a companion to Antietam on the Web
Where the Muse points, you shall go.
I was in my local library Sunday and saw this volume* displayed on the wall. I was immediately drawn to the book by the face on the cover; also thinking, at first, that it was Harry’s tousled Senator Jim Lane. By the time saw it was otherwise, it was too late: the book was in my hand and I was browsing. (more…)
If you’re within the sound of my voice, so to speak – in driving distance of Antietam National Battlefield – you owe it to yourself to experience the annual Memorial Illumination, or see it again. This may be the nation’s premier Civil War event, and is not to be missed. (more…)
I don’t do commercial endorsements, generally, but do think you should know about a new online service from Jim Studnicki called Civil War Microfilm. Not only will it be valuable to those researching the Civil War, it’s an excellent example of well-executed grass-roots digital history.
Jim is also the creator of the Civil War Florida website, a vast collection of information about Floridians who fought in the American Civil War. Since inception in 2001, CWF has grown into quite a community of researchers. Jim and that site have been of great help to me in filling in the blanks for Florida units and leaders at Sharpsburg on AotW. (more…)
I was very pleased to see a new blog pop up this weekend on the subject of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. Perhaps best known for their digging skills at Petersburg in 1864, the regiment is also one of “mine” (sorry)–part of the IX Corps on the Union Left at Antietam.
(US Park Service)
The blog is published by Mr John Hoptak, who looks to have the chops to do this fine unit some justice. He’s already posted some excellent officer photos and a significant three–part post on their first Colonel, James Nagle. That’s Nagle in bronze atop the 48th’s monument at Antietam, above.
Welcome to the ‘sphere John, and we’re looking forward to great things.
I like to think I would have got to him eventually, but an email query from distant descendent Gene Siscoe brought Captain J.M. Cutts, Jr. (1837-1903) to my attention yesterday. The question concerned his actions on General Burnside’s staff at Antietam in 1862. Sadly, I can’t help much there, Cutts is only listed as present in Burnside’s after-action report.
But the Cutts story does have tendrils reaching interesting spots and connects with some names you’ll certainly know.
etching by B. Wall from A Lincoln Reprimand (1950)
Cutts served for about 6 weeks in mid-1861 as Private in the 1st Rhode Island Volunteers, and then accepted an appointment as Captain in the new 11th United States Infantry. He was then about 24 years old. By Antietam he was an Aide-de-Camp to Major General Ambrose Burnside, under whom he had served in the 1st Rhode Island. Because of his apparent lack of previous military experience, I’d guess his US Army commission and staff postion were based on family connections. (more…)