THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRICI' OF COLUMBIA

2 January 1958

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

Place of Meeting--National Press Club Ballroom Time--Cocktails 6: p.m. Dinner 7: p.m. Address 8:00 p.m. Speaker--Dr. Warren J. Hassler, Jr., Historian. Subject- -' 'Gen. George B. McClellan: a Revaluation .••

Doctor Hassler, a native of Baltimore, is Assistant Professor of American History at Pennsylvania State University. He wrote the biography GENERAL GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, SHIELD OF THE UNION (LSU Press, $6.00) A review of the book by Stanley M. Levy, member, was carried in the last "News Letter." Unfortunately Stan Levy's by-line was dropped inadvertently in the printing.

In. the discussion Jan. 14, Doctor Hassler will discuss the controversial points of McClellan's career--the route against Riclunond, the defense of Washington, the relations of the Radicals and Stanton with McClellan, Second Manassas and Antietam, and McClellan's removal from command. We anticipate a spirited question period over the controversial McClellan.

* * * * * CHAPLAIN HALL TALKS ENTERTAINLY ON UNION CHAPLAINS

By John T. Collier (Member)

Virtually nothing has been written about Union chaplains during the Civil War, although "Chaplains in Gray" tells the story of the spiritual leaders in the Con­ federate ranks. Chaplain (Col.) Robert S. Hall of Fort Meade has done a great deal of original research on the Union Chaplaincy; indeed, the stories he told at the Round Table's December meeting would make fascinating reading for all who are interested in America's Civil War. However,ChaplainHallmentioned that a book (by Chaplain Honeywell) on the Union Army's chaplains is to be published.

There were some great chaplains in the Union Army, and there were some fine military leaders who in civil life were ministers of the Gospel. However, the Chaplaincy in general was a far cry from that which we of this generation know and respect. Beginning with a mere handful of ministers in the ranks, who wore non­ descript uniforms and provided indifferent services, there were 3,300 chaplains at war's end. Their record was not a good one. Resignations were common; so were desertions and other offenses. Even horse thievery was attributed to at least one chaplain.

But with Congress tardy even in defining the duties and prerogatives of chap­ lains, with pay meager and duty arduous, there still were men in the Chaplaincy who reflected great credit on the Service in their ministrations for the men in blue.

Vol. 8

No.1

DINNER NOTES. Chaplain Hall, to retire in the near future, will go to The Citadel, Charleston South Carolina's West Point, as Chaplain .... Introduced at the head table were: the Rev. Frank Harris, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate; Brig. Gen. J.G. Ord and his guest, Brig. Gen. George Rixey, USA (Ret.), the first Deputy Chief of Chaplains: Vice Admiral J.F. Shafroth and guests, the Rev. Frank Blackwelder and Col. O.K. Sanders, USA; and members Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, III, Brig. Gen. Carl Baehr, Richard Bales, and Col. J. Gay Seabourne .... Exuberant Bert Sheldon noted that Admiral Shafroth had a bodyguard of an Army officer and a clergyman upon his return to meetings after an absence .... Lawrence W. Sagle of Baltimore brought a new member with him, Jacob Hay, both of the B.&O. Public Relations Department.

* * * * * MORE FOOTNOTES ON THE PETERSBURG CAMPAIGN

By Richard Wayne Lykes Editor's Note: Richard Wayne Lykes, former historian of the Petersburg National Military Park, addressed the CWR T here, September 24, on "The Petersburg Campaign." Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant 3rd (member) wrote some footnotes on Mr. Lykes' address. In turn, Mr. Lykes wrote footnotes.

The November I, 1957, issue of the "News Letter" has been received and I have read all of it with considerable interest. In fact, I always enjoy it and I hope that I will continue to receive future issues.

General Grant's "Footnotes" to my address were much appreciated. I feel highly honored that this distinguished citizen was able to take the time to comment upon, and extend, my talk. As usual, his remarks were germane and informative.

You may recall that I spoke without notes for about an hour. That is too long a time to talk - even for a Puritan preacher of the mid-17th Century. Because of the fact that I did not rely on notes, I am certain that a few mistakes, or misconceptions at least, did appear. For example, I feel reasonable sure that I did say Grant met Lincoln on the porch of the Wallace house in Petersburg on April 3rd and that this was the last time they were to meet. Why I said it I will never know. I was aware of the meeting in Washington on the Black Friday of the assassination. Attribute this error to the lack of notes and the fact that I had been holding forth for nearly an hour. General Grant is quite correct and I am glad that he pointed it out.

A second point is concerned with the attitude about mine warfare. I do not believe that I said McClellan was opposed to it nor did I mean to imply that. If I said he was opposed to mine warfare because it was "unsportsmanlike" it was a slip of the tongue. I was referring to the opinion of the Crater affair held by many Confederate soldiers. Their attitude about the mine and the explosion has been depicted by D. S. Freeman in Lee's Lieutenants (Volume III, pp 543-544). This is the particular point I had in mind when I mentioned the feeling about mine warfare. Certainly, there is no question about mining being an accepted method of warfare with a long history of prior usage.

General Grant made some excellent remarks about the Battle of the Crater and the reasons why Petersburg and Richmond were not surrounded. I wanted to discuss the special training of the Negro Division of the IX Corps prior to the Battle of the Crater, as well as certain other aspects of the engagement, but I refrained because of two factors: first, the Round Table had heard a discussion of the Crater a short time ago; and second, there was the matter of compressing a 10-month campaign into 60 minutes. Faced with this task I confined my remarks to an attempt to fit the Crater into the over-all picture of the campaign. I had to do the same with the fascinating "Cattle Raid" incident of 14-17 September. I am delighted that General Grant has added his supplemental remarks covering material that I had to ignore - and adding some material that I did not know.

This seems like an excellent opportunity to tell you how pleased I was at having been asked to speak to your organization. I appreciated the many courtesies extended to me - as well as the' 'Footnotes" prepared by General Grant. I regret that other obligations will prevent me from attending meetings this season but I hope that I will be able to become a full-fledged member of the Round Table next year.

Page 2

GRANT AND TUCK HEAD CENTENNIAL COMMISSION By Karl S. Betts, Chairman CWR T Centennial Committee

The grandson of a Union General and a former Governor of Virginia will head the Civil War Centennial Commission. The recently appointed Commission met in the Department of Interior on Dec. 20 and elected the two men. Said the United Press:

Virginia's Rep. William M. Tuck hails from near Appomattox Court House. That's where Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered his Confederate Army to Union Gen. Ulysses April 9, 1865-a date and

place that signaled the end of the Civil War. If mention of Grant's name still makes some Southerners breathe fire-not so Congressman Tuck. The Virginia Democrat •.• nominated Retired Army Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant IlI--a grandson of the victorious General­

to be head of the Civil War Commission. The group was created by Congress to plan a lOOth Anniversary observance of the War Between the States.

"We recall, II said Tuck, "we took a drubbin' at the hands of the General's grandfather. But wounds of that drubbin' have long since healed and our people look kindly on the General's grandfather for his magnanimity and statesmanship.

At that the 25-member Commission elected Grant chairman and Tuck vice-chairman-both by unanimous vote •.

Tuck was nominated by Norman Fitzgerald president of the Milwaukee CWR T. The Commission discussed plans for the National Assembly in Washington for

Tuesday, Jan. 14. Representatives of the leading civic, patriotic and historical organizations throughout the U.S. have been invited as well as representatives appointed by the Governors of the States. An interim report must be made to Congress on or before March 1.

Organizations interested in participating in the plans should write immediately to:

Hon. Conrad L. Wirth, Director National Park Service Department of Interior Washington, D.C.

The six classes of members of the Commission are: Appointed by the President Eisenhower: Bruce Catton, John A. Krout and

William S. Paley, New York City; Alvin L. Aubinoe, Bethesda, Md.; Consuelo N. Baily, South Burlington, Vt.; Avery O. Craven, Chestertown, Ind.; Norman Fitz­ gerald, Jr., Milwaukee, Wis.; Ulysses S. Grant III, Washington, D.C.: Aksel Nielsen, Denver, Colo.; Bell 1. Wiley, Atlanta, Ga.; and two Department of Defense represent­ atives, Assistant Secretary of War Dewey Short of Galena, Mo., and Vice Adm. Stuart H. Ingersoll, president of the Naval War College, Newport, R.1.

Appointed by Vice President Nixon: Senators Clinton P. Anderson (D-N.M.), Joseph C. Mahoney (D- Wyo.), John W. Bricker (R-Ohio), and Edward Martin (R-Pa.)

Appointed by Speaker Sam Rayburn: William M. Tuck (D- Va.), Frank M. Coffin (D-Me.), Wint Smith (R-Kans.), and Fred Schwengel (R-Iowa).

Statutory members: Conrad L. Wirth, director of the National Park Service, and David C. Mearns, chief of the manuscript division, representing the Librarian of Congress.

Ex Officio: President of the U.S., President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House.

CONFEDERATE SONS. "Retiring Commander-in-Chief Martin J. Johnson, Mobile, Alabama, in his annual report to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, said: I also recommend to my succes sor that our organization maintain clos e contact with the Civil War Round Table in Washington, D.C ..... Our organization is one of the four which has been named as official advisor to the Centennial Committee." Commander Johnson's successor is Tom White Crigler, Jr., Macon, Mississippi.

Vol. 8 No.1 Page 3

CIVIL WAR BOOKS OF 1957 By E. B. Long (Member)

(Reprinted from Chicago Tribune Magazine of Books)

The American Civil War lasted four years - but the furious battle of words on this greatest of all American crises will soon approach the Century mark. It may well be that the sheer number of Civil War volumes has been too great and that quality has occasionally suffered. Yet 1957 saw a number of important contributions to our understanding of "the War."

Near the top of any list should be John J. Pullen's "The Twentieth Maine," Lippincott, a moving recreation of a regiment in war. In' 'Mighty Stonewall," McCraw-Hill, Frank Vandiver with consummate skill has written the outstanding modern interpretation of Gen. Jackson. Richard B. Harwell has astutely complied "The Confererate Reader," Longmans, Green, a sampling of what the war-torn South read. Harwell has also prepared a most valuable bibliographical tool, "More Confederate Imprints, " Virginia State Library.

As to Lincoln, Richard Current has ably edited James G. Randall's monumental "Lincoln the President," Dodd, Mead, into a one-volume personal biography of "Mr. Lincoln." Donald Riddle's exhaustive res ea r ch has contributed' 'Congress­ man Abraham Lincoln," University of Illinois. The nation's capital in war time has been portrayed in Stanley Kimmel's pictorial "Mr. Lincoln's Washington," Coward.

Fort Sumter has been given long-needed treatment by W. A. Swanberg in "First Blood," Scribmers, and by Roy Meredith in "Storm Over Sumter," Simon and Schuster. Other military books include "Drama on the Rappahannock," Military Service Publishing Co .; a one-volume summation of the Battle of Fredericksburg by E. J. Stackpole, and "Eight Hours Before Richmond," Henry Holt, by Virgil Carrington Jones, dramatic adventure of a Federal raid on the Confederate capital.

The important religious side of the war was revealed by Charles F. Pitts in "Chaplains in Gray," Broadman Press. Other biographies include Charles L. Dufour's "Gentle Tiger," Louisiana State University Press, a life of little-known Roberdeau Wheat; a colorful account of a colorful man, "Jeb Stuart, the Last Cavalier," Rinehart, by Burke Davis; and' 'General George B. McClellan: Shield of the Union," Louisiana State University Press, by Warren W. Hassler, Jr., another of the recent pro-McClellan studies.

The Navy came into its own with two books on the battle of the Monitor and Merrimac: R. W. Daly, "How the Merrimac Won," Crowell, and William Chapman White and Ruth White, "Tin Can on a Shingle," Dutton. In "Ghost Ship of the Con­ federacy," Funk & Wagnalls, Edward Boykin recounts the cruise of the Alabama and the life of her commander, Raphael Semmes. In" Lincoln's Commando," Harpers, Ralph J. Roske and Charles Van Doren relate the da r i ng exploits of William Cushing. Union Sea power during the war is the subject of James M. Merrill's "The Rebel Shore," Little, Brown.

Fiction was represented by Harnett Kane 's novel, "The Gallant Mrs. Stonewall," Doubleday, another in his .well-written series of biographies.

Important personal memoirs of the year included "Gunner With Stonewall: Reminiscences of William Thomas Poague," McCowat-Mercer Press, edited by Monroe F. Cockrell and "Inside the Confederate Government; the Diary of Robert Carlick Hill Kean," Oxford University Press, edited by Edward Younger.

Although space does not permit mention by title, there were a number of personal memoirs and reminiscences of important to those who want first-hand accounts, as well as the reprinting in new editions of vital old stand- bys that have long been out of print.

Round Tablers can get most of the current books at a 20% discount at Member George Friend's Bookstore, 922 Ninth St., N. W.

Page 4

ROUND TABLE ROUND-UP

Four new CWRT's were reported in December. They are: Andover, Mass., Alexandria, Va., Gettysburg, Pa., and Kansas City, Mo. RT activities include:

ANDOVER. Writes Miss Virginia Remington, secretaryofthe Andover, Mass., CWRT: "Ours is an informal group, about adozen members. I was the only woman member until latelywhena couple joined. Mr. Stanley Butcher, a high school history teacher, got us together last winter. We meet one evening a month except in the summer. We take turns reading papers on events in the War, taken chronologically. We are just about to come to Shiloh .... Please extend our greetings to the Civil War Round Table in Washington.

ALEXANDRIA. A CWR T with limited membership was formed in October. W.B. Hurd, member of the DCCWR T, is president. He writes that membership is limited to "encourage free discussion, debate and interchange of ideas. We par­ ticularly want to emphasize that this is not secession. The things that a group of the distinction and size of yours can p r ov id e cannot be equalled anywhere else in the United States. We think that members of the Round Table in Alexandria will want to remain members of- -or if they have not done so before- - join the District Group. ,.

CHILLICOTHE. Ladies attended the December 15 meeting and heard Mrs. Charles E. Overly, State President of the Daughters of Union Veterans discuss "American Girls 1861-1865."

CHICAGO. Remodeling enabled the CWR T to resume meetings at the Maryland Hotel on January 24 for the address of Dr. Frederick Tilberg on "The Battle of Gettysburg. " The dining room facilities now can handle 150 members. Elmer Gertz discussed' 'Gen. James Harrison Wilson" on Dec. 5.

CLEVELAND. Bell Irvin Wiley talked on "Johnn Reb and Billy Yank" on a snowy night, Dec. 3. "Gettysburg: I'd Have Sacked Them Both" by Harrison C. Frost is scheduled Jan. 20. The' 'N ews Letter" reminds members that the birth­ home of Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman is restored and open to visitors in Lan­ caster, Ohio.

HAGERSTOWN, Md , Addressed a circular letter to "All Members of the Con­ federated Civil War Round Tables" urging their support for the National Park printing of a new "Antietam Handbook" by Dr. Frederick Tiblberg, historian at both Antietam and Gettysburg.

HOLL YWOOD. The CWR T of Southern California heard George Mair tell of "The Siege of Petersburg" and his father-in-law, Carl Haverlin of the New York CWRT speak on "The Civil War Centennial." Mair is doing a short work on Peters­ burg. Albert O. Thompson, "a Yankee by birth, a Rebel by choice," talked on CW miniatures which he exhibited at the dinner, Dec. 19. Mort Reis Lewis is president of the Southern California R. T. and Paul "Reb" Benton is secretary.

INDIANAPOLIS. Panel discussion on "Decisive Battles of the War," Dec. 9.

JACKSON. Charles L. Dufour, author of "Gentle Tiger, the Gallant Life of Roberdeau Wheat," discussed the Confederate soldier of fortune for the Mi s s i s sippi CWRT, Dec. 13.

LEXINGTON. Capt. Samuel G. Kelly, president of the CWR T of the DC, will speak before the Kentucky CWRT, Jan. 20, on "The Red River Campaign".

MAYVILLE, N. Y. Elmer H. Patterson, CWR T president, died December 1. He was a "wheelhorse" in his own RT and the Civil War Centennial plans.

Vol. 8 No.1 Page 5

MILWAUKEE. Dr. Robert B. Browne told of "The Lesser Figures of John Morgan's Command" at Dec. 18 meeting. General Order No.2 appeared this month. It is edited by Harry P. Hotz, whose son, Robert B. Hotz, editor of Aviation Week, is a new member of the DC CWR T.

NEW ORLEANS. Local alumni of Virginia Polytechnic Institute participated at the dinner addressed by J. Ambler Johnson on Dec. 19. Johnson, former B.P.I. Alumni president, spoke on "The Seven Days' Campaign.

NEW YORK. George Fielding Eliot will discuss "The Navy in the Civil War" at the Jan. 14 meeting. Bell I. Wiley talked on "Johnny Reb and Billy Yank" Dec. 10.

PHILADELPHIA. The Lincoln-Ci vi l War Society held its Sixth Annual Christmas party Dec. 7. Lt. Cmdr. W es Ditman, member, described "The Battle of the Monitor and Merrimac. "

WIESBADEN, Germany. Lieut. Clark Richardson will discuss "The Battles of Atlanta" Jan 13. Lt. Col. Ed Beatty discussed "Fort Sumter: Prelude to War" at the Dec. 9 meeting. Record attendance, almost 100, was reached in November, Ladies' Night.

SOME D. C. MEMBERS OFFICERS OF OTHERCWRT'S. Among our members, resident and non-resident, who are officers of other Round Tables are: W. B. Hurd, president Alexandria, Va.; Spencer S. Berry, president Fredericksburg; John (Rebel) Peacock, secretary North Carolina; Bert Maybee, president Kansas City; Ezra J. Warner, President La Jolla, Calif.; W. N. Fitzgerald, president Milwaukee; Dr. T. E. Sanders, secretary St. Louis; J. B. Thompson, president, and K. B. McLaws, executive committeeman, Toronto, Canada; James R. Braden, president Washington, Pa. Resident dues are $5 a year; non-residents are $3. We welcome officers or members of other CWRT's.

* * * * * NEW YEARBOOK OF THE CWRT. The 1957-58 brochure, the most elaborate

in the history of the R T will be mailed out in January. It contains a complete roster of active members and of active CWRT's of the world. The Program Committee decided to forego a February NEWSLETTER, the YEARBOOK to take its place.

The annual report of Treasurer E. E. Billings for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1957 gave receipts $8560.62, balance on hand $624.32.

Col. Raleigh Edgar, member, has a pet deer leading a dog's life on his Fairfax county farm. She is Bambi, a one-year old doe, who frolics daily with the Colonel's three malamutes, according to Columnist Aubrey Graves in the Washington Post. Colonel Edgar is As sistant Director of the Veterans Administration ....

Remember May 24- -Field Tour of Brandy Station with Col. J. Gay Seabourne as narrator assisted by other members who have been studying the field for more than a year.

Rex B. Magee

CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE

OF THE

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

January, 1958

A NEW LOOK AT McCLELLAN

Dr. Warren W. Hassler, Jr., Professor of Military History, Pennsylvania State University.

The McClellan story still intrigues historians and students of the Civil War. Dr. Hassler's discussion of the general's career promises to add new fuel to the flames of controversy which have always surrounded him.

An appraisal accepted by many assumes that "Little Mac" found himself at the top of the ladder, in command of men who trusted him more than he trusted himself, before he started to climb. He seems to have suffered from an inner, corroding unease, or, as one of his brigadiers in the West Virginia campaign put it -- "a man who lived in a perpetual morbid condition of mental exaltation." Yet up until the very end of the war his name never failed to draw cheers from tired and dusty troops at the front.

The same confusion which surrounded McClellan's activities during the Civil War exists today. To McClellan, his Peninsula campaign was a masterful retreat, but Lincoln's Cabinet looked upon it as an appalling disaster. The three-pronged attack on South Mountain brought him praise as a great commander in devising and carrying out the plan of battle. Southern writers rather deprecate this view, and point to the ragged and emaciated thin lines -- "none but heroes were left"

with which the Confederates opposed him.

His military career ended at Antietam on the same inconclusive and indecisive note which seems to have marked his entire life.

Come out next Tuesday night and join us on this tour back through several of the most exciting campaigns of the Sixties. Our speaker is a competent military analyst, and he has devoted years of research to provide a new approach to the career of George Brinton McClellan.

DATE: PLACE: PRICE: TIME:

Tuesday, January 14 The National Press Club $3.00 per ticket 6 P.M. Cocktails 7 P.M. Dinner 8 P.M. Address by Dr. Hassler 9 P.M. Round Table Discussion

The Program Committee

IMPORTANT -- Send in Your Reservation Card Immediately -- We are expecting an overflow audience, increased by many visitors here attending the National Centennial Assembly

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRIcr OF COLUMBIA

Vol. 8 No.2

3 February 1958

HEAR ADMIRAL ELLER ON CW NAVY , TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Place--National Press Club Ballroom. Time--Cocktails 6: p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Address 8 p.m. Speaker--Rear Admiral E.M. Eller, Director of Naval History. Subject- -" The Confederate Navy and the Beginning of

Modern Naval Warfare."

Rear Adrn i'r a.l Ernest McNeill Eller, USN, will discuss the Civil War Navy at the next meeting. The Admiral not only is a distinguished historian but also is a maker of naval history. In World War II he fought in the Pacific area--the Marshall and Mid­ way Islands, took part in combat landings on Makin and Okinawa, and participated in three occupation moves into Japan and China. During the Korean fighting he commanded the Middle-East Force in the Pe~sian Gulf-Indian Ocean area. Admiral Eller is a native Virginian and a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who taught history there.

>): * >):

GRANT WINS GOLD MEDAL: ARMY SECRETARY BRUCKER TO SPEAK

Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant won the Sixth Annual Gold Medal, 1958. He is Chairman of the Civil War Centennial Commis sion. General Grant per sonally presented the CW R T's first Gold Medal in 1953 to the late Dr. Douglas S. Freeman, Virginia historian. Free­ man was the only non-member of the CWR T of the D.C. to win the award.

Presentation of the medal will be made by John Clifford Pemberton, past president of the New York City CWRT. He and the winner are namesake grandsons of the oppos­ ing generals at the surrender of Vicksburg in 1863. The grandsons first met on the surrender spot in Vicksburg some years ago while a monument was dedicated.

The addres s at the GM Dinner will be by Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker.

* * * CWRT COMMITTEE OPPOSES NATIONALIZATION OF RT'S

The Executive Committee at a meeting on January 24 opposed the nationalization of Civil War Round Tables. The reasons are given in a letter drafted by your officers upon authority of the Committee. It is in an s w e r to requests made from time to time as to how Washington stands. President Samuel G. Kelly has mailed a copy to each CWRT elsewhere.

~< * * EXTRA YEARBOOKS. The 1958 Yearbook, a splendid edition designed by Member

Garnet W. Jex, has been mailed each member. Extra copies may be obtained at $1 each. They will be available at the meetings of Feb. 11 and March 11. Also extra copies may be obtained from 743 National Press Building, Pat Jones' Office.

HASSLER APPRAISES CONTROVERSIAL McCLELLAN By Arthur L. Davis (Member)

Gen. Robert E. Lee, after Appomattox, was asked who was the ablest Union general he'd faced during the War and he replied: . 'McClelland, by all odds."

Dr. Warren J. Has sler, Jr., author of the new biography, "George B. McClellan, Shield of the Union, n cited Lee's remark. The R T speaker offered a similar appraisal of the controversial Union general at the Jan. 14 meeting in the National Press Club Ballroom.

As Assistant Professor of American History at Pennsylvania State University, Doctor Hassler conceded at the outset that McClellan was a "Figure of surpassing perplexity. " The speaker blamed most of the general's troubles on the s econd- gue s sing by Lincoln, Stanton, and later Halleck and the faulty intelligence of Pinkerton's men. Important historians had deliberately distorted McClellan's record, said Has sler.

Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III, grandson of the Civil War figure and a member of the CWRT, appeared to speak for many other R T members during the question period. General Grant observed wittily that even in Washington, D.C., Ge n e r a l McClellan's statue had been appropriately placed facing south at the intersection of three streets-­ one line of advance and two lines of retreat.

Guests at the head table introduced by President Samuel G. Kelly were: Guy Easterly, president Big Creek Gap CWR T, LaFollette, Tenn.; W. Norman Fitzgerald, president Milwaukee CWR T and member the Civil War Commission; Col. Paul R. Goode, Deputy Governor of the U. S. Soldiers' Home, Washington; Arthur G. McDowell, secretary and past president of the Philadelphia Lincoln-Civil War Society; Samuel E. Pruett, president CWR T, Hagerstown, Md.; Fred Schwengel, M. C. from Iowa and member of the CWCC; Hon. Dewey Short, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Military Af­ fairs and CWC member; J. Truman Swing, Recorder-in-Chief, Military Order of Loyal Legion of the U.S. and CWC member; Dr. Hambleton Tapp, secretary Kentucky CWRT, Lexington, Ky.; and Bell 1. Wiley, CWC member, Emory University, Georgia. CWR T members at head table: Richard Bales, Robert B. Hotz, U. S. District Judge Alexander Holtzoff, William Ingles, Col. Robert S. Henry, Col. J. Gay Seabourne, Francis Wilshin, and the Civil War Centennial Commission chairman and vice chairman, Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant III and Hon. William M. Tuck, Virginia M.C. Congressman.

Among the guests were: Marshall W. Rissman, president Chicago CW R T; Carl Haverlin, past president NYC CWR T; Murray Nelligan of Philadelphia, one of our former members.

* ,~ *

WESTERNERS PICK TWO ROUND TABLERS AMONG OFFICERS

In the election of 1958 officers, the Potomac Corral of the Westerners chose Col. Henry S. Merrick to succeed Gen. J. G. Ord as "His Honor, the Judge," and relected Paul H. Gantt' 'Tally Man" (treasurer). The Potomac Corral has 80 resident and 150 corresponding members. Round Tablers interested should "tally" with Paul Gantt. Among Round Tablers in the Westerners are: Herbert E. Kahler, past "Sheriff" (presi­ dent); Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant 3rd, Col. Eugene Gempel, Bert Sheldon, and Rowland Gill.

