McHenry County CW Round Table Discussion-- Part 6: Prisons, Ernie Griffin and the Sultana Tragedy

**  The Civil War marked when the United States went from relatively small armies to really big ones.  At the same time, the number of prisoners boomed right along with it..  Neither side was prepared to handle this influx of prisoners.

**  For many years, Ernie Griffin operated a funeral home near the Camp Douglas  grounds.  He had a museum of sorts to the camp.  What was surprising was that Mr. Griffin was a black man.

I was at a re-enactment in Wauconda, Illinois, several years back and a man came up to me and wanted to know if anyone in the SCV would be interested in some Confederate items from Mr. Griffin's collection.

**  Montreal, Canada, was a hub for Confederate espionage operations.   Some of them involved freeing prisoners up North.

**  There was discussion about the SS Sultana tragedy in which so many just-released Union prisoners from Andersonville and Cahaba prisons were on their way back home when the ship sank.

**  The Union officer who caused the ship to be so overloaded in order to line his pockets with money was one Ruben Hatch.  He was a man who never missed a chance to enrichen himself.  He had friends and connections with Abraham Lincoln which saved his hide.

Grant knew Ruben Hatch and wanted him court martialed, but couldn't because of those connections.

--Old Secesh

Threats Over Civil War Days Investigated-- Part 2: Fears for Public Safety

In announcing the cancellation of the Civil War Days re-enactment event, John Tannahill, the Lake County Forest Preserve's chief of ranger police and director of public safety said that reaction to the announcement were very concerning.

He did not respond earlier to a request for his safety concerns

Forest preserves President Angelo Kyle released a statement saying that safety concerns had come up, nothing specific.  "We cancelled it because of the unknowns -- there was potential for (people from) both sides of the issues (showing up), and we don't know their intent, Executive Director Ty Kovach said.

A petition to protest the cancellation on change.org and Civil War re-enactors who participate at the annual event went on social media.

Civil War Days has been held at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda for 27 years.

The forest preserve president is a black man which probably explains his distaste for the event as Confederates and their flag are at it.

Something Smells Out in Lake County.  --Old Secesh

Threats Over Civil War Days Investigated-- Part 1: Something Amiss In Lake County

From the June 26, 2019, Chicago Tribune by Frank S. Abderholden.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that it has requested information from the Lake County Forest Preserves about threats related to this week's cancellation of the annual Civil War Days event.

They are willing to conduct the investigation, but needed a request from them to start the investigation.  The Forest Preserve initially did not make one and this past Monday June 24, put out the announcement that they were cancelling because of "public safety concerns" after consulting with local and state law enforcement agencies.  They evidently did not consult law enforcement.

However, Tuesday, June 25, Forest Preserve District Commissioner Dick Barr did request a criminal investigation  to find out who made the threats.

There is a whole lot of opposition to the cancellation but I doubt that anything went further to threats and if they did, those responsible should be fully prosecuted.

--Old Secesh

Confederate Soldiers Make Front Page

From the July 18-24, 2013, Lake County (Ill.) Journal "Civil War: Reenactment brings history to life."

This was essentially a photo essay of one page, but, there on the front page, Confederate soldiers, ranks formed, facing the enemy and those overwhelming odds.  And, I didn't hear that the group that must not be offended was offended.

On page 13, the headline "Lessons from the Civil War."  A photo essay of six pictures by Candace H. Johnson.

The front page and photo essay were taken at the recent Civil War Days Re-enactment at Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda, Illinois.  This year, the Battle of Champion Hill was re-enacted.

Photos were of Mike Lipe of Moline, Illinois, portraying a Confederate soldier in the 4th Texas Infantry, giving aid to the wounded.  Then, there were two young children receiving first-hand information about rifles from Mike Flaig, a member of the 10th Louisiana, Austin's Battalion Sharpshooters.

Dr. Emmett Miller was doing magic tricks.  Andrew Livesay, 11, of Wauconda was portraying a Union flag bearer with the 8th Illinois Cavalry. 

Larry Werline of Springfield portrayed Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  John Luna of Tinley Park portrayed Confederate General Stonewall Jackson.  Both these men did an admirable job portraying the generals.

Always good to have the kids getting interested in the Civil War or any aspect of history for that matter.

Forward the Colors.  --Old secesh

Fought the Civil War...and Lost Again-- Part 1

Another battle, another loss. Kind of feel like the White Sox when they play the Twins or the Twins when they play the Yankees. Yankees! Right here at Tara?

Not sure if we (meaning the Southrons) lost on the battlefield re-enactment, but I sure did get "lost" in the parking lot.

