15th Iowa

On back of monument:

Iowa 15th Regiment Infantry Volunteers,

Commanded by Col. Hugh T. Reid, (Wounded).

This regiment arrived at Pittsburg Landing on the morning of April 6, 1862. It disembarked, formed on the bluff, and there received its first ammunition. It remained in this position about an hour, when under the orders of General Grant, and conducted by one of his staff officers, it marched to join McClernand's (1st) Division. It entered the field to the right of this monument near Oglesby's headquarters and while crossing it was fired upon by artillery and musketry. It formed line of battle and advanced under fire into the woods. Its colonel commanding officially reported that the regiment held its position from 10 o'clock in the forenoon until 12 o'clock noon, and then under orders retired to a new line. Portions of the regiment fought with other divisions later in the day and on Monday. Present for duty 760. Its loss was 2 officers and 19 men killed; 7 officers and 149 men wounded; 2 officers and 6 men captured or missing; total 185.

16th Iowa

On back of monument:
Iowa 16th Regiment Infantry Volunteers,
Commanded by Col. Alexander Chambers, (Wounded),
Lieut. Col. Add. H. Sanders.
This regiment early in the morning of April 6, 1862, formed on the bluff at Pittsburg Landing and for the first time received ammunition. It remained in this position an hour, when by orders of General Grant it marched with the 15th Iowa to the support of McClernand's (1st) Division. It entered the field near Oglesby's headquarters and while passing over it was fired upon by artillery and musketry. Its Colonel commanding officially reported that the regiment formed line of battle here about 10.30 in the forenoon, and advancing to the edge of timber held that position for an hour or more, and then retired under orders. Later in the day under command of Lieutenant Colonel Sanders it supported Schwartz's battery. On Monday it was on the reserve line. Present for duty 785. Its loss was 2 officers and 15 men killed; 11 officers and 90 men wounded; 13 men captured or missing; total, 131.

61st Illinois

On back of monument:

61st Infantry, Commanded by Col. Jacob Fry.

Formed in line of battle about 8.00 a.m., April 6, 1862, advanced through the open field in front and engaged the enemy a short time, then fell back to this line and held it more than one hour, when the regiment retired to south side of Corinth road. Its loss in the battle was 12 men killed; 3 officers and 42 men wounded; 18 men missing; total, 75.

72nd Ohio

72nd Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. Herman Canfield (Killed)

On back of monument:
This regiment was engaged here from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., April 6, 1862. It had present for duty, officers and men 647. Its loss was 2 officers and 13 men killed; 3 officers and 70 men wounded; 45 men missing; total, 133.

70th Ohio

70th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Col. Joseph R. Cockerill

On back of monument:
This regiment was engaged here from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., April 6, 1862. It had present for duty, officers and men, 854. Its loss was 9 men killed; 2 officers and 55 men wounded; 11 men missing; total, 77.

57th Ohio

57th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. Americus V. Rice

On back of monument:
This regiment was engaged here from 7 a.m. to 9.30 a.m., April, 6, 1862. It had present for duty, officers and men, 542. Its loss was 2 officers and 8 men killed; 4 officers a 68 men wounded; 12 men missing; total, 94.

77th Ohio

77th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. Wills De Hass
Maj. Benjamin D. Fearing


On back of monument:
This regiment was engaged here from 7 a.m. to 9.30 a.m., April 6, 1862. On the 8th it joined in pursuit of the enemy and was engaged in fight near Mickey's. Its loss on 6th, 7th, and 8th was 1 officer and 50 men killed; 7 officers and 109 men wounded; 3 officers and 48 men missing; total, 218.


A few years ago I purchased two swords that were carried by a member of the 77th Ohio. The only problem is that I am not positive of the member of the unit. All I'm sure of is that they were carried by a Burris. In the 77th Ohio there were two Burris' that were officers, William W. Burris who was a First Lieutenant and Marion N. Burris (also in records as Marion M. Burris) who served as Adjutant and was a Second Lieutenant.

48th Ohio

48th Ohio Infantry

Commanded by Col. Peter J. Sullivan (Wounded)

Lt. Col. Job R. Parker

On back of monument:

This regiment was engaged here from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., April 6, 1862. Its loss was 1 officer and 11 men killed; 3 officers and 70 men wounded; 2 officers and 16 men missing; total, 103.

This is another great example of the individuality of the Ohio monuments at Shiloh.