Member George Friend offers a 20% discount to all CW R Tablers on most current books. His Book Store is at 922 Ninth St., N. W. In addition, George is holding his annual February sale on books at slashing discounts.

2

ROUND TABLE ROUND-UP

CHICAGO. Dr. Frederick Tilberg spoke on "Command Decisions at Gettysburg, July 2 and 3, 1863" at the Jan. 24 meeting.

CHILLICOTHE. Observed its first birthday, Jan. 19. George Woerlein spoke on "The Confederate High Command, 1861."

CLEVELAND. Harrison C. Frost, member, discussed: "Gettysburg: I'd Have Backed Them Both," in January.

NEW YORK. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates were presented on Feb. 11 with Ben Barondess as Lincoln and Harry T. Taylor as Douglas. A trip to Gettysburg is being planned for the future.

HIGH POINT. The North Carolina CW R T has a son of a full-fledged fighting Confederate of the Civil War. The son member is Dr. Marion B. Roberts, 51, of Hills­ borough, N.C.

HOUSTON. March 21 Maj. Lester N. Fitzhugh of Dallas will discuss "Terry's Rangers of the Texas Cavalry." Gen. A. G. Paxton of Greenville, Miss., was the February speaker on the "Vicksburg Campaign." Charles (Pie) Dufour of New Orleans talked in January on • 'Rob Wheat and the Louisiana Tigers."

INDIANAPOLIS. Issued its first news bulletin, "The Hardtack," in January. Dorothy Unger is editor. Six women are among the 81 members. Program for the year: Jan. 13, Duncan P. Schiedt, "Photographers for the Civil War Period"; Feb., Frank Welcher, "The Campaign for Atlanta"; March, Joyce Gulleson & Dorothy Unger, "Chickmauga"; April, Dr. Kenneth St. Clair , "Civil War Military Commis sion Trials"; May, Col. Howard Bates, "Morgan's Raid"; June, Col. Joseph Daugherty, "Gen. George B. McClellan."

LEXINGTON. Capt. Samuel Guernsey Kelly, Washington president of the CWR T of the D.C., discussed "The Red River Expedition" here Jan. 20. Said the Kentucky RT announcement: "Captain Kelly was in command of the heavy cruiser Northampton when sunk during the Fourth Battle of Salvo Island by a Japanese torpedo in World War Two. A citation and a Bronze Star were conferred for conspicuous service in battle. He served in most of the naval engagements in the Pacific and in 1948 was naval member of the U.S. Delegation to the Western Union Powers, London. In addition, Captain Kelly has the distinction of having performed one of the major naval feats of the Korean War." Too, Captain Kelly was the guest of Judge W. H. Townsend, raconteur of Kentucky, at a dinner of ten CW enthuiasts.

MILWAUKEE. Dr. Frederick Tilberg, historian at the Gettysburg National Military Park, spoke Jan. 23 - - subject, "The First Day at Gettys burg." On Fe b. 13, Dr. Gerald McMurtry of the Lincoln of the Lincoln National Life Foundation will talk on "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address." On March 12, Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, DC Round Table Committee­ man and Chairman of the Civil War Centennial Commission, will discuss "My Grand­ father. "

NEW ORLEANS. Ladies attended the Jan. 15 meeting addressed by Dr. E. Jay Taylor of Louisiana College. Subject: "The Civil War History of Robert'D. Patrick, 4th Louisiana Infantry Regiment." The speaker has the original battefield dairy of Patrick.

WASHINGTON, Pa. Film on Gettysburg in January.

WIESBADEN. "Gettysburg," MGM's documentary film, was shown at the February meeting. Lt. Clark Richardson, Jr., spoke on "The Battle for Atlanta" in January. The CWR T in the German city holds monthly" Blue-Gray Buffet Dinners" before the program at the General Von Steuben Hotel. Womenare members. Miss Eunice Chute of Georgia was cited as . 'The Member of the Month" by the Wiesbaden CWRT News. Col. H. B. Simpson heads the R T.

WILMINGTON, Del. William P. Frank, member, discussed the "First Battle of Bull Run" at the January meeting. joseph Reese talked on . 'Civil War Artillery" i n February. The third issue of "Grape and Canister," CWRT bulletin, appeared in January.

Vol. 8 No.2 3

Rex B. Magee

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LAUNCHES CENTENNIAL PROGRAM By Karl S. Betts (Member)

Chairman Resolutions Committee

Some 200 representatives of civic, patriotic and historical groups throughout the United States held their first meeting in Washington with the Civil War Centennial Com­ mission on January 14-15 and adopted a far reaching program to insure nationwide observance of the war's 100th anniversary. The Credentials Committee reported that the Round Tables furnished the largest number of delegates of any organization, with some 2~ in attendance from cities throughout the country. Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, III, Chairman of the National Commission presided.

Highlighting the two days discussions were recommendations that Centennial Com­ missions be established and financed in all the 48 states and territories. This resolution was unanimously adopted along with another providing for similar periodic assemblies at various locations throughout the U. S. at designated intervals during the observance.

The National Park Service introduced two resolutions immediately approved, one providing for a by-pass around Shiloh National Military Park, and another urgently recommending pas sage of a pending bill before Congres s to acquire sufficient land to protect the historic battle area at Antietam.

The Resolutions Committee presented a recommendation calling for the relocation of the so-called Constitution Avenue Bridge in order to protect the approaches to the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Mall. One resolution requested that Congressional scholarship funds, soon to be made available, be earmarked for special study of the Civil War and that these awards should be placed on an exchange basis between Northern and Southern universities. Under the plan history students would be annually exchanged between these institutions to broaden mutual understanding and to plant the vital seeds of greater national unity. Another resolution approved at the same time endorsed the proposed Fort Memorial Drive, a project under consideration by the National Capitol Planning Commission for the past fifty years. The Drive would link up and preserve some 16 forts and battery sites which were established to protect the Capitol during the Civil War.

Additional resolutions were adopted by the Assembly recommending the micro­ filming of all remaining records in the National Archives; awards of medals or certif­ icates for magazine articles, books, television and movies dealing with the Civil War; full cooperation with the National Park Service and its Mission 66 Program to complete the preservation and development of the 25 Civil War battlefields, memorials and historic sites; special stamps be issued in the 1 f - l5f categories to commemorate significant Civil War anniversaries and the organization of a speakers bureau to rep­ resent the Commission at national and local observances.

Recommendations submitted to the Civil War Centennial Commission at the open meeting in the Interior Building were drafted by the Resolutions Committee composed of Chairman Earl S. Betts and V. C. (Pat) Jones of Washington; Samuel Prewitt, Hagers­ town, Md.; CWRT; Bruce Catton, New York; J. Truman Swing, Chief Re c o r d c r of the Sons of the Loyal Legion; and Dr. Charles C. Tansil, Historian-in-Chief, Sons of Con­ federate Veterans.

* * * The program committee rescinded its suspension of the NEWS LETTER for Feb­

ruary to make way for the Yearbook. The Gold Medal Dinner, the Centennial news, and the opposition to CWR T nationalization necessitated some February announcements.

Fe bruary , 1958

CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE

of the

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

THE CONFEDERATE NAVY'S ROLE. IN OUR RISE TO WORLD. NAVAL POWER

--Rear Admiral Ernest M. Eller, Chief, Bureau of Naval History

A nondescript, undermanned and outgunned flotilla of Confederate merchantmen, improvising its tactics as succeeding crises arose, played a key role in winning for the American Navy top rating as a naval power during the Civil War. Stephen Mallory, Raphael Semmes, Maury and others, without facilities and facing merciless pressure, created the ironclad, the submarine, and the floating mine.

Had the Confederacy's strategy equalled its tactical and scientific advances, the South might well have won the war. "Southern leaders did not grasp the tremendous importance of the control of sea lanes, sea ports and rivers, " says Admiral Eller. "The Mississippi and Tennessee River engage­ ments proved to have been as important as the coast blockade in the defeat of the South. The Southerners scattered their forces when both strategic and tactical considerations dictated that they should have been concentrated on these upper inland waters. "

The blockade really decided the war? and the frightful strangulation of Southern imports may be gleaned from the figures shown in the Official Records. Prior to 1863, it is estimated? four or five of every seven blockade runners slip­ ped through to deliver their European cargoes. During the last two years of the war, the rotting wharves at Savannah? Pensacola, New Orleans and other Southern ports bore mute witness to the collapse of blockade-running. This was due to the fact that the' Union fleet had grown from 90 at the beginning of 1861 to more than 600.

Our speaker has a fully-rounded background of service at sea, which included duty on submarines and on all types of surface ships. He taught history and gunnery at the Naval Academy and at Bucknell University. In 1940-41, he served as liaison officer with the British fleet.

DATE~ PLACE~ PRICE~ TIME~

Tuesday, February 11 The National Press Club $3 per ticket 6 P. M. Cocktails 7 P. M. Dinner 8 P. M. Address by Admiral Eller 9 P. M. Round Table Discussion

The Program Committee MAIL THE ENCLOSED RESERVATION CARD IMMEDIATELY -- SPACE IS USUALLY AT A PREMIUM AT ROUND TABLE AFFAIRS!!!

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRICf OF COLUMBIA

1 March 1958

HEAR PAT JONES ON KILPATRICK-DAHLGREN RAID

Place--National Press Club Ballroom. Time--Tuesday Night, March 11. Hours--Cocktails 6 p.m.; Dinner 7 p.m.; Address 8 p.m. Speaker - - Virgil C. (Pat) Jones, CW Historian. Subject: "Eight Hours Before Richmond."

* * * MARCH 11 MEETING IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT. "Pat" Jones needs no in- troduction as a speaker. But he will spring a CW surprise which an obscure docu­ ment from the National Archives. In addition to "Pat's" presentation, announce­ ments for the remainder of the year will be made- -the Gold Medal Dinner and where to get tickets, the Brandy Station Field Trip and how to make reservations, and the disposal of the extra copies of the Yearbook at $1.00 a copy.

* * * EIGHT HOURS BEFORE RICHMOND

By Karl S. Betts (Member)

(Editor's Note: "Eight Hours Before Richmond" is the latest CW book by Past President Virgil Carrington Jones, our speaker next Tuesday night. The review is by another Past President of the CWR T.)

The celebrated Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid of March l, 1864, created as much consternation in the North as it did in the South, for it focused the attention of both antagonists on the tattered truism that "all's fair in war" etc. The outraged wails from the South and the angry cries of fraud from the North at the discovery of certain damning documents on the body 6fiUlric Dahlgren gave dramatic emphasis to the fact that the Confederacy and the Union were engaged in an all-out total war. The devastation of the Shenandoah Valley, the burning of Atlanta, and the assasination of President were yet to come.

The raid was organized with the blessing of the President and of General Meade, who commented: "It will be the greatest feat of the war, if they do succeed, and will immortalize them all." Its objectives were the release of Federal captives in Libby Prison and at Belle Isle, the destruction of communications, the burning of Richmond and, it can now be frankly stated, the liquidation of Jefferson Davis and

(Continued to P. 2) * * *

GOLD MEDAL DINNER. Make your reservations at once for the April 8 dinner, for the seating capacity is limited. Members are given preference. Get your tickets, $6.00 each from Paul J. Sedgwick, Barr Bldg., Washington, D.C. Medal winner is Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant III. Presenter is John C. Pemberton, grand­ son and namesake of the Confederate general who opposed the Union General Grant at Vicksburg. Main address is by Wilber Brucker, U.S. Secretary of the Army .

. * * *

Vol. 8 No.3

his Cabinet. There was a popular refrain throughout the North which ran in part "we'll hang Jeff Davis" and the fact that Dahlgren spelled it out in his memorandum book should not have caused too much tribulation on either side. There is no proof that this last objective was ever approved by anyone other than the two leaders.

There is little doubt about the authenticity of the documents which detailed the plans of the raiders. Author Pat Jones is too thorough and meticulous a historian to allow himself and his readers to arrive at any other conclusion.

The story of those eight desperate hours before Richmond constitutes one of the most thrilling episodes highlighting the somber background of the bloody in­ fantry battles fought in Virginia. The raiding force was splendidly equipped, thoroughly trained, well led, and enjoyed the advantage of surprise. The foray might well have succeeded had it not been for the storm of sleet, rain and snow which broke shortly after the take-off. Communications were limited to visual signaling and consequently the time schedule, so carefully worked out, collapsed. Kilpatrick and Dahlgren were both seasoned veterans and it is to their credit that their com­ mands did not disintegrate in complete panic. The price they paid for failure was high - death for one and semi-disgrace for the other.

The audacity of the plan, the heroism of the participants and the ensuing debates which have continued for almost a hundred years, constitute one of the most absorb­ ing tales to come out of the Great War. Pat Jones in this third book of his trilogy on guerrilla and behind-the-lines operations, has done a superlative job. He has related the story in v ivi d detail and with impressive attention to accuracy.

* * * "Eight Hours Before Richmond" (Holt, $3.50) is available at Member George Friend's Book Store, 922 Ninth St. N.W., at a 20% discount. George offers this discount on most current books.

* * * BRANDY STATION. Col. J. Gay Seabourne is getting everything in readiness

for the Field Tour of Brandy Station Battlefield, May 21. Buses are to be used from Washington. On May 13 Colonel Seabourne will speak on "Brandy Station: Prelude to Invasion." This will give the members a clear picture of the great cavalry battle during the CW.

* * * NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The Executive Committee named this nominating committee: Brig. Gen. Carl A. Baehr, Dr. O. Garth Fitzhugh, Col. R. H. Hannum, Scott Hart, and Bert Sheldon. They are to report at the May dinner. A president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and nine executive committeemen are to be elected at that meeting for 1958-59.

* * * TAPE RECORDINGS OF CWR T ADDRESSES

CWR Tablers made a tape recording for the NBC on a panel discussion of the recent Winston Churchill article on the U.S. Civil War which appeared in Life, Feb. 24. Members commenting for broadcast were: General Carl A. Baehr, Col. J. Gay Seabourne, and William Price. The recording was broadcast here over W RC.

Tape recordings of addresses before the CWR T are available for loan to other R T' s and patriotic organizations. The us e requires the payment of the cost of pack­ ing and transporting. Lynn D. Carrier records each address. He has the following ready for release upon written request of the proper officers:

"Railroads at Second Manassas" by Maj. Marshall Andrews; "New Thoughts on the Civil War" by Bruce Catton; "The Cold War" by Dr. Avery O. Craven; "Richmond in War Times" by Clifford Dowdy; "The Confederate Navy" by Rear Admiral E.M. Eller; "Civil War Historians Make Peace" by Dr. Wood Gray; "Chaplains of the Civil War" by Col. Robert S. Hall; "Lee Against the Sea" by Rear Admiral John B. Hayes; "Our War" by Col. Robert S. Henry; "Jackson's Valley Campaign" by Rupert H. Johnson; "The Red River Expedition" by Capt. Samuel G. Kelly, USN; "The Gallant Mrs. Stonewall" byHarnett T. Kane; "The Petersburg Campaign" by Richard Wayne Lykes; "Rebel Boast" by Manly Wade Wellman; "General Halleck" by Kenneth P. Williams; and "The Gentlemen's War" by T. Harry Williams.

P.2

IRONCLAD, TORPEDOES NOT ENOUGH FOR SOUTH, ADMIRAL ELLER By Stanley E. Cohen (Member)

Failure of the South to appreciate the importance of sea power was a decisive factor leading to defeat, according to Rear Admiral E.M. Eller, director of Naval History in his address at the Feb. 11 meeting of the Round Table in the National Press Club Ballroom.

With control of the Chesapeake, Maryland might have entered the war on the Confederate side, and seapower could have been used to support a campaign against Washington. In the middle west, Confederate warships on the rivers might have brought Kentucky and Missouri over to the Southern side, and prevented the North from opening the Mississippi, and dismembering the Confederacy.

From the beginning, Admiral Eller pointed out, the North vigorously built sea power as a top policy matter so that its available fleet increased from 90 ships available in April 1861 to 264 by the end of the year. Seapower had low priority in the South, and the error was not recognized until it was too late.

Nevertheless Southern Naval officers made the most of what they had. Until the final months of the war when the Union Navy reached full strength, Southern blockade runners were able to bring valuable supplies to the Confederacy, and they almost induced England to come into the war on the Southern side. A Southern decision in June 1861 to convert the hulk of the sunken Merrimac into an ironclad set off a boat-building race with the North. This culminated in the meeting of the Monitor and the Merrimac in Hampton Roads, March 9, 1862. The battle ended the era of wooden ships.

In addition to a graphic account of the famous match between the two pioneer ironclads, Admiral Eller described other interesting examples of Southern in­ genuity at sea. Among them: the use of the man powered submarine Hunley to sink the U.S.S. Housatonic, the first ship destroyed by an underwater vessel; the ex­ tensive use of torpedoes (really mines) with such success that at least 40 Union warships were destroyed in this way; and the use of II semi-submarines" with tor­ pedoes attached in an effort to cripple Union warships.

In the end the South was torn apart because it lacked the seapower to maintain contact wi th friends abroad, and to keep the war from its own shores, Admiral Eller said. The principles involved are still valid, and the lesson applies in our current defense preparations. "The Soviets know," he said, "that the unity of the Free World depends on control of the sea. Soviets have built great seapower, including at least 500 submarines, but so long as they are not sure they can take the U.S. Navy they will hesitate to break the peace."

Among those at the head table introduced by President Samuel G. Kelly were: Rear Admiral John B. Heffernan (member and past president); Rear Admiral John D. Hayes (former member) of Annapolis, Md.; Rear Admiral Robert N. McFarlane; Capt. R.E. W. Harrison, USN (Ret.); Col. Leo Codd, executive vice president of the American Ordinance Association; C. Robert Seater, Bureau of the Budget; George W. Long, as sistant editor of the National Geographic Society; and Col. J. Gay Sea­ bourne, vice president.

* * * The "Army, Navy, Airforce Journal" was first published as the "Army and

Navy Journal" two months after the battle of Gettysburg. Irresponsible coverage of the CW by the daily press prompted the founding of the Journal. It lodged an eagle at page one top and announced it would report without bias "sound military ideas to the elevation of the public service."

* * * Richard J. Gatling's machine gun was perfected in 1863 to fire 350 shots a minute. Union General Ben Butler ordered several but couldn't get the Ordnance Department to move. A souped-up Gatling, 7,000 rounds a minute, is now part of some jet bombers ... Chemical warfare was used in the siege of Charleston, S.C., in 1863. Shells containing niter, naphtha, and lamp black had Ii-t tl e effect on the defending g a r r i s i on ,

Vol. 8 No.3 P. 3

•

ROUND TABLE ROUND-UP: BRADY'S CW 'SEPTEMBER MORN'

ATLANTA. Members followed Col. Allen P. Julian who figuratively accompanied Confederate President Jefferson Davis from abandoned Richmond to the latter's capture near Irwinville, Georgia. The Colonel, who recently spoke at the Indianapolis CWRT, talked at the Feb. 21 meeting.

EVANSVILLE. Reads Bish Thompson's "General Orders" No. 12: "The blare of the bugles and the ruffle of drums brought a full compliment of CWR TVCHers (Civil War Round Table of Vanderburgh Court House) on Jan. 22. Orator of the evening, Earl Antes, produced the juicy fruits of many a long night of preparation and study ... (on) the Battle of Fredericksburg. All was in good order until the moment came for him to button up his report with a carefully selected series of slides ... Suddenly the screen was graced by the presence of, not a bewiskered general, but a robust and unabashed maiden deplorably out of uniform. An art student in the congregation recognized the work as 'Susannah at the Bawth.' Recovering his poise, the orator hastened to explain that Susannah was in fact a Northern Spy who swam the Rappahannock in the early hours of dawn to secure vital information for the handsome bloke with the big Sideburns. A Mr. Brady, who chanced to be in the camp at the time, took her picture as she was drying off. Later, it is reported, Mr. Brady sold the negative to 'Confidential' for a tidy sum.

"Hoosier Round Tablers in January heard the presentation of Commanding General Stock£lesh of 'The Second Battle of Bull Run' or 'Whyh Hoppen Fitzjohn'." New officers: Robert Stumpf, Commanding General or president; Pierce MacKenzie, 1 st vice president; John McCutchan, 2nd vice president; and Robert M. Leich, sec­ retary-treasurer. Bruce Catton was announced as the speaker supreme for the program of the Appomattox Surrender Day party of 1958.

CHICAGO. Secretary Gil Twiss reports: "Our membership is now about 340. We had an attendance of 162 at our January meeting. Our Battlefield Tour May 15-18 will be the most conservative we have made--to Fort Donelson, Nashville, Stone's River and Franklin. With it we will have covered all the major battlefields since 1951. In 1959 we hope to go to Atlanta, Savannah, and Charleston. Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry spoke on" Lincoln's Gettysburg Address" at the February meeting. Future addresses: March 7, Ray A. Billington; April 22, Bell 1. Wiley; May 9, Otto Eisenchiml; June 6, Edward E. Barthell, Jr.

CHILLICOTHE. Observed Lincoln's birthday at an annual meeting on Sunday in February. Heard George Woerlein on "The Confederate High Command" in January.

CLEVELAND. Guy Di Ca r l o talked on "The Last Home of Jefferson Davis" at the February meeting. He used illustrated slides he had made of Buena Vista, near Biloxi, Miss. Harrison C. (Jack) Frost, spoke on Gettysburg, his title "I'd Have Sacked Both. ' ,

HAGERSTOWN, Md. Brig. Gen. Carl Baehr (member in Washington) spoke on "The Washington Artillery" at the February meeting.

HIGH POINT. North Carolina's CWRT has two members who are sons of Con­ federate veterans--Dr. Marion B. Roberts of Hillsborough, N.C., and John S. Taylor, age not given, of Greenville, S.C. Dr. Roberts was mentioned i-n the last NL. We do not wish to omit Taylor. His gray busines s stationery, adorned with a Confederate flag in colors, bears the name John S. (States Rights) Taylor, "unpardoned, un­ repentant, unreconstructed, (Confederate States of America)." South Carolina, incidentally, had a Confederate General States Rights Gist, so christened. General Gist was killed at Franklin, Tenn., and is buried in Columbia, S.C. But' 'Rebel" Taylor, whose father at 1 7 became a Confederate soldier at the beginning of the War and fought through it until he surrendered with Johnston to Sherman in North Caro­ lina near Greensboro, has added the two words to his middle initial. The Secretary of the North Carolina CWR T - -also a member of the CWR T in Washington- -Con­ federatized his middle initial. He's John R(ebel) Peacock.

P. 4

HOUSTON. Brig. Gen. A.G. Paxton, commanding general of the' 'Dixie Division," spoke Feb. 24 on "The Vicksburg Campaign." The general is a resident of Missis­ sippi. He is a descendant of Texas' Sam Houston and of Confederate Brig. Gen. Frank Paxton who was killed in command of the Stonewall Brigade at Chancellorsville.

INDIANAPOLIS. Dr. Frank J. Welcher discussed "The Atlanta Campaign" at the February meeting. His talk was illustrated with slides. The second issue of the CWRT bulletin, highly creditable, appeared in February. Dorothy Unger is editor.

KANSAS CITY. "Our first big meeting will be February 25," writes President Bert E. Maybee. William Pence is secretary. Former President Harry S. Truman is to address us in March." He also wrote of the CWRT of the D.C.: "Without your help and guidance we would never have got started."

MILWAUKEE. Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant III is the March 12 speaker. Program in­ cludes Bell Irvin Wiley in May, Elmer Gertz on "Gen. James Harry Wilson in June, and Rucker Agee on "The Streit Raid" in June. In February, Dr. Gerald McMurtry spoke on "The Story of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address." The February General Order of the CWR T carried a condensation of Cas sius M. Keller's article on Civil War Navy Books.

NEW ORLEANS. Dr. T. Harry Williams of LSU, our Gold Medal speaker of last year, talked on "The Battle of Shiloh" at the Feb. 19 meeting.

NEW YORK. A symposium of the" Lincoln-Douglas Debates" was held at the Feb. 11 meeting. Program for coming months: Mar. 11, Frank Vandiver on "Stone­ wall Jackson"; April 15, E.B. "Pete" Long, "Triviain Travail"; May 13, T. Harry Williams, "The Gentlemen's War"; June 10, Father and Son Night.

PHILADELPHIA. Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry won the annual award of the Lincoln­ Civil War Society, Feb. 8.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. "Was Lincoln an Atheist?" That was the subject of Ralph G. Lindstrom at the February meeting. This was preceded in January by the speech of Mrs. Fawn M. Brodie on "The Stormy Beginnings of Integration, 1864- 1870." The CWRT, which usually meets in Hollywood, editorializes for a National Federation of CWR T' s in its news letter, "The Camp Follower, " the second issue in February.

VICKSBURG. T. W. Crigler, National Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, addressed the Mississippi CWRT Feb. 21 on "The Captivity of Jefferson Davis."

W ASHII\lGT'_)[-J, Pa. Dr. Walter F. Sanderlin talked on "Abraham Lincoln as War President" at the meeting in February.

WIESBADEN, Germany. "Colonel Mosby- -Confederate Raider" is the subject of Lieut. Col. Cushman, former cavalryman and from Northern Virginia, for March. Members saw a documentary film of the Battle of Gettysburg at the February meet­ ing. The CWRT News predicts 200 Round Tables throughout the world. The Weis~ baden group selects a "Member a Month"--a Georgia woman in January and a German Baron in February. The woman was Miss Eunice Chute. The man was Baron Von Behr, a Pomerian, German veteran of both World Wars. He was a cavalryman in the spearhead of the German drive in 1914. The Baron was of the Luftwaffe in World War II, was wounded once, and retired as a Colonel. Von Behr' s primary goal today is to cement the friendship between Germans and Americans. The RT issued it second yearbook, the last in three colors.

WINCHESTER, VA. "Surrender at Appomattox" was shown in film at the Feb. 19 meeting. Fitting tribute was paid the late Secretary J. Paul Peters. Gene Bowers is Acting Secretary.

