap read Douglas Southall Freeman’s “Lee’s Lieutenants: A Study in Command” and became hooked on the Civil War. A Civil War historian, and author, Mr. Beatie published “The Army of the Potomac, Volume 1: Birth of Command,” in 2002 and “The Army of the Potomac, Volume 2: McClellan Takes Command,” in 2004. He has finished his third volume in the Army of the Potomac series, which is available from Savas Beatie, and is currently working on the fourth volume. Beatie lives in New York City.
Sarah Keeney was the first employee of Savas Beatie, starting after graduating from Cal Poly with a degree in journalism. As director of marketing Ms. Keeney works closely with their authors, handles publicity tours, specialty sales and maintains the book marketing blog, Savas Beatie On Marketing. Additionally Sarah works to arrange author interviews, television and radio appearances and book reviews.
Veronica Kane and Tammy Hall both handle marketing and administrative activities at Savas Beatie.
I recently had an opportunity to have a nice talk with Ted Savas. It was a wide ranging discussion and one I’m sure you will enjoy listening to. Like all of my interviews, I have separated it into separate sections so you can listen to it over a period of time.
Theodore P. Savas Interview – 13 Parts
Total Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes, 50 seconds
Part 1:
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Time: 3:15
Contents: Welcome and introductions | About Ted Savas | Why the publishing business?
Part 2:
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Time: 5:18
Contents: Was there a specific opportunity Savas Beatie was created to take advantage of? | The changing landscape of publishing
Part 3:
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Time: 4:56
Contents: About Savas Beatie and the staff | The culture of Savas Beatie
Part 4:
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Time: 4:49
Contents: The importance of a good dust jacket | The story of the dust jacket of James Hessler’s book, “Sickles at Gettysburg”
Part 5:
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Time: 8:33
Contents: Finding the “jewels in the rough” | Passion for your books vs. mass appeal
Part 6:
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Time: 8:00
Contents: Editing and working with authors | Using knowledgeable editors to create a consistently good product
Part 7:
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Time: 7:58
Contents: How Savas Beatie markets their books | Partnership between publisher a author | Access to television news shows | Use of outside publicists
Part 8:
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Time: 6:12
Contents: Mix of books from Savas Beatie | The book, “Flying Drunk”
Part 9:
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Time: 5:44
Contents: E-books and the Amazon.com Kindle | We love books and are tactile | The ability of a book to draw you in
Part 10:
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Time: 7:07
Contents: Background on the Google book settlement and Ted’s thoughts on it | Amazon.com as a publisher? | Self publishing
Part 11:
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Time: 5:51
Contents: Ted talks about the differences between different types of publishing houses
Part 12:
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Time: 8:14
Contents: Future titles from Savas Beatie | Planting the seed of scholarship for Western Theater Civil War battles | Ezra Carmen’s Civil War Notes with fresh maps | The Gettysburg Encyclopedia
Part 13:
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Time: 5:53
Contents: Discussion on the Complete Gettysburg Guide | Ed Bearss Petersburg book | Closing and wrap up
Details about “Once A Marine”
Written by: Nick Popaditch, with Mike Steere
Hardcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 1, 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714472
Details about “Confessions of a Military Wife”
Written by: Mollie Gross
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: November 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714766
Details about “Indian War Veterans”
Written by: Jerome Greene
Hardcover: 472 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: January 15, 2007
ISBN-10: 193271426X
Details about “Steel Boat, Iron Hearts”
Written by: Hans Goebeler, with John Vanzo
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: December 20, 2004
ISBN-10: 1932714316
Details about “Playing With The Enemy”
Written by: Gary W. Moore
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 15, 2006
ISBN-10: 0143113887
Details about “All-Black Rangers”
Written by: Edward L. Posey
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714456
Details about “The Maps of Chickamauga”
Written by: David Powell
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714723
Details about “Major General Robert E. Rodes”
Written by: Darrell L. Collins
Hardcover: 524 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: July 7, 2008
ISBN-10: 193271409X
Details about “The Complete Gettysburg Guide”
Written by: J. David Petruzzi with maps by Steven Stanley
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714634
Mike’s Interview with J. David Petruzzi
Details about “Sickles at Gettysburg”
Written by: James A. Hessler
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 29, 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714642
Mike’s interview with James Hessler
Details about “Those Damned Black Hats”
Written by: Lance J. Herdegen
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714480
Details about “Plenty of Blame to Go Around ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714200
Details about “One Continuous Fight ”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent
Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 2008
ISBN-10: 193271443X
Details about “The Maps of Gettysburg”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 19, 2008
ISBN-10: 1932714359
Details about “The Maps of Bull Run”
Written by: Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 10, 2009
ISBN-10: 193271460X
Mike’s interview with Dr. Bradley Gottfried
Details about “Shiloh and the Western Campaign of 1862”
Written by: Edward Cunningham and Gary D. Joiner and Timothy B. Smith (editors)