54th Ohio

54th Ohio Infantry (Zouaves)

Commanded by Col. T. Kilby Smith

Lt. Col. Jas. A. Farden

On back of monument:

This regiment, with six of its companies at this place and four companies 300 yards to the left, defended the position, on extreme left of Union army, from 11.30 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 6, 1862. Its loss was 2 officers and 23 men killed; 5 officers and 128 men wounded; 32 men missing; total, 190. Killed

Co. A. Ezra J. Latham, Nahum Chesley, William Holcomb ,Louis Stirtz

Co. B. Franklin B. Adams, James M. Castleman, Francis V. Hale, Henry King, Allen H. Lowe

Co. C. 2d Lt. George DeCharm, Thomas N. Dowden, Fergus Mitchell, John Caplin, Jason Randall Co. D. William H.H. Shockey, John E. Lusk, Joseph McTaggart, William Northup

Co. E. James Potter

Co. F. Capt. Peter Bertram, Edward Moon, Samuel Carl, Frank Oberinger

Co. G. Albert Black, John Ferguson

This is one of my favorite regimental monuments because it depicts a Zouave soldier. Of the four states (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Ohio) that have monuments for every regiment they had at the battle Ohio is the only one that did a different style for each monument. Some are similar but they are not nearly as identical as the other three states did.

71st Ohio

71st Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Col. Rodney Mason

On back of monument:
This regiment formed line of battle here at 11 a.m., April 6, 1862, but was soon driven back to the ravine in the rear. Lt. Col. Barton S. Kyle was killed while attempting to rally the regiment. Its loss was 1 officer and 13 men killed; 44 men wounded; 1 officer and 50 men missing; total, 109.

55th Illinois

On back of monument:
55th Infantry,
Commanded by Lieut. Col. Malmborg.
This position was assumed and defended from 11.30 a.m., until about 2.00 p.m., April 6, 1862, when the regiment was withdrawn across the ravine, thence back to the last line at the Landing. The regiment lost in the battle 51 men killed; 7 officers and 190 men wounded; 27 men missing; total, 275.

53rd Ohio

53rd Ohio Infantry

Commanded by Col. J. J. Appler

Lt. Col. Robt. A. Fulton

On back of monument:

This regiment formed here at 8 a.m., April 6, 1862, but soon fell back across the ravine in the rear. Its loss was 9 men killed; 1 officer and 32 men wounded; 2 men missing; total, 44.

This is the regiment that had such a disgraceful showing at Shiloh. Basically the colonel ordered the regiment to save itself a few times, eventually they did and only portions of the regiment fought. Appler would exit the army soon after his sad showing here.

6th Iowa

On back of monument:
Iowa 6th Regiment Infantry Volunteers,
Commanded by Capt. J. W. Williams, (Wounded),
Capt. Madison M. Walden.
This regiment held a position near its camp on the Purdy road, the extreme right of the army, until 10 o'clock a.m., April 6, 1862. Then it moved to the left and rear, and was engaged in this vicinity against a strong force of the enemy's infantry and artillery, for four hours; its last position being in Jones field, from which it was ordered to retire about 2.30 p.m. It then fell back to the support of General Webster's Artillery, where it was engaged when the battle closed, at sundown. In detachments, commanded by company officers, the regiment participated in the movements of the army throughout the 7th. Present for duty; officers 27; men 605; total, 632. Its loss was, killed 52; wounded 100; captured 37; total, 189.

40th Illinois

On back of monument:
40th Illinois,
Commanded by 1. Col. S. G. Hicks, Wounded.
2. Lieut. Col. J. M. Boothe.
Occupied this, their third position, about 12.00 m., April 6, 1862, and held it until 1.30 p.m., sustaining their heaviest loss. The regiment then fell back to the landing. Its loss in the battle was 1 officer and 46 men killed; 11 officers and 149 men wounded; 9 men missing; total, 216.

46th Ohio

46th Ohio Infantry

Commanded by Col. Thomas Worthington

On back of monument:

This regiment fell back from its camp and defended this position, where it did its most severe fighting, from about noon until 2 p.m., April 6, 1862. It had present for duty, officers and men, 701. Its loss was 2 officers and 35 men killed; 4 officers and 181 men wounded; 24 men missing; total, 246.