* * * The Lincoln Memorial Center Association has been formed to raise a million

dollars for the restoration of the only home President Abraham Lincoln ever owned. The As sociation would acquire the block in Springfield, Illinois, in the res toration project.

Vol. 8 No.3 P. 5

YEARBOOK WINS HIGH PRAISE: GET YOUR EXTRA COPIES

The 1957-58 Yearbook has won high praise in many places. Members can get extra copies at $1.00 a book either at the March 11 dinner or at No. 643 National Press Bldg. If you wish one mailed to a friend, send a dollar and the address to the National Pres s Building addres s. The brochure, designed and principally edited by Garnet W. Jex. Among the bouquets are:

Your Yearbook for 1957-58 is a beautiful job. You are to be congratulated on it.--Henry P. Hotz, CWRT Editor, Milwaukee, Wis.

It is certainly a very well done and functional book and we certainly appreciate the job the Civil War Round Table of the District of Columbia is doing in connection with keeping all other groups informed ... Our secretary, Dr. T.E. Sanders, is a member of your organization. - -Norman W. Hall, president, St. Louis CWR T.

Yearbook received. It's a beauty. Love that foreword by Virgil Carrington Jones, also the drawing of the kepi, crossed sabers, etc., on the title page.--Dr. Chester D. Bradley (member), Curator of Exhibits, Fort Monroe Casemate Museum, Newport News, Va.

The Yea r boo'k prepared by the CWR T of the District of Columbia is something that you should be proud of. Those of our group who have gone through the booklet have expres sed their interest, not to mention their enthusiastic approval. - -John W. Cullen, Jr., Secretary, Cleveland, Ohio, CWR T.

Received your Yearbook. It is the most beautiful I have ever seen. Even my mother and brother, who agree with the popular definition of CW fans as "a bunch of screw balls chasing minie balls, commented on the Yearbook.--Robert E. Connor, Publications Chairman, Lincoln-Civil War Society of Philadelphia, Pa.

The Washington Round Table Yearbook arrived. Mrs. Fitzgerald and I had a very pleasant evening reading it. - - W. Norman Fitzgerald, Jr., President of the Milwaukee CWR T and a member of the CW Centennial Commission.

The current Washington Civil War Round Table Yearbook is a most attractive and informative booklet. The beauty of design and the content are a distinct credit to the fine organization to whichit owes its being.--Bell 1. Wiley, Emory University, Ga.

Just a note to congratulate you on the terrific work .... The stuff is written beautifully, put up with professional typography, and complete, as to things one wants to know. The brochure is a reference book, and has been dutifully filed by me.--James M. Cain (member), University Park, Hyattsville, Md.

* * * AMONG OURSELVES AND OTHERS

Maj. Joseph Mills Hanson (member) has "Bull Run Remembers" in a second edition, cloth bound $2.75, paper $1.90. The book covers both Battles of Manassas ... "A Civil War Marriage in Virginia,' I called "a candid camera record II of thrilling incidents of the CW in the Shenandoah Valley, is soon to come from the press. The SOO-copy limited edition is $5.00. Order from Miss Laura Virginia Hale, Box 406, Front Royal, Va. Proceeds will go to the new museum ... William A. Albaugh III (member) is co-author of "Confederate Arms and Rifles,' I price from $11.00 to $25.00 a copy (The Stackpole Co., Harrisburg, Pa.) "Mr. Albaugh writes on every phase of Confederate military collecting," said the Washington Evening Star. .. Mr. Albaugh is the foremost author of Southern' arms." This is his fourth book ... Bruce Catton (member) and his son William are to write a book, "Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davos." ... Roger S. Darling (member), Falls Church, Va., has' 'scale models of the 12-pound Napoleon gun howitzer " of the CW. Models are on sale at gun shops and at the Gettysburg Museum. Member Darling offers his brother members a discount' 'greater than 25%." Models were shown at one of our meetings after the talk ... Col Allen B. Hicklin, Executive Committee­ man, suffered a heart attack and convalesced at Walter Reed Hospital ... The Civil War Centennial Commission met here in late February. Report in next NL.

Rex B. Magee

CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE OF THE

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

March, 1958

THE KILPATRICK-DAHLGREN RAID

V. C. (Pat) Jones Author and Historian 1957 Gold Medal Award Winner

Echoes from the famous Union raid launched against Richmond on February 28, 1864, obstensibly to liberate Federal prisoners and burn the capital, have continued to reverberate down through the years. Some of the glitter which has always clung to this last "g e nt le man IS war" was rubbed off when shocked readers in the North and South read that the liquidation of Jefferson Davis and his Cabinet was also one of the prime objectives of the expedition.

This was war, all-out total war. Repercussions from the foray developed almost immediately. General Pleasanton, who ventured to criticize the plan, was relieved of his command and shipped out to Missouri. Dahlgren was killed and Kilpatrick was transferred to the Western theater under Sherman. The Richmond Whig demanded to know II are these men warriors or are they assassin, barbarians, thugs who have forfeited their lives? II The Dispatch solemnly opined: "These Dahlgren papers will destroy during the rest of this war all rose water chivalry." Northern papers meanwhile loudly disclaimed any base motives involving the govern­ ment and high military officials and asserted that the Dahlgren papers had been planted on his body. This matter has been debated for generations, even by some well-known authors of the present day.

Pat Jones has completed an exhaustive job to get at the truth, and the results of his researches, plentifully illustrated with maps and enlarged photostatic copies of the documents involved, will be presented at next Tu e s da y+s dinner. The story of the raid itself is a fascinating chapter in the history of the war and is filled with action and drama.

Send in your reservation card immediately.

DATE: PLACE: PRICE: TIME:

Tuesday, March 11 The National Press Club $3 per ticket 6 P. M. Cocktails 7 P. M. 8 P.M. 9 P.M.

Dinner Address by Mr. Jones Round Table Discussion

The Program Committee

Reserve Your Gold Medal Award Dinner Tickets Today With Paul Sedgwick (District 7 -9106). Price $6 each.

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRICf OF COLUMBIA

Vol. 8 No.4

1 April 1958

GM TO GENERAL GRANT: ARMY SECRETARY BRUCKER TO SPEAK

Place--National Press Club Ballroom Time--Tuesday Night, April 8 Hours--Cocktails 6 p.m.; Dinner 7:15 p.m. Award--Gold Medal to Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant III to be

presented by Hon. John C. Pemberton of N.Y. Speaker--Hon. Wilber Brucker, Secretary of the Army. Dres s - -Optional. Tickets $6.00 a plate.

LAST CHANCE TO RESERVE A SEAT. If you overlooked making your reservations for places at the banquet table for the Sixth Annual Gold Medal Dinner, make them to­ day. All requests and checks should be sent to Paul J. Sedgwick, Barr Building, 910 - 17th St. N. W., Washington, D.C. The Gold Medal will be awarded to our worthy member, Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant III, chairman ofthe Civil War Centennial Commission. Presenta­ tion is to be made by the Hon. John C. Pemberton of New York City. Grant and Pember­ ton are namesake grandsons of the two opposing generals in the Vicksburg Campaign. The speaker of the evening will be the Hon. Wilber Brucker, Secretary of the Army. Among distinguished guests will be General Grant's sister, the Princess Julia Cantacuzene, and Assistant Secretary of the Army, Hon. Dewey Short with Mrs. Short.

* * * PICKETT'S GRANDSON ASKS FOR INFORMATION. George E. Pickett Ill, grandson of the Confederate general who made the famous charge at Gettysburg, requested help in rounding out the names of the members of his grandfather's staff. George III is a member of the North Carolina CWRT, of which John R(ebel) Peacock is secretary. Information can be passed on to "Rebel" Peacock, English Street at Oxford Court, High Point, N.C. A grand nephew of Confederate General Pickett is a member of the District of Columbia CWR T. He is Charles Pickett of Fairfax, Virginia.

* * * SECOND BATT LE OF BALL'S BLUFF? A bill is in the Senate to abandon the National Cemetery of Ball's Bluff near Leesburg, Virginia. Twenty-five or so Union graves would be moved. Will there be opposition to the scrapping of the historic battleground? Ball's Bluff was a small battle - -a Union disaster- -with important political repercus­ sions. Col. Edward D. Baker was the only U.S. Senator killed in battle during the Civil War. His death led to the imprisonment and persecution of Brig. Gen. Charles Pomeroy Stone, Union. It also helped create the Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War. A marker stands where Colonel Baker fell at Ball's Bluff on Oct. 21, 1861.

* * *

DAHLGREN "BURN-RICHMOND" PAPERS AUTHENTIC, SAYS PAT JONES By Stanley E. Cohen (Member)

The Press Club had to roll out its extra tables to accommodate the huge turnout March 11 for Pat Jones' talk on the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren raid on Richmond. But what an oc­ casion it was! For from our own rostrum Pat produced for the first time evidence

. which seems to establish the authenticity of the controversial orders to burn Richmond which Confederates said they took from the body of young Col. Ulric Dahlgren.

The first surprise came when Pat announced he would speak from the stage. Seemingly this was so he could use maps to trace the route from Brandy Station to Richmond. As it developed, something more exciting was in store.

First he told how Judson Kilpatrick, a dashing cavalry general at 28, and Ulric Dahl­ gren, 21, with one leg missing since Gettysburg, swept to the gates of a virtually un­ defended Richmond. But retreat, and Dahlgren's death followed, when a handful of city guards and a late winter snowstorm made their position untenable.

At last Pat was ready for the serious business of the evening. Was it a forgery, he asked, when Confederates produced documents, allegedly taken from Dahlgren's body, stating the purpose of the raid, besides freeing Union prisoners, was to burn Richmond and hang Jeff Davis?

Lee had sent photos of the documents to Meade indignantly demanding an explanation. Meade had promptly disowned such intent. The North cried' 'forgery" and over the years pointed to discrepancies, including the seeming misspelling of Dahlgren's sig­ nature, as proof the Confederates were staging a massive fraud.

Much subsequent debate has hinged on the fact that the only existing copy, the photo­ graphs sent by Lee to Meade, seemed to be signed "Dalhgren" rather than" Dahlgren". Surely, the North said, the young officer would never have misspelled his own name. Since the originals are missing, what hope was there of refuting this poi nt ?

As his contribution to the debate, Pat showed big blow-ups of the signature on the photograph Lee had sent to Meade. Using special composites worked out in cooperation with officials of the National Archives, he demonstrated that the misspelling was more apparent than real. The illusion of misspelling exists in the photo, he said, because writing on the reverse side of the signature "bled" through under such circumstances that it actually altered the appearance of the signature.

His three collaborators from the National Archi ves were on hand to nod their approval: Elmer E. Parker, of the Naval Records Section; Harry Baudu, in charge of the Photo­ graphic Division; and Capt. Victor Gondos, editor of Military Affair Magazine and director of the War Records Section. Having explained away the controversy over the signature, Pat had still another sur­ prise. He called from the audience Ira N. Gullickson, chief handwriting expert of the Metropolitan Police Department. After mounting the platform, Mr. Gullickson re­ veiled he had been unaware of the business at hand when he accepted an invitation that afternoon to attend the dinner. Only minutes before, he had compared the controversial document with two known Dahlgren signatures. In his opinion, there was no doubt of the authenticit.y of the document in which Dahlgren recorded his intent to burn Richmond.

More details of the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren raid are told in Pat's exciting book' 'Eight Hours Before Richmond". The raid just missed ending the War more than a year before Appomattox, he suggests. On the other hand, Jones describes Kilpatrick as a "fiery, tempestuous and at times licentious man" with carefully plotted presidential ambitions. If the Kilpatrick presidency was the price of victory in March 1864, perhaps another year of ghastly war was not too high a price.

* * * The Civil War Centennial Commission will be reported on in an early News Letter. The Commission is in the formulation stage with Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant III as Chairman.

* * * P. 2

BRANDY STATION FIELD TRIP--SATURDAY, MAY 24 By Col. J. Gay Seabourne, Vice President

EDITOR'S NOTE: Only the Program Chairman can give the highlights on the unmarked battlefield tour of Brandy Station. The Colonel has been charting the tour through this year with the assistance of John R. Winters, William H. Price, James Lazard, and Garnet W. Jex of Washington, and Charles P. Humphries of Brandy Station.

As Guide and Narrator of the Brandy Station Battlefield Tour, I am pleased to report the highlights: 1 •. A PACKAGE DEAL. Bus transportation from Washington and return; Southern fried chicken luncheon with Virginia ham, biscuits and trimmings, served by the ladies of

. Brandy Station in the village auditorium dining room. Bus fare and dinner $5.00. 2. Some of the many important parts of the battlefield to be commented upon and visited are:

a. Jeb Stuart's Artillery park site. Saint James' Church Ridge from which "Grumble" Jones' Virginia regiments repeatedly charge Buford's Yankees who threatened the capture of the Confederate artillery.

b. Site of the charge of the Sixth Pennsylvania against massed guns of Beckham's artil­ lery (only recorded example in military history of deliberate cavalry charge on massed artillery).

c. Site of the charge of the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry against massed Beckham's Artillery.

d. Panoramic view of Northern sector of battlefield from site of Champ Carter (Revo­ lutionary War reference) memorial, with particular emphasis upon employment of Rooney Lee's Confederate Cavalry Brigade in battle.

e. The Welford (Farley) House, built in IBOl-03--a hospital during the battle, head­ quarters of Union General Sedgwick winter 1863 -64.

f. The Barbour House. Panoramic view of Fleetwood Hill, Stuart's Headquarters, which General Gregg's Cavalry assaulted.

g. The Botts House, the war-time residence of Unionist John Minor Botts, which gives an excellent view of the field of General Stuart's Cavalry Review attended by General Lee.

h. The fight near Stevensburg (the third phase of the battle) Col. Butler and Farley, famous Stuart scout, wounded here.

* * *

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR BRANDY STATION

The Brandy Station Battlefield Tour, May 24, will be a grand outing- -our best yet. Regular announcement, with reservation card for ticket, will be mailed all mem­ bers. Respond promptly with a $5.00 check payable to the Civil War Round Table. Mail reservation to Paul J. Sedgwick, Barr Building, 910 - 17th St., Washington 6, D.C. Due to unalterable conditions (traffic, culinary and otherwise), the trip will be limited to 200 persons. First come, first served. VERBUM SAT SAPIENTE! Remember, the Ladies are welcome.

V.8,N.4 P. 3

ROUND TABLE ROUND-UP: HARRY TRUMAN K.C. SPEAKER

KANSAS CITY. Officially the new R T had as its first speaker Former President Harry S. Truman in March. He called the war a "War Between the States." Truman challenged the "sacking" of General Lee and Meade by Monday-morning quarterbacking g ene r a.l s , He praised a Missouri Civil War General, Jo Shelby, cavalry leader who buried his Confederate flag in the Rio Grande and led his men to refuge in Mexico rather than surrender. But Truman spoke disparagingly of the Kansas senator­ General who committed suicide. "I'm prejuidiced against Jim Lane. He's that Redieg who burned my house." The reference was to the border warfare of the War Between the States when Kansans and Missourians had a war of their own among the Irregulars of both states. .

ATLANTA. Beverly M. Dubose, Jr, former president, presented" The Confederate Soldier" on March 25. The April 25 meeting is to be addressed by Roy Meredith and Bruce Catton on May 16. A field trip to Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain will close the season in June.

CHICAGO. Dr. Ray A. Billington told of "Frontier Origins of the Civil War" at the March meeting. Future program: Bell 1. Wiley, April 22; Otto Eisenschimil, May 9; Battlefield Tour of Fort Donelson, Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Franklin, May 15-18; Edward E. Barthell, Jr., June 6. .

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio. Oakley Graves talked on "General Winfield Scott" at the March meeting. Members have been asked to speak out on the proposed nationalization of CWRT's. CLEVELAND. Member William A. Ralls, a Virginian, pictured on "I Remember J;v1osby" at the Marchmeeting. Oddly, the Ohio group had another Confederate discussed at the February meeting, subject" The Last Home of Jefferson Davis". The speaker was Guy DiCarlo. He illustrated with colored slides he took while visiting Beauvoir. He poi nt ed out that Davis' grandson lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. The grandson's name originally was Jefferson Davis Hayes but now is legally Jefferson Hayes Davis. EVANSVILLE, Ind. Lieut. Col. Ollie C. Reeves was the March 20 speaker. Appomattox Day is planned in April. A bus tour of the Chattanooga-Chickamauga battlefields is scheduled fo May 2-4.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. Brig. Gen. Carl A. Baehr of Washington spoke on "The Washington Artillery" here in late February. President Samuel E. Pruett writes: "Members of the D.C. Round Table are always welcome at our meetings which are held on the fourth Thursday of each month. "

INDIANAPOLIS. Two women members -- Misses Dorothy Unger and J. Gulleson-­ gave a slide lecture in March on "Chickamauga." R. Vernon Earle told of Indiana General Jefferson C. Davis (he killed Union General William "Bull" Nelson in an alter­ cation in a Louisville hotel in 1862). Earle discussed Davis as a Union Divisional commander under McCook at Chickamauga. "The Hardtack," in its third issue this March, reported a CWRT in New Albany, Ind. "The Hardtack" is edited by Miss Unger. LEXINGTON. TheKentuckyCWRTheardDr. WilliamB. Hesseltine on "Andersonville" at the March 17 meeting. He is an authority on Civil War prisons. At the February meeting Kentuckians enjoyed hearing Capt. Samuel G. Kelly, president of the D.C. CWRT, on "The Red River Expedition." Governor Chandler appointed a Kentucky CW Centennial Commission to cooperate in the observances of the 100th anniversary of the War Between the States. Five Kentuckians are members of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commis sion. .

MAYVILLE, N. Y. Robert Laughlin and William Hiller discussed "The Second Day at Gettysburg" in the March meeting. Reuben Mazer talked on "Shiloh" in February, the Fourth Anniversary meeting. MILWAUKEE. Writes Editor Harry P. Hotz: "We had General U.S. Grant IlIon 'The Strategy of the Civil War.' He told some interesting stories which I'm using in the

P. 4

next bulletin. One of the best parts of the program was the question period- -the boys were interested more in the grandson than in the military strategist of the '60's."

NEW ORLEANS. Dr. Grady McWhiney, who has just finished editing" Lee's Dispatches to Jefferson Davis," discussed "Braxton Bragg and his Critics" at the March 19 meeting.

NEW YORK. Two chartered buses - -Double Deck Scenic Cruisers- -will take New Yorkers to and from Gettysburg on the spring battlefield tour May 16-18. E.B. (Pete) Long is to be the April IS speaker with the subject of .. Trivia in Travail."

ST. LOUIS. Dr. T. E. Sanders, secretary, and a member of the DC CWRT, writes: "In our first year we have grown in membership from 32 to 74. Visiting speakers this year were V .C. (Pat) Jone s , Ralph Newman, and Clyde Walton," Doctor Sanders visited Manassas with Dr. Phiniizy Calhoun of the Atlanta CWRT while in Washington last week."

WASHINGTON, Pa. "Authenic songs of the Civil War" on records is the March 17 program. Recordings were "The Confederacy Album" and "The Union Album" by Richard Bales (member of the DC CWR T) and' 'Carl Sandburg Speaks" on Abraham Lincoln.

WINCHESTER, Va. Dr. M.K. Bushong reviewed of "The Battle of Cedar Creek" at the March meeting. Q. Fred Y. Stotler, P.O. Box 709, is now secretary.

WILMINGTON. Dr. William W. Hassler, Jr., told of "A.P. Hill, Lee's Forgotten General," in March. "Appomattox Memorial Luncheon" will be inaugurated April 19 with Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant III presenting "Comments on the Civil War and Its Meaning to Us Americans." D.C. Member Richard Bales of the DC CWRT is to speak during the next term year. CWR T officers voted in favor of keeping the group autonomous at this time and not to take part in the proposed Federation. The fourth issue of "Grape and Canister" appeared in March.

* * * WEISBADEN, Germany. The CWRT held its second anniversary dinner on Feb. 10 at which Lt. Col. C.V.B. Cushman spoke on "Colonel Mosby--Confederate Raider." The remainder of the current year's program is largely Confederate: April,' 'Thomas Jonathan 'Stonewall' Jackson" by Mrs. Consuelo Wilder; May, "Jeff Davis and His U.S. Camel Corps" by Col. H.B. Simpson, founder and president; June, "The Merrimac and the Monitor" by Lt. Col. T .B. Norton. An attractive Yearbook in red and blue on white was issued at the dinner. The CWRT started last year with six members at a meeting in the home of Colonel Simpson. Today's membership: 88 regulars, 167 associate, and 11 honorary. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month, except in July and August, at the General von Steuben Hotel. Membership includes men and women from the U.S. as well as officers and civilians of West Germany who are interested in the Civil War of the U.S.

* * * BERMUDA RESTORING CONFEDERATE BLOCKADE HEADQUARTERS

Over in Bermuda they're to raise the Confederate battle flag almost within sight of a U.S. Army Air Base. The flag will be raised at the dedication of the restored Globe Hotel, Civil War headquarters of Confederate officer running the Union blockade. The hotel, like the White Horse Tavern already restored, is in St. George's. Sir Stanley Spurling, unofficial premier of Bermuda some 40 years, is the leader in the restoration movement. The U.S. Civil War is only one historical period in the overall plan. Incidentally, Sir Stanley Spurling acquired the largest known collection of prints of Confederate blockade runners. He also knew three of the Confederate runners-two whites and a Negro. It is hoped that we may have Sir Stanley Spurling address the CWRT on his next trip to Washington. He's an authority on blockade running.

V.8,N.4 P. 5

OTHERS PRAISE CWR T YEARBOOK

Arnold Gates, Secretary CWRT of New York City: This new issue of your Yearbook is a beautiful job. The Round Table of the District of Columbia has removed the Year­ book from the level of a yearly publication, which is frequently tossed away when the season is done, and placed it up with publications a student keeps as a collector's item.

Library of Congress: . The Librarian of Congress has requested me to acknowledge, with many thanks, the material mentioned below (CWR T 1957-58 Yearbook) which we have credited to your exchange account . . John Jacques, Wisconsin State Historical Society: "Will you please send us at once your recent Yearbook .... I understand from Abe Geldhof, of the Chicago Tribune, that this book is free to members, but it is one dollar a copy to non-members." Dr. T .E. Hall, President of the St. Louis CWR T: "All of us here are interested in your Yearbook and also your Newsletter. You should be congratulated on these." Members can obtain extra copies of the 1958 Yearbook at $1 a copy. Remit to or call on V.C. (Pat) Jones, 743 National Press Bldg., Washington, D.C. He has consented to distribute the spare copies for the convenience of the members.

* * *

A Civil War train ran from the Mt. Clare Station in Baltimore on the program, "Close Up," WJZ-TV, Channel 13. The telecast was made in the Baltimore and Ohio Museum there March 7.

* * * Member George Friend, book dealer at 922 NinthSt. N.W., Washington, offers a 20 per cent discount to fellow members on most current books.

* * *

Your editor and Mrs. Catherine B. Westerfield, stylist of the News Letter, married March 1. Col. J. Gay Seabourne served as best man and Maj. Charles C. Coulter, another member, as usher. Mrs. Coulter was bridesmaid. Said a member: "Magee, you'll have a Civil War of your own now." Be that as it may, the Magees do not apologize for Appomattox.

* * *

HALF THOUSAND MEMBERS - Our membership exceeded 500 by April 1 st.

Rex. B. Magee

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Vol. 8 No.5

1 May 1958

Place--National Press Club Ballroom. Time--Tuesday Night, May 13.

Cocktails 6 p.m.; Dinner 7: 15 p.rn , Election of Officers

Speaker--Col. J. Gay Seabourne.

RICH IN BATTLE LORE. Brandy Station is not marked. Yet the first real cavalry battle of the war, humiliating to Confederate JEB Stuart, was fought there. Colonel Seabourne, who needs no introduction, has prepared for his address, and his later narration on the battlefield, from time to time during the year. One marker--a sign­ board on a post- - stands where Confederate Major Pelham fell. The board was put up by one of our "Charter" members, J. Schlaiker, a native of South Dakota. Schlaiker, an admirer of Pelham, painted the sign --he's a real artist and not a sign maker--in his home. Schlaiker and friends erected the Pelham marker. Elsewhere is the spot where Colonel "Grimes" Davis was killed, one of the two West Pointers from Missis­ sippi who remained in the Union Army. Confederate General Wade Hampton lost a brother in the battle. During the fighting near Stevensburg, a projectile took off the foot of Col. Matthew Calbraith Butler--nephew of the famous Naval Brothers Perry-­ and passed through his horse to cut off the leg of Capt. Will Farley, Stuart's chief scout. Farley died. Butler lived to become one of the three former Confederate Major Generals of Cavalry made U.S. Major Generals of Volunteers in the Spanish-American War. Also Lee watched the battle before Union General Pleasanton, believing his reconnaissance mission accomplished, withdrew the checked troopers of Generals Buford and Gregg.

Make your plans now to take part in the field trip May 24 and to visit the scene of the greatest single cavalry action of the war. Buses will assemble at two points: for passengers from Maryland, the District and Arlington, at the Columbia Island Marina Fringe Parking Area on Memorial Highway midway between the Memorial and Fourteenth Street Bridges, at 8 a.m.; for passengers from Alexandria, McLean and Falls Church, at Truro Episcopal Church parking lot one block west of the courthouse in Fairfax, at 8:30 a.m. All-day parking will be available at both sites without charge. The trip will be limited to 200 persons, and all applications received after that number of tickets are sold will be returned. The cha rg e will be $5 per person, which includes the cost of a luncheon to be served at Brandy Station. Send your applications and checks made payable to THE CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE to Mr. Paul J. Sedgwick, Barr Building, 910 Seventeenth St., N.W., Washington 6, D. C. No private automobiles will be permitted in the procession. The caravan, it is estimated, will return to Washington by 6:30 p.m.

GRANT WINS MEDAL--PEMBERTON, BRUCKER ON PROGRAM By Maj. Charles S. Coulter (Member)

Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III was presented with the Sixth Annual Gold Medal by John C. Pemberton III. Both are namesake grandsons of opposing generals at Vicksburg. Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker was guest speaker.