Hardcover: 520 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 15, 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714278
Details about “The Unpopular Mr. Lincoln”
Written by: Larry Tagg
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: May 2009
ISBN-10: 1932714618
Details about “Chicago’s Battery Boys: The Chicago Mercantile Battery in the Civil War’s Western Theater”
Written by: Richard Brady Williams
Paperback: 636 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: October 15, 2005
ISBN-10: 1932714383
Details about “Army of the Potomac: McClellan’s First Campaign, March – May 1862”
Written by: Russell Beatie
Paperback: 864 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: May 5, 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714251
Details about “Triumph & Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign, Volume 2”
Written by: Terrence Winschel
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714219
Details about “A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Cavalry in the American Civil War”
Written by: Michael Martin
Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 2007
ISBN-10: 1932714189
Details about “The Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads and the Civil War’s Final Campaign”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 366 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 15, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714170
Mike’s interview with Eric J. Wittenberg
Details about “Champion Hill: Decisive Battle for Vicksburg”
Written by: Timothy B. Smith
Paperback: 520 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: July 15, 2004
ISBN-10: 1932714197
Details about “Capital Navy: The Men, Ships, and Operations of the James River Squadron”
Written by: John Coski
Paperback: 366 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: July 21, 1996
ISBN-10: 1932714154
I recently finished reading Eric J. Wittenberg’s newest book, “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short But Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren.” I first became aware of Eric’s excellent books when I read the books he published with J. David Petruzzi and Michael Nugent, “Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg” and “One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.” Since then, I have read many of the books he has published. They are all quite good, so when Eric let me know his newest book was available, I was excited to get a copy to review.
Eric is an attorney by trade, but a Civil War Historian at heart. As he has often told me, writing is his second job – and you can feel his passion for the Civil War, especially the cavalry, when you read his books. Eric is also the publisher of the popular Civil War blog, “Rantings of a Civil War Historian.” Hailing from eastern Pennsylvania, Wittenberg became interested in the Civil War at an early age. He and his wife, Susan, live in Columbus, Ohio.
With regards to his new book, it is a real page turner. I spent a couple of late nights reading “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly,” as I just could not put it down. Like most Civil War enthusiasts, I had read briefly about the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid in other narratives. It was a fascinating event during the Civil War, but something that has not been written about extensively. Wittenberg’s book analyzes the raid extensively, but it is much more – it is the only biography written on the life of Ulric Dahlgren. “Ully” was the son of Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, who is considered the “father of American naval ordinance.” Ully would receive an excellent education at Rittenhouse Academy, but would never enter any military school. Growing up around the Washington Naval Yard, Ulric would spend a great deal of time around heavy guns and would become quite adept with their usage. While a teenager, Dahlgren would visit his uncle, Charles Dahlgren, in Mississippi. While there he would learn surveying and become a very accomplished equestrian.
Returning to Washington in August 1860, Dahlgren would witness the growing crisis of a potential Abraham Lincoln presidency. In September he would go to Philadelphia to study law under his maternal uncle, John W. Paul. An extremely smart young man, Dahlgren would never enter the bar as he would be drawn in with the growing patriotism of the North, after Lincoln’s election and the start of the secession crisis. While his father wanted him to continue his studies he knew he could not keep the adventurous Ully from serving his county.
Dahlgren would reach Washington City on July 1. Spending time with his father, who was the unofficial naval aid of Lincoln, Ully would have access to the president and other high ranking civilian and military leaders. Splitting his time between the naval yard and the growing army camps in Northern Virginia, he would yearn to take an active part in the defense of his country. He would get his chance over the coming months.
Dahlgren served in several campaigns including Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Shenandoah Campaign, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He would reach the rank of captain while serving on the staff of major generals Franz Sigel and Joseph Hooker. Serving with distinction and bravery, he would take part in the largest cavalry battle in North America, Brandy Station. Dahlgren would become invaluable in providing quality intelligence and leading several independent scouting missions – the most valuable being Gettysburg - where he would intercept valuable intelligence for US Major General George Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac. During the Federal pursuit of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, Dahlgren would rally troops at the Battle of Hagerstown where he would be wounded, eventually having to have his lower leg amputated. While convalescing in Washington D.C., it was uncertain whether he would live. During this uncertain time, Lincoln would promote Dahlgren to colonel, jumping the ranks of major and lieutenant colonel. He would be the youngest soldier, at that time, to reach that rank in the Army of the Potomac.
