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Militia Muster This Saturday and Sunday.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:26:42 EST

I know that this week-end will be busy for many folks what with the Santa Train, Christmas Parades in the area and high school football play-offs in southwest Virginia but if you want to get in on some 1700's type history then Sycamore Shoals is a place worth checking out.

Before Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday, each colony or community observed a day of thanks usually after the harvest had been brought in. This Saturday and Sunday, November 21 & 22, will be a Militia Muster with the Washington County Militia and Colonial Harvest Celebration at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21st
10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors: Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the Militia starts off the day with a patriotic ceremony.
10:30 – Preparing for Winter: Join Captain Bogart and learn about food preservation in the 18th century.
11:00 – Fire Starting: Join Mr. Penland at the Tavern to witness this everyday yet crucial Backwoods task.
1:00 – Harvest Home: Visit with colonial frontier families as they share the bounty of the harvest. Learn about food preparation on the Colonial Frontier.
3:00 – Militia Drill: View the County Militia as they train and prepare for military action.
4:30 – Camps Close

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd
10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors: Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the Militia starts off the day with a patriotic ceremony.
11:00 – Worship Service: Feel free to join the militia for Sunday morning service held in the courtyard of Fort Watauga. In the event of inclement weather services will be held inside the Talbot House.
12:00 – Preparing for Winter: Join Captain Bogart and learn about food preservation in the 18th century.
2:00 – Militia Drill: View the County Militia as they train and prepare for military action.
3:00 – Camps Close

On going Activities Include Colonial Blacksmithing, Food Preservation, Open Hearth Cooking, Hand Sewing 18th Century Farming Display, Flint & Steel Firestarting, Candle Making, Loom Weaving, Flintlock Rifle & Musket Demonstrations, Daily Frontier Life. The event is sponsored by the Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia.

Civil War Books-On-Demand.

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:06:52 EST

Print-on-demand book and books on CD may be a blessing for folks interested in Civil War history because it makes once out of print books available again. The text, graphics and photographs are stored on computer and when someone orders a book it can be printed or burned to disk with a few mouse clicks.

I got into this while searching for the book "The Old Nineteenth Tennessee Regiment, C. S. A., June, 1861 to April, 1865" by W. J. Worsham on eBay. I found it in a searchable CD format for $9.99 and $2.50 shipping.

While a searchable CD would be handy, I'm old school and like books. So I went to the Advanced Book Exchange online service which list book sellers around the world and is a good place to find those hard to find books.

The first place that came up on ABE offered a print-on-demand copy of the "Old Nineteenth Tennessee". Paperback Shop-US in Elk Grove Village, IL, can have a copy to you from their U.S. warehouse in 10-14 days for $29.43 and $3.99 shipping.

I was interested to find that there are four places in England offering the book for $32-$52 and one place in Australia selling the book for $54. All these were either print on demand or a 2008 printing by Oswald Press.

Things became very interesting when I looked for earlier printings. Surprise, there is a copy for sale at Moody Books, Inc. in Johnson City Tennessee. It is a copy of the 1973 limited edition reprint by Tony Marion of Blountville. It's number 290 of the 300 printed and it is priced at $95.00.

Then I struck pay dirt. Not one but TWO original 1902 copies for sale. And when I say pay dirt I mean that I would have to sale every thing I have down to the dirt my home stands on to get them.

Both books are located at G.S. MacManus Co., in Bryn Mawr, PA. One, listed as "Cloth lightly soiled and worn, bearing light abrasion from removal of library label at foot of spine. Overall very good", is listed at $1485.00 while the second listed as "Orig. cloth. Light scattered foxing, else a near fine copy" sales for $1650.00. Oh, I almost forgot, there is a $5 shipping charge.

Owning an original would be nice but I think I may pick-up the CD for work and research and a print-on-demand copy for pleasure reading.

VIDEO 2 Skirmish at Zollicoffer the Action!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:47:30 EST

Saturday I posted a Zollicoffer video asking the question "Why do you reenact". Today I am posting the Zollicoffer action video with all the riding, shooting and marching and to all that took part I say job well done. So microwave the popcorn and get ready to enjoy Skirmish at Zollicoffer 2009.

"Veterans Day" events in Kingsport and Rogersville.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:20:01 EST

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 is when World War One, the first war to end all wars, ended. Today that day is set aside to honor our veterans who served our country and help to preserve our way of life.

On Wednesday, November 11, Hammond Post No. 3 of The American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 979 will be honoring all veterans at a special "Veterans Day" ceremony which will be held at the new Veterans Memorial on Fort Henry Drive at 11 am.

The Veterans Day program in Rogersville, also Wednesday, begins at 11 a.m. in front of the Hawkins County Courthouse. The keynote speaker will be U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, an Army veteran who served with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. A flyover is scheduled during the ceremony by the Air Refueling Wing of Tennessee Air National Guard out of McGee-Tyson Air Base. Colors will be presented by Cherokee and Volunteer high school Navy JROTC students.

The Holston Valley Medical Center Spiritual Care Department will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 2 p.m. Wednesday. "Flowers of Gratitude" representing veterans will beautify HVMC's lobby through Friday. A card of dedication will be displayed alongside each flower.