The dinner was in the National Press Club Ballroom, Tuesday night, April 8. Presi­ dent Samuel G. Kelly introduced Mr. Pemberton, former president of the New York City CWRT.

"General," said Pemberton, "I am not sure it ever dawned on myforebears that you and I would be placed in this position as a matter of fact it entails certain financial sacrifices on my part, since, on my mother's side there seems to be some unrecon­ structed relatives who have threatened to omit me from their last will and testament .... This is a rare moment and pleasure for me, on behalf of the Civil War Round Table, to hand you its Gold Medal."

General Grant replied: "I truly and sincerely am very much more than touched by this honor and appreciate it more than anything that has ever happened to me .... e~­ pecially as my good friend John Pemberton, coming from you than if it had come from anybody else. "General Grant than added that it represented what his grandfather had always wanted, the reuniting of our country. He recalled that the dinner was being held on the eve of the anniversary of Appomattox. He thought that Lee surrendered not for what history would say but because he believed it right. The speaker discussed the magnanimity of General Grant in surrender terms granted to Confederates.

"We can join in commemorating the events they made great," said General Grant III in closing his acceptance speech, "and if we do well with malice toward none and good will for all we can playa part in our generation as they did in theirs. "

SECRETAR Y BRUCKER TELLS OF CIVIL WAR "FIRSTS."

Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Wilber M. Brucker, was then presented a~ the speaker of the evening. TheSecretary reviewed briefly the Civil War and its drama, compared Generals Grant and Lee and praised their high ideals in battle and their personal courage. Both were great in defeat and discouragement, which caused them to press on harder. They served others rather than themselves. Secretary Brucker brought forth dramatically the advances made in arms in the Civil war, and listed many of the "firsts." "It was the first war in which the railroad was used on a large scale for the strategic transportation of troops and supplies. It marked the first use of the telegraph for transmission of military dispatches .... It was in the Civil War that the metallic car­ tridge was developed, and the machine gun first rained its 'mortal sleet' upon the battlefield. The rifled cannon first came into use on an appreciable scale. Railway artillery was another innovation, as were barbed wire entanglements, long-range rifles, and flame projectors ...

Among the "firsts" was the use of aerial psychological warfare- -a kite dropping bundles of Lincoln's amnesty proclamations behind Confederate lines. He cited the balloons as first transmitting military messages, forerunners of military aviation. "We may well say that when a Confederate battery commander turned his guns on a Union balloon near what is now the int e rs ect ion of Glebe Road and Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Va., the idea of antiaircraft artillery wa-s born." Some other first were: ironclad ships, r evol ving turrets, electrically exploded tor­ pedoes. "There was even a submarine which succeeded in sinking a ship of the Union Navy."

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GRANT AND EWELL. U. S. Grant, at leave's end, reported to Lieut. Richard Stod­ dert Ewell, c ,o , at Jefferson Barracks. But Grant's regiment was en route to Louisi­ ana. He asked for a few days before rejoining the Fourth Infantry. Grant visited Julia Dent. On Ewell's leave Grant proposed and was accepted even though he wore a borrowed suit from his future brother-in-law and West Point classmate, Frederick T. Dent, Jr. Grant had been drenched crossing a swollen creek on the way to see Julia. In speaking of Confederate General Ewell, Grant said: "He was a man much esteemed, and deservedly so in the Old Army, and proved himself a gallant and efficient officer in two wars--both unholy in my estimation." Credited to Ewell in Richmond, Va., in May, 1861: "There is one West Pointer, I think in Missouri, little known and in whom I hope the Northern people will not find out. I mean Sam Grant. I knew him well in the Academy and in Mexico. I should fear him more than any of their officers I have yet heard of. He is not a man genius but he is clear headed, quick and daring." Ewell was captured at Sayler's Creek by Grant's forces. Grant helped get Ewell out of the Fort Warren prison. Be it said of Ewell, his death message was: "If any stone or shaft is ever raised over me, take care that nothing reflecting upon the govern­ ment of the United States be put upon it." Ewell was buried in the City Cernete r y , Nashville, Tennessee. FAMILY CROSS CURRENTS. Gen. John C. Pemberton, northern born Confederate general, had relatives on both warring sides. Two of his brothers were of the Phila­ delphia City Troop of Union Cavalry. Writes his namesake grandson (he presented the Gold Medal to U. S. Grant III in April) in "Pemberton Defender of Vicksburg": "Mrs. Pemberton's family, too, divided North and South. Imogene 'I'hornp son , he: sister, married Benjamin Pollard Loyall, an ensign on the Confederate 'Merrimac' at the time of its historic battle with the' Montto r ," In turn, one of Loyall's sisters married David Glasgow Farragut." AFarragut son was named Loyall ..... Matthew Galbraith Butler, who lost a foot at Brandy Station, might have been a Union soldier. His father was a surgeon in the U. S. Navy. His mother was a Perry, a sister of the famous Commodores, Oliver Hazard Perry of Lake Erie fame and Matthew Calbraith Perry who opened up Japan. When young Butler's father died, both M. C. Perry and Andrew Pickens Butler wrote offers to educate young Butler. The lad chose his South Carolina uncle, in whose behalf a nephew, Preston Brooks, assaulted Chaz-l e s Sumn e r in the U. S. Senate chamber. Young Butler became a lawyer instead of a naval officer. Butler went to war under Confederate Gen. Wade Hampton. He fought as a captain at Bull Run and came out a Major General. When Colonel Butler fought at Brandy Station, l3-year old Frederick Dent Grant was accompanying his own grandfather in the Vicks­ burg campaign. Butler became a Major General, USV, during the Spanish American War. Fred Grant, a West Pointer, became a Colonel. On July 4, 1898, the New York Chapters of the Sons of Revolution presented General Butler with a horse in Washing­ ton, D. C., and Colonel Fred Grant at Chickamauga, Ga., with a sword, belt, and epau­ lettes. The Colonel became a Major General and is the father of our Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III.

. GOLD MEDAL DINNER NOTES. Not introduced but there was Past President Kermit V. (Snuffy) Sloan who presided at the Gold Medal Dinner of last year. He now lives in Philadelphia but is still a member of the DC CWR T. "First time I've ever had a chance to enjoy myself by not being at the head tabl'e ;'" said 'Snuffy: ('Since the first dinner meeting, Sloan has served in every office- -treasurer, secretary, vice presi­ dent, president, and executive committeeman .... Among those introduced were: Princess Julia Cantacuzene, sister of General Grant III; Dewey Short, Assistant Sec­ retary of the Army, and his wife; and Dr. Frederick Brown Harris, Chaplain of the U. S. Senate, and his wife.

Writes Dr. Chester D. Bradley of the Fort Monroe Casemate Museum: "The program of the Gold Medal Dinner is so outstanding that it is a collector's item .... It re­ called to me that General Pemberton was stationed at Fort Monroe for some years. He married a Miss Martha Thompson of Norfolk. When his unit was transferred to Washington, D. C., this Pennsylvania native of old Philadelphia stock, resigned and went to Richmond where he offered his services to the Confederacy." Vol. 8 No. 5 P. 3

BELLE BOYD, CONFEDERATE SPY, GETS YANKEE WREATH By John T. Collier (Member)

On May 30---Memorial Day for those who wore the gray as well as for those who fought in blue---a simple yet signifcant ceremony will take place in the cemetery at Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Preserving a tradition that was begun by local members of the GAR long ago, a grbup of veterans of another era will decorate the lone Con­ federate grave on that picturesque countryside. A marker, placed on the grave by a former Confederate soldier from Mississippi, bears this inscription:

BELLE BOYD CONFEDERATE Spy BORN IN VIRGINIA DIED IN WISCONSIN

EREC TED BY A COMRADE

It was 96 years ago this month that Belle Boyd, as a Confederate spy, proved on the battlefield that her gallantry' was fully equal to her talent for espionage. Both were inspired by a dedicated devotion to her cause.

This was in May 1862, when Jackson was advancing against superior forces concen­ trated about Front Royal. Information that was vital to him in this action had been obtained by Belle. She had smuggled from Winchester documents detailing Union dispositions, and had even concealed these documents successfully during one of her many brushes with suspicious Federal authorities.

When advance elements of Jackson's command opened fire on the Union troops hastily withdrawing from Front Royal, it was Belle Boyd who braved fire from both directions to get the information to Jackson. Harnett Kane, in his fast-moving story of "The Smiling Rebel," describes her baptism of fire: " Belle half heard, half felt a whir overhead; the Union pickets were firing at her! A rifle bullet hit the ground, almost at her feet, splattering soft earth into her face. Then several bullets dropped from the opposite side. "

Bullets went through her clothing; a shell burst 20 feet away. Somehow, she made it.

Other missions in her amazing ca r e e r , though behind or beyond the battlefield, were fraught with danger and filled with suspense. Not all were successful; Belle's deter­ mination to serve her country at all cost s , and her unyielding loyalty to the South, led to two imprisonments at Washington's Old Capitol prison. But these were not enough to break her spirit or 'impair her talent and daring as a Confederate agent .

. Nor did Belle's wartime marriage to the Yankee naval officer who took her into custody from a captured blockade runner lessen her ardent support of the Confederacy. But she was to know great disappointment for the loss of the Cause, and the deeper personal sadness for the loss of her young husband. His health broken by imprisonment on un­ proved charges of disloyalty, he died only a little while after being reunited with Belle.

The Smiling Rebel never seemed to want for Northern husbands. Her second was an Englishman who had served as a Union officer. Her third husband, a Northern-born actor who appeared on the stage with her sometimes under GAR sponsorship, was with her when she died in Wisconsin in 1900.

On each Memorial Day, until the blue ranks became too thin, Belle Boyd's grave was decorated by Union veterans of the GAR. Then veterans of the Spanish-American War took over. 'I'oda y , the American Legion carries on. Last year, when CWR T Member Paul Sedgwick was vacationing in Wisconsin, he took a scenic boat ride through the Dells. Sailing through the Upper Dells, Paul observed a sister ship proudly flying the Confederate Flag at her stern. Below the flag was her name in bold lettering: BELLE BOYD. Paul asked the tour guide who Belle Boyd was. "Darn'd if I know, Mister." But the Legionnaires at the Dells know. And in the Shenandoah, some people remem.ber to observe the anniversary of her birth this month---May 9.

P.4

ARE ROUND TABLES TO NATIONALIZE?

A meeting in Fredericksburg, Va., will be held May 9-10 at which the nationalization of CWRT's will be decided.

Nationalization has been in the air for some time. Back in December of last year, the Southern California CWRT sent out letters asking other RT's to express themselves on the question.

Shortly thereafter a Washington newspaper carried a story of the nationalization meet­ ing called at Fredericksburg, Va. The DC R T Executive Committee at a meeting ex- pressed opposition to a national organization. '

On March 11, President Spencer Berry of Fredericksburg in a letter blamed "inac­ curate publicity" for the misunderstanding and that "national affiliation is not the reason we planned."

On March 22, from Bowling Green, Va., came the call of the' 'Provisional Committee on Organization" of Civil 'War Round Tables. Members, according to the stationery, are Hudson H. Williams, President, Richmond CWR T; G. Henry Roth, President, Gettysburg CWR T; Spencer Berry, President, Fredericksburg CWR T; Col. J. E. Ray­ mond, Bowling Green, Va., Secretary. A printed copy of the proposed constitution was enclosed with the call from Bowling Green. So was an absentee ballot for each R T President to mark" For" or "Against" nationalization.

In the Bowling Green letter, at variance with the DC CWR T letter opposing nationali­ zation, is this: "The location of headquarters, to avoid the 'fear of factionalism, ' most certainly should not be in Washington, D. C., or Richmond, Va. (Union and Con­ federate capitals during the C. W.); nor should it be geographically 'off-center' such as the far west (Southern California had previously suggested nationalization), the extreme north, or deep south."

Parentheses were not in the letter. Rumor: An Atlantic Coast state is already selected for headquarters.

No confusion marks statements from opposition groups: An outstanding CW historian and Round Tabler writes: "To set up' a national organization, it seems to me, would rob the local RT "s of most of their charm and value, and I do hope that this one little venture can be left un o r ga ni z ed and unintegrated for all time to come."

Harry Hotz, editor of the Milwaukee "General Order," expressed his opposition in answering the Southern California inquiry. ' I

Bernd P. Rose, secretary: "The Civil War Round Table of Pittsburgh passed a resolu­ tion in favor of keeping the Round Tables autonomous at this time."

W. B. Hurd, president of the Alexandria, Va., RT writes: "opposed' ... resolution of February 27 enclosed."

Cooper H. Ragan, secretary, 'Houston, Tex.: "Unanimously resolved that our organi­ zation was not in favor of such a proposition. "

"Grape and Canister," Wilmington, Del., CWR T: • Your officers and directors voted in favor of keeping the Round Tables autonomous."

* * * Member Richard Coulter Drum Hunt, Jr., was the April 9 speaker of the UDC dinner. His subject was "Fort Sumter." He is a descendant of two Union generals Drum and Hunt of Gettysburg artillery fame. -He had a Confederate uncle, James Morris Morgan, who attended the U.S. Naval Academ-y as did Hunt, Jr.

* * * TO HIT BOOTH TRAIL. Members J. Gay Seabourne and Bert Shelton are to serve as narrators during the June 14 bus tour over the James Wilkes Booth escape route. The occasion is the tour of the Lincoln-Civil War Society of Philadelphia. Prospects are that a bus of Washington members will be in the lorry.

Vol. 8 No.5 P. 5

ROUND TABLE ROUND-UP--NEW JERSEY ORGANIZES

Monmouth County, N.J. formed a CWRT, Feb. 26, at Asbury Park, with congratulations from the Wilmington, Del., CWRT. The Monmouth RT meets in Asbury on the first Friday. The March program was "Why the South Lost the War" by Robert Van Waes, the April was a panel discussion of "Gettysburg." Jeanne Marie Predham is secretary­ editor. She has is sued her second "Forager," the newsletter of the R T.

CHICAGO. Dr. Bell Irvin Wiley spoke on "The Confederate Congress" at the April 22 meeting. This is the fifth time that Doctor Wiley, one of the two S~hern members of the Civil War Centennial Commission, has addressed the Chicago RT. Otto Eisen­ schiml is the May speaker and Edward E. Barthell, Jr., the June. The Eighth Annual Battlefield Tour in May includes Fort Donelson, Stone's River, Franklin, and Nashville.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio. "Home Front-186l" was the subject of A. D. Ellis at the April m_c:eting~ CLEVELAND. Movie night in April--"The True Story of the Civil War" and "Robert E. Lee" --featured the program. In March, WilliamA. Ralls, with a Fauquier County, Virginia, accent, spoke on "Ranger John S. Mosby." He talked as Mosby's men would have talked of their Rebel Raider and as Ralls heard them from his grandfather.

DAYTON. Twenty members formed a CWRT in April. Lewis C. Cook, a DC member and formerly of the Executive Committee, will present the first program on Mav 15. Subject: 'Battlefields in the Eastern Theater,' Jllustrated by kodachrome slides.-

DENVER. They're still fighting the War here, if the Colorado CWR T notice is indica­ tive: "We will hear a report (April 12) on Alexander Stephens by Fearless Bill Skinner while we burn Jefferson Davis in effigy and sing three rousing verses of • John Brown's Body.' " DETROIT. The Abraham Lincoln Civil War Round Table elected George A. Dondero (also DC member) president.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. The CWRT of Vanderburgh Court House will invade the South, May 2-4. They are to assault Stone's River, Chattanooga, and Chickamauga--by bus.

HARTFORD, Conn. Ninety members infourmonths--thatis the Hartford CWRT story. Francis Wilshin (DC member) is credited with implanting the idea, Arnold Gates of New York and Arthur McDowell of Philadelphia with assists.

INDIANAPOLIS. Dr. Kenneth E. St. Clair discussed "Military Trials" at the April meeting. A motor tour of Vicksburg is scheduled for June.

KANSAS CITY. The CWR T, formally began with an address by Former President Harry S. Truman in March, has 67 members. Dean Brown of the U. of Illinois is scheduled in May for a talk on "JEB Stuart." Dr. Bert Maybee, president, is also a member of the DC CWRT. LAFOLLETTE, Tenn. Congratulations to President Guy Easterly, president of the Big Creek Gap CWR T, for the first issue of the Big Cr.eek Gap Bugle in April. A dozen buffs formed the R T and have heard experts on "A. P. Stewart," "Doctors in Blue" and" Joe Wheeler." Booked for discussion are: "Perryville" by President Easterly, April 11; "The Sixth Tennessee Infantry (Federal)" by C. J. Daniels, April 25j "General McClellan" by AndrewYobaggy, May 9; and "Stone's River" by D. L. Hutson, May 22. LOS ANGELES. Jay Monaghan discussed "Lincoln and Civil War Gol.l etfone j ; before the Southern California CWRT on April 28. After the program, the Round Tablers attended the opening of the exhibit of Civil War memorabilia at the University of California. The third issue of "The Camp Follower" of the RT announced a three month program: Ward Kleges on Sherman in May, a panel discussion in June, and 'Clyde Walton on Lincoln in July.

P. 6

MAYVILLE, N. Y. "Unghpsting John Mosby" was done by George Love at the April 1 0 meeting. Mosby, often referred to as "The Gray Ghost" is a highly controversial figure. He was even discussed by the CWRT in Wiesbaden, Germany, in March. The second issue of the Mayville Newsletter' appeared in April.

MILWAUKEE. Bell Irvin. Wiley talked on "Current Writing About the Civil War" at the April m eetfng. Elmer Gertz is to discuss "Gen. James Harrison Wilson" in May. Rucker Agee will review "The Streight Raid" in June. Editor Harry P. Hotz continues to put out a snappy newsletter, "General Order No.6" for April. Hotz recently visited Washington, D.C.

NEW ORLEANS. Dr. Charles P. Roland presented "The Civil War in the Louisiana Sugar Country in April. "

NEW YORK. A bus tour of Gettysburg is set for May 16-18. C. B. (Pete) Long talked on "Trivia in Travail" at the April meeting . . PHILADELPHIA. The Lincoln-Civil War SocietyheardDr. Jimmy Barnes on "Divided Kentucky" in April.

RICHMOND. ileviewed" The Catastrophe of Five Forks" -by panel in April and late in the month toured North Anna; to hear William M. Chew on "George H. Thomas" in May and George Gordon Meade, namesake grandson of the Union General, at the annual dinner in June. Editor William H. Stauffer has issued his fourth Newsletter, historyworthy with rare briefs.

SELLERSVILLE, Pa. The Bucks-Montgomery (county) Civil War Round Table has . grown from a three-man to a 17 -member club. Officers chosen for the coming year: Edgar F. Hoskins, Jr., president; Raymond Talbot, vice president; William Osler, secretary.

VICKSBURG, Miss. The Mississippi CWR T heard Prof. Grady McWhiney tell of Braxton Bragg at the April meeting in Jackson. A field tour of Raymond and Cham­ pion's Hill, near by battlefields, topped off the month.

WASHINGTON, Pa. John S. Chalafan't reviewed "Stonewall Jackson's Campaign" at the April meeting. A Gettysburg field trip is set for June 28. W IESBADEN, Germany. ; 'J eff Davis and the U. S. Camel Corps" is the subject of Col. H. B. Simpson for May. Mrs. Consuelo Wilder talked on . 'Stonewall Jackson" at the April meeting.

* * * LINCOLN GROUP ELECTS. Of CWR T members elected officers of the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia were: Paul H. Gantt, first vice president; Elden E. Bill­ ings, second vice president; Carlton J. Corliss, former president, to the Board. Representative Fred Schwengel of Iowa was made president. He extends an invitation to the CWRTablers to become Lincoln Group members.

* * * Clifford Dowdey, who was our first speaker for the 1955-1956 Round Table season, has completed a new book, "Death of a Nation," the story of Lee and his men at Gettysburg, to be published by Knopf on May 19. It is identified as a minute- by­ minute analysis 'of Lee and his officers during the entire campaign, with emphasis on the fact that it is more of a story of what went on in the campaign than what went on in a battle. It is the pick of the CW Book Club selection, reviewed by T. Harry Wil­ liams, our Gold Medal speaker of last year.

Vol. 8 No.5 P. 7

CENTENNIAL HONORS CONFEDERATE VETERAN By Karl S. Betts (Member)

Executive Director of the CW Centennial Commission

The first honorary membership given by the Civil War Centennial Commission went to one of the two surviving Confederate veterans, Walter W. Williams in Houston, Texas. He was a forager in Hood's Army. A delegation of the CWCC flew to Texas. It presented the honorary membership to Williams, April 26.

The delegation was met by Governor Price Daniel, Mayor Louis Cutrer of Houston and Congressman Albert Thomas who conducted the visitors to the home of Mr. Wil­ liams for the ceremony. The Washington group included Senator Ralph Yarborough and Senator Lyndon Johnson; Karl S. Betts, Centennial Executive Director, and Edmund C. Gass, Assistant Director. Colonel Robert L. Schulz, President Eisenhower's Aide, presented the engrossed certificate of honorary membership in a ceremony. It was preliminary to the national educational campaign inaugurated by the Commission to acquaint the American public with the aims and purposes of the 100th anniversary of the Civil War. Centennial headquarters are located at 700 Jackson Place, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Major General U. S. Grant III, USA (Ret.), is Chairman of the Centennial Commission.

Plans are rapidly materializing for the establishment of State Centennial Commis­ sions throughout the country, and it is hoped that within a few months the Governors will have completed these appointments. To date Centennial Commissions have been established in Wisconsin and in New Hampshire and bills have been passed by the legislatures in Virginia and in West Virginia, setting up these bodies.

The American Automobile Association, the National Association of Travel Organi­ zations and the As sociation of American Railroads are cooperating in long-range planning for the anniversary observances. It is believed that the Centennial Years 1961-1965 will witness the greatest travel movement ever recorded in this country. Visitors from every part of the United States are expected to be present at the re­ enactment of many of the great events of the Sixties which are now being scheduled.

Dt st r i ct ' Commissioner Robert E. McLaughlin plans to announce soon the personnel of the District of Columbia Centennial Commission, which will include civic leaders, members of the Civil War Round Table and other patriotic and historical groups.

* * *

The club rate, $4 a year, is still available for members to the Civil War quarterly. Mail your check to Treasurer E. E. Billings, 3313 Que se., N. W., Washi!lgton 7, D.C .• for your renewal or new subscription .... George Friend, member bookdealer, offers 20% to Round Tablers on most new and cu r r ent books. George is at 922 Ninth sr., N.W •... A. F. Broadbridge of the Canadian Embassy is a new member, spon­ sored by Ames Williams; Freeman M. Tovell is another member from the Canadian Embassy .... Mechanical breakdowns in two departments delayed the April News­ letter, much to your editor's chagrin .... Saddened by the unexpected death of Mem­ ber William E. Poulter on April 1 at his home in Washington.

Rex B. Magee

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

May 1958

THE GREAT CAVALRY BATTLE AT BRANDY STATION

Col. J. Gay Seabourne, Vice-President, Washington CWRT

Jeb Stuart, on his way to Gettysburg, and Alfred Pleasanton, nosing about in an effort to find out what the Confederates were doing, clashed with their horsemen in a quiet Virginia meadow on June 9, 1863, in the most spectacular cavalry battle ever fought on the North American continent. It was one of the c las sics of the Civil War.

Some 20,000 troopers churned up the turf in a wild series of charges and counter-charges, bringing much woe to the Southerners and considerable elation to the Union forces. It was the first major engagement where the North was able to pull up to even terms in a battle with Confedera te cavalry. Buford and Gregg struck hard at St. James Church and at Fleetwood Hill, and Duffie collided with Wade Hampton near Stevensburg in the final phase of the battle.

Pleasanton, whose reports were generally better than his battles, lost 10 per cent of his force, some 900 men, but a Confederate critic ruefully commented: "Brandy made the Federal cavalry." Stuart lost about 500 men in the engagement.

Colonel Seabourne, our speaker, has devoted many hours of research and exploration of the battlefield itself in preparing his talk. He will use maps and other illustrative material to explain the action.

Don t miss this last meeting of the Round Table for this season. It's election night! A complete new slate of officers and Executive Committee members will be chosen. The Nominating Committee is composed of Brig. Gen. Carl A. Baehr, chairman; Dr. O. G. Fitzhugh, Col. R. H. Hannum, Scott Hart and Bert Sheldon.

Be sure to mail the enclosed reservation card today!

DATE: PLACE: PRICE: TIME:

May 13, 1958 The National Press Club $3 per ticket 6 P. M. Cocktails 7 P. M. Dinner 8 P. M. A ddress by Col. Seabourne 9 P. M. Round Table Discussion

The Program Commi ttee

SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR FULL INSTRUCTIONS ON BRANDY STATION FIELD TRIP SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1958

J. Gay Seabourne, Chairman. Telephone: ADams 4-4578

FIELD TOUR OF BRANDY STATION BATTLEFIELD

1. DATE: Saturday, May 24, 1958. Ladies Invited.

2. TRANSPORTATION: Busses from Washington and return.

3. ASSEMBLY AREAS:

a. Passengers from Maryland, District of Columbia and Arlington assemble at the Columbia Island Marina Fringe Parking situated on Memorial Highway midway between the Memorial and 14th Street Bridges. All day free parking is available for private autos.

b. Passengers from Alexandria, McLean and Falls Church, assemble at Truro Episcopal Church parking lot West Main Street (one block west of Court House) in Fairfax. All day free parking available for private autos.

4. TIME OF DEPARTURE FROM ASSEMBLY AREAS:

a. Columbia Island Marina: 8:00 A.M.

b. Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax: 8:30 A.M.

5. LUNCHEON: A southern Fried Chicken Luncheon will be served in the Village Auditorium by the ladies of Brandy Station.

6. TICKETS: Five Dollars each ($5.00) to include both bus transportation and luncheon. Use enclosed reservation card to order tickets. None will be sold at assembly points. Tickets will be required for boarding busses and for admission to the luncheon.

