Civil War Traveler and Blogger
Just as Richard Ewell had thrown off Gouverneur Warren’s advance south to Todd’s Tavern on the morning of May 5th, so did A.P. Hill surprise Brigadier General Samuel Crawford down along the Orange Plank Road. The Confederate general met with some thin resistance of New York cavalry and effectively cut off the Federal cavalry unit… Continue reading “Death Held High Carnival” – Widow Tapp Field, May 5th 1864
While the ball was opening around Chancellorsville and the Wilderness, many gloss over the fact that there was another battle going on down by the Rappahannock on May 3rd of 1863. “Uncle John” Sedgwick had been tasked with keeping an eye on the Confederates around Fredericksburg at the start of Joseph Hooker’s campaign. Five pontoon… Continue reading Fighting for Fredericksburg… Again
Thirteen months after the first major engagement of the Civil War, the Union and Confederate armies are converging upon the same point of interest. By now, many of the troops are seasoned veterans. Commanders are earning reputations for themselves (good and bad) and volunteers are learning what it means to be a soldier. Players John… Continue reading “Here we go again” – Second Manassas, 1862
A book recently came into my possession that was suggested on a Civil War podcast station. They said that “Fighting for the Confederacy” by Edward Porter Alexander was a great companion text for any Civil War enthusiast who wanted to get an officer’s view of battles in Virginia. I expected it to be something similar… Continue reading A Bird’s Eye View of Bull Run
A year and a half before Ambrose Burnside was in command of the entire Army of the Potomac, he was Colonel of the Second Brigade under Colonel David Hunter in the Second Division at the first battle of Manassas. The brigade consisted of the 71st New York, 2nd New Hampshire, 1st Rhode Island, and 2nd… Continue reading Rhode Island to the Rear
Civilians and soldiers on both sides of the war thought the conflict would be swift and decisive. The southerners, fueled by their convictions and need for independence, was equally matched by the northerner’s enthusiasm to preserve the Union and future of their nation. Yankees believed they could whip the uncultured farm boys, while the Rebs… Continue reading Mayhem At Manassas
Belle on the Battlefield 