So remember to fly the flag Wednesday, if the weather is not too bad unless you have an all weather flag, and thank a veteran.

Video: Zollicoffer 2009-Why Do You Reenact?

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 20:42:59 EST

Zollicoffer 2009 was a great event except for one unlucky cavalry trooper that took an ugly tumble but I think he was ok. At least he walked away.

Thank you to all the people that put up with me asking questions for the video and I must say this was a great group of reenactors assembled in Bluff City for the event. One would think that they had been in front of cameras before with the wonderful answers they gave.

Well, while I look for the next reenactment and work on the copy for the next post, you grab the popcorn and enjoy this video blog installment from Zollicoffer.

Skirmish at Zollicoffer this Weekend!

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:26:10 EST

5th Annual Skirmish at Zollicoffer will be this weekend, November 7-8, 1/4 mile from Bluff City Middle School on Old Elizabethton Road. This is Sullivan County's biggest Civil War event and was featured in the opening of the movie "Freedom" a couple of years ago.

Hosted by 61st TN Company K Infantry CSA, reenacting group and the James Keeling Camp 52 out of Bristol TN, there will be battles Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm both days with artillery, cavalry, infantry and medical demonstrations through out the day.

The weather looks to be great this weekend and admission is only $5.00 per person, with children under 12 free so get there early and look around.

I don't know if they have been filled but there are bounties for the event.

For Each Union Infantry Company that Fields 10 musket bearing soldiers, and fights both days, a $50.00 bounty will be paid. Union Infantry companies may combine to qualify for the bounty. How you spit it is up to you.

For each mounted cavalryman that fights both days, a $10.00 bounty will be paid. Cavalry is capped at a maximum of 30 troopers. All cavalry troopers must be willing to galvanize.

The first 4 full-scale & fully manned cannons that register and fight both days will be paid a $100.00 bounty. We would like at least 2 full scale Mountain Howitzers. All artillery soldiers must be willing to galvanize.

As noted above, Cavalry and Artillery crews must prepare to galvanize. Each Artillery piece must be adequately manned so it is functional for both days' battles. Skirmish at Zollicoffer reserves the right to issue additional bounties beyond those listed above.

TN's Alexander, Gordon and VA's Webb play key role in Civil War Preservation.

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 03:27:21 EST

With the telegraph lines now repaired I received this wire from the fine folks at the Civil War Preservation Trust about legislative action in Washington D.C. involving legislators from both Tennessee and Virginia. Also don't forget the "Skirmish at Zollicoffer" this weekend, Nov 7-8, in Bluff City.

The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) today applauded members of the U.S. House and Senate for including the largest ever single-year allocation for the federal Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Interior Appropriations Act Conference Report (H Rept 111-316).

The conference report, scheduled for a final vote in both chambers later this week, includes $9 million for the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program, a mechanism that utilizes government matching grants and private funds to permanently protect historic Civil War battlefields throughout the nation.

"This is tremendous news that could not come at a more critical time," said CWPT President James Lighthizer. Each day 30 acres of hallowed Civil War battlefield ground are paved over and lost forever. This money will allow us to preserve historic land that would otherwise be lost to development and urban sprawl."

The Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program targets priority unprotected Civil War sites outside National Park Service boundaries. The program's matching grants formula encourages state and private sector investment in historic land preservation. For example, in 2008 the Virginia General Assembly set aside $5.2 million to match federal Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program monies. Grants from the program are competitively awarded by the American Battlefield Protection Program, an arm of the National Park Service.

Since its creation in 1999, the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program has been used to protect more than 15,000 acres of hallowed ground at 60 battlefields in 14 states. Among the sites saved as a result of this program are historic properties at Antietam and South Mountain, Md.; Champion Hill, Miss.; Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, and Manassas, Va.; Chattanooga and Fort Donelson, Tenn.; and Harpers Ferry, W.Va. The program is funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Although numerous members of the House and Senate have played important roles in ensuring the program's continued success, the following individuals were pivotal in securing this year's unprecedented federal commitment to battlefield preservation: Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Norm Dicks (D-WA); Senators Jim Webb (D-VA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Jeff Sessions (R-AL); and Congressmen, Bart Gordon (D-TN), Steve Israel (D-NY), Gary Miller (R-CA) and C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD). In addition, 16 Senators and 29 Member of Congress signed letters of support for the program earlier this year.

"It is welcome news that our $9 million funding request for battlefield preservation was accepted in the Interior Appropriations bill," said Senator Webb. "As America prepares for the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Civil War, it is more important than ever that we preserve these landmarks for future generations to learn about the history of our nation."

Senator Alexander concurred, saying, "The Civil War was a heartbreaking time in our history that we should never forget. Protecting our Civil War battlefields and historic sites is important both to honor the thousands who fought and to allow future generations to learn their heritage by visiting sites like Shiloh, Lookout Mountain, Fort Donelson and Parker's Crossroads. I'm glad to see that this funding was included to support this important program."