7. BATTLEFIELD TOUR: Areas of the three battles comprising the Brandy Station action will be covered, involving road distances of forty miles. Frequent stops will be made and important features of the battles explained over an adequate public address system.

8. ESTIMATED TIME OF RETURN TO WASHINGTON: 6:30 P.M.

9. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. IMPORTANT:

a. Parking space is limited at the Columbia Island Marina (Park at extreme north end of lot.) Hence as many Virginia passengers as can do so should assemble at Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax where parking space is adequate.

b. No private automobiles will be permitted in the procession. This is positive and definite.

c. In order to assure the comfort of the passengers and their full enjoyment of the outing, as well as to conform to private road conditions and luncheon facilities, the trip will be limited to 200 persons. Any checks received after 200 tickets are sold will be returned.

SEND IN THE FIELD TRIP RESERVATION CARD AND $5.00 NOW!!!

FOR THE PROGRAM COMMITTEE:

Vol. 8

No.6

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRICf OF COLUMBIA

16 June 1958

RT CHOOSES OFFICERS FOR 1958-59

Officers elected at the May meeting were: President--Col. J. Gay Seabourne. Vice President--Rex B. Magee. Secretary--Paul J. Sedgwick. Treasurer--Leonard H. Ballard. Executive Committeemen--Richard Bales, Karl S. Betts,

Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III, Garnet W. Jex, Virgil C. (Pat) Jones, Cmdr. R.C.D. Hunt, Herbert Kahler, Capt. Samuel G. Kelly, James H. Reid, and Col. James Longstreet Whelchel.

* * * WILL CWR T MEMBERSHIP BE LIMITED? We hope not. The question comes up every year. Despite rising costs, the new Executive Committee held the dues down to $6.00 in 1958-59 to resident members, $4.00 non-resident. Annual postage to either totals about a dollar. Non-resident members are those living beyond the District of Columbia trading area. Since no officer is paid for handling the 500 some odd members, you can help the former by mailing your check payable to the Civil War Round Table. To sim­ plify the keeping of an accuratemailinglist.mail your check to Paul J. Sedgwick, Secretary, Civil War Round Table, Barr Building, Washington 6, D.C. And mail it now so that the Committee will know how to budget activities for the coming year.

First renewal of a non-resident member is from William R. Etheridge, Birmingham, Michigan, former resident member. Writes Bill: "Appreciate the Yearbook- -It is a masterpiece ...

The fall battlefield tour will be to Antietam, a popular choice from membership ques­ tionnaires returned. Details will be mailed 1958-59 members as soon as completed. The spring trip is yet to be determined. Th.e complete program will be announced in the next News Letter.

Nationalization of CWRT's did not materialize at the meeting, May 10. The few Round Tables represented at the gathering did agree to holdun annual get-together meeting. Richmond won the bid for the 1958 meeting. Not only is the former Confederate Capital rich in CW history but is virtually surrounded by battlefields. It is hoped that Richmond gets top attendance in 1958.

The last two Confederate veterans are serving under Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant 111, name­ sake grandson of the famous Union general. The' 'Rebel" veterans, Walter Williams of Houston, Texas, and John Sallings of Slant, Va., are honorary members of the Civil War Centennial Commission of which General Grant is chairman.

BRANDY STATION PRELUDE TO GETTYBURG--SEABOURNE

By Essell P. Thomas (member)

Nobody now alive can confidently challenge the statement that Col. J. Gay Seabourne possesses greater knowledge about the Battle of Brandy Station than any of the partici­ pants did. Anything that might be labeled strategy or tactics was merely impulse or improvisation of the moment in the confusion caused by the sudden collision that sur­ prised both commands. But Civil War Round Table's own Chief of Staff swept his "gallery" with him both on his platform May 13 and on the ground May 24.

Unknown to either side, the way was rapidly rushing to its fated high mark at Gettysburg when the Battle of Chancellorsville in early May, 1863, gave both the Army or Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac reason to pause momentarily. The peaceful Rappahannock served as a welcome buffer behind which the a r m i e s could lick their wounds and prepare for the next engagement.

Having decided on a northern invasion, the Confederate high command used its brief respite to reorganize. The southern cavalry under Jeb Stuart settled down in the vi­ cinity of Brandy Station. These crack troopers considered themselves invincible and their spirits were high. Proud of them, Stuart ordered a resplendent review June 5 celebrated bya cannonade heard behind Unionlines. On June 8, the review was repeated in a less boisterous fashion for General Robert E. Lee. The cavalry bedded down early that night in anticipation of leaving the next day to screen Lee's army on its march northward, little suspecting what the morning really held in store for them.

North of the Rappahannock, seven corps of boys in blue also rested but. with less bra­ vado. Still on the defensive, their generals were in a;quandary. They were in dire need of information about Lee's forces and they feared an attack on their rear by Stuart. Alfred Pleasanton was ordered to make a reconnaissance in force and to seek out Stuart and destroy him. According to the best information available, Pleasanton was told to expect to find Stuart at Culpeper, several miles to the rear of the southern cavalry com­ mander's true position.

The stage was set for the prelude to Gettysburg. Pleasanton split his force in two groups to ford the river early the morning of June 9 above and below Brandy Station. General John Buford led his troops across Beverly Ford at daybreak and immediately contacted rebel pickets, opening what was to be known as the "greatest cavalry battle ever fought on the North American continent." The fight swayed back and forth at St. James Church and Fleetwoo_d Hill. Stuart was surprised by an attack on his rear from the two divisions of Federal cavalry which crossed the Rappahannock below the main conflict. Charge was followed by countercharge until midafternoon when the battle of pistol and sabre ended.

Pleasanton lost some 900 men compared to about 500 casualties suffered by Stuart. But more important, the Federal horsemen finally had proven themselves equal to the horse soldiers of the Confederacy and refused to turn tail and run at the first sight of grey coats. It was a day when Jeb Stuart came close to defeat.

* * * BRANDY STATION NOTES. A surprise talk at the dinner served by the ladies of Brandy Station was that of the genial new member, U.S. Senator Sam Ervin, Jr., of North Carolina. The Senator said that if the Confederacy had won the War Between the States doubtless a U.S. emis sary today would be offering the South foreign aid ... Member William Price made the excellent maps for the Brandy Station trip. Two other valuable sides on the Brandy 8tation tour were Lynn Carrier and John Winters. Member Charles P. Humphries of Brandy Station wins credit for local arrangements to handle three bus loads. Aboard the buses were some of our non-resident members, Dr. Victor C. Jacobsen of Troy, N. Y. and John S. Chalfant of Washington, Pa.

* * * Miss Maria Ewing, 82 daughter of Union General Charles Ewing, died in Washington, D.C., in February. She was a niece of Gen. William T. Sherman. Burial was in Arlington Cemetery.

P.2

"THE UNITED STATES SOLDIERS' HOME"

A History of its First Hundred Years by Col. Paul R. Goode, USA, Ret.

Reviewed by John T. Collier, Member

The United States Soldier's Home is not a familiar name to most Americans. Yet the United States Soldiers' Home is a name that was well known to most of the men whose names are great in our military history. It also is th e name of a lively book by Col. Paul R. Goode, U.S.A., Ret , , Deputy Governor of the United States Soldiers' Home. Privately published, this absorbing volume covers "A history of its first hundred years.' ,

The story of the Soldiers' Home could not be told except by weaving into the narrative important elements from the story of the Army, itself. This is the way it is told by Colonel Goode. Its pages are illuminated by activities of Winfield Scott, Jefferson Davis, U. S. Grant, Jubal Early (who might have captured the place along with Wash­ ington), President Lincoln, and many others. Anyone interested in American military history---and particularly the Civil War buff---will find rich rewards within these pages.

Col. Goode reminds us that "until the United States Soldiers' Home was established, disabled men of the Regular Army were cast adrift with a tiny pension, or none at all, dependent on uncertain charity." A soldier retiring prior to 1851, after a military career of "hardship, privation, and danger," received a pension of $5.00 a month. Even after this niggardly reward was increased that year to $8.00, it still was far too little for a man to live on.

It was in 1851 that the Home, then called the "Military Asylum," was founded. To many, it may come as a surprise to learn that "for a hundred years the Home has been, and is now, supported by contributions and other money from enlisted personnel of the Regular Army and, in recent years, from the Regular Air Force. Except for $10,000 appropriated through political influence to pay for a branch asylum in Kentucky, the Home has never received one cent by direct appropriation for its support."

Pointing to the pathetic condition of many of the survivors of the Revolutionary War, Secretary of War James Barbour first recommended the establishment of the Home in November 1827. Despite the fact that this and other proposals for the Home called for support by enlisted men, nearly a quarter of a century of repeated failure to obtain the legislation preceded enactment of the initial authorization on 3 March 1851.

To Major General Winfield Scott, General-in-Chief of the Army 1841-1861, belongs most of the credit. When Scott captured Mexico City during the Mexican War, he levied a "contribution of $150,000 in lieu of pillage." (Frederick, Maryland came higher; Jubal Early imposed a price of $200,000 to spare that city in l864.)

After spending some of the money for the welfare of his men, Scott endorsed $100,000: "the Bank of America, New York City, will place the within amount to the credit of the Army Asylum, subject to the order of Congress." Despite this endorsement, the money was "sequestered" to the Treasury- --an action which was not accepted by the sturdy General-in-Chief.

Scott wrote to the Secretary of War in vigorous terms: "That money never had be­ longed to the Treasury and the Treasury had no legal claim to it whatever." It was, he said, "raised according to the laws of war and the rights of conquest," and belonged to the men of the Army. Two attempts were made to get at this money for other pur­ poses, and both were thwarted by Scott.

The bill to establish the Home was introduced by Senator Jefferson Davis, and was successfully piloted through Congress by him. During the early days of the Home, Davis was Secretary of War. Colonel Goode credits Scott, Davis, and Brevet Major Robert Anderson as being the three individuals who contributed most to the establish­ ment of the Home. The latter was the son of a Revolutionary officer, once Scott's aide, and an indefatigable supporter of the Home before committees of Congress. In 1851 the Board selected as the site the 200-acre farm of George Riggs and adjoin­ ing land. The site cost about $58,000. Originq.lly, the Home had 3 branches, located

P. 3, V. 8, N. 6

in New Orleans; Harrodsburg, Ky.; and East Pascagoula, Miss. All were closed prior to 1860.

In 1852 the Army's appropriation bill directed that Blue Lick Springs, Ky., be examined with a view to establishing a branch of the Home there. Scott, as a member of the Board's committee which journeyed to determine the suitability of this location, was at the time the Whig candidate for President. Combining this business with his un­ successful campaign, he made a number of poor speeches along a route which took him through Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Louisville, Cincinnati, Sandusky, Buffalo, Rochester, and New York.

While Scott was on the friendliest terms with President Franklin Pierce who had de­ feated him, animosity quickly developed between himself and Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. Of Davis, Colonel Goode says that he was a . 'cold, humorless and precise mar­ tinet; but he was a great Secretary of War and, under him, the Army improved tre­ mendously." Scott, says this author, was a "stubborn, pompous and proud man, ... the ablest military leader since Washington ... "

In 1857, Scott invited President Buchanan and Secretary of War Floyd to take up sum­ mer residence at the Home, and both accepted. This established a custom which was followed for a long time thereafter. The Civil War years brought the home its most distinguished resident---President Lincoln and his family. Mr. Lincoln was a summer guest in 1862, '63, and '64. Secretary of War Simon Cameron summered there in 1861, and his successor, Edwin M. Stanton, was a summer guest in 1864.

From 1862 to '64, "Scott's Nine Hundred"---the 11th New York Cavalry---escorted the President between the Home and his office at the White House. Lincoln evidently wrote the final draft of the Emancipation Proclamation at Riggs House at the Soldiers' Home, although this famous document was not signed until 1 January 1863.

Not well known is the fact that President Lincoln narrowly missed being assassinated in August 1864 while riding alone toward his summer residence at the Home. A bul­ let pierced his stovepipe hat, but the President made light of the incident and asked that nothing be said about it.

One of the most exciting events in the history of the Soldiers' Home was the battle of Fort Stevens, which was fought just 2 rni l e s north of the summer White House there. This occurred in July 1864, while Grant faced Lee at Petersburg. When Grant moved Major General David Hunter up the Shenandoah Valley on Lynchburg, Lee sent Lieu­ tenant General Jubal Early to meet him. Hunter was forced to withdraw, leaving Wash­ ington uncovered.

Early then moved to Hagerstown (where he levied a $20,000 fine on the community), before defeating Lew Wallace at Frederick. However, Wallace held Early at Frederick for a day, giving Grant time to land 2 divisions by boat on 11 July---the morning of the battle---from City Point, Va.

Watching the battle at the fort, the tall civilian in the Stovepipe hat was ordered by Capt. Oliver Wendell Holmes, aide to General H. G. Wright who was commanding, to "Get down, you damn fool, before yeu get shot!" Outnumbered and with tired troops, Early withdrew at night toward Leesburg.

Among the officers who "went South" for the war was the first Deputy Governor of the Home, Major Larkin Smith, who became a Confederate colonel. The first Secretary­ Treasurer, Major Mackall, became a Confederate brigadier general. Capt. Buford of Harrodsburg branch became a brigadier general in the Confederate service, and Major Van Dorn, who served branches at New Orleans and East Pascagoula, became a Confederate major general.

Following that war, the Indian Wars continued to furnish disabled veterans as resi­ dents at the Home, and the names of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, and Schofield appear in its history.

Colonel Goode traces the cyclical expansions and contractions of the Army, and defines the impact of these fluctuations and of subsequent campaigns of the Army upon the historic institution in which he serves. For a closer insight into our military serv­ ice---its personalities and its administrative processes---read this freshly told part of America's military story.

P.4

ROUND TABLE ROUND UP

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Lt. Col. Joseph B. Mitchell in May reviewed "Jackson's Valley Campaign. CHICAGO. Toured battlefields of Middle Tennessee in mid-May. Heard, at the Max­ well House, Sims Crownover on "the Battle of Franklin"; at the Noel, Stanley F. Horn on "Battlefields Around Nashville." To speak: Otto Eisenchiml on "Why the Civil War," May 9, and Edward E. Barthell, Jr., June. CHILLICOTHE. John A. Smith told of Fort Donelson at the annual banquet in May. CLEVELAND. "Why the Civil War" is the subject of Otto Eisenschiml in June. DENVER. Paul Gorham, vice president of the Colorado CWR T, explained "Confederate Finances" at the May meeting. Rex Magee of Washington, D.C., is an honorary member. FREDERICKSBURG, Va. On May 10 CWRT's, ten in number, attended the meeting called to discuss nationalization. Little enthusiasm developed for nationalization but much for the battlefield tour and of the address on the battle by Gen. Stackpole at the banquet. HAGERSTOWN. A tape recording library is available to other CWRT's. Write Hilten Bennett, Sec.-Treas., CWR T, Box 1155, Hagerstown, Md. Among the recordings of talks by DC members are: Gen. CarlA. Baehr, "Washington Artillery"; Bruce Catton, "A New View ofthe CW It; Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III, "General Grant: Family Portrait"; Virgil C. (Pat) Jones, "Guerilla Warfare"; Dr. Francis Lord, "The Union Volunteer"; Col. Waldo Moore, "The Defense of Shreveport." HARRISONBURG, Va. Virgil C. (Pat) Jones was the first guest speaker of Virginia's fifth CWRT on May 28. Pat told of the "Guerillas." The Shenandoah Valley CWRT organized March 21. Its president and secretary are "Yankees"; its vice presidents and treasurer are "Rebels." The treasurer, howe ve r ; requires U.S. money not Con­ federate for membership dues. HARTFORD, Conn. Civil War rifles were displayed by Joseph F. Murtaugh during his talk on "Firearms" at the May meeting. This new RT now has almost 100 members. HOLLYWOOD. Southern California heard Walter H. Klage on "Sherman" in May. INDIANAPOLIS. Lieut. Col. Howard B. Bates described "Morgan's Raid" at the May meeting. Scheduled for June: Battlefield trip to Vicksburg, 5-9, and Col. Joseph Daugherty on "Gen. George B. McClellan," June 9. KANSAS CITY. Howard Monett, member, told of Civil War Battlefields at the May meeting. The first field trip is to be to the Lexington (Mo.) CW Battlefield. Although newly organized, the CWRT has 70 and a Newsletter. Officers are: Dr. Bert Maybee, president; Fred S. Riley, vice president; William L. Pence, secretary; Charles Jones, corresponding secretary; and Arthur K. Beyer, treasurer. LAFOLETTE, Tenn. The Big Creek Gap Bugle, Vol. 1, No.2, the May issue, not only is doing a fine work in preserving regional history of the CW but also has valuable items on the CW in general. LEXINGTON. The Kentucky CWRT had Hudson Strode in May. He spoke on "Jef­ ferson Davis." The RT had a hand in the dismissal of the 96-year old indictments for treason against three Confederate generals, Simon Bolivar Buckner, John H. Morgan, and John C. Breckinridge. The state indictments were found in a courthouse cranny. LONDON, England. Official Handbook for 1958 issued. Club founded in February 1953, has periodical programs and an annual Confederate dinner at a hotel known by some as the "Rebel Roost." Will hear Thomas W. Green on "Confederate Humour and Morale" May 31. Among CWR Tablers of Washington holding memberships are: John T. Collier, W. Norman Fitzgerald of Milwaukee, Col. Robert S. Henry, Virgil C. (Pat) Jones, E. B. Long of Chicago, Rex. B. Magee, John R. Peacock. MAYVILLE. George Rogers, former naval officer, discussed "The Trent Affair" in May. Richard Dowler spoke in June on "Chickamauga." Program through June 1959 announced. MILWAUKEE. Heard Elmer Gertz in May on "Gen. James Harrison Wilson"; to hear Rucker Agee in June on "The Straight Raid." MONMOUTH COUNTY, N. J. Made first battlefield tour in June to Gettysburg. Battle discussed in April by a five-man panel. NEW ORLEANS. William B. Hesseltine of Wisconsin U., author of 11 books, addressed the May meeting on "Andersonville." Says Secretary David M. Kleck in quoting Hes-

P. 5, V. 8, No.6

seltine's reference to MacKinlay Kantor's "Andersonville"; "uninfluenced by an critical scholarship which might have appeared Kantor has drawn upon official prop­ aganda accounts of Andersonville." NEW YORK. Clifford Dowdy spoke at the May meeting on "Lee in the Gettysburg Campaign." A battlefield tour of Gettysburg by bus followed five days later. Father and son night is scheduled for June 1 0 at which the movie, "The Red Badge of Courage," will be shown. PHILADELPHIA. The Rev. L. B. Kine s discus sed' 'Lincoln and His Reconstruction Policy" at the May meeting. The Civil War Society left June 13 for a tour of "Booth's Escape Route," after a night in Washington. RICHMOND. George Gordon Meade, namesake of the Union General, is the June speaker. VICKSBURG. Steve Ambrose of LSU discussed "Intrigue Along the Mississippi-­ Henry Halleck and the Vicksburg Campaign" for the Mississippi CWR T in May. WASHINGTON, Pa. In May, Charles G. Sweet talked on "The Battle of Fredericks­ burg." On June 28, Gettysburg will be toured. The president is James R. Braden. Member John S. Chalfant joined the Washington tour of Brandy Station recently. Both Braden and Chalfant are also members of the DC CWRT. WIESBADEN, Germany. "The Merrimac and the Monitor" is Lt. Col. Tom Nordan's subject in June. In May, Col. H. B. Simpson told of "Jefferson Davis and the U.S. Camel Corps." High school students attend at half-rates for dinners. WILMINGTON. Made third field trip, May 17, this time to Manassas, four days after seeing "An Evening with Pictures at Gettysburg" and hearing Col. G. Burling Jarrett on the subject. On June 3, Miss Ruthanna Hindes will speak on "Gath Townsend," CW correspondent. Maj. U. S. Grant III addressed the Appomattox Memorial luncheon in April; V. C. (Pat) Jones is to open the 1958-59 program in September. WINCHESTER, Mass. Writes Richard F. Lukfin of Boston: "The Winchester Civil War Study Group is about seven years old, has about 25 members; Boston is only a few months old, has twenty members. I am a member of both." Thanks, Dick, who also is a member of the DC R T.

* * * JENKINS KILLED, LONGSTREET WOUNDED. Ninety-four years ago, Mahone's Con- federates fired in the Wilderness at what they thought were Federals. They hit two Con­ federate generals, Micah Jenkins and James Longstreet not far from where' 'Stonewall" Jackson had been killedbyhisownmenthe previous year. Jenkins wws killed instantly. Longstreet was lifted by a heavy bullet from his saddle, badly wounded. On May 30, this year, the slain Confederate general's son, Maj. Gen. John M. Jenkins, USA (Ret.) 96, West Pointer of distinguished service, died in Washington, was buried in the National Arlington Cemetery following full military honors at services in Fort Meyer Chapel. Two grandsons of the Confederate generals attended the services, John M. Jenkins of Alexandria, Va., and Col. James Longstreet Whelchel of Falls Church, Va., both Round Tablers of Washington. It is fitting that at the U.S. general's funeral was another RT representative, Maj. Charles S. Coulter, a New Englander. Also newsworthy is the fact that the two Confederate generals shot by their own men are grandfathers of present day officers of the U.S. The descendants in the service are: Col. John M. Jenkins, Jr., Col. James Longstreet Whelchel (Ret.), Vice Admiral John Esten Whelchel (Ret.). and Capt. David Lee Whelchel. Three were West Pointers, the Admiral an Annapolis graduate.

* * * The Civil War Centennial Commission got out its first newsletter in May. D.C. CWRT members on the Advisory Board, according to the letter, are Richard Bales, Director of Music, National Gallery of Art, and William Ingles .... Member William Hamilton Price made the splendid maps of Brandy Station. Spare copies can be ob­ tained for 35f each from Price, who has organized the Civil War Research Associates, 336 North Mason Drive, Arlington 3, Va .... Member George Friend, 922 Ninth St., N.W., who gives fellow CWRT members a 20 per cent d.i s count on most current books, offers the "Official Atlas of the Civil War," with introduction by Henry Steele Com­ mager, for $28.00; list price is $40.00.

Rex B. Magee

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRICf OF COLUMBIA

VoL 8 No.7

Place of Meeting--National Press Club Ballroom Time--Cocktails 6 p.m.; Dinner 7 p.m.; Address 8 p.m .

. Speaker- -Dr. J. Walter Coleman, Staff Historian, National Park Service, Department of Interior.

Subject- -" The Battle of Antietam. "

Doctor Coleman, seventeen years Superintendent of the Gettysburg National Mili­ tary Park, is an experienced speaker. He has during his 26 years with. the National Park spoken to many Civil War Round Tables and Lincoln Groups on Civil War topics. Make your reservation for the opening meeting of 1958-59.

Program for the remaining part of 1958: Sept. 20-- Battlefield tour of Antietam via Crampton's Gap

By bus only. . Oct , 14 - - "Confederate Blockade Running in Bermuda, "

by Sir Stanley Spurling, St. George's Bermuda. Nov. 11 - - Bruce Catton at Civil War Centennial Dinner. Dec. 9 -- "The Atlanta Campaign" by Col. Allen P. Julian

of Atlanta, Ga. Program for the first six months of 1959 will be announced, we hope, in the Octobe r News Letter. Members who have not renewed their dues for 1958-59 should mail their checks to Secretary Paul J. Sedgwick, Barr Building, Washington 6, D.C. This will insure retention of old names on the mailing list for notices of meetings and the News Letter.

FIELD TRIP TO ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELD

START--8:l5 a.m., sharp, Carter Barron Theater Parking Area, Sixteenth Street and Colorado Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. Free parking all day. Have lunch and ticket, will travel. First stop of buses will be in Maryland to view the three gaps where sep­ arate actions were fought. 9:37 a.m. Stop at C,rampton's Gap where this action will be described by Col. J. Gay Seabou rn e , Fox an~ Turner Gaps will be seen only at distance. LUNCH--Keedysville at 12:30 p.m. Bring your own. ANTIETAM TOUR--l:30 p.m. Superintendent H. W. Doust, Antietam National Battle­ field site, briefer at Museum. Narrator on tour to be selected from National Park Historians. Buses will arrive in Washington by 6 p.m. if possible. '

Tickets must be purchased in advance as the buses a!,e chartered. Out-of-city mem­ bers who prefer to join tour at Grampton's Gap or Antietam should purchase tickets in advance so seats can be reserved. Battlefield roads make it inadvisable to have private autos in the touring lorry. Tickets should be bought, $3.00 a person, from Secretary Paul Sedgwick, Barr Bldg., Washington 5, D.C. Reservation card was sent you in the Battlefield Tour notice. Ladies are invited.

TAPES OF CWRT TALKS AVAILABLE TO OTHER GROUPS By Paul J. Sedgwick, Secretary

The CWRT of the District of Columbia has many interesting tape recordings of addresses given at past dinner meetings. These recordings will be loaned to other Round Tables and study groups on request, but on the understanding that no commer­ cial use will be made of them. Their reproduction in any media is, also, prohibited .

. A small fee of $1.00 is charged to cover the cost of shipping and insurance. Requests to participate in this service should be addressed to Member: Lynn D. Carrier, 3253 Martha Curtis Drive, Parkfairfax, Alexandria, Va. Telephone Washington KI. 8-8625. Titles follow:

1. Richmond in War Time s 2. Civil War Historians Make Peace 3. General Halleck 4. The Gentleman's War 5. Petersburg Campaign 6. The Cold War 7. Lee against the Sea 8. Railroads at Second Manassas 9. The Gallant Mr s. Stonewall

10. New Thoughts on the Civil War 11. Jackson's Valley Campaign 12. Red River Expedition 13. The Confederate Navy 14. Chaplains of the Civil War 15. Our War 16. Rebel Boast 17. Gen. George B. McClellan

Clifford Dowdy, Wood Gray Kenneth P. Williams T. Harry Williams Richard Lyke s Avery Craven John B. Hayes Marshall Andrews Harnett T. Kane Bruce Catton Rupert H. Johnson Samuel G. Kelly E. M. Eller Robert S. Hall Robert S. Henry M. W. Wellman Warren Hassler, Jr.