Worthington is one of the characters of Shiloh. Worthington was a 1827 graduate of West Point and believed he was just as smart as Sherman and Grant. He was arrogant and this led to his downfall. If he had kept his mouth shut he may have had a long history with the army, instead he quickly got in trouble. Four months after the battle he was on his way out of the army and he would use the rest of his life and fortune attempting to prove that he was right. And he actually was right. He thought that the army should prepare more for a Confederate attack, even going so far as to make repeated requests for picks and axes to make a defensive position. Each time his division commander, Sherman, rebuffed him. After the battle Worthington made sure he told everyone how right he was and how Sherman's actions had cost the lives of many men. Eventually Sherman had him court martialed. If Sherman had not become a great hero of the war Worthington might have been able to reclaim some measure of vindication. He tried vainly to do so though as he wrote a few books to give a "correct view" of Shiloh. His fight for vindication is also the subject of a recent (2001) book by James D. Brewer, Tom Worthington's Civil War: Shiloh, Sherman, and the Search for Vindication.

9th Indiana

On back of monument:
9th Infantry
Commanded by Col. Gideon C. Moody.

This regiment arrived on the battlefield at 9 p.m., April 6, 1862, moved upon the enemy at daylight of the 7th, was hotly engaged at this place 10 a.m. Repulsed a heavy attack from the front (south), and charged with brigade to the right (west), and drove back the enemy. At 12.30 p.m. was sent by Gen. Nelson across the road to the left to the aid of Col. Ammen. Casualties--killed, 1 officer and 16 men; wounded, 7 officers and 146 men; total, 170.

36th Indiana

On back of monument:
36th Infantry
Commanded by Col. William Grose.

This regiment arrived on the battlefield at 5.30 p.m., April 6, 1862; was ordered by Maj. Gen. Grant 150 yards to the left to support Capt. Stone's battery, where it was engaged until dark. At 5.30 a.m., April 7th, it moved forward in line of battle, arriving at this position about 10 a.m. Regiment charged the enemy and assisted in driving him from the field. Casualties-- killed, 1 officer and 8 men; wounded, 1 officer and 35 men; total, 45.

24th Ohio

24th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Col. F. C. Jones

On back of monument:
This regiment advanced to this point Monday, April 7, 1862, where it went into action about 10 p.m. Its loss was 5 men killed; 5 officers and 60 men wounded; 6 men missing; total, 76.

6th Ohio

6th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. N. L. Anderson

On back of monument:
This regiment advanced to this point Monday, April 7, l862, where it was engaged at 10 a.m., supporting Terrill's U. S. Battery. Its loss was 2 men killed; 5 wounded; 2 missing; total, 9.

41st Ohio

41st Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. George S. Mygatt

On back of monument:
This regiment advanced to this point Monday morning, April 7, 1862, where it became engaged at 10 a.m. It had present 18 officers and 355 men. Its loss was 1 officer and 20 men killed; 6 officers and 105 men wounded; 1 man missing; total, 133.

The 41st Ohio's first commander was its brigade commander at Shiloh, William Hazen. Hazen would end up as one of the top division commanders in the West and commanded the XV Corps at the end of the war. Hazen was a Regular Army officer who trained his volunteers very well and the 41st Ohio ended up being one of the very good regiments in the West.

19th Ohio

19th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Col. Samuel Beatty

On back of monument:
This regiment arrived on the field about midnight. Monday morning, April 7, 1862, it advanced to this position where it was engaged about 10 a.m. Its loss was 1 officer (Major T. D. Edwards) and 3 men killed; 1 officer and 43 men wounded; 7 men missing; total, 55.

59th Ohio

59th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Col. James P. Fyffe

On back of monument:
This regiment formed here in support of Barlett's battery at 10 a.m., April 7, 1862, and held the position until about 12 m., when it advanced to left and front, and was engaged near Hamburg road, where its greatest loss occurred. Its loss was 6 men killed; 51 wounded; total, 57.

13th Ohio

13th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. Jos. G. Hawkins

On back of monument:
This regiment bivouacked Sunday night in front of the siege guns. It advanced Monday morning, April 7, 1862, and became engaged here at about 10.30 a.m. Its loss was 11 men killed; 4 officers and 44 men wounded; 7 men missing; total, 66.

49th Ohio

49th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Lt. Col. A. M. Blackman

On back of monument:
This regiment arrived on the field at 11 a.m., April 7, 1862. It became engaged here about noon, and fought its way forward about 80 yards where the battle ended at 3 p.m. Its loss was 6 men killed; 34 wounded; total, 40.