This vision was also shared by Congressman Miller, who first introduced legislation authorizing the program in 2002. Miller noted, "I have been a long time advocate for preservation of our nation's historic battlefields. These battlefields offer a porthole to the past. The vivid imagery of an epic conflict can remind visitors of the struggles our country has gone through to preserve the banner of liberty and justice for all."

Like Senator Webb, Lighthizer also stressed that the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War presents an ideal time to redouble efforts to protect this hallowed ground. "I can think of no more fitting - and lasting - tribute during this sesquicentennial commemoration than to preserve the places where these brave soldiers fought and bled."

The Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program was reauthorized in March 2009 as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (PL 111-11). The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Senators Webb and Sessions and in the House by Congressmen Miller, Israel and Gordon, reauthorized the program for $10 million a year for five years. The popular bill enjoyed considerable bipartisan support, earning 33 cosponsors in the Senate and 108 cosponsors in the House.

Terrorist or Hero?

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:10:45 EDT

VERSION ONE: Nineteen terrorist make their way through the darkness on a rainy night. Their objective is to seize a government arsenal. Their leader is a religious zealot who a couple of years earlier murdered five political rivals by hacking their bodies apart with a sword.

The raid starts with the terrorist capturing bridges and railroad near the arsenal and cutting communications, killing an innocent civilian in the process. Then they move to take hostages, including the relative of an ex-president, and capture the arsenal. Fortunately a squad of Marines arrives and put an end to the attack killing several of the terrorist. The leader is tried and executed for his crimes.

VERSION TWO: Nineteen freedom fighters brave the darkness on a rainy night. Their objective is to acquire needed weapons for their cause from a government arsenal. Their leader is a Christian man who religious beliefs have led him to fight to free those in bondage.

The freedom fighters cross the bridge into town, leaving two there as guards, and make their way toward the arsenal. In the confusion of the darkness an innocent civilian is accidentally shot and a few people are inconvenienced for a while as hostages. The local citizens rise up and kill some of the freedom fighters, taking potshots at their bodies floating in the near-by river, before a squad of Marines arrives to restore order. The leader is tried and quickly hanged for his crime.

The same story told two different ways. But no matter which way you tell it, 150 years ago this month John Brown raided the United States arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an effort to arm slaves and start and uprising.

While the raid failed, killing a free black when it started and being ended 36 hours after it started by a detachment of Marines under the command of the Colonel Robert E. Lee, it is seen by many as the spark that ignited the Civil War. Many in the North compared Brown to George Washington and even Jesus while people in the South saw it another way.

Virginia House of Delegates member James L. Kemper said after the raid "All Virginia stand forth as one man and say to fanaticism, whenever you advance a hostile foot upon our soil, we will welcome you with bloody hands and hospitable graves."

Kemper would be seriously wounded on the third day of the battle of Gettysburg as a brigadier general leading a brigade during Pickett's charge.

Red Skelton and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:12:41 EDT

My step sister Angie in Kentucky sent me this video clip of Red Skelton and the Pledge of Allegiance. It brought back memories of sitting on the floor of my grandparent's house on their farm where I grew up and laughing at the antics of America's clown. Skelton once performed at the United Nations and I have a DVD of that.

This clip also reminded me of when I was in second grade at Lamar School and we said the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. We took it serious and I brought my own flag to school for the class to use. I wonder if anybody goes to the trouble to teach and explain the Pledge of Allegiance the way Red Skelton does in this video, or would it be too offensive for some in this age of the easily offended.

Anyway here is the clip and I hope you enjoy it and it brings back good memories for you like it did for me. And thanks Angie for sending it.

Bounties for Zollicoffer, Nov 6-8

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:36:43 EDT

While the telegraph line between Zollicoffer and their web site is still cut (must be Union Calvary raiding the area) the line between Zollicoffer and Hardtack and Hard Times is up and running with news of bounties for the November 6-8 event.

According to the folks at Zollicoffer the bounties are as follows.

INFANTRY-For Each Union Infantry Company that Fields 10 musket bearing soldiers, and fights both days, a $50.00 bounty will be paid. Union Infantry companies may combine to qualify for the bounty. How you spit it is up to you.

CAVALRY-For each mounted cavalryman that fights both days, a $10.00 bounty will be paid. Cavalry is capped at a maximum of 30 troopers. All cavalry troopers must be willing to galvanize.

ARTILLERY-The first 4 full-scale & fully manned cannons that register and fight both days will be paid a $100.00 bounty. We would like at least 2 full scale Mountain Howitzers. All artillery soldiers must be willing to galvanize.

THE FINE PRINT-As noted above, Cavalry and Artillery crews must prepare to galvanize. Each Artillery piece must be adequately manned so it is functional for both days' battles. Skirmish at Zollicoffer reserves the right to issue additional bounties beyond those listed above.

So put on the blue suit, saddle the horses or limber the cannons and head to Bluff City Tennessee November 6-8 for the Skirmish at Zollicoffer.

Patrick Henry to Speak at Rocky Mount.