Additional tapes are being made ready for distribution at an early date.

CONFEDERACY WOULD BE GETTING U.S. FOREIGN AID--IF (From the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion Ledger, Aug. I, 1958)

WASHINGTON--The United States would now be begging the Confederacy to accept foreign aid had the South won the War Between the States. A high placed Civil War buff, U.S. Senator Sam J. Ervin, JR. (D-NC), thinks so. In off-cuff, between-bite re­ marks on a CWR T tour of the Brandy Station battlefield in Virginia, Senator Ervin said: .

"As all well informed historians of the 'Uncivil War Period" know, the South wore itself plum' out beating the Yankees. I like to mediate on the great '!fs' of history. In case the South had whipped the Yankees, the Confederacy would now be a foreign country ..... If the South were to cast a single glance in the direction of Moscow, John Foster Dulles (Secretary of State) would come running down there begging us to ac­ cept millions of dollars in foreign aid."

Senator Ervin is not only an ardent Rebel dues-paying member of the Civil War Round Table of the D.C. but also is a muchly decorated U.S. veteran of the First World War. He wa s twice wounded in battle and twice cited for gallantry in action. The North Carolina Senator won the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross from the U.S. Army and La Fourragerre from the French.

CW PHOTOGRAP]-IS. Available for the first time, the Mathew Brady file of Civil War photographs, on positive microfilm. Civil War scenes and photographs of dignitaries of the time are all on four little rolls. Also available on microfilm is subject Catalog No.5, indexing the photographs, from which selections can be made. The five rolls are available for $32.00. National Archives, Washington 25, D.C.

Page 2

BELL WILEY ON "CURRENT AND RECENT WRITING ON THE CIVIL WAR" By H. P. Spanberg, Milwaukee CWRT

(Bell 1. Wiley, member of the CWRT of the DC, addressed the Milwaukee CWRT in April. A report on his address is reprinted here.)

Doctor Wiley stated that the revival of Civil War interest in the 1930's was due in large measure to two outstanding pieces of work--Dr. Douglas Freeman's "R.E. Lee" and Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind."

This first work set a very high standard in research and presentation. Some au­ thorities take the view that Freeman developed such a profound admiration of his sub­ ject that he sometimes failed to be as objective as he should have been, and one critic declared that' 'Freeman never got off his knees while he was writing R. E. Lee." Even so, this stands as a classic in the field of American biography. The second work, "Gone With the Wind" was of more importance in popularizing the Civil War because it reached a much larger audience. (The movie greatly extended the influence of this work.) The complexity of World War II caused many people to turn to the simplicity of the Civil War, as a struggle that could be comprehended and appreciated. Excep­ tional interest in the struggle of the 1860's manifests itself i'n thronging of crowds to the many Civil War Parks and Battlefields. Also there are more than 60 Civil War Round Tables.

Current and recent writing about the Civil War is characterized by too much haste and superficiality. Far too many authors are rushing into print with only a limited knowledge of their subjects. One who proposes to write authoritatively about any phase of the War should saturate himself in the sources and acquire an overflow of knowledge.

Some authors have been primarily concerned with justifying preconceived ideas and prejudices and have been blinded to evidence that does not bear out their precon­ ceptions. Others have used colorful titles and phrases that are unjustifiable and mis­ leading.

There is too much irresponsibility- -a tendency to shock, startle, or amuse- -without considering the effect on the readers. Too many errors have been handed down from generation to generation because of irresponsibility. Samuel Eliot Morrison wrote, "A historian should write as if the past were looking over his shoulder." This wise rule is frequently ignored by those who delight in finding scapegoats for the short­ comings of favored leaders and heaping coals of eloquent denunciation upon their heads.

Scarcer and older works of the Civil War are being reprinted, which is a good thing. Relatively few new source materials of first-rate importance are being dis­ covered. David Donald is of the opinion that we might as well reconcile ourselves to the fact that little earthshaking material is left to be discovered. There is much justi­ fication for this view, though the discovery of the Kean diary edited by Edward Younger and published last year by the Oxford University Press, offers an exception.

Doctor Wiley's conclusions, taking the long view, were:

1. Historical writing has improved. 2. Better style. 3. Research is more abundant. 4. Books more attractively made. 5. Better interpretation.

WANTED. Letters or memorabilia in connection with a new edition of "The End of an Era" (1899), the Civil War reminiscences of John Sergeant Wise, Virginia author and Congressman. Write: Curtis Carroll Davis, A-2 Homewood Apts., Charles at 31st Sts., Baltimore, Md.

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McLEAN'S BARN AGAIN. A thunderstorm blew McLean's barn down a third time since the First Battle of Manassas. This is the barn Maj. Joseph Mills Hanson (member) is trying to have restored as a model theater for patriotic presentations. The stone foun­ dation stands today. The former owner sought to escape the ravages of battling armies and moved to another home in an isolated spot--Appomattox, Va. He spent three and a half years there before being accosted by two mounted soldier s on the village street. One trooper was in gray, the other in blue. They asked for a house large enough to accommodate a party of officers for a Conference. McLean's home was. He invited them. Grant and Lee later came and signed the peace pact. As Major Hanson aptly puts it: "By one of the strangest coincidences in all history, the War virtually began with the bursting of a shell in the kitchen chimney of Wilmer McLean's home in 'York­ shire,' . virtually ended in McLean's parlor. They drew up the brief terms by which the Confederate army surrendered to that of the Union. "

* * * * * BALES PRESENTS CW CANTATAS. "The Confederacy" and "The Union," cantatas of the War Between the States, were presented by Member Richard Bales, conductor of the National Art Gallery Orchestra, at the Watergate, July 30. Assisting were other CWR T members, Virgil C. (Pat) Jones reading General Lee's Farewell Order and Col. J. Gay Seabourne reading President Lincoln's Gettsyburg Address.

* * * * * Members of the DC Civil War Round Table on the official roster of the Civil War Cen­ tennial Commission are: JAaj. Gen. U.S. Grant, III, chairman; Hon. William M. Tuck (D-Va.), vice chairman; Karl S. Betts, executive secretary; Virgil C. (Pat) Jones, publicity; Bell 1. Wiley of Emory U. and W. N. Fitzgerald, Jr., of Milwaukee, commis­ sion members; Richard Bales, Robert S. Henry, William Ingles, Ralph Newman of Chicago, and Hon. Frank Ellis Smith (D-Miss.), advisory council.

IF THE ADVICE OF FITZHUGH LEE, Confederate Cavalry general had been followed, would there have been the Spanish-American War? Fitz Lee, in the 1890's was U. S. Consul General in Havana, Cuba. He was nervous over the tension between Cuban Reb­ els and the Spanish troops on the island. The U.S. advised Lee to ask for a warship if he needed it. Fitz Lee, according to John Edward We erns in "The Fate of the Maine" (Holt), suggested no warship. The government sent the Maine anyhow, on a "friendly visit." It was blown up--nobody knows by whom. The slogan "Remember the Maine" stirred the U.S. public to war with Spain. Fitz Lee was one of the three former Con­ federate major generals of cavalry who became U. S. Volunteer major generals in the Spanish-American War.

* * * * * BALL'S BLUFF. Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Patch (member), USA (Ret.) wrote "The Battle of Ball's Bluff" (Potomac Press, Leesburg, Va., $3.50 paper bound, $5.00 cloth). Fore­ word is by Member Virgil Carrington Jones. Publisher is Member Fitzhugh Turner.

* * * * * SHERMAN, WADE HAMPTON OR GOD ALMIGHTY? Old files of the "Internal Revenue Recorder" have nuggets of Civil War history. Harry Schneider, public information, Internal Revenue, Treasury Department, called the editor's attention to Gen. William T. Sherman's testimony before the British and American Mixed Claims Commis sion over the burning of Co l urrijri a , S.C. "If 1 had made up my mind to burn Columbia," testified Sherman, "1 would have burned it with no more feeling than I would a common prairie dog village; but 1 did not do it. ... Myown judgment was that the fire originated from the imprudent act of Wade Hampton in ripping open the bales of cotton, piling it on the streets, burning it, and then going away; that God Almighty started wind sufficient to carry that cotton wherever he would .... " Whether Billy Sherman, Wade Hampton or God Almighty burned Columbia, S.C., is stillamoot question among CW buffs. Be that as it may, Columbia now has wide business streets and Southerners are reminded by Northerners that Confederates put the torch to Chambersburg, Pa.

Page 4

ROUND TABLE ROUND-UP, Most CWRT's suspended program activities during the summer. They did not suspend program planning. Among drafted speakers from the DC RT for other RT's are: Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III, Col. J. Gay Seabourne, V. C. (Pat) Jones recently on a tour of the South in connection with his forthcoming book on the Confederate Navy, and Bell 1. Wiley.

CHICAGO. Col. J. Gay Seabourne, Washington RT president, will discuss "Brandy Station" on Sept. 12. RT's attending the Douglas-Lincoln debate in October in Gales­ burg, Ill. Carl Sandburg, native son, is to be honored on the occasion. On Oct. 7 the debate will be staged, Senator Paul Douglas (D-Ill.) speaking for Stephen A. Doug­ las and Senator Everett Dirksen (R-Ill.) for Abraham Lincoln. CLEVELAND. "Command Decisions at Gettysburg" is the subject of Dr. Frederick Tilberg, National Park historian, Oct. 13. Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III is the December 3 speaker. Bus- boat tour scheduled for an outing at Johnson's Island where Confederate prisoners were held. DENVER. Colorado CWR T started a newsletter, "The Ramrod." Secretary Herbert Kaub as editor. Program:' 'The Vicksburg Campaign" in August, "The St. Albans Raid in November." In July heard in Colorado Springs "Jackson's Valley Campaign" by Gen. William A. Carraway. EVANSVILLE, Ind. In August, Bob Womack of Murfresesboro, Tenn., discussed "Stone's River." Three day bus triptoFrankfort, Lexington, Perryville, and Hodgen­ ville planned in Kentucky for October 17-19. JACKSON, Miss. Was Confederate General Earl VanDorn murdered, assassinated, or slain for gain? The Mississippi CWR T had this discussed in June, for Van Dorn was a native Mississippian. Dalton Brady of Brookhaven argued that the General was murdered and A.P. Andrews of Jackson that Van Dorn was "slain for gain." KANSAS CITY. Two Washington Round Tablers will speak. Dr. Bell 1. Wiley will talk on "Current Civil War Writings" in October and Maj. U. S. Grant III on "General Strategy of t h e Civil War" in November. LONDON, England. The Confederate Research Club will hold its Fifth Annual Confed­ erate Dinner, March 28, 1959. On May 31 of this year Membe-r Norman Fitzgerald also president of the Milwaukee CWR T, with his wife, attended the CRC meeting here. Of the Centennial, the July Newsletter says: "The American Civil War Centennial years must not be allowed to pass unmarked by us, or left to the tender mercies of the often ill-formed B. B.C. " MAYVILLE, N. Y. Bud Robbins discussed' 'Antietam" and the' 'Fracas at South Moun­ tain" at the July meeting. MISHAWAKA, Ind. Adopted a constitution, elected officers, and announced this program: Sept. 11, "A Woman's Role in the CW" by Barney Ziegler and John Lipinski; Oct. 9, Ladies Night, "Lincoln's Delivery of the Gettysburg Address" by DR. R. Gerald Mc­ Murtry; Nov. 13, "A Modern Evaluation of George B. McClellan" by Ward Baker and George Brown. At the June meeting Howard Glass discussed "The Northwest Con­ spiracy." Headquarters is Mishawaka Public Library, Mishawaka, Ind. NEW YORK. "Blockade: The Civil War at Sea" is the subject for Sept. 9 at the Lamb's Club. Speaker is Robert Carse, whose new book on this theme has just been published by Rhinehart. PHI:'_'ADELPHIA. The Lincoln-Civil War Society was on WWDC Radio station in Wash­ ington June 13 prior to their trip over" The Booth Escape Route. " Among those inter­ viewed was Washington's President J. Gay Seabourne, narrator, for the trip. Russell Bush is the new president and Arthur G. McDowell is the reelected secretary. RICHMOND. Held a picnic at Fort Harrison in July. New officers include William F. Mallory, president, and John C. Stinson, secretary. William H. Stauffer is editor of the News Letter. WINCHESTER, Va. Issued an attractive Yearbook. R T organized in 1956. Lewis N. Barton is the new president, Fred Y. Stotler the new secretary-treasurer.

Page 5

Member (Pat) Jones says: "During the four years of the Civil War, perhaps the ,blood­ iest war in history, the total number of soldiers killed on both the Union and Gonf ed e r a t e sides was 185,000. A terrible slaughter! And yet, in the past four years, auto accidents have killed 153,000 Americans. This is only 32,000 less than were killed by shot and shell in the four years of the Civil War. There is one simple way to reduce this tragic toll: Learn the rules of traffic safety and obey them to the letter. "--American Auto­ mobile Association.

TWO "STATES RIGHTS"? This question is asked by the Big Creek Gap Bugle, CWR T (Tennessee). Brig. Gen. States Rights Gist, Confederate killed at Franklin, Tenn., is known. The BCGCWR T has backers ?f a.' 'States Rights Smith." Information requested.

* * * * * AMONG OURSELVES AND OTHERS

James B. Myers, former .member , is the new superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park. He succeeds Dr. J. Walter Coleman, our September 9 speaker, now of the National Park Staff in Washington. Myers, when a Round Tabler here, was superintendent of Manassas National Battlefield Park before being transferred to Hyde Park, N. Y., .... Francis Wilshin, now Manassas superintendent, is a long-time member from the days he was historian at Fredericksburg National Battlefield Park .... Seen at Harper's Ferry recently were Members A. F. Broadbridge of the Canadian Embassy and Ames Williams with their wives ..... Member Brig. Gen. H. del Mar has an APO address, Assistant Division Commander Hdqs. of an Armored Division .... Dr. C. Percy Powell, member, is Research Director for the Abraham Lincoln Sesqui­ centennial Commission. Other RT members of the "Lincoln Group" in Washington are: Bert Sheldon, editor of "The Lincolnian;" Carlton J. Corlis s, Paul Gantt, and Cassius M. Keller, publications Committee ..... Member Carlton J. Corliss recently retired as a Public Relations manager of the Association of American Railroads, after fifty years of railroad service Think the Yearbook was the finest piece of any in this field," writes Edward J. Michele of Syracuse, N. Y., renewing non-resident mem­ ber ..... Joseph Semmes Tobin, 79, a descendant of Confederate Admiral Raphael Semmes of "Alabama" fame, died at his home, l336Missouri Ave., N.W., here July l7 ..... The Bank of Bermuda, Ltd., has sent a booklet with a map of St. George's, Bermuda, for distribution at the address of Sir Stanley Spurling in October. The map shows the loca­ tion of "Confederate Headquarters," the hotel being restored for historic purposes. It was once used by Confederate officers directing blockade running from Bermuda. It too shows "Barber's Alley," where once lived the first Negro Congressman in the U.S. --Rep. Joseph Hayne Rainey (R-S.C., l870-79) ..... How come the shelving of "The Gray Ghost" by CBS for the next year? It was the first CW TV series of current showings. The producer blames Little Rock, Ark., and integration. Northern sponsors began to shy away after the Little Rock affair flared up again. "The Gray Ghost" is now show­ ing over 144 stations, has 44 sponsors. Said Bernie Harrison of the Washington Star "I only wish the series had been made with greater devotion to the facts. " That was the feeling expressed by some Virginians and ardent admirers of Confederate Colonel John Singleton Mosby. Commented Newsweek: "Again, the South has won the battles and lost the war." Member V. C. (Pat) Jones, biographer of Mosby, was historical consultant. Plots were "Hollywood" with liberties. However, it is understood that Ranger Mosby will be produced in a technicolor movie with Tod Andrews, TV's Mosby starring .

***"~* The first woman subscriber to the Newsletter, under the $3-a-year arrangement is Miss Margaret J. O'Connell of Pennington, N. J. She attended the recent CW Seminar at Gettysburg College. Member Bell 1. Wiley was the chief lecturer; Col. J. Gay Sea­ bourne, our president attended the sessions.

Rex B. Magee for

Brig. Gen. Carl. A. Baehr, Editor (On vacation in the Northwest)

C-i.vil Wall. R.ound Tabl.e o( .the

f)iAhUc.;t 0 ( Col.umb-i.a September 1958

ANTIETAM - WAR IN A BONHEUR SETTING

Dr. J. Walter Coleman, Historian, National Park Service

Sharpsburg's pastoral scenes were not destined to survive unmarred in this serenely beautiful background, for they were to become the site of one of the bloodiest and most sanguinary conflicts ever waged on the North American continent. The hosts of Lee and McClellan met head-on here September 17, 1862, in one of the

-l~-decisive battles of the world. The military outcome was inconclusive, but for France and England it meant the end of any further efforts to grant recogni t i.ou to the Confederacy. It was here, too, on that historic day, that the Emancipation Proclamation was ordained.

This tranquil Maryland countryside offered only a temporary haven to the starving North Carolinians who straggled down from Fox' Gap and to the tattered command of Georgia's Toombs. It was to become the sacrificial pyre of some 40,000 dead, wounded and missing. The Bloody Lane, the Burnside Bridge and the Cornfield lighted a gory path to glory for the combatants who came together on this hallowed Maryland soil looked upon by Civil War students as second only to Gettysburg in historic significance.

Dr. J. Walter Coleman of the National Park Service was for many years superin­ tendent of the Gettysburg and Antietam National Memorial Parks, and he is to tell the story of this colorful and dramatic struggle. Mr. Harry Doust and Colonel J. Gay Seabourne will collaborate in describing the events on the field.

Our first field trip will be held Saturday, September 20, and will give you a chance to view some of the sites about which Dr. Coleman will talk. It will in­ clude a visit to historic Crampton's Gap and its monument to war correspondents. Luncheon has been arranged in the picturesque Keedysville pavilion and the return trip will be made through Turner's Gap which was forced by McClellan in a brilliant offensive action, possibly the most creditable of his controversial career.

Be sure to join us on this fascinating journey back into the past, both at our dinner and on our field trip. Following are the dinner details:

DATE: PLACE: PRICE: TIME:

Tuesday, September 9 National Press Club ballroom $3.00 per ticket 6 P.M., Cocktails 7 P.M., Dinner 8 P.M., Address by Dr. Coleman 9 P.M., Round Table Discussion

The Program Committee

SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR COMPLETE DIRECTIONS COVERING THE FIELD TOUR OF THE SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELDS. RETURN YOUR BUS AND DINNER RESERVATION CARD TODAY.

}i'IELD TOUR OF ANTIETAM BATl'LEFIELD PARK

1. DATE: Saturday, September 20, 1958

2. TRANSPORTATION: Buses from Washington and return.

3. ASSEMBLY AREA: Carter Barron Amphitheatre 16th and Colorado Ave. parking area. All day free parking available.

4. TIME OF DEPARTURE: Carter Barron Amphitheatre 8:15 A.M.

5. STOPS: En route to view three Battle Gaps of the Antietam Campaign; Crampton's Gap in forenoon. Col. Jo Gay Seabourne, Narrator.

60 LUNCHEON: Bring your own. Lunch in the town square of Keddysville, Md., through the courtesy of Mayor Charles K. Taylor. Soft drinks will be on sale at City Square.

7 A BATTLEFIELD. TOUR. Overall narration of battle at the .. Antietam Museum and National Military Cemetery by Henry W. Doust, Park Superintendent. Tour of battlefield with~stops at Bloody Lane and Burnside Bridge. Brief pause to see where Clara Barton set up the Field Hospital famous in history.

8. ESTIMATED TIME OF RETURN TO WASHINGTON: 6 p.m.

9. TICKETS: Three Dollars ($3.00) each to include transportation only.

10. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

(a) In order to assure the comfort of passengers and their full enjoyment of the outing and to conform with the scarcity of parking facilities on the narrow Battlefield Park, the trip will be limited to 225 persons (5 busses). Ticket holders who wish to join the bus either at Crampton's Gap or at Antietam can do so. Any checks received after 200 tickets are sold will be returned. Since 1 bus rate is based on the cost, ticket holders who do not arrive in time will not be entitled to a refund.

Send in your Field Trip Reservation card today with a check payable to the Civil War Round Table. Mail to Mr. V. C. ("Pat") Jones, 743 National Press Building.

FOR THE PROGRAM COMMITl'EE

Rex B. Magee, Chairman Telephone: JAckson 4-4839

HOUND TABLE FRO GRAM , 1958-59

Sept. 9 BL~I.['TLE OF .A ITIETAM by Dr. J. \fal tel" Coleman

Sept.20 FIELD 'fOUR OF' 'l.N'J.11C:TAk BAT'1'LE:F'IELD

oct. 14 C~jlFEDB'?\ATE BLOCKADE UNNING IN BEHl-1UDA by S1r Stanley Spurlin·

Nov. 11 ~;JHY 6TTJDY THE CIVIL \ AR (CEN~IEH.NIAL NIGHT )by Bruce Catton

Dec. 9

Jan.13

Feb.IO

Afi'I'ILLE.:1Y AT GE'I"l'Y;:·13U~lG by Bris.Gen. C!:l1'1 A. ,df;:.chr

'arch 10 G:e4'\f. bK.J li·I IT' 1/. DU'rL;j~n by Hich""rd 1<'. Luf'kin

A)ril JA Almu"',~ GOLD EEHAL A~IARD DL·L. III

~ f-L\R1:EH'3 F'EllilY by obert S. Henry

I~ay 23 FIELD 'l't)TJ1\ OF H{:J~:?ER I S FEnry

. J~ex.Jf. ,Mcgee' J)oznirlioh -A~mi .l:\pt. 52{\ 333 South Glebe Iload, Arlington, .11 .virginiQ'

October 9,195B

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Vol. 8 No. 8

1 October 1958

14

Place of Meeting--National Press Club Ballroom Time--Cocktails 6 p, m.; Dinner 7 p. m.; Address 8 p. m , Speaker--Sir Stanley Spurling, "Haslemere," St. George's, Bermuda Subject v-v Confede rate Blockade Running from Bermuda. II

Sir Stanley Spurling, our October speaker, is an authority on his subject, "Confed­ erate Blockade Running from Bermuda." He is a life-long resident of St. George's, Bermuda, headquarters for blockade runners after yellow fever had curtailed their activities in Nassau. Sir Stanley, native and lifetime resident of St. George's, knew well three men who participated in the Confederate running. He for 48 years was a Bermuda legislator, in both houses, is a director of Rotary International, is a C. M. G. (Knight Commander of the Michael and St. George) and an O. B. E. (Officer, Order of the British Empire). He is a leader in the historical preservation of buildings in Bermuda, among them "Confederate Headquarters."

* * * CENTENNIAL NIGHT AT THE ROUND TABLE, NOV. 11. Bruce Catton, Past Presi­ dent and member of National Centennial Commission, will talk on "Why ·Study the Civil War. II Our speaker will be introduced by Mr. William S. Paley, President of Colum­ bia Broadcasting System. Many distinguished guests will attend. Make your reserva­ tions early.

* * * CONFEDERATES FIRE AGAIN AT ANTIETAM

Saturday, Sept. 20, will go down in DC CWRT history as the first battlefield trip on which the weather was unfavorable. Not that the trip was noticeably spoiled for even the most incurable optimists had to acknowledge that the weather was failing to cooperate.

The route to the battlefield enabled the five-bus party to view the three mountain passes, the struggle for which brought on the main battle. A stop was made at Crampton's Gap to view the War Correspondents' memorial, a battlefield curiosity, erected by George Alfred Townsend. He reported the Civil War from the Seven Days Battle to Five Forks. The Memorial to correspondents was dedicated Oct. 16, 1896, On the site of the battle for the pass, which was the wish of the builder. The Univer­ sity of North Carolina has reprinted some of Townsend's works, notably "Rustics in Rebellion." It is a "must" for all of us. At the Gap, Col. J. Gay Seabourne narrated. He pointed out features from the mountain top and told of their bearing on the momen­ tous battle to which the Blue and Grey were marching.

The party assembled at the Park Headquarters after lunch in the town square of Keedysville. After orientation by L. E. Tuckerman, Park historian selected for the occasion by Supt. H. W. Doust, the tour of the battlefield began.

An additional attraction during the afternoon was presented by the Hagerstown CWRT. It was a gun crew with a 12 -pounder smooth bore cannon, complete with six mules and Confederate banners. Five Hagerstown Round Tablers reinforced by three Maryland Rodeo Clubbers, all in Confederate uniforms, made up the hardy detachment under Reuben Darby II. His official title varied from Gunner Corporal to General.

(Cont. on Page 2)

(Cont. from Page I) The mules proved extremely docile.

General Darby explained this. The mules had been on the road since 6:30 a. rn , The spirit of Stonewall Jackson was not in them, however. After bearing their share of the simulated battle, they had to be loaded in trucks for the home journey. The expensive display of Artillery proficiency was supported by donations of $1. 00 per person, or less. The Artillery attack was supported by 200 Civil War buffs who raised the Rebel Yell from the vicinity of the Observation Tower on Bloddy Lane.

The humble starting place of the First Aid Station of the American Red Cros s was passed during the tour. Here Clara Barton inaugurated the battlefield care of the wounded and the principle that the wounded had no official status - -all must be treated alike as far as facilities permitted. The situation and extent of the facilities afforded --all too evident at a glance--showed eloquently the fortitude and resourcefulness of the devoted men and women who labored under the shuddering task of attempting to ease the agony of thousands of wounded with scarcely anything in equipment. Clara Barton proved equal to the task from the start made on that September afternoon at Antietam. That start grew into the magnificent set-up which could snatch a desperately wounded man from a firing line in Korea and by helicopter land him in a field hospital for his place on the operating table.