15th Ohio

15th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Major William Wallace

On back of monument:
This regiment arrived upon the field at 11 a.m., April 7, 1862, and became engaged here about noon. It advanced fighting to Sherman's headquarters at 3 p.m. Its loss was 7 men killed; 1 officer and 65 men wounded; 2 men missing; total, 75.

32nd Indiana

On back of monument:
32d Infantry
Commanded by Col. August Willich.

This regiment arrived on the battlefield at 10 a.m, April 7, 1862; was ordered to the front by Maj. Gen. Grant. It formed on this line about 12 m., when the regiment repulsed an assault by the enemy. During the day this regiment made several charges upon the enemy, driving him back. Casualties--killed, 2 officers and 8 men; wounded, 4 officers and 82 men; total, 96.

39th Indiana

On back of monument:
39th Infantry
Commanded by Col. Thomas J. Harrison.
This regiment arrived on the battlefield at 10.30 a.m., Monday, April 7, 1862. At 12 m. regiment moved in line of battle under a galling fire, driving the enemy a quarter of a mile. It then fell back 150 yards to this position, where it was engaged until 2 p.m. Regiment again advanced under fire, driving the enemy from his last position, capturing 15 prisoners. Casualties--killed, 1 officer and 1 man; wounded, 1 officer and 33 men; total, 36.

1st Ohio

1st Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Colonel Benjamin F. Smith
On back of monument:
This regiment was engaged here about 10 a.m., April 7, 1862. Its loss was 2 men killed; 2 officers and 45 men wounded; 1 man missing; total, 50.
This monument is in the northern part of Duncan Field. The second picture shows the view from behind the monument.

6th Indiana

On back of monument:

6th Infantry

Commanded by Col. Thomas T. Crittenden.

This regiment arrived on the battlefield at 6 a.m, April 7, 1862. At 8 a.m. advanced under the fire of a battery of artillery. Occupied this position from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Enemy gave way; regiment followed until late in the day. Casualties--killed, 4; wounded, 36; missing 2; total, 42.

77th Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania only had one regiment represented at Shiloh, in fact this is the only Eastern regiment at Shiloh. It was part of Buell's army and arrived on the field on the morning of April 7th. Its supreme moment at Shiloh came near the end of the battle when it captured two cannon plus received the surrender of Colonel Battle of the 20th Tennessee. Both of these moments are detailed on the monument.

When they erected their monument they published a book, as most state organizations did, detailing their efforts in the battle and in getting the monument. This book does double duty as a regimental history, a copy of the book can be found here. This book is also interesting because it includes a copy of David W. Reed's history of Shiloh. Reed was the first historian at Shiloh, he was the man responsible for the cast iron plaques one sees today when they visit the park. He also wrote a history of the battle which is difficult to obtain. The University of Tennessee Press will be coming out with reprint of Reed's work, with the help of Tim Smith (I'm not sure what editorial changes/additions Smith is providing). In the meantime you can see Reed's work for yourself in the 77th Pennsylvania's regimental history.

34th Illinois

On back of monument:

34th Infantry

Commanded by

1. Major Chas. N. Levanway, Killed.

2. Capt. H. W. Bristol.

This regiment reached Pittsburg Landing at 5 a.m., April 7, 1862, formed line on the Corinth road near Hurlbut's head- quarters, advanced to the edge of this field where it relieved Rousseau about 11.50 a.m. Then it again advanced to this point and charged through and beyond the pond. Its loss in the battle was 1 officer and 14 men killed; 7 officers and 105 men wounded; total, 127 .

29th Indiana

On back of monument:
29th Infantry
Commanded by Lieut. Col. David M. Dunn.

This regiment arrived on battlefield at 6.30 a.m., April 7, 1862. It went to the front and center of the army, where it was held in reserve. It formed on this line about 12 m., and was heavily assailed by the enemy for two hours, when the enemy retired. Casualties--killed, 4 men; wounded, 4 officers and 72 men; total, 80.

30th Indiana

On back of monument:
30th Infantry
Commanded by Col. Sion S. Bass, (Mortally wounded)
Lieut. Col. Joseph B. Dodge.
Maj. Orin Hurd.

This regiment arrived on the battlefield Monday, April 7, 1862, at 6 a.m.; went to the front and right center of army. At 10 a.m. was in line in reserve on the right of Gen. Rousseau's brigade; advanced and formed on this line about 12 m. It was furiously assaulted by the enemy for two hours, when the enemy gave way in retreat. Here Col. Bass fell mortally wounded. Casualties--killed, 12 men; wounded, 6 officers and 109 men; missing, 2 men; total, 129.