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 21:29:39 EDT

I just got this off the telegraph lines that Historic Rocky Mount plans to honor Patrick Henry on Oct. 29

In March of 1775, the Second Virginia Convention met outside of the capital of Williamsburg to discuss whether or not Virginia should call for a militia for its defense. Many delegates supported a mild approach, of waiting, not wanting to infuriate Great Britain. Patrick Henry rose and gave his famous speech ending in, "I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Patrick Henry's speech is credited with swaying the Virginia House of Burgess to raise troops for the upcoming American Revolution.

On October 29, 2009 Rocky Mount will present "Patrick Henry: Voice of Liberty!", featuring Mr. Ron Smith who will portray Patrick Henry. Mr. Smith will bring to life this famous speech and give insight to the life of Patrick Henry and the events leading to the meeting of the Second Virginia Convention. The presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. preceded by hors d'oeuvres and greeting at 6:30 p.m. This event is part of Rocky Mount's 2009 Fund-raising Campaign.

For further information, contact Rocky Mount Living History Museum at (888) 538-1791 (toll free), or local residents may call (423) 538-7396.

Civil War Classic Revised

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 01:03:37 EDT

The book Co. "Aytch" First Tennessee Regiment or a Side Show of the Big Show written by Sam Watkins is a Civil War classic that is recommended or even required reading in many college history classes and was used heavily by Ken Burns in his Civil War series on PBS.

The book published in 1882 gives a first hand account about the time Watkins served in the Confederate Army of Tennessee and has now been revised and expanded by, are you ready for this, Sam Watkins himself!

A few years after the first printing (1,500) of Co. "Aytch" sold out and parts were used in publications across the nation Watkins was urged to produce a second, expanded, edition.

It seems that when Watkins was working on refining his first edition he ran into a problem with the cost of type setting. (Remember that type was set by hand in those days a letter at a time and there was a charge for the men that "set" each letter into place for printing.) To get around this cost he cut out some of what he wanted to say. It would still cost him $500 to get that second edition out. A lot of money in those days.

Sadly the revised edition 2nd printing never happened as Watkins died in 1901. His first edition book with all of his additions and corrections was passed down the generations of the family and remained lost in boxes of Watkins' belongings stored away.

In the year 2000 that book with the notes for the second edition was found and in 2007 the second edition of Co. "Aytch" was published by Providence House Publishers in Franklin, Tennessee.

The folks at Providence House did an interesting thing in order to preserve the integrity of the book while insuring that all of Watkins additions are there. The original text of the 1882 edition is in plain type while parts that Watkins added are in bold type. Parts of the original text that Watkins suggested deleting are in Italic type inside brackets while additions that he later omitted are in bold type inside brackets.

In addition the publishers took advantage of the massive amount of Civil War photographs available today and illustrated the book with relevant photos of Watkins and the men he served with in the war.

Co. "Aytch" is still the Civil War classic in which Sam Watkins "doesn't tell you everything that happened, just what he could see being a private soldier in the line."

Overmountain Victory Trail This Thursday Through Sunday!

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:17:43 EDT

On October 7, 1780 a group of men from current day N. E. Tennessee and S.W. Virginia, know as the Overmountain men changed the course of the American Revolution with a victory at the battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina.

Every year their march, the route they took and their gathering at Sycamore Shoals on September 25, 1780 is remembered with the Overmountain Victory Trail which will pass through our area this week.

The Overmountain Victory Trail will host an exciting educational event that will take place on Thurs., Sept. 24 from 10am to 2pm at the Bluff City Middle School. The purpose of this event is to educate and promote the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail - specifically the story of the Overmountain men who led the military campaign and defeated Ferguson's army at the Battle of King's Mountain during the Revolutionary War.

Participants will include Bluff City Middle School students and teachers, Mary Hughes Middle School students and teachers, parents, volunteers, city officials, sponsors, OVTA, NPS, county officials, demonstrators, story-tellers and media.

On Friday, September 25, The Overmountain Victory Trail Crossing will recreate the September 25, 1780 gathered at Sycamore Shoals on their march to victory at King's Mountain. Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association have recreated this historic journey since 1975, following the same route and timetable as their legendary forebears. Marchers will cross the Watauga River at the Sycamore Shoals, as the frontiersmen would have done 229 years ago. Approximate time of crossing the river is 12:30 – 1:30 pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, join the Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration as a host of frontiersmen gather at the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga. Their mission is to form an army and launch an attack against a British-led force that had threatened their lands and homes. Re-enactors in period clothing will be on hand throughout the weekend to share stories of the excitement and danger of that tumultuous time.

MILITIA MUSTER SCHEDULE FORT WATAUGA: SEPTEMBER 26 – 27, 2009

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th

10:00 – Militia Inspection & Raising the Colors - Witness the Washington County Militia fall in for inspection of arms. Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the flag is hoisted for the day.

11:00 – Kids Militia - Attention! Boys and girls needed to come to the fort and join the County Kids Militia! Meet Captain Bogart in the fort and learn how to march and drill just like the soldiers in the militia.

12:00 – Baking in the Bread Oven - Join Miss Ramona at the Talbot House for a look at the art of baking on the colonial frontier. See the bread oven in action.