After a partial recovery from his wounds, Ulric would return to the Army of the Potomac’s camps, at Stevensburg, Virginia, on February 22. On February 28, Dahlgren would join with US Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick on a cavalry raid to Richmond, Virginia. The original goal of the raid was to free the captive Federal prisoners from Belle Island and Libby prisons. Kilpatrick’s command would include nearly 3,600 men and six pieces of artillery. Dahlgren, commanding the southern flanking force would be in the lead of the column and would have nearly 500 men. The plan was for him to approach Richmond, from the west, along the James River. Kilpatrick’s main column would approach from the north, along the Virginia Central Railroad. Dahlgren was to turn the Confederate’s left flank, entering Richmond, where he would release the prisoners at Belle Island. Kilpatrick’s column, tearing up track along the way, would arrive at the Richmond defenses on March 1, ahead of Dahlgren’s flanking force. Unfortunately, the Confederates already knew of the raid and CSA Major General Wade Hampton’s cavalry was waiting for them. Unable to locate Dahlgren, who had not yet arrived, Kilpatrick determined to retreat back to US Major General Benjamin Butler’s lines near New Kent Court House. Meanwhile, Dahlgren arrived around 10:00 a.m., and was able to take possession of some empty Rebel outer field works. He soon ran into Confederate Home Guards at “Roselawn,” the farm of Benjamin Green. Ully’s troopers would push them back. After an intense stand-up fight, Dahlgren believed the Confederates had received reinforcements and ordered a withdrawal – this after having pushed the enemy nearly 2 1/2 miles. The raid would end along a dark road in King and Queen County, near Walkerton. There, on the morning of March 2, a crack force of Confederate cavalry, commanded by CSA Lieutenant James Pollard, would ambush Dahlgren’s command. Dahlgren, at the head of his column, would be killed instantly, in the short fight, having been hit multiple times. A colonel for less than a month, Ulric would fall from his mount, landing in the mud, face down. The Confederates recovered Dahlgren’s papers and journal, which would create a controversy that continues today.
Wittenberg’s excellent research and well written prose make the story of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, and the controversy of the “Dahlgren Papers” jump off the page with fantastic imagery. Fast paced and easy to read it is both a biography and a short battle history of the engagements that Ulric fought in. However, the author saves the best for last. With the skills of an attorney adroitly arguing his case, the author assesses the life of Ulric Dahlgren and the authenticity of his papers. The author of this review cannot divulge either the assessment of Dahlgren’s life or the authenticity of the papers as it would pale in comparison to the fine work of Mr. Wittenberg. What I will say is that this book should be purchased by all Civil War scholars and students as it provides a “looking-glass” into the life of an intriguing Union soldier that has been overlooked by historians for nearly 15 decades. The closing chapters should not be taken by themselves, but in the context of the entire book. Like me, I am sure you will feel you have learned a great deal by reading “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly.”
Details about “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 318 pages
Publisher: Edinborough Press
Date of First Edition: June 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 1889020338
It was my pleasure to recently interview Mr. Wittenberg. The conversation was very engaging and he provided a lot of details on “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly,” and other things he is working on. Like previous interviews, I have separated the audio into multiple parts. They can be accessed by clicking on the links below.