58th Indiana

58th Indiana Infantry
Commanded by Col. Henry M. Carr

This regiment arrived on the battlefield April 7, 1862, too late to participate in the battle.

17th Indiana

17th Indiana Infantry

Commanded by Col. John T. Wilder

This regiment arrived on the battlefield at 12 o'clock on the night of April 7, 1862, too late to participate in the battle; was in line of battle on the morning of the 8th.

57th Indiana

57th Indiana Infantry
Commanded by Col. Cyrus C. Hines

This regiment arrived on the battlefield about 12 m., Monday, April 7, 1862. It formed on this line at 2 p.m. and assisted in driving the enemy from the field; was engaged with enemy's infantry and artillery. It had four men wounded.

40th Indiana

On back of monument:
40th Infantry
Commanded by Col. John W. Blake.

This regiment arrived on the battlefield from Savannah, about 12 m., April 7, 1862; was ordered, with its brigade, to the front by Maj. Gen. Grant. It formed on this line at 2 p.m., and assisted in driving the enemy from the field. It was under fire of infantry and artillery, but sustained no loss.

15th Indiana

15th Indiana Infantry

Commanded by Lieut. Col. Gustavus A. Wood

On back of monument:

This regiment arrived on the battlefield from Savannah, about 12 m., April 7, 1862; was ordered to front by Maj. Gen. Grant. It formed on this position in line of battle at 2 p.m., and assisted in driving the enemy from the field. The regiment was under fire of both infantry and artillery, but sustained no loss.

51st Indiana

On back of monument:
51st Infantry
Commanded by Col. Abel D. Streight.

This regiment was detailed by Brig. Gen. James A. Garfield, at Savannah, Tennessee, to guard and bring up the brigade train, and also the division supply train, and was not engaged at Shiloh.

65th Ohio Infantry

65th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Col. Charles G. Harker

On back of monument:
This regiment arrived on the field at 1.30 p.m., April 7, 1862, advanced to the front, near Shiloh Church, between 3 and 4 p.m., too late to be engaged.

64th Ohio Infantry

64th Ohio Infantry
Commanded by Col. John Ferguson

On back of monument:
This regiment arrived on the field at 2 p.m., April 7, 1862, too late to be engaged.

Some changes

I've been contemplating a few changes around here. Nothing drastic, just something that will better combine my loves of wandering battlefields, reading books and also my study of Shiloh. I'm taking next week off of blogging. I'll be off so I can make some of the changes without worrying about getting out my daily post. I will return December 1st with updates on all the changes. I love blogging and the interaction with my readers, so I'm sticking around, I'm just going to make some changes to make the entirety of the blog make more sense.

Wasting Disease

Seldom do my other hobbies intersect with the Civil War. But today I found a news article on Civil War Interactive that says there will be public meetings in western Maryland to determine what to do about chronic wasting disease in white tail deer at Antietam and Monocacy. As a deer hunter in Colorado I am familiar with chronic wasting disease.

It is a brain disease that causes deer to stop eating and eventually waste away to nothing and die. It has been in Colorado for quite awhile. The disease is spread when deer are in close proximity to each other. As the disease takes its toll it is easier to determine which deer have the disease. A deer that has recently contracted the fatal disease however is difficult to spot. The only currently known test involves brain tissue. No one goes to the time and money to harvest brain samples in a non lethal method from deer. So the way to test a population of deer is to kill a bunch of them and run the test. Of course this upsets many different groups of people. On the other hand the only known way to control the disease is to thin the herd.

Apparently there is not chronic wasting disease at Antietam or Monocacy yet but they will soon find themselves in a catch-22. If they ignore the issue they run the risk of having emaciated deer wandering around the park and dying in front of visitors. If they take steps now to research the issue they will certainly have to kill quite a few deer, and I'm sure nature watching is a prime reason to visit the park for some people (some people come for the nature and never realize the history), and the killing of a large number of deer won't make them happy although the other option probably doesn't make them happy either. Then of course if the results are positive the park will need to go kill a bunch more deer.

So far no report has shown that the disease can transfer to humans when they eat venison but I personally would not want to risk it. I'd imagine the park would have to do the harvesting by archery because there is no telling where bullets might end up. Bullets can pass through deer, ricochet off a rock and strike a monument. The whole thing seems a bit odd but I think the park will almost have to end up doing this at some point. They might stick to observation for now since chronic wasting disease has not been found in the park yet, but once it does they will need to aggressively attack the issue.