1:00 – Guilford Courthouse Fifes & Drums - Come to the fort and hear the signature sound of 18th century America. You don't have to be a music lover or a history buff to enjoy the unique and distinctive sounds of a fife and drum corps. Let the Guilford Courthouse Fifes and Drums stir your patriotism!

2:00 – Organizing the Patrol - On September 26th 1780, over 800 backwoods militiamen departed from Sycamore Shoals in search of British Colonel Patrick Ferguson and his loyalist army. Those drafted to stay behind were faced with the difficult task of protecting the settlements from attack by hostile Indians and Tories. Come be a part of this dangerous time as those left behind make plans to patrol the area and, if need be, defend hearth and home.

3:00 – Foods on the Campaign Trail - Join Mr. Reece as he explains and displays the types of victuals carried by the Overmountain militia on the campaign trail. Learn about making jerky, parched corn, and other portable provisions.

3:30 – Guilford Courthouse Fifes & Drums - Enjoy another delightful set of revolutionary tunes performed by the Guilford Courthouse Fifes and Drums.

4:30 – Camps Close to the Public - Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of life on the colonial frontier!

Saturday Night at Fort Watauga Lanternlight Tours at 8:00, 8:20, 8:40, 9:00 (by reservation only) Take part in the story of Sycamore Shoals… Join us for an interactive adventure tour of Fort Watauga and the surrounding forest, set in the dark and uncertain years of the Revolutionary War. Reenactors in period clothing will portray a variety of characters, from fighters and hunters to spies and thieves. Space is limited on each tour, so you must have a reservation to attend! All ages are welcome to participate. To sign up for a tour, call the park at (423) 543-5808.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th.

10:00 – Militia Inspection & Raising the Colors - Witness the Washington County Militia fall in for inspection of arms, and hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the flag is hoisted for the day.

11:00 – Worship Service - Feel free to join the militia for Sunday morning service held in the courtyard of Fort Watauga. In the event of inclement weather services will be held inside the Talbot House.

1:00 – Foods on the Campaign Trail - Join Mr. Reece as he explains and displays the types of victuals carried by the Overmountain militia on the campaign trail. Learn about making jerky, parched corn, and other portable provisions.

2:00 – Organizing the Patrol - On September 26th 1780, over 800 backwoods militiamen departed from Sycamore Shoals in search of British Colonel Patrick Ferguson and his loyalist army. Those drafted to stay behind were faced with the difficult task of protecting the settlements from attack by hostile Indians and Tories. Come be a part of this dangerous time as those left behind make plans to patrol the area and, if need be, defend hearth and home.

ONGOING ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH DAYS INCLUDE: Open Hearth Cooking – Flintlock Musket & Rifle Demonstrations – Children's Recruiting Station – Militia Drill-Colonial Music – 18th Century Camp Life.

Three Cigars Change History.

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:49:33 EDT

The 13th of September is a day that should remind folks that smoking is bad for your health. It was on this day in 1862 the a couple of soldiers from company F of the 27th Indiana found Gen. Lee's Special Order No. 191 that set the stage for the bloodiest day in the Civil War.

Sergeant John Bloss and Corporal Barton Mitchell were looking around an area formerly used as a Confederate camp when Corporal Mitchell spotted three cigars wrapped in paper. That paper was a copy of Special Order No.191, Headquarter, Army of Northern Virginia address to General D. H. Hill.

The found orders were quickly turned over and made their way up the chain of command to Gen. McClellan giving him the location, direction of march and objectives of Gen. Lee's entire army. "Here is a paper with which if I cannot whip 'Bobbie Lee' I will be willing to go home" McClellan said. He then telegraphed President Lincoln "I have all the plans of the rebels and will catch them in their own trap. Will send you trophies."

McClellan, although having the advantage, is too slow to act and Gen. Lee pulled his forces together and the two armies meet at Antietam. There were no trophies, there were however almost 4,000 dead and 18,000 wounded.

Although the battle was tactically a draw, it was declared a Union victory because Lee's advance into Maryland was stopped. Lincoln used this to issues the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln also later relived McClellan of command of the army for failing to follow up with another attack on Lee before he crossed the Potomac.

All because of three cigars wrapped in paper found on the ground on this date in history.

Unmounted Mounteds and Jerkers Watch the Home Front.

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 02:15:46 EDT

While the bulk of the men folk were away fighting during the Civil War a few remained behind to guard the home front forming "Local Defense Troops" better known to many of us as "Home Guard". While looking for information on the Battle of Kingsport I stumbled across some information on those left behind to watch the homes of those who went off to fight.

Sullivan County, being the heart of the Confederacy here in East Tennessee, seems to have had at least eight companies of Local Defense Troops.

Companies "A" and "B" were organized for the processing and guarding conscripts in the East Tennessee region. In other words making sure the new recruits didn't wonder off before they got where they needed to be. They were also detailed as laborers in the service of the Niter and Mining Bureau.