COLEMAN CITES McCLELLAN'S TROUBLES AT ANTIETAM By Stanley E. Cohen (member)

According to custom, the Round Table meeting in September, preceding the Antietam field trip, was devoted to a "briefing" on the battle and the battle site. For this first meeting of the season, a huge turnout of Round Table enthusiasts and guests were on hand. They got a graphic account of Antietam, seasoned with salty observations, by Dr. J. Walter Coleman of the National Park Service, who for many years was superin­ tendent of the Gettysburg and Antietam National Memorial Park.

He recalled that Antietam was fought at the flood tide of Confederate success. The South had triumphed at Second Manassas, and was on the offensive in Kentucky and the west. As Lee moved hopefully into Maryland, even the approach of Mc Cl.e l la nt s army left him undisturbed. Jackson was allowed to complete the seige and capture of Harper's Ferry, while Lee chose his position, confident that Jackson's troops could be brought back in time to stem whatever attack McClellan should launch.

Mc Cl e l la nt s failure to commit his infantry reserves, as well as his decision to use cavalry in the center of the line came in for criticism, particularly in the discussion from the floor. In McClellan's behalf, Doctor Coleman pointed out that the normally cautious Northern commander was even more cautious than usual because he was re­ ceiving a barrage of telegrams from Washington and elsewhere reporting imaginary Confederate concentrations or admonishing him to take special precautions for the de­ fense of the Capital.

While Antietam has been described by scholars as Lee's best fought battle, the Confederate leader had his problems, too, according to Dr. Coleman. Other Confed­ erate officials, particularly in Richmond, did not share his enthusiasm for the cam­ paign, and we re not giving the kind of support he needed. On top of that, the Army 01 Virginia, described by Dr. Coleman as "that informal organization which Lee was privileged to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, II was having disciplinary difficulties. Jackson and Hood were at odds with each other, and the amount of strag­ gling among the men in the ranks was unusually high. By nature, Lee's men were prone to wander home between battles; but in September 1862 the ranks were inordin­ ately thin so that Lee's divisions stood at Antietam with even fewer effectives than usual.

P. 2, V. 8, N. 8

Appreciation is extended to Mayor Charles Taylor and the residents of Keedysville, Md , , for their fine hospitality. Not only were the two picnic shelters made available to the DC Round Tableites but free coffee and bottled drinks were served through the courtesy of the Keedysville Ruritan Club.

A very interesting and "to the point" article on Antietam is that of Bruce Catton in the August Number of "American Heritage." He discusses the critical issues at stake - visible and not so apparent - and concludes with remarks calculated to provoke consid­ erable thinking. Many combats - large and small took place during those momentous years· - and a considerable number of them seemed to affect the outcome of the whole of the efforts of both sides rather slightly. The Antietam struggle had effects of far reaching importance - and Bruce Catton brings out the real significance in such a way as to emphasize the true value of the tremendous expenditure of life and resources. One must admit that the price, though high, was justified.

Abraham Lincoln seized upon the opportunity of a partial break in the chain of Confed­ erate successes. to issue his preliminary warning of an impending Emancipation Proc­ lamation. Although this was but a rather feeble document, yet it served to stimulate the faltering Union and provide just enough ammunition for those abroad who favored neutrality in their dealing with the struggle in foreign countries - notably England and France, to keep them in power.

"NO UNNECESSARY WAR FOR A DISHONEST VESSEL"

Capture of a Confederate blockade runner by anothe r built in the same British ship­ yards almost precipitated a foreign war a decade after Appomattox. The capture re­ sulted in the deaths of veterans of the sixties, Confederate and Union. before a Spanish firing squad. Executed were the skipper of the Virginius, Capt. James Fry. once of the U. S. Navy but later of the Confederate Navy, and Gen. W. A. C. (Whack) Ryan, formerly of the N. Y. Volunteers. Fry was a Floridian with the mind of an inventor. Ryan, Canadian-born, preferred a bullwhip to a shillelah for peace-time use and voiced his Napoleonic complex upon the slightest provocation. Fry took the ship job of running arms because his wife and seven children couldn't live in New Orleans off the dole of cheese and crackers. Ryan took the job because he loved uniforms and fighting. They were captured aboard the Virginius, off Jamaica in British waters, by a Spanish man-of -war, the British-built Tornado. A British ship of war followed the captor and prize into Santiago harbor. Before British guns pointed on the city stopped the executions, 36 men with Captain Fry and General Ryan lay dead in front of the shot-pocked wall.

Down in New Orleans citizens voiced a protest at a mass meeting. of which the vice chairman was Confederate General James Longstreet who gave the nod to General Pickett at Gettysburg and who sent his men earlier in the attack at Peach Orchard. Over in Spain protested Union General Daniel Sickles, who lost a leg fighting Long­ street's men at Peach Orchard. Possible war with Spain was averted by President Grant's Secretary of State, Hamilton Fish, who wrote the epitaph: "No unnecessary war for a dishonest vesseL"

* * * The recent death of Dell Floyd, President ofthe Shakespeare Society of Washington and a retired Justice Department attorney. occurred at George Washington University Hos­ pital. He had been particularly active in dramatics, but his varied interests included membership in the Shriners, the Elks Club, The Washington State and Alaska Society and the Civil War Round Table. Born in a log cabin in Bond County, Ill., 77 years ago, he attended Greenville (Ill.) College and Valparaiso (Ind.) College as well as the University of Washington. He was a charter member of Delta Tau Delta and Delta Chi Fraternities at the University of Washington, and rowed stroke on one of its University crews. Some ten years ago he assisted in the installation of Delta Tau Delta Chapter at the University of Maryland. He was a cousin (once removed) of both Jefferson Davis and Secretary of War Floyd.

P. 3, V. 8, N. 8

ROUND TABLE ROUND-UP By Rex B. Magee (member)

Member V. C. (Pat) Jones had a full September--four Round Table talks. He opened the season at Wilmington, Del., on the 9th. He spoke in Lexington, Ky., on the l Sth , Winchester, Va.. on the 17th, and Hagerstown, Md , , on the 25th. The latter three were repeat appearances.

Among the popular speakers of the DC CWRT before other Round Tables are: Karl S. Betts, Bruce Catton, Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III, Robert S. Henry, Capt. Samuel G. Kelly, C. P. (Pete) Long, Maj. Gen. J. D. Patch, Col. J. Gay Seabourne, Bell 1. Wiley. and Brig. Gen. Carl A. Baehr.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Martin Smith led a panel discussion in September on 111861."

ATLANTA. Dr. Bell 1. Wiley opened the season on Sept. 23 with a resume of the plans of the Civil War Centennial Commission of which he is a member.

BALTIMORE. Heard Frank L. Bushlong "An American Dreyfus Affair- -Fitz -John Porter" in September.

CHICAGO. Col. J. Gay Seabourne presented "The Great Cavalry Battle at Brandy Station" at the September meeting.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio. Ernest J. Hess spoke on "The Monitor and the Merrimac" in September. Dr. Charles H. Smith will discuss "The Battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg" Oct. 19. Program for the year was announced.

DENVER. The Colorado CWRT made a field trip to Beecher's Island battleground In

September; will hear T. T. Houghton on "Peace Attempts" in October.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. "General Orders" of the CWRT of Vanderburgh Court House for September was in Editor Bish Thompson's handwriting, a bit slow to read but fast and sparkling in content. The "August Ambush" was by Bob Womack of Murfreesboro, Tenn., who spoke of the operations--bushwhacking and all--in the ¥olunteer State. "Ben Hardin Helm" or "Lincoln and His In-Laws" or "Brother Against Sister's Hus­ band" was the subject of Dr. Robert Gerald McMurtry. Virgil C. (Pat) Jones has been chosen for the Appomattox Day speech on April 9, next year. This year's field trip will be in October to Kentucky with Dr. Hambleton T'a pp as the guide historian.

HARTFORD, Conn. Emphasis care of the wounded: Miss Catherine Doyle, Registered Nurse, spoke in September on "Women of the Sanitary Commission," and Dr. Phil Sheridan in November will discuss "Surgery During the Civil War." Date to be an­ nounced, "Stonewall Jackson's Personal Physician" by Dr. Bob Leonard.

LAFOLETTE, Tenn. The Big Creek Gap Bugle, in reporting the June talk of Sonny Carr of "William G. Brownlow," headlined "Best Feature About Parson Brownlow Was He Wasn't Born in Tennessee."

JACKSON, Miss. Richard W. Byrnes talked before the Mississippi CWRT in Septem­ ber. His subject was "Quantrill and Border Wars."

LEXINGTON, Ky. V. C. (Pat) Jones spoke in September on "Eight Hours before Richmond. "

LONDON, England. Richard Lester in September presented "An Industrial and Finan­ cial Survey of the South during the Civil War" before The Confederate Research Club of which he is a member. Announced program: Jan. 31, 1959, "Naval Architecture of the War Between the States" by Member Thomas W. Green; March 28, the FifthAnnual Confederate Dinner with an address on "The CSS Alabama" by R. C. Jarvis, Librarian

P. 4, V. 8, N. 8

and Curator H. M. Customs and Excise, London; May 30, "A Programme of Films. Old and New, on the War Between the States" to be presented by Miss Patricia Rosier and Mr. Michael F. Barrett. Meetings are at the Eccleston Hotel, London. The CRC has issued a Yearbook and is reordering lapel badges for members. price five shillings in Great Britain. one dollar in the U. S.

MISHAWAKA, Ind. September program: "A Woman's Role in the Civil War" by Mrs. Bertha Shuler. Acquired two flags of the War, a Union and a Confederate.

NEW ORLEANS. Heard in September, James W. Silver on "Control of Public Opinion in the Confederacy."

NEW YORK. Issued a new and highly creditable Yearbook. Opened the season in September with Robert Carse on "Blockade and the Civil War at Sea." Program an­ nounced: Oct. 14, "The Battle of Ball's Bluff" by Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Patch; Nov. 18. "Last Train from Atlanta" by A. A. Hoehling; Jan. 13, 1959, "Prince of the Carpetbaggers" by Jonathan Daniels; Feb. 10, "Lincoln: Fact and Fiction" by Otto Eisenschiml.

RICHMOND. On September II, William F. Clark and Samuel J. Moore. Jr •• dis­ cussed"The Seven Days Battles--Savage Station to Harrison's Landing." The Septem­ ber field followed over the same ground. Two films, "The Ship that Shook the World" and "Sunset at Appomattox" were shown in August. ROCKFORD, Ill. Meets on third Friday monthly in the Navy Room of the Memorial Bldg.; a year and a half old; plans a newsletter.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Joe Patterson discussed "Some Aspects of the Civil War" at the September meeting. WASHINGTON, Pa , Dr. Charles F. Elterich discussed "Treatment of the Sick and Wounded in the Civil War" at the September meeting. President James R. Braden, also a member of the DC RT, toured Crampton's Gap and Antietam recently with the Distri ct buffs. WILMINGTON, Del. Virgil C. (Pat) Jones delighted the members byhis discussion of "The Importance of Guerrilla Activities in the Civil War," Sept. 9. During the spring tour of Manassas Battlefield Park, some of the members remained over for a side trip to two spots now threatened with obliteration. One was Ox Hill or Chantilly where stand the monuments to the first two Union Major Generals killed in the War--Phil Kearny and Isaac Stevens. A scattering of houses is being built around the hill now covered with trees and may overlap Ox Hill and the neglected monuments. The other visit was to Ball's Bluff where a small military cemetery is maintained by the U. S. War Department. In the recent Congress a threat was made to omit the appropriation for the maintenance of the cemetery. The cut was restored.

WINCHESTER, Va. Virgil Carrington (Pat) Jones spoke on "Guerrilla Warfare in the Valley" at the September 17 meeting.

* * * Kenneth P. Williams, historian completing several volumes on Lincoln, finds a Gen­ eral died recently in Bloomington, Ind. He addressed us in 1956 on "General H. W. Halleck. "

Knox College and the City of Galesburg, Ill., will hold a four day centennial convoca­ tion from October 4th to 7th to celebrate the Lincoln-Douglas debate at Galesburg. Carl Sandburg of Galesburg will be honored on October 6th.

Gettysburg College's second Annual Civil War Conference will be held November 16, 17, and 18th. The subject will be "Why did the North Win the Civil War." Professor David Donald of Columbia University will serve as program coordinator. Papers will be read by Professors T. Harry Williams of Louisiana State University, Richard N. Current of the University of North Carolina, David M. Potter of Yale University and Norman A. Graebner of the University of Illinois.

P. 5, V. 8, N. 8

The problem of finding a repository for books and relics of the Civil War period, as well as such as relate tothe interesting past of our country is brought into prominence as soon as any phase of history is touched upon. We really should have had a suitable building for such, under National supervision, long ago. As generations which have participated in stirring and critical epochs pass away, much interesting and some use­ ful information becomes dissipated and lost.

What was it like to march in line, shoulder to shoulder in the face of a hail of bullets? How did one surrender when one's unit was isolated and there seemed no way to es­ cape? How did men pass the time in "winter quarters"? What did it feel like to be­ come "lost" on enemy territory? The sight, touch and "feel" of the myriad of devices used bypeople who actually had been in such situations is an aid to understanding them, their period, and the collective efforts which they and their fellow countrymen, made in quest of solutions to national problems, which after all, were but the aggregate of those common to their period.

We might stimulate some thought on this subject during our hundred years celebration and do our bit toward placing it in a favorable position toward solution. It is not going to come about by any magic- -but through the combined efforts of many over a long period in which it never is allowed to become wholly forgotten it may come to be real­ ized.

* ':c * DU ES - FINAL CALL. Dues for the current year must be in the hands of your Secre­ tary not later than October 31 st. Those who have not paid their dues by that date will be dropped from the Membership Rolls and Mailing List. Commencing November 1st, members in good standing will receive notices of dinner meetings, the Newsletter and other communications. Send your check for $6 - payable to the Civil War Round Table - and receive and enjoy reading the November 1 issue of the Newsletter, at the same time insuring your name being in the Yearbook now in process of completion.

FINAL DATE FOR DUES: October 31, 1958. PAUL J. SEDGWICK, Secretary.

-,- -,- Member Meredith M. Daubin, new treasurer, sent a picture post card from Kentucky: "When I viewed this monument from the highway, I thought the Washington monument had been moved to Kentucky." It was the Jefferson Davis monument, marking the birthplace of the Confederate President. It is 351 feet high and is on U. S. Highway 68, some 9 miles east of Hopkinsville, Christian county, five counties removed from the birthplace of President Abraham Lincoln.

A recent addition to the number of Civil War antiquities which have grown out of our interest in the life of a hundred years ago, is the product of "Civil War Models" - a recently established corporation whose address is 140 Spring Court, Falls Church, Virginia. The enterprise - for "corporationl' seems a bit elaborate as a term to be used in referring to it, grew out of the many efforts made by artillerists to reproduce Civil War Guns in miniature. These models are a nice addition to shelf or cabinet - and being scale models, add an interesting light to reading in which the Ordnance of the Civil War comes into prominence. They are obtainable in the model of the Napoleon or the 3" Ordnance rifle. Caissons and limbers are also being produced by the makers who are interested and enthusiastic over their product which is finding buyers at many historic p la ces.

Member George Friend has a few copies of "T'he Official Atlas of the Civil Warll left at a price of $28 to members. Retail price is $40. Call at his bookshop, 922 Ninth St , , N. W. He also offers 20% off to members on most current books.

* * "", The Executive Committee elected Meredith M. Daubin treasurer to succeed L. Ballard, resigned.

Carl A. Baehr

october i958

CIVIL WAR "ROUND

of the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

TABLE

REBEL RUNNERS OF THE SEA ----- Sir Stanley Spurlingo C.M.G. st. George's, Burmuda

The sea -- historically identified with tales of daringo matchless courage and heroic self-sacrifice -- has given us its most colorful chapter in the story of the Civil War blockade zunne r s , The "ow l., 0' orA. D. Vance 0 ! "Banshee" and their 100 sister ships loosened the strangle hold ot: the North on the lifeline of the Confederacy and actually succeeded in baf­ fling hundreds of Union naval vessels forming perhaps the tightest block­ ade ever thrown around the coast of a nation.

Foodo guns 0 clothing and medicine were slipped into Southern ports in exchange for cotton, and Wilmington 0 Charleston and Savannah became the vital valves which kept alive the flickering hopes of the South. Most of it came by way of Nassau and Bermuda 0 the nearest neutral pOints between Europe and the important Southern seaportso The historic significance of this blockade was emphasized in World War I when policies originated back then determined the action of British and American governments in closing the sea to German imports and exports.

Sir Stanley ,Spurling" 'a· distingui'shed civic leader and h.Ls t.o r Lan , is coming to us from sto George 'so Bermuda 0 to describe the dramatic events of the Southern blockade. When yellow fever closed Nassau to shipping 0 the blockade runners moved their operations to Bermuda, and it was here that Sir Stanley became personally acquainted with three of the men who took part in the operations between the island and the American coastal cities. He owns the richest collection of known prints of Confederate blockade runners.

Widespread interest has already been indicated in next Tuesday nightBs program, and you are urged to send in your dinner reservations immediatelYe

DATE: PLACE: PRICE: TIME:

Tuesday, October 14 National Press Club ballroom $3000 per ticket 6 P.M., Cocktails 7 P .x, 0 Dinner 8 P.M., Address by Sir Stanley Spurling 9 PoM.o Round Table Discussion

The Program Committee

"CENTENNIAL NIGHT" AT THE ROUND TABLE - TUESDAY 0 NOVEMBER 110 1958. BRUCE CATTON, SPEAKER

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRIcr OF COLUMBIA

Vol. 8 No. 9

1 November 1958

HEAR BRUCE CATTON ON NOVEMBER 11

Place of Meeting-- National Press Club Ballroom Time--Cocktails 6 p. m.; Dinner 7 p. m.; Address 8 p. m , Speaker--Bruce Catton, past president of the CWRT of the DC Subject--"Why Study the Civil War"

Make Your Reservations Early

CENTENNIAL NIGHT AT THE ROUND TABLE By Karl S. Betts, Executive Director

Civil War Centennial Commission

Bruce Catton, inseparably linked with the tremendous resurgence of national interest in Civil War history, will address the Round Table on Tuesday, November 11, on "Why Study the Civil War - What Does the Centennial Mean to You?" Mr. Catton has pre­ pared an address of absorbing interest on a brand new subject for the Washington group.

Mr. William S. Paley, President of the Columbia Broadcasting System, and national Commission member, will discuss the plans and activities of the Centennial and will introduce the speaker. A number of distinguished guests will be present - Congress­ man William M. Tuck of Virginia; Honorable Dewey Short, Assistant Secretary of the

'Army; Honorable Conrad L. Wirth, Director of the National Park Service; Vice Ad­ miral Stuart H. Ingersoll, President of the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island; District Commissioners Robert E. McLaughlin and Colonel A. C. Welling; Mr. C. Robert Seater and Mr. Harry C. McKittrick of the Bureau of the Budget; Dr. Dallas Irvine, Chief Archivist of the War Records Division, NationalArchives; Mr. Lawrence W. Sagle and Mr. William H. Schmidt, Public Relations Director, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company.

An interesting feature of the program will be a special photographic exhibit arranged by National Park Service officials, showing battlefield areas which will become the focal point for tourists during the Centennial years.

* * * COMING EVENTS IN 1958-1959

Nov. 11 Dec. 9 Jan. 11 Feb. 10 March 10 April 14 May 12 May 23

Bruce Catton on "Why Study the Civil War" (Centennial Night). Col. Allen P. Julian on "The Atlanta Campaign. " Brig. Gen. Carl A. Baehr on "Artillery at Gettysburg. " Rear Adm. John S. Heffernan on "The Capture of New Orleans." Richard F. Lufkin on "Gen. Benjamin F. Butler." Gold Medal Annual Banquet. Col. Robert S. Henry on "Harpers Ferry." Battlefield Trip to Harpers Ferry.

CONFEDERATE SEAL PRESS SALVAGED IN BERMUDA By Virgil C. (Pat) Jones (member)

How Bermuda was converted almost overnight from "a quiet, sleepy, quaint colony" to a thriving blockade point, with people sleeping in its streets and its basements and warehouses filled with hardware and other vital materials to be sneaked into the Con­ federacy, was told with rare British humor by Sir Stanley Spurling at the October meeting of the Round Table.

Seventy-nine years old and known as Bermuda's "unofficial premier," Sir Stanley was the second non-American to face the Washington group.

One of his major contributions in his talk was a discussion of the seal of the Con­ federacy. This seal, it is generally accepted in Bermuda, he revealed, was made by J. S. Lyon, seal maker to the Queen of England. It was ordered by Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin through James Mason, Confederate agent in London, and was shipped from England via Bermuda on July 6, 1864, in the trust of an officer. Three times this officer tried unsuccessfully to get the seal and a press through the blockade. Finally, leaving the press with John Tudor Bourne, consul for the Confederacy at Bermuda, he managed to get into Wilmington with the seal in his pocket.

What happened to the seal and press in the decades immediately following the war remains a mystery. At Bourne's death in 1867, the press was sold at public auction, and then it went into obscurity. Some years later, John Samuel Darrell bought a curi­ ous iron device encrusted with rust at a junk sale. After considerable scraping, he recognized the old seal press of the Confederacy. It now, with a duplicate of the seal, is in the possession of His Honor Sir John Cox, C. B. E., Speaker of Bermuda's House of Assembly.

The seal itself remained out of sight for even a longer period. In 1912, Gallaird Hunt, the historian, discovered the original seal and encouraged its purchase by a group of Richmond citizens. It now is on display in the Confederate Museum there.

Sir Stanley, who revealed he had spent many an hour as a young man listening to some of the old blockade runner captains recall their experiences, told in some detail of the sleek, swift mystery ships that stole into Bermuda to unload their cargoes, and he also related the predicament of Major Norman Walker, sent to Bermuda as a repre­ sentative of the Confederate Government. Mrs. Walker was expecting, and the major wanted the child to be born on Confederate soil and under the Confederate flag, but he did not want her exposed to the dangers of running the blockade. He solved his prob­ lem by raising a Confederate flag over her bed and by importing a barrel of Souther n soil to spread beneath it.

* * * BLOCKADE RUNNERS AND SEA RAIDERS

Sir Stanley Spurling's talk released a storehouse of "I remember" tales of the sea life of Civil War days. One must realize that in the Civil War nearly everybody quali­ fied to wear pants fought somebody else in some fashion. There was no real neutrality, anywhere. Seafaring people engaged in essential trade; fisheries, diplomats and busi­ nessmen had to roam the oceans. All concerned were affected by interference with sea communication.

The blockade of the Southern ports assumed importance early in the War. One of its early results was to increase the interest in the ports which extended along the coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The South urgently needed to exchange its cotton for a wide variety of products with which to sustain its war effort. War essentials came to include practically ever ything which could not be grown in a field or raised in a pen .

. P. 2, V. 8, N. 9

These had to be sorted out in some secure exchange center, and then conveyed to the ultimate consumer. Somewhere along the line it had to run the gauntlet of the blockade.

The routes for ships to reach wharves and markets came to lead through tortuous channels and bayous difficult to blockade. A typical situation was that presented by the port of Galveston, Texas. It was the Sabine River outlet to the Gulf of Mexico domi­ nating the boundary between Louisiana and Texas. It had been seized by Union Naval units. Its recapture was important. General J. B. Magruder was sent down from Virginia and, after considerable fighting, he issued a proclamation of January 4, 1863, that the blockade was raised and Galveston a port open to the trade of all friendly nations. In the process, Magruder reported the capture of some 600 prison­ ers and a large quantity of stores and arms.

This news spread Eastward, giving encouragement to Confederate States to in­ crease their efforts against the Union blockaders. Sabine Pass, Charleston and many other Southern ports augmented their efforts to evade and attack the blockaders off their coasts. Union ves sels were attacked with such effect that, by the end of Januar y, General Beauregard felt jus tified in proclaiming the raising of the blockade in the Charleston area.

In a formal note addressed by the Confederate Government to all foreign consuls the blockade was declared to have ceased to exist. This was based on the fact that two Union Ships, the "Augusta" and the "Memphis" had been disabled and two others, the "Keystone State" and the "Mercedita" damaged to the extent that they had been sent to Port Royal for repairs. The Union Fleet off Charleston had been reduced, but the blockade had not been abandoned there. The "Augusta" and the "Memphis" were soon back at their posts, and the blockading force strengthened by the addition of the new iron clad frigate "New Ironsides. "

The "Sumter" First Confederate Man of War

The "Sumter" was the firstregularly commissioned manofwar of the Confederacy. She had been a passenger s te am e r and was remodelled to carry five guns. She regis­ tered 500 tons, making her rate as rather smaller than many a steam yacht. For over a year the Sumter cruised shipping lanes, burning and destroying merchant ships. of the Union and raising consternation in shipping circles. At one time - early in 1862 - she was the object of search for the Union Armed Ships, "Powhatan," "Niagara," "Iroquois," "Keystone State," and "San Jacinto" - anyone of which could have blown her out of the water on encounter.

She began her career on June 1, 1861, at New Orleans, by eluding the U. S. S. Brooklyn destined to become Farragut's Flag ship a r-a later period. On this occasion she just managed to clear the bar at the mouth of the Mississippi a slight jump ahead of the Union frigate and reach the waters of the Gulf. Her career las ted slightly over a year when she was blockaded in the harbor of Gibraltar by a Union frigate where she was sold "as was. "

Her Captain, Raphael Semmes, with as many of her crew as he could hold together, went on to take over the "No. 290," recently built at Liverpool, which became the celebrated "Alabama." Of her, more later.

Famous "Alabama" Sinks Off France

The "Alabama" was built at Liverpool - quite evidently as a commerce destroyer. The British authorities had abundant evidence of her destined purpose, but British sympathizers of Southern leanings, and official red-tape prevented her seizure. As the situation was becoming a bit warm, and events were persuading the British author­ ities to take a closer look at the "Alabama," the Confederates decided that they had best move her from British control while they co ul d ido it.

