a companion to Antietam on the Web
Just finished Six Frigates by Ian Toll (W. W. Norton, Oct 2006). Two thumbs up. The story of the first serious American warships and their fights (1794-c.1815). USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) and her sisters. Decatur, Preble, and peers.
Built on primary source research, eclectic coverage from shipbuilding to politics to Teddy Roosevelt (!), and a great read. Thanks for the gift, lads.
Anybody else read this?
I was first introduced to the legendary soldiers of the Late Unpleasantness as a new Civil War reader in the 1960s. Lee, Jackson, and Stuart; Grant and Sherman, certainly, but also more accessible lesser deities like Mosby, Pelham, Forrest, Semmes, and Gordon. For the generations before mine, particularly in the South, those and dozens more were household names. Today, most beyond the Big 5 are largely unknown.
JH Chamberlayne in Confederate Uniform
From an oil portrait by John Elder
One of the heroes I remember from that period, and still find often in my reading, was the young artillerist John Hampden (Ham) Chamberlayne (1838-1882). I expect his prominence is due to a collection of his war-era letters published by his son in 1932. These letters are quoted in later works on the Civil War in the East, as well.
He may not have been well known during the War, but his letters have helped make him immortal. Let me see if I can put some flesh on his bones. (more…)
I was knocked out to get comments this week on the Morrison article from Joseph Graham Morrison IV. His daughter clued him to it. He’s passing it along to his 92 year old father (JGM III), the grandson of one of our subjects.
I hope to do my guys–those who were at Sharpsburg–justice and that they have decendents who appreciate them. It is most gratifying to have this kind of reenforcement.
Very nice. Now that’s what the Internets is all about.
John David Hoptak and his fellow Rangers are fixing to unveil the new Union Advance trail at the Park.
Once again, I’m amazed by the considerable effort and care the great team at the Antietam National Battlefield are putting in to bring the Battlefield back to its 1862 state.
Or at least as close as can be.
Bravo Zulu.
(Noted in John’s fine 48th Pennsylvania blog).
quickPosts! A new behind AotW feature for pointers to interesting things elsewhere and short notes on other subjects as they may arise.
As ever, I’m glad to have any comments from you.