The other six companies in Sullivan County were to watch over things in the county. Some of these six had names such as the First Company known as "The Jackson Home Guards", the Fourth Company known as "The Zollicoffer Mounted Rifles" which were never mounted and served as infantry, and the Sixth Company known as "The Harris Guards" who came from the Double Springs area of Sullivan County.

Washington County had at least two small companies of Home Guard. Both of them were organized in June of 1863 in Jonesborough with one company going by the name "The Young Rebels of Jonesborough". Wonder what the folks in Jonesborough today would think about that?

Hawkins County had only one company of Home Guard that I could find and that was organized in June 1863 under the command of Captain Jacob Miller. One thing I can say about Hawkins County Home Guard is I think they had the best nickname – "The Beech Creek Jerkers".

If you deserted from the army they jerked you up and drug you back.

New Civil War Event in Elizabethton.

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:30:58 EDT

The Civil War is coming to the historic Carter Mansion in Elizabethton with a Civil War Camp on Friday and Saturday, September 4-5, from 10 – 4 each day.

Come join both Union and Confederate soldiers at the Carter Mansion for this first ever, two-day event. The highlight of the event will include demonstrations of a Civil War cannon. Come by and sample the soldier's food rations including hard tack, salt pork and coffee. Kids are invited to participate on Saturday for a good old fashioned rubber-band musket shoot and receive a special prize for attending. J.C. Davis and Chad Bogart will discuss medical practices and John Large and Jason Davis will give a tour of the Carter Mansion.

It will be interesting to see how this event goes given the history of Carter County in the Civil War.

The county voted 94 percent AGAINST secession and sent five delegates to the Knoxville and Greeneville conventions to promote support for remaining with the Union. One of these delegates was James P. T. Carter, grandson of John Carter, who would be a colonel in the Union army in command of troops from East Tennessee.

Records show that on the Union side Carter County had troops in the 8th TN Cavalry Regiment, companies C and E. The 13th TN Cavalry Regiment, companies A, B, C, F, G, H, L and M. The 2nd Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 4th Tennessee Infantry Regiment and the 8th Tennessee Infantry Regiment. While on the Confederate side there were troops from Carter County in the 1st Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, company M, and the 59th Infantry Regiment, company C.

Event Schedule

Friday, September 4th

10:00 – Camp opens
11:00 – Cannon and Musket Shooting Demonstration – Come hear the roar of the cannon and muskets during this exciting demonstration!
12:00 – Forage Stew and Old Time Tunes – Sample a taste of backwoods stew and relax with a little traditional mountain tune pickin'.
1:00 – Carter Mansion Tour – Join John Large and Jason Davis for a guided tour of Tennessee's oldest frame house. Here about the last generation of Carters to live there and about the Civil War history surrounding the house.
2:00 – Civil War Medicine – Join J.C. Davis and Chad Bogart and discover the medical practices of a military camp and mountain remedies used during the War Between the States.
3:00 – Cannon and Musket Shooting Demonstration
4:00 – Camp closes – Join us tomorrow for another day of Civil War Excitement!

Saturday, September 5th
10:00 – Camp opens
11:00 – Cannon and Musket Shooting Demonstration – Come hear the roar of the cannon and muskets during this exciting demonstration!
11:30 – Kid's Rubber Band Musket Shoot! – Kids, Join this friendly competition and see who the best shot in the South is! Special prize for attending!
12:00 – Forage Stew and Old Time Tunes – Sample a taste of backwoods stew and relax with a little traditional mountain tune pickin'.
1:00 - Cannon and Musket Shooting Demonstration – Come hear the roar of the cannon and muskets during this exciting demonstration!
1:30 - Civil War Medicine – Join J.C. Davis and Chad Bogart and discover the medical practices of a military camp and mountain remedies used during the War Between the States.
2:00 -Carter Mansion Tour – Join John Large and Jason Davis for a guided tour of Tennessee's oldest frame house. Here about the last generation of Carters to live there and about the Civil War history surrounding the house.
3:00 – Cannon and Musket Shooting Demonstration
4:00 – Camp closes

The Carter Mansion is located on the Broad Street Extension in Elizabethton, TN. For further questions or directions to the Carter Mansion, contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 1651 West Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN 37643, (423) 543-5808.

Muster Roll Tells Sad Story.

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:32:58 EDT

Reading the History of the 2nd Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regiment one of the things that strikes you is the sad story told by the muster rolls of what happened to the soldiers after the battle of Rogersville.

To bring some folks up to speed, On November 6, 1863, The 2nd Tennessee Infantry (which included soldiers from Hawkins County), The 7th Ohio Cavalry and Phillips' Battery (2nd Illinois Battery) were camped in Rogersville when they were attacked by General "Grumble" Jones Confederate Cavalry. At the time of the attack Maj. Daniel A. Carpenter was in command of the 2nd Tennessee and Col. Israel Garrard of the 7th Ohio Cavalry was in overall command.

"Grumble's" command was divided and attacked from front and rear at the same time. Col. Garrard ordered Maj. Carpenter to send 50 men to support the Illinois Battery and to hold his position at all hazard while he, Garrard, rallied his force and meet the enemy coming from the other direction. Garrard never met the enemy.