Eric J. Wittenberg Interview – 7 Parts
Total Time: 52 minutes, 33 seconds
Part 1:
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Time: 7:45
Contents: Welcome | About Eric Wittenberg | How Eric became interested in the Civil War & the cavalry | Why write about Ulric Dahlgren? | Researching “Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly” | The impact of Ully’s visit to Mississippi
Part 2:
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Time: 7:49
Contents: The influence of Admiral Dahlgren on young Ulric | Access to Abraham Lincoln | Serving as Franz Sigel’s chief of ordinance
Part 3:
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Time: 7:15
Contents: Ully’s coming of age as a Union scout | The scouting raid of Fredericksburg | Dahlgren serving on Joe Hooker’s staff | Disappointments with being passed over for promotion
Part 4:
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Time: 6:56
Contents: Ulric’s bravery at the Battle of Brandy Station | The maturation of young Ully | Scouting during the Gettysburg Campaign | The Battle of Hagerstown | Ulric’s injury and slow recovery
Part 5:
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Time: 7:18
Contents: Full military burial for a portion of young Dahlgren | Participation in the Kilpatrick Raid on Richmond | The execution of Martin Robinson | Dahlgren’s vainglorious continuation of the raid on Richmond
Part 6:
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Time: 7:59
Contents: Ulric’s death and the discovery of his papers | The secret burial of Ulric Dahlgren | The memoir of Confederate Partisan Ranger William Patteson
Part 7:
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Time: 7:31
Contents: A glimpse of Wittenberg’s final analysis | CSA Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early’s analysis | Future books Eric is working on | Wrap up
Check out other great Civil War titles by Eric J. Wittenberg
Details about “Gettysburg’s Forgotten Cavalry Actions”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 131 pages
Publisher: Thomas Publications (PA)
Date of First Edition: January 1998
ISBN-10: 1577470354
Details about “We Have It Damned Hard Out Here: The Civil War Letters of Sergeant Thomas W. Smith”
Written by: Thomas W. Smith (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (author/editor)
Hardcover: 175 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: April 1999
ISBN-10: 087338623X
Details about “One of Custer’s Wolverines: The Civil War Letters of Brevet Brigadier General James H. Kidd, 6th Michigan Cavalry”
Written by: James Harvey Kidd (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (editor)
Hardcover: 241 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: December 1, 2000
ISBN-10: 0873386701
Details about “Under Custer’s Command: The Civil War Journal of James Henry Avery”
Written by: Karla Jean Husby (compiler) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Editor)
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2000
ISBN-10: 1574887440
Details about “At Custer’s Side: The Civil War Writings of James Harvey Kidd”
Written by: James Harvey Kidd (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Editor)
Hardcover: 140 pages
Publisher: Kent State University Press
Date of First Edition: March 2001
ISBN-10: 0873386876
Details about “Glory Enough For All: Sheridan’s Second Raid and the Battle of Trevillian Station”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Bison Books
Date of First Edition: 2001
ISBN-10: 0803259670
Details about “With Sheridan in the Final Campaign Against Lee”
Written by: Frederick C. Newhall (author) & Eric J. Wittenberg (Author/Editor)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press
Date of First Edition: July 2002
ISBN-10: 0807127566
Details about “Little Phil: A Reassessment of the Civil War Leadership of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2002
ISBN-10: 1574885480
Details about “Protecting the Flanks: The Battles for Brinkerhoff’s Ridge and East Cavalry Field, Battle of Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 203 pages
Publisher: Ironclad Publishing
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2002
ISBN-10: 0967377021
Details about “The Union Cavalry Comes of Age: Hartwood Church to Brandy Station, 1863”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Date of First Edition: 2003
ISBN-10: 1574886509
Details about “Battle for Monroe’s Crossroads and the Civil War’s Final Campaign”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 366 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: April 15, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714170
Details about “Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg & J. David Petruzzi
Hardcover: 456 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1932714200
Details about “Rush’s Lancers: The Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry in the Civil War”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Westholme Publishing
Date of First Edition: January 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 1594160325
Details about “One Continuous Fight: The Retreat From Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia”
Written by: Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi & Michael F. Nugent
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Savas Beatie, LLC
Date of First Edition: June 2008
ISBN-10: 193271443X
I am in the process of finishing Eric Wittenberg’s newest book, “Like a Meteor Burning Brightly: The Short but Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren.” This is the first biography of Dahlgren, who was killed during US Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick’s Richmond Raid on March 2, 1864. Permanently crippled after the Battle of Hagerstown, Dahlgren would have his lower leg amputated. This did not slow the ambitious, fearless “Ully” Dahlgren. While recovering from his wounds he stated, “I stay to take part in the great fight; if I die, what death more glorious than the death of men fighting for their country? Life is only the vestibule to real existence; a state of preparation for the future. Every one has something to fulfill in this world as in a school. The duty must be faithfully performed here, or the penalty be paid hereafter.”
Almost predicting his own death, Dahlgren continued, “I always feel a conviction that in going into battle I may never return alive. I think over my sins and pray God to pardon them. I never go down to the fight without first offering prayer to the Almighty for forgiveness and acceptance!”(i)
Just a few short weeks later, Dahlgren would be killed near Richmond, Virginia.
Ulric Dahlgren is a fascinating and controversial Civil War figure. Eric’s new book has thrown a light on his amazing, albeit short, life. Watch in the near future for a complete review of this fascinating book.
(i) Wittenberg, Eric J., Like a Meteor Blazing Brightly: The Short but Controversial Life of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, published by Edinborough Press in 2009, Pg. 153.
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