Gettysburg Address

As I'm sure most of you have heard John Latschar is stepping down from his post as Gettysburg's superintendent to take a the head role at the Gettysburg Foundation (which runs the new visitor's center).

With tongue somewhat in cheek I would like to throw my own hat in the ring to be the new superintendent starting March 1, 2009.

I have never been employed by the National Park Service, or any sort of government agency. I do have some management experience from my time as a retail manager and am used to keeping spending within budget parameters (both as a manager and in my personal life). But those experiences will certainly pale in comparison to whomever else applies for this wonderful position.

What I can bring to the table though is a true love for the park. I don't want to minimize how other candidates may feel about the park but being at Gettysburg (or any other battlefield) is a truly magical experience. Every time I go there the excitement builds as I pass the towns along the route. When I finally see the signs for Gettysburg the excitement has nearly built to a crescendo. I don't want to go to the visitor's center, I want to be on the ground. I want to feel the grass under my feet, the sun kiss my face, the wind in my hair. I want to stand where my Iron Brigade boys stood west of town. I want to gaze at Meade from the Virginia monument, walk over there and then look back at Lee. I want to criss cross the Wheatfield, following every attack in that sector. I want to stand at the 20th Maine monument and yell "Bayonets!" I want to stand next to Longstreet and apologize for him spending the rest of eternity on a pony.

Obviously as superintendent I wouldn't have the time to do that sort of thing every day but I'd be out there after hours soaking up the atmosphere. I'd want to complete Latschar's work and return the town to an 1863 appearance. I say lets get rid of the concrete roads and blacktop parking lots. All travel in town will be by horse or foot. Shops could stay in historic buildings but anything built after 1863 would have to go. Let's give Gettysburg that Harper's Ferry feel to it. One of the great things about Harper's Ferry is that in the park section of town the modern elements have been minimized and you get more of a historic feeling. In fact whenever I talk to someone about their favorite battlefields they almost always mention places like Shiloh or Antietam or Perryville, where you can feel like you've stepped back in time. Stones River, Franklin, Manassas and Fredericksburg just don't have that same feel to them (all great places to visit but traffic and urban sprawl makes them a bit less of an experience).

At Gettysburg the town is part of the battlefield (and I don't think gets the interpretation it deserves) so it only makes sense to return it to its 1863 appearance like most of the other fighting areas have been. Of course this won't be popular. Cutting trees was not popular. But I'm not going to be at Gettysburg to be popular, I'll be there to make historic interpretation and our understanding much better.

If that phase of the plan works out then I would also like to build a museum for the Gettysburg nuts. Not sure if there is enough room near the new visitor center to build this new museum but I think the devoted Gettysburg people need a museum to showcase as much of the collection as possible. The general public might find this one too tedious or boring to attend but us diehards would be thrilled to see every single variety of rifle the park possesses.

I am quite willing and able to have a Gettysburg address. If it helps my cause I'd be willing to work for free, just don't tell my wife I said that.

Chickamauga Tour

Every year Dave Powell helps organize a spring weekend of Chickamauga tours. Usually he is a main tour guide with NPS Historian Jim Ogden. I got an email over the weekend announcing the next spring tour, March 13 & 14, 2009. Since Dave has helped me out in the past with research questions on Chickamauga I thought I'd help advertise the tours here.

I've always wanted to attend but every year something gets in the way. This year is no different. Maybe some day I'll hit the lotto and can retire, then I'll have plenty of time to run down to Chickamauga for the weekend.

CCNMP Study Group 2009 Seminar in the Woods
Mission Statement: The purpose of the CCNMP Study Group is to create a forum to bring students of the American Civil War together to study and explore those events in the fall of 1863 that led ultimately to the creation of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park. The intent is to use the indispensable resource of the park itself as an outdoor classroom to promote learning and study of the battles for Chattanooga, and to build interest for an annual gathering that will in time examine all aspects of the Campaigns for Chattanooga. Additionally, we hope to bring students and serious scholars, both professional and amateur, to the field to share insights and knowledge about the battles.

Tour Leaders: Jim Ogden, Park Historian, and Dave Powell

Date: Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, 2009.

Note: Friday’s tours will involve a tour bus. We will be charging a small fee for use of the bus. See below.