Garrard and the 7th Ohio Cavalry abandon the field, swam the Holston River and fled to Morristown leaving the 2nd Tennessee Infantry and Phillips' Battery on their own. They fought bravely but were greatly out numbered by the Rebels and were quickly surrounded. They surrendered when the ammunition ran out and all hope was gone.

While the battle was bad for the 2nd Tennessee Infantry, what happened to the soldiers after the battle was truly tragic. I'll let the muster roll tell the story.

Adkins, John R.; captured at Rogersville 6 Nov. 1863 died Andersonville Prison 26 July 1864.

Adkins, Levi M.; captured at Rogersville 6 Nov. 1863 died Andersonville Prison 27 Sept. 1864 Grave #9919

Allen, John W.; captured at Rogersville 6 Nov. 1863 died Richmond as prisoner of war 7 March 1864.

Amos, Thomas G.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of dysentery 10 My 1864 Grave #987

Andrews, James; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of diarrhea 29 Jun 1864 Grave # 2601

Ashley, Josiah; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died in U.S. hospital 10 Dec 1864 of Scorbutus buried Ash Grove Cemetery Maryland Grave #1098

Bailey, James M.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Richmond of diarrhea 13 Feb 1864.

Barnard, William J.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Richmond 18 Feb 1864.

Barnard, William N.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of diarrhea 20 May 1864 Grave #1244.

Barger, Wiley M.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of diarrhea 15 June 1864.

Barger, William H.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of diarrhea 16 Jun 1864.

Barnett, John N.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Belle Isle Prison Richmond 9 Jan 1864.

Baty, Thomas C.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of diarrhea 9 May 1864 Grave #1137

Bayless, Reese; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of diarrhea 19 Aug 1864.

Beason, Benjamin; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of pneumonia 17 Apr 1864 Grave #585.

Beaty, Andrew J.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of pneumonia 15 Feb 1864.

Beaty, James M.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Richmond of diarrhea 22 Mar 1864.

Beaty, William H.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of dysentery 24 Apr 1864.

Blackburn, Rufus M.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Richmond cause not noted 11 Dec 1864.

Blalock, Hubbard; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Andersonville Prison of abscess 11 July 1864 Grave #3176.

Bowls, John C.; captured Rogersville 6 Nov 1863 died Richmond of diarrhea 11 Jan 1864.

I stop here midway through the B's because the list is so long and sad. Of the approximately 800 men of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry taken prisoner at the Battle of Rogersville I count roughly 374 died of disease, mostly diarrhea, while a prisoner of war. I only counted five killed in battle.

One Ran, One Hung and One Shot!

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:37:08 EDT

I've been collecting regimental histories lately and I've picked up two more in the past few days. The Fourth Tennessee Cavalry Regiment C.S.A. and the 2nd Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regiment U.S.A.

In these histories are the muster rolls, a listing of the men who fought for these regiments and a record of what they did. You can find interesting stories in the muster rolls like these three that I found in the 2nd Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regiment U.S.A.

The first listing that caught my eye was that of Jordan Masengale. That's the way the name is spelled on the roll.

Masengale was a private in Company G who volunteered at the age of 35 on December 5, 1861. Masengale then deserted in May through August of 1862 then came back only to be declared absent without leave from Septemeber14, 1862 to Jun 1, 1863. Masengale seems to have been given a break when he was restored to duty by General Carter without trial but then he deserted at Knoxville on Nov 3, 1864. Records showed that General Carter at that time gave Masengale a dishonorable discharge from the army but the War Department noted in 1889 that the General's action was erroneous and permanently listed Jordan Masengale a deserter.

You have to wonder why the general gave this man so many breaks when many deserters were shot. I guess that part of the story is lost to time.

The second listing that caught my eye because it was so short was that of Private Christopher A. Haun of Company F. The listing is one line that reads "joined December 1861, hanged by rebels 11 December 1861."

The third listing caught my eye because the soldier was killed in Blountville.

Second lieutenant Charles O. McBee was killed in action at Blountville of a gunshot wound in the face; Surgeon's report stated "wounded 14 Oct 1863- rifle ball penetrated a board in a fence behind which he was partially concealed. He bled profusely, was taken to a field hospital where he was conscious and expressed fears of the extent of his danger – vomited a substance which resembled blood- no evidence of pain- he became comatose and expired on the 15th."

Reading that last listing I get the feeling that a rebel soldier took careful aim at lieutenant McBee. I wonder if the shooter was local and is related to anyone in the Sullivan County area today?

Kingsport's Christian Soldier.

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:53:21 EDT

During the Civil War many a man of the cloth buckled on a sword. In Kingsport it is the amazing story of Rev. /Capt. J. W. Bachman who took on the role of preacher-soldier and braved death during the war and afterwards.

Jonathan Waverly Bachman was born in 1837 at "Roseland", his father's home just outside of Kingsport. Today "Roseland" can be seen at the Exchange Place historic site on Orebank Road.

Bachman was at Union Theological Seminary in New York when the war broke out and volunteered as a private in the 19th Tennessee C.S.A. by telegraph, not even waiting to get home. Once home he was promoted to an assistant of Col. D. F. Cocke, commissary department of the Provisional Army of Tennessee and made a lieutenant.

