Another new Civil War-themed blog has arrived. Craig Swain has created To the Sound of the Guns*–perhaps the perfect name for such a blog. His stated purpose is

to aid the organization and presentation of my research, notations, and observations regarding the study of American history, in particular the Civil War. This study currently manifests itself in two directions – cataloging of historical markers and site visits to Civil War battlefields.

He calls himself a Marker Hunter, and Craig’s a prolific contributor to the growing Historical Marker database (HMdb); he talks about his collection captured on Maryland Heights last Fall in today’s post.

Pry Mill marker (C. Swain)

In the previous post he introduced some Maryland campaign hospital markers erected by SHAF that I’d not seen before. Great stuff.

Welcome to the ‘sphere and continued good hunting, Craig!

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* From an H-Net discussion of 1996:

My esteemed friend Col. M.L. Lanning (whose many books on VN and other military matters are much commended) has provided the following, concise information concerning the adage about “riding to the sound of the guns”:

David:

Re: DICTIONARY OF MILITARY AND NAVAL QUOTATIONS by Robert D. Heinl, Jr. (Annapolis, MD: U.S. Naval Institute Press, 1967)

page 141 “March to the sound of the guns.” credited to “Military Maxim”

but more likely page 140 “As a general rule, the maxim of marching to the sound of the guns is a wise one.” by Baron Antoine H. Jomini 1779-1869, (a member of Marshal Ney’s staff and the author of “Art of War”) This quote is from Precis Politique el Militaire de la Campagne de 1815.

As you can see, it is “march” not “ride.” Once again the damn cavalry tries to take credit from the infantry.

Regards,

Lee

A little behind, as usual, I’ve just found Dale Cox’s Civil War Florida blog. He’s been at it since September 2007, and his latest post considers one of my Sharpsburg guys, Captain Harrison Tillinghast, Company F, Second Florida Infantry.

Mr Cox has introduced quite a number of Florida CW landmarks and individuals since he began blogging. I have much catching up to do: there’s a wealth of material in about 125 posts in the five months to date.

I’ve particularly enjoyed some of his accompanying personal photographs, like this one of Santa Rosa Island (related post).

Having been stationed at Pensacola briefly some years back, I can almost smell that beach …

The author also mentions his publications from time to time, and is proprietor of Explore Southern History – a project he identifies as his main website.

A belated welcome to the blogosphere and best wishes to Dale!

My favorite blog about the 18th Massachusetts Infantry is reanimated. Donald’s posting again on behalf of his team on Touch the Elbow. Give them a hearty Hurrah!, and Welcome Back, won’t you? Elbow to elbow now, lads.

Today on Axis of Evel Knievel, David Noon marks the anniversary of South Carolina’s 1860 Ordinance of Secession from the United States. With his usual flair. Do go have a look.

Acknowledging his somewhat simplistic argument and the drama in his voice, I think it’s a succinct summation of how I fundamentally view the event, also.

I’d be interested to have nominations from either of my readers for other published commentaries of fewer than 500 words that do as well as Mr Noon’s. From any perspective, pro or con.

I’m especially interested in views in direct opposition to this one.

I was clued to a marvelous local history blog today. Sandusky History is …

… dedicated to the discussion of topics relating to the history of Sandusky and Erie County, Ohio; inspired by the collections of the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center and Follett House Museum. A service of the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center.

By way of example of the quality of the material here, a post about early German-language newspapers in Sandusky and connections to later Civil War soldiers caught my eye. Vis:

Sandusky Intelligenz-Blatt, 1851 (Sandusky Library Archives)

Apparently on the air since June 2006, the blog boasts a large collection of posts about the people, places, and things of the region. They feature snappy writing, widely ranging subject matter, and plenty of related photos and other artifacts.

The post authors are not identified, which would be my only complaint about the blog: somebody deserves more credit than they’re getting. Two thumbs up!

Thanks to Dorene Paul, Reference Assistant at the Library and blog contributor, for the email tip about their site this afternoon.