Friday Morning: 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Minty vs. Johnson, September 18th, 1863.
By Bus, we will examine the opening engagement of the battle, as Bushrod Johnson and Nathan Bedford Forrest collided with Minty’s Cavalry Brigade. Stops will include Ringgold, Peeler’s Mill site, Peavine Ridge, Reed’s Bridge, and conclude at Jay’s Mill. This land is in private hands, but we will have ample opportunities to dismount and walk some of the terrain in question.

Park at the Visitor‘s Center. The bus will depart and return from there.

Friday Afternoon: 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Rosecrans in Command, September 17th to 20th, 1863.
By Bus, we will trace Union Commander William Starke Rosecrans’ movements on the field between September 17th and 20th, discussing his command decisions and the information he had at the time. Stops will include Crawfish Springs, Wilder Tower/Widow Glenn’s, the Visitor’s Center, and the Dyer Orchard HQ site.

Park at the Visitor’s Center. The Bus will depart and return from there.

Saturday Morning: 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Hindman vs. Sheridan, morning of September 20th.
On foot: We will examine the attack of Hindman’s Division on Sheridan’s Federals, after Davis’ division is overwhelmed. We will discuss the fighting in South Dyer Field, the storming of Lytle Hill, defeat of Lytle and Walworth’s Brigades, and end with Wilder’s repulse of Manigault’s Rebel Brigade.

Park in the gravel lot by Recreational Field.

Saturday Afternoon: 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hindman assails the end of the line: Horseshoe Ridge, September 20th
On Foot: Horseshoe Ridge provides a dramatic conclusion to the battle of Chickamauga. We will discuss the movements of Anderson’s, Manigault’s and Deas’ Brigades as they make their final attack on Horseshoe Ridge.

Park at Snodgrass Hill.

Cost: Beyond the fee for Friday’s Bus, there is no cost for tour participation. Meals lodging, transportation, and incidentals, however, are the individual’s responsibility.

Tour Departures: All tours will meet at the Chickamauga Visitor’s Center at the designated start time, and will depart from there after some brief overview discussion. We will board the bus or car caravan to the designated parking area, and from there, we will be on foot. We will be on foot for up to three hours, so dress and prepare accordingly. Tours will depart rain or shine. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, and should plan accordingly. All tours are designed to be self-contained, so participants who cannot attend the full schedule are still welcome to join us for any portion of the weekend.

Lodging and Meals: Everyone is responsible for their own lodging and meals. There are many hotels in the greater Chattanooga area, for any price range. The closest are in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, with the least expensive in Ringgold. Each tour is designed to leave at least 90 minutes for lunch, and there are several family and fast food restaurants within minutes of the battlefield. There are designated picnic areas near the Visitor’s Center, for those who wish to bring a lunch and eat on the field.

What to bring: Each tour will involve extensive walking. Proper clothing and especially footgear is essential. Dress in layers, wear sturdy, broken-in walking shoes or boots, and be prepared for some rain, as spring can be quite wet in North Georgia. We will be walking on dirt and gravel trails, uncut fields, and through stretches of woods. The ground will be wet and muddy in places. Bring your own water and snacks.

Reading up on the subject: Many people like to prepare in advance for these kinds of events. I suggest the following works might be of help.

Cozzens, Peter. This Terrible Sound. University of Illinois, 1992. The best modern study of the battle.

Gracie, Archibald. The Truth About Chickamauga. Morningside, Reprinted 1987. For the veteran Chickamauga student only. Gracie’s narrative is incoherent, disorganized, and mistaken in many places. However, his focus is central to Saturday Afternoon’s tour, and his work contains a wealth of primary source accounts that are not found anywhere else. We will be discussing many of the same topics Gracie examines.

Woodworth, Stephen E. Six Armies In Tennessee: The Chickamauga And Chattanooga Campaigns. Lincoln, Nebraska. University of Nebraska Press, 1998; an excellent overview campaign study.

Woodworth, Stephen E. A Deep Steady Thunder: The Battle Of Chickamauga. Abilene, Texas. McWhiney Foundation Press, 1998. Concise but very useful account of the battle, designed as an introduction to the action. 100 pages, very readable.

Note: Friday’s Tours will be by Bus, as we move from site to site. While the tour itself is free, we do have to pay for the bus.

Pre-registration Fee: $35 Due by February 1st, 2009

After November 5th, 2008, send to:
FRANK CRAWFORD
34664 ORANGE DRIVE
PINELLAS PARK, FLORIDA 33781

Frank will hold your payments. If you pay by check, note that Frank will not cash those checks until we have sufficient entries, so that if we have to refund, Frank will simply send your checks back to you.