P. 3, V. 8, N. 9

•

The "Alabama" left Liverpool carrying a festive party of invited guests .. She moved down the Mer sey to the sounds of dance music and popping corks. After travelling a distance down the river a pair of large tugs came outand joined her, and the astonished guests were informed that the party was over - the tugs would take them back to Liver­ pool. The guests were sent home, and the "Alabama" went on to Nassau where her real nature was revealed. In the Azores, in defiance of the Portugese government, she met a British vessel, acquired her armament, and under Captain Semmes proceeded on her way as a Confederate commerce destroyer.

Her subsequent career became legendary. She was well designed for her task, and proved herself a master at it. Her conduct was chivalrous.- but drastic. One of her many notable captures, on Dec. 7, 1862, was the U. S. Mail Steamer "Ariel," with a notable passenger list. After holding the "Ariel" for several days in which to decide what to do, Semmes released her on bond for a huge amount _00' "to be paid after the recognition of the Confederate States. "

The "Alabama" was sunk off the harbor of Cherbourg in a ship to ship duel with the U. S. S. Kearsarge in June of 1864. Admiral David G. Farragut, our first Admiral, who had by then gained a world-wide recognition, sent his personal card to Mrs. Winslow, wife of the "Kearsarge's" Commander, with these words written on the back: "I would rather have fought that fight with the "Alabama" than all I have done in the war. "

"Florida," Captured in Brazil, Sinks in Hampton Roads

The "Florida" was built in England supposedly for Italy. She left British waters in command of Captain J. N. Maffitt, formerly a Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy. Entering Mobile, in spite of the blockade, she was reiftted and armed as a commerce des troyer. She left Mobile Jan. 15, 1863, managing to elude the blockaders againaalthough this time she was chased and fired upon.

Captain Maffitt placed temporary crews on some of his prizes and armed them as well as he could. He sent them off on roving commissions to burn and sink Union ships on their own. The storyof their adventures is too lengthy for reproduction here, but it may be estimated from many sources. Merchants of Boston posted a reward of $ 10, 000 for the capture of one such raider which operated off the New England Coast and sent an armed ves sel (at their own expense) in sear ch of her. Citizens of Portland, Maine, armed two trading steamers to go out in pursuit of the raiders. Citizens of New York and Boston held meetings which urged the Secretary of the Navy to stimulate effor ts agains t the raider s. 0

The "F'Lor ida " put in at Brest for refuge and repairs. She was promptly libelled by representatives of the owners of ships and cargoes which she had destroyed. Her ar­ rest was granted by the Tribunal of Commerce of Marseilles .. However, the French Government ruled that the "Florida" was entitled to all the privileges of neutrals, had acted within her rights, and released her. (The "Alabama," arrested similarly, was likewise released at Cherbourg by a French court. )

The U. S. S. "Kearsarge" arrived in Bres t with the object of preventing the Florida's departure, but the French Admiral in charge of the port ruled that the "Kearsarge" must be detained for 24 hours after the "Florida's" departure.

In October of 1864, the U. S. S. "Wachusett," sister ship to the "Kearsarge, " which had but recently sunk the "Alabama," arrived in Bahia, Brazil, under command of Commander Napoleon Collins. Shor tly thereafter the Confederate Cammer ce De­ stroyer "Florida," the ship for which the "Wa chus e tt!' had been searching, made her appearance in the harbor and cast anchor close by.

By this time, "Florida" was second only to the "Alabama" among Confederate Com­ merce Raiders, in number of Federal vessels destroyed. Since 1862 she had roamed

P. 4, V. 8, N. 9

the seas, leaving a broad trail of destruction behind. Although Collins had already been censured once by the Washington authorities for disregarding neutrality of British ships in questionable circumstances, he was not the man to be thus tempted with impunity. Despite the fact that the water s were Brazilian, he determined to put an end to the career of the "Florida. "

He first sought to arrange a fight between the two ships, without success. After <

dark he slipped' the "Wa chus e tt+s " cables and deliberately rammed her at anchor. After the collision, and an exchange of shots, the "Florida" surrendered and Collins proceeded to tow her out of the harbor .de s p ite the efforts of Brazilian authorities to prevent him from doing it. He succeeded in bringing her to Hampton Roads where the "Florida" collided with a transport and sank, thus making a final disposition of her.

The Brazilian Government complained to Washington, and the U. S. Government disavowed Collins' action.

The "Nashville" Blows Up

The "Nashville" was a side-wheeler passenger steamer, originally intended for use as a blockade runner. On the return trip from England, she captured and burned sev­ eral Union mer chant vessels. Her trail was picked up by a Federal cruiser of the blockading squadron and "Nashville" was closely pursued into Ossabow Sound where she was blockaded in the Great Ogeeche River, under protection of torpedoes and Fort McAllis ter. Unfortunately for her, she ran aground. Captain Worden in the Union monitor "Montauk" followed her into the fire of Fort McAllister, which the "Montauk" sustained while her shells set the "Nashville" afire, which blew her up.

The "Shenandoah" Reaches the Arctic

The "Shenandoah" was originally an English steamer in the East India / Trade. Large, fast and strongly built, she caught the eye of people searching for a blockade runner and privateer. She was purchased by private parties, ostensibly for their own use. However, she sailed from Liverpool carrying a large cargo of coal and provi­ sions, everything except arms and armament. Another vessel sailing from Liverpool at the same time carried gentlemen who turned out to be Confederate Naval Officers - and a cargo consisting principally of large crates and cases labelled "ma chi ne r y.." which turned out to be guns and equipment.

The two vessels sailed together to a barren island near Madeira where the gentle­ men broke out in gray and gold Confederate uniforms, and the guns were placed in appropriate positions for action. The crew was mustered and informed that they were manning the Confederate war ship "Shenandoah," which was starting a career of cap ... turing and destroying Union ships.

In the spring of 1865, the "Shenandoah" put in at Melbourne, Australia, whence she proceeded up the Asiatic Coast and into the Arctic Ocean burning Union Whalers. Captain. Waddell, her commander, was surprised in his turn by learning froman English bark that the War was over and. what he was practicing had become piracy. He brought his ship to Liverpool where he surrendered Nov. 6, 1865, to the British authorities, who promptly turned the "Shenandoah" over to the United States.

The successes of the North at Vicksburg and Gettysburg brought about radical changes in the French and British attitude toward the Southern Sea-raiders. It was beginning to dawn on those countries that the Union was likely to win the War. Visions began to arise on Foreign Chancellories of damage claims for Southern depredations, chargeable under International Custom, to the powers which had made them possible.

The British Government became acutelv concerned over the number and power of vessels anonymously building in British shipyards. (Britain paid the U. S. 15-1/2 million

P. 5, V. 8, N. 9

dollars for Confederate raider depredations.) Continental countries such as Russia, Holland and Italy warmed considerably towards Union representatives and began to look questioningly at the French Commitments in Mexico and Central America.

The French Government took due notice of the attitude of the countries with which they dealt. The concluding remark in a French Official Paper reflects this attitude. "The Government of the Emperor cannot disguise its pain at seeing so many aggrieved interests, well deserving of its care, making a vain appeal for protection. "

In 1884, Commander Alfred T. Mahan was at Callao, Peru, in command of the same "Wachusett" with which Collins had taken the "Florida" in 1864. While there, Mahan was asked by Commodore Stephen Luce to deliver a course of lectures at the recently established Naval War College at Newport, R. 1.

In preparing his lectures, Mahan read Mommsen's History of Rome and, while pondering on the problems which confronted Hannibal in his invasion of Italy, it dawned upon Mahan how use of the sea would have facilitated Hannibal's invasion greatly. This thought was the germ from which was developed Mahan's greatest book which has been a sort of Bible for Sea-strategists ever since - "The Influence of Sea Power on History, 1660-1783."

* * * AT GETTYSBURG. "Why Did the North Win the Civil War?" is the theme of the Sec­ ond Annual Civil War Conference, Nov. 16-18, at Gettysburg College. Some of the leading historians of the nation will discuss the theme. For information, write Prof. Robert Fortenbaugh, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa.

* * * BOOKS AT DISCOUNT. Member George Friend writes: following books: 'Battle of Balls Bluff' by General Patch, paign' by Stackpole, and 'Chancellor sville' by Stackpole. 20% discount." Friend's Book Shop is at 922 9th Street,

* * * "BANSHEE" MODEL. William Geoghegan (member of Baltimore and the D. C. Round Tables) reports: "A contemporary scale model of the blockade runner Banshee, lent by the City of Liverpool Public Museums, is on exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum, Arts and Industries Building, in Washington. The Banshee had a short life in her trade, being captured off Cape Hatteras in 1863, and taken into the U. S. Navy as a blockade cruiser. During her blockade-running career she cleared nearly 700 per cent of her cost." At the October meeting, Member Geoghegan had photographs and blueprints of the Banshee, the first steel vessel to cross the Atlantic.

* * * REPRINTS ON MOSBY: The writings of John Singleton Mosby, the "Gray Gho s t!' to television audiences throughout the nation, will appear again in the bookstalls, this time in reprints with modern bindings and type. His Reminiscences, a compilation of lectures delivered by him in New England during the 1880's, following his return from the consulship at Hong Kong, has been reprinted by Peageant Book Company of New York in an edition retailing at $2.95. In January, the Indiana University Press will reprint his Memoirs, published originally the year following his death. This will carry an introduction by Virgil Carrington Jones and an endpaper map by Garnet Jex, both fellow members.

"We have just received the 'The Fredericksburg Cam­ We offer these at the usual N.W.

Members Karl Betts, Pat Jones and Dr. Francis Lord presented a recent TV program featuring the Civil War Centennial Commission.

* * * Among guests at the head table during the address of Sir Stanley Spurling of St. George's, Bermuda, were: David F. Muirhead, First Secretary of the British Em­ bassy, Gen. U. S. Grant III, Admiral J. F. Shafroth, and Col. John C. Macarthur.

Carl A. Baehr

November 1958

Ci_vi..l. WaA R.ound Ta6le Ot The

J)iA.:UU._c_i_ Ot Colum6i_a

WHY A CENTENNIAL OBSERVANCE?

Bruce Catton, Historian and Editor of American Heritage

Here is a top program!

This will be our "Centennial Night," the first such an evening we have ever had. Our speaker will be our fellow member and ex-president, Bruce Catton, who will speak on the real meaning of the lessons we learned from the war.

"It is good for us all to study these tragic events," says Mr. Catton, "because after all there is something uplifting about this great saga of human suffering and endurance and ultimate achievement. The tragedy of Hamlet will always be studied and admired, principally because of the great lesson which underlies its immortal lines."

Mr. William S. Paley, Chairman of the Board of the Columbia Broad­ casting System, will introduce our speaker.

As another feature of the evening. Commissioner Robert E. McLaughlin will announce the appointment of the District of Columbia Centennial Com­ mission, which is to play so important a role in the four-year obser­ vances in the Nation's Capital. A number of distinguished military and government officials will attend the dinner.

A special exhibit has been prepared in connection with the Mission 66 program of the National Park Service and will be discussed by its director, Mr. Conrad Wirth.

You are urged to send in your reservations immediately. Be sure to join us Tuesday night!

DATE: PLACE: PRICE: TIME:

Tuesday, November 11 National Press Club $3.00 per ticket 6 P.M. Cocktails 7 P.M. Dinner 8 P.M. Announcements,

President J. Gay Seabourne Introduction of distinguished guestso Karl S. Betts,Executive Director, Civil War Centennial Commission Introduction of guest speaker, William S. Paley, Chairman of the Board, Columbia Broadcasting System Address, Bruce Catton Reception in Bar Lounge

8~05

8:15

8:25 9:15

The Program Committee

THE CIVIL W AR ROUND TABLE OF THE DISTRIcr OF COLUMBIA

Vol. 8 No. 10

1 De cernbe r 1958

HEAR COLONEL JULIAN ON "THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN"

Place -­ Time -­ Hours -­ Speaker -­ Subject --

National Press Club Ballroom Tuesday Night, December 9 Cocktails 6 p. rn , : Dinner 7 p. m. ; Address 8 p. m , Col. Allen P. Julian of Atlanta, Ga. "The Atlanta Campaign. "

Colonel Allen P. Julian is a much-sought CWRT speaker. He is Nebraska born, Indiana educated, and Georgia accepted. Atlanta accepted him so graciously that he is Director of the Atlanta Historical Society. "Gone With the Wind" Margaret Mitchell once inscribed a book to "Colonel Allen P. Julian, commanding officer of the lone Fed­ eral post in Georgia." The Colonel is an authority on Civil War battles fought in the state, on Sherman, Joe Johnston and Hood.

* * * McCLELLAN GUILTY OF SNUBBING LINCOLN?

The Lincoln Group of the D. C. held a mock trial on Nov. 12 and found Union General George B. McClellan guilty. Says the Washington News: "Gen. U. S. Grant III sat as judge and Paul Gantt and Paul J. Sedgwick were the opposing counsel. Cash Keller was a McClellan witness. Trial was held in the former stable of the Cameron House next to the Madison house where the snubbing was placed by many. Among the jurors who are local Round Tablers were: Carlton J. Corliss, John Fenton, Ed Ga s s , Col. H. S. Merrick, Chief Robert Pearce, Dr. C. Percy Powell, and John Sanderson. The jury verdict: "McClellan did snub Lincoln in the Madison House." Which Madison House, despite the differences of opinion, was not given in the verdict.

* * * Member George Friend writes: "We have received the books: 'Battle of Ball's Bluff' by Gen. J. D. Patch, 'The Fredericksburg Campaign' by Stackpole, and "Chancellors­ ville' by Stackpole. We offer these at the usual 20% discount. II Friend's Book Shop is at 922 9th Street, N. W.

* * * COMING EVENTS IN 1958-59

Dec. 9 Jan. 13 Feb. 10

Col. Allen P. Julian on "The Atlanta Campaign. " Brig. Gen. Carl A. Baehr on "Artillery at Gettysburg." Rear Admiral John Heffernan on "The Capture of New Orleans. "

...

CENTENNIAL NIGHT PREMIERE

By Karl S. Betts, Director, Civil War Centennial Commission

One of the largest audiences in Washington Round Table history gathered at the National Press Club on Tuesday, November 11, for the first Centennial Night pro­ gram to be staged by the National Commission. A distinguished group of civic leaders, historians and many others of national prominence were in attendance.

Bruce Catton, our past president and editor of American Heritage; Conrad L. Wirth, director of the National Park Service, and William S. Paley, National Com­ mission member and chairman of the Board of the Columbia Broadcasting System, were the featured speakers on the program.

During the meeting, the long-awaited appointment of the District of Columbia Centennial Commission was announced by Commissioner Robert E. McLaughlin and included the names of a number of active members of the Washington Round Table. Paul J. Sedgwick was named Chairman. Associated with h i m.w i Il be Josh Billings, Colonel J. Gay Se abou r ne , Roger Robb and Judge Alexander Holtzoff. This Commission is regarded by the National Commission as possibly the rnost im­ portant group that will function during the Centennial years in view of the dramatic Civil War events which occurred in the Nation IS Capital. Mr. Sedgwick announced following the meeting that he would convene the Commission to launch a research program aimed at developing a chronology of these events.

In a poignantly phrased review of what were the gains and the losses for Ameri­ cans from the Civil War, Bruce Catton pointed to it as the grea test tragedy in the success story of America. "We conquered a continent, we defied the kings and the powers of Europe, we won our independence, we made democracy work when nobody believed that it could work, we became the richest and happiest people in all the world - - and deeply embedded in our unspoken faith is the belief that the future is very largely in our keeping. So, it is not all a tragic story. It has moments of trial, moments of doubt, moments of great sacrifice, but basically it is a story that leads toahappyending." Mr. Catton pointed to the fact that this great nation­ al tragedy has not left us depressed, disheartened or discouraged. Its final note is not one of despair. "It is wrong to say the Civil War divided this country," Mr. Catton declared. "The war came because the country was already divided; and actually, in a strange and mystic way, the Civil War united us -- unites us by the sharing of a great and unique experience. It has given to all of us, North and South together, a moving and an incomprehensible memory. "

William S. Paley introduced the speaker, William H. Schmidt, director of public relations, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; Dr. Bell 1. Wiley, noted historian; Vice Chairman William M. Tuck of the National Commission; Rear Admiral E. M. Eller, Director of Naval History and Dr. William E. Baringer, Director of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission were guests of the Civil War Round Table at the dinner.

(Cont. on page 3)

P. 3, V. 8, No. 10

(Cont. from page 2)

In explaining the long-range objectives of the Mission 66 program, Mr. Wirth announced that his department contemplates the expenditure of some $25,000,000 between now and 1965 to improve battlefield area facili ties. He expressed the con­ fident belief that the Centennial years would bring the greatest volume of tourists to Civil War areas in all their history. "Unhappily, the rapid advance of industrial and residential growth, particularly in recent years, is literally bulldozing under many a battlefield scene that once appeared serene and unthreatened," he rued. "It has been estimated that more countryside is being swallowed up at the amazing rate of some 3 ,000 acres every day." The speaker pointed to the encroachments on the battlefield at Antietam as an example of the trend in recent years.

President Se a bo u r n e recalled to the audience that the Centennial program was first initiated by the Washington Round Table in 1956 and its Centennial Committee sponsored the legislation which resulted in the establishment of a national Centen­ nial Commission. He pointed out that seven members of the Commission and staff hold membership in the Washington Round Table.

The evening was too short for Civil War buffs but it will be one of the longest remembered in Washington Round Table history.

* * * SIR STANLEY SPURLING ENJOYS CWRT VISIT HERE

Sir Stanley Spurling of St. George I s Bermuda, who addressed the CWRT on "Confederate Blockade Running in Bermuda" during the October program, writes of his visit and expresses his appreciation to the members who made his short stay a pleasant one.

His letter also gives an idea of the possible interest of an outsider in our na­ tion I s capital. Writes Sir Stanley to your program chairman:

"First I was met at the Airport by you and Capt. Beverly M. Coleman and taken to my hotel, where I was presented to your president, Col. J. Gay Sea bourne . From that minute I continued to receive the kindestand most generous entertain­ ment during my entire stay in Washington.

"I had the honour of attending a session of tha t a we -inspiring body, the Supreme Court of the U. S. of America, which I was hoping to see and did see in action. Then I had the pri vilege of addres sing your Ci v i l War Round Table of the District of Columbia and noted the substantial number of members who attended ....

"I had read many articles on the slow but steady work of building t ha t beautiful Washington Cathedral but admit I was amazed at its size and beauty. It truly is developing into one of the world I s great Cathedrals wi th beauty not excelled by any.

(Cont. on page 4)

(Cont. on page 5)

~ Cont. from page 3)

"Your Capitol and Congressional Library were visited for the first time and enjoyed and then the majestic Art Gallery presented by Andrew Mellon.

"I visited the Smithsonian Institution, saw the Wright Brother s plane and learnt something of the history of the Institution and its importance in preserving histori­ cal document and great inventions. I also learnt something about the fast sailing vessels of my own Island home, which I did not know before ••••

"I found Washington a city of many great buildings of beauty and dignity, re­ flecting the leadership in world affairs to which the United States of America has become heir. May the Almighty continue to guide and bless your nation. "

Sir Stanley is widely travelled and is familiar with cathedrals and capitols in Europe. The special committee which made Sir Stanley's stay a pleasant one were: Beverly M. Coleman, chairman, Richard Bales, Maj. Charles Coulter, V. C. (Pat) Jones, and Col. Robert S. Henry.

* * * WHAT THE CAVALRY HORSE CARRIED

Unfortunately, the Union Cavalry horse of early Ci vil War days left no memoirs. He wondered, in Ki p Iirig ' s phrase because he was "frequent deceased", or ended his career "I-C I d " (Inspected-Condemned) on account of a host of equine ailments largely acquired by being worn out in thoughtlessly conducted march, drill or pa­ trol. The successful cavalry raid may be a daring feat, the headlong charge through a hostile steel-tipped line a brilliant one-but most solid results are gained by ar­ riving there "firstest with the rn o s te s t " - with a force still capable of dealing a stunning blow.

Many a troop or squadron defea ted itself by marching too fast -- too far - or under too heavy a load. It is on the last of the three elements mentioned that we will dwell here.

Booted and Spurred under saucy forage cap or picturesque slouch hat - the cav­ alryman of the early civil war period wa s to his horse but a minor part of a size­ able pack load. Fairfax Downey s p e a k s of him in a recent issue of the Ordnance Magazine, as a "one man pack train and moving arsenal. II

The trooper carried a saber over 3 feet long in a metal scabbard; a carbine or rifle and a revolver; a box of cartridges and also one of percussion caps; a cloth­ covered canteen, a coffee cup, and a haversack for rations plus a few additional items now and then. He wore heavy clothing-frequently including a n o ve r co at , The combined weight of those items adds up to 50 pounds or more.

Strapped, tied or otherwise fastened to his saddle were the following: One­ sometimes two - revolvers in thick, heavy leather holsters; a pair of saddle bags carrying extra clothing; toilet articles and personal small belongings.

"Cavalry Tactics" version of 1841, re-published in 1865, prescribes the fol­ lowing for contents of the saddle-bags;pantaloons; shirts; shaving case;handker-

P. 5, V. 8, No. 10

(Cont. from page 4)

chiefs, gloves; socks; extra pair of boots; stable-jacket; and forage cap; a nose-bag maybe filled with feed; a heavy leather halter; an iron picket pin with a long lariat or rope for tethering the horse so he could gra_ze a bit; two horseshoes with extra nails, and a curry comb and brush.

Add to those items: a set of gun tools and cleaning materials; a rubber blanket or poncho; one - sometimes even two - woolen blankets; extra utensils; souvenirs; sometimes even an 8 lb. Armored Vest ••••

Downey in his comments says that the Union Trooper at this point resembled Alice in Wonderland's White Knight - lacking only a few such items as amouse-trap. candle-sticks and fire irons. It was a mystery just HOW the horseman attained the saddle - the more irreverent among Infantry men stoutly asserting that this could be accomplished only with the aid of a derrick ••••

Some Union and most Confederate cavalry - composed of experienced horse­ men - made few of this sort of blunders - and for a considerable period, such were able to outride and out maneuver their opponents. But those who had endured a cam­ paign or two and learned the lesson as only such experience can teach it -- this brought about a drastic overhaul of means and methods. In the spring of 1862 -63 the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac came into being, and by Brandy Station at the start of the Gettysburg campaign the results were beginning to show.

SHERIDAN'S HORSE AT SMITHSONIAN

"Rienzi" or "Winchester," veteran warhorse of 46 battles with Union General Philip Sheridan in the saddle, is on exhibit in the Hall of Military History, the U. S. National Museum, in Washington, D. C. His black coat, fading through the years, has been restored. "Winchester" was presented to Sheridan in Rienzi, Mi s s , , while the latter was Colonel of the Second Michigan Cavalry. Lieut, Gen. Phil Sheridan wrote the Smithsonian: "At the time he was given me, he was rising three years old, s o tha t he must have beenin his 20th year whenhe died, on Octo­ ber 2nd, 1878. He was an animal of great intelligence and of immense strength and endurance. He always held his head high, and by the quickness of his move­ ments gave persons the idea that he was exceedingly empetuous. This was not so, for I could at any time control him by firm hand and a few words, and he was as cool and quiet under fire as one of myoId soldiers .11 Lieutenant General Sheridan appended a list of battles in which he rode "Winchester" -- 46 from Perryville, Ky., to Appomattox, Va., including Stone's River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, the Wilderness, Yellow Tavern, Cedar Creek or Winchester which inspired the famous poem of "Sheridan's Ride, 11 and Five Forks.

* * * TAPS FOR DELL FLOYD. Writes Mrs. Milmae F. Gray: "Please remove the name of my father, Dell Floyd, from your list. He died September 17, 1958. Even though it was impossible for him to participate in activities during the later months of his life, he maintained an active interest in your fine organization, and he was very proud to have been a member. 11

* * *

.. .... "ME RR Y CHRISTMAS"

A. C. Gordon, "Hard Times in the Confederacy," Century Magazine, September, 1888.

At no season of the year did hard times draw so bitterly near the hearts of the adults as when the little homespun stockings hung about the chimney-place at Christmas, to await the coming of Santa Claus "through the lines". If he did not always bring bounteous profusion of gifts, the innocent fiction of his ha ving been robbed by the armies on his way from the country of sleds and reindeers found many ready little believers, who, taking it for truth, yet did not really know how much truth there was in it. To the younger children, who had no personal knowledge of the existence of many things that made the Christmas times so attractive to their elder brothers and sisters, the season was not so forlorn and pathetic as it often seemed to those who would ha ve done so much for them and yet could do so little. Nor did they comprehend, if perchance they ever saw, the tears that oftentimes crept into unwilling eyes at the severe leaness of the little Christmas stocking, and the poverty that constituted its chief ingredient.

There were few of the many thousands of children living in the South when the war ended who had ever seen, even in a store window, a lump of white sugar or a striped stick of peppermint candy.

For the young women of the South, full of vim and life, the period of the war was in many respects a happy one. The girls and their lovers danced, as the soldiers fought, with all their might, and enjoyed it while it lasted. But with them, as with their elders, sorrows crowded on each other I s heels, and the bride of yesterda y was often the widow of today.

Out of sight and hearing the hard times in the Confederacy have vanished. The recollections of them is attuned to melancholy; there is many a touch of bitter sorrow and of sharp regret in the strain; but the Yapse of years has softened the once familiar air until the minor notes of joy are eloquent a midst the chords of grief.

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The New York CWRT has inaugurated "The Civil War Book Swap," listing books to be swapped by members. Swapping or buying will be direct with individuals listed. If Washingtonians are interested, advise your Secretary •••••• The Kansas City CWRT held Centennial Night, November 25, with Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III as the principal speaker. Karl S. Betts, Director of the Civil War Centennial, and Dr. Bert Maybee, chairman of the Missouri Civil War Centennial and founder of the K.C. CWRT, like Grant and Betts, is a member of the D. C. CWRT •••.•• Cleveland will hear General Grant in December .••.•. St. Louis issued its first news letter, appropriately entitled "The Bushwhacker. "

* * * Carl A. Baehr