In the early spring of 1861 Bachman was licensed to preach at the old Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, near Bristol, and did so while wearing his lieutenant's uniform.

Bachman was soon detailed to special service in Virginia and served with both Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson having personal orders from each general. He was with General Lee at Sewall Mountain and with General Jackson on the Romney campaign where he suffered from exposure after going three weeks in the cold without a tent.

In 1862 he returned to Sullivan County and assisted in raising the 60th Tennessee and was made a captain of Company G by Colonel Crawford commanding. The regiment was sent to Mississippi as part of Gen. J. C. Vaughn's brigade, which engaged in operations before Vicksburg, and then Bachman took command of the regiment and joined Gen. Pemberton in the defense of Vicksburg from May 23 to July 4, 1863.

Bachman commanded the regiment through out the siege of Vicksburg and was stationed on the extreme left of the line fronting the Mississippi River near the big gun nick-named "Whistling Dick" which sunk the Union ship Cincinnati.

When called into a council of war by General Pemberton, Bachman voted that they should cut their way out through the enemy rather than surrender. In the end the Confederates defending Vicksburg surrendered and Bachman was paroled on July 8 and waited to be exchanged at Demopolis, Ala.

In one of the more colorful moments of the war Bachman got married as a prisoner of war while waiting to be exchanged. In his Confederate uniform Capt. Jonathan Bachman married Miss Evalina Dulaney of Sullivan County between the picket lines. That must have been a nice break for soldiers on both sides and you can imagine the jokes. Trading one prison sentence for another.

When Bachman was finally exchanged he returned home and resumed command of the regiment and saw plenty of action in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. He was appointed chaplain in December of 1864 but retained command at the request of General Breckinridge until a pending battle was over. During the fight Captain Bachman's horse was shot out from under him and after that he urged his chaplain commission be issued, saying the time might be short either to preach or to fight.

Capt. Bachman continued in the service till the end of the war. He learned of General Lee's surrender while leading his command at Mount Airy, N.C. trying to join up with Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.

After the war Bachman began preaching in Hawkins County but he later moved and began preaching in Chattanooga.

According to published reports, during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878 most of the ministers left Chattanooga but Bachman and Father John the Catholic priest refused to leave the people so afflicted. Bachman worked to help the sick and dying, even ministered to the dying Father John during the Father's last hours.

Bachman worked for years in the Presbyterian Church but he declined to accept an increase of salary planned by his deacons and unanimously voted by the congregation and his remarks to the church in declining the increase were noted by Rev. James P. Smith who served for a time on the staff of General "Stonewall" Jackson.

"Almost thirty-three years ago some of you who are still here and many others of your fathers and mothers who have passed into glory promised to see that I should be kept free from care and worldly avocations and give myself wholly to the work of the Lord. That vow has been kept on your part. I have never lacked since coming among you for good food, good raiment and a dwelling place for me and mine….

For all this I am profoundly grateful. My manner and habits of life are simple and plain, and it is my desire to keep them so. The salary you are giving is ample for me and mine. A greater regular stipend might create habits of ease and self-indulgence which would be hard to overcome when I get to be an old man…

So you see I am not wholly unselfish in what I am going to ask; First, that you will direct you liberality from myself to the poor, to our struggling Churches and to the causes of mission at home and abroad and our aged ministry.

Second, I will request my board of deacons to let my salary remain as it is and present no resolutions in regard to it to the session of the Church."

An editorial published later in the New York Times may have best summed up Bachman when it noted this refusal of a pay increase and said "In these days, when graft and greed are attracting so much attention and moving so many mournfully to contrast the present with a golden age of which, curiously enough, history has no record, it is well perhaps to read with care this significant incident. Now what are we to think of a man like this?"

Good question New York Times, what are we to think of a person like Jonathan Waverly Bachman?

Barking at Yankees

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:29:16 EDT

Did you know that a dog marched into battle and was out front in the fighting with a brigade in Stonewall Jackson's 2nd Corp, Army of Northern Virginia? I learned this from a letter written in 1913 by John Casler.

This soldier dog could be found in Jackson's old division in the Louisiana Brigade known as Stafford's Brigade. Or should I say "Sawbuck's" Brigade.

Sawbuck was a bird dog of medium size with black and white spots and was a pet of one of the men in the brigade, quickly becoming the brigade mascot.

Sawbuck always followed the men into battle and would run up and down in front of the line barking at the Yankees. If he got separated from the brigade during battle he would wait by the road watching the stragglers and, upon spotting a familiar face, would fall in with a member of his own brigade heading back to camp.

Then came the day that Sawbuck, like many a leader in the Army of Northern Virginia, was wounded in battle, shot in the fore leg. He recovered but from that time on did his barking at the Yankees from behind the line.

In many ways Sawbuck's story is like the war. In the beginning everyone is marching into battle shoulder to shoulder bravely facing the enemy. Then later everyone still bravely, but wiser, facing the enemy from behind prepared defenses or any other cover that could be found.