Please also note that this fee is NON-REFUNDABLE after February 1st, 2009. Once we are committed to the bus, we will be charged the booking fee.

On-site Sign up Fee: $40

We MUST have 20 attendees registered and Paid by Feb 1st, or we cannot reserve the bus. Once we confirm the minimum, you will be able to join the tour the day we depart, for late add-ons. If we do not meet the minimum, we will car-caravan for Friday’s tours.

For more information, email David Powell at: Dpowell334@aol.com

Roundtable

Last night for the first time in 8 years I attended a roundtable meeting where I wasn't asked questions about the newsletter. It was kinda weird not being the point man for questions about the group. I was just a normal member. Maybe not entirely normal as I'm still involved in other roundtable activities that the average member is not, like the symposium. It was nice not doing the newsletter, I didn't really miss it at all. I was able to use my time to edit my manuscript on Chattanooga, I'm now halfway through that. Its been a little while since I've had time to work on it so it was nice to get back to it. Also being away from the project gave me some perspective on the manuscript and I had an idea the other night that I think will make the whole thing read better and be stronger. With the holidays coming up I doubt I'll get too much done on it but my goal right now is to have it ready to mail to publishers on January 1st. That's my goal and I'm going to try to stick to it.

Recently I was posting some Shiloh tablets on Historical Marker Database and going back over my Shiloh manuscript gave me an idea of how to improve my Chickamauga maps. Not sure if my recent burst of creativity and productivity is a result of having fewer roundtable responsibilities but it does feel good to get these projects moving forward again.

Housekeeping

I've updated a few of my settings around here. Blogger has a new (to me) feature that shows when the most recent blog was posted for each of my listed blogs. I like this feature so I've added it to me list. I also moved some blogs into, and out of, the inactive group. If you feel your blog was moved improperly let me know and I'll fix it.

I've also added the information compilation section like has been talked about on a few different blogs this week. I think it is useful to sort some blogs into this section. If you want your blog included in this section let me know. Basically I put blogs in there that seemed like the posts were mostly geared towards putting some sort of Civil War knowledge/information online with a minimum of opinion. A few I had a hard time classifying. Like Gettysburg Daily. That site shows some feature of Gettysburg daily and when I plan my next trip there I'll use the site to amass a list of places I want to see, and there are things I've learned from it but I just wasn't sure it was "information compilation." Now if they did an officer biography or unit history every day then I probably would add it to the compilation section. There were others I had a hard time with too. Basically this is a somewhat new designation and as such is still in its formative stage. I'm sure there will be blogs to add, and remove, from the "information compilation" section in the coming weeks and months but at least today I started to make some changes around here.

I'm also looking at making a few other small additions to the right column information. One idea is to add a section with small book reviews. Like a list of what I've read recently. Some things I've read I'm waiting on posting the review here until it appears in print in Civil War News, and in the meantime I thought it might be nice to have a picture of the book, and a paragraph that gives a very quick overview with a recommendation on how good the book was.

Courage Under Fire by Wiley Sword

Courage Under Fire: Profiles in Bravery From the Battlefields of the Civil War by Wiley Sword

I had a some trouble wrapping my mind around this book. My opinion is somewhat mixed. The first two sections mainly cover a variety of forms of courage. These run the whole range of types of courage and situations. There are the men who are convinced they will die in the next battle and how they deal with that. There are the men who do extraordinary things in a battle. For instance I had never heard the story of the attempted capture of the USS Michigan in Lake Erie. That was an interesting story that was quite minor in the grand scheme of the war but had its own heroic moments.

The last part of the book though deals more with the mental aspect of courage. There is a chapter on Shiloh which details some of the decisions and thoughts made by Johnston and Grant at the battle. I did not think that this section was the strongest in the book. There is a chapter on Cleburne and his slave proposal and the moral courage he needed to bring this proposal forward in the social climate of the South. True, but not the strongest part of the book.

I got this book from the library and I'm not sure if I'd buy it or not. I know a review should end with a thumbs up or down but for this particular book I really cannot decide. I'm a fan of Wiley Sword's but I'm not sure this is his best book from cover to cover. For me if he had expanded the early sections and done less of the last section I think it'd be a better book. I guess my final recommendation is that its a worthwhile read but I would not keep it in my library for future reference.