Took US-12 to Bonner Road and then Fairfield Road to the Lake County Lakewood Forest Preserve. Free parking in a field and I was able to save the $8 admission because of my membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) as I was going to be manning the recruitment tent.


CONFEDERATE VETERAN AND HALLOWED GROUND MAGAZINES

I brought along some old Confederate Veteran and Hallowed Ground magazines. Confederate Veteran is the magazine of the SCV, continuing the magazine used by our father organization, the United Confederate Veterans, made up of real Johnny Rebs. We give these magazines to men who wander over and look to be interested. Let's them get a better idea of what the whole organization is about.

The Hallowed Ground Magazine is the mouthpiece of the Civil War Preservation Trust and a magazine every Civil War enthusiast should subscribe to by belonging to the organization. It does not favor either side and is only interested in preserving and saving land made hallow by the sacrifices of Americans all those years ago.

Back in spring, the magazine ran articles on Fort Sumter that have to be the best short history I've ever read of the engagement. Mighty interesting.

A New Camp? More to Come. --Old B-Runner

Heading Out for the Civil War

Shortly,I will be driving south to Wauconda, Illinois, for the annual Civil War Days Re-enactment.

My Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp will have a recruitment tent set up which I will man when I'm not ambulating over the grounds at the Lake County Discovery Museum on the Forest Preserve grounds.

Just reading the publicity about the event I found out about tents and lodging used by soldiers.

CAMPAIGN TENTS were the two-man variety and used when operating on the campaign trail.

GARRISON TENTS were pitched when troops were staying put for several weeks or longer. They were often the Wedge A-Frame tents that slept 4-6 or the larger Sibley tents that resembled tee pees and slept 14-16.

WINTER ENCAMPMENT QUARTERS were often log cabins with all sorts of soldier luxuries.

There will also be am 1863 Summer Agricultural Fair and a Confederate Council of War.

Looking Forward to It. --Old B-Runner

The Civil War Goes High Tech in Wauconda-- Part 1

From the Feb. 3-9th Lake County (Il) Journal.

I'm going to have to check out the new exhibit in the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda, Illinois, called "Civil War High Tech."

It is set to explore the war in a new light, focusing on new technology in it as opposed to battles and generals. Of course, this also coincides with the sesquicentennial of the war, the 150th anniversary.

It began Feb. 5th, and explores the revolutionary ideas in technology that changed the war, but that also become a staple in today's society.

Director of Cultural resources, Katherine Hamilton-Smith, said, "In its day, the advances that came out of the Civil War were many, not just associated with weaponry and firearms...[like] photography...and types of communication."

She continued, "It was mostly the North, the Union, that had the industrial capacity ti advance technology...[which] really enabled the Union to defeat the South."

A Place to Go Next Month. --Old B-Runner

145th Anniversary Battle of Bentonville, Good, But...Part 4

MEETING THE SUV, WELL SUVCW ACTUALLY

Strangely enough, we always have Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) representation at the Civil War re-enactments in Lake Villa and Wauconda, Illinois, in the form of my Camp Douglas Camp (representing the Chicagoland area). However, even being in the north, I have never seen our counterpart organization, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW).

At Bentonville, it was the other way around. The SUVCW was present, but no SCV. You'd have to think that being in a hot bed of Confederation, we'd have a big representation (and considering that Union re-enactors were outnumbered almost 2-1).

I believe they were from Camp George Thomas. I told them I knew how it was operating behind enemy lines and talked quite a bit with one member who had done extensive research on a Union officer who had returned to North Carolina after the war and become quite an important citizen of Fayetteville. I wish I could remember what the name of the man was.

I think there was some sort of a problem between the state and the SCV over the General Joseph Johnston statue which I will write about later.

The Battle. --Old B-Runner

Heading Out to the Civil War

A few hours from now, I'll be on the road going out to the Wauconda, Illinois, Civil War Re-enactment, billed as the largest in northern Illinois.

We have rain in the forecast and it did rain last night. Hopefully we won't have a monsoon like we had last September in Lake Villa when all the soldiers just floated away.

This is, as I said before, the 20th anniversary of our Camp Douglas #1507 Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and we will again be out there spreading the word. This has been the largest SCV camp north of the Ohio River for many years until one close to the river surpassed us. Plus, we may or may not have been passed by a camp here in Illinois (also way down south), but there are many differing thoughts on the subject.

Yesterday, I went to Wauconda and helped the camp commander and his daughter put up our tent. As usual, we got the primo site near all the action and on the main walk, across from the sutlers.

After the event closes, the camp will have a bbq out at a compatriot's home in Marengo.

Getting My Civil War On. --B-R'er

Civil War Days in Wauconda, Illinois-- Part 2

Wauconda is located about 45 miles northwest of Chicago. Cost is $8 a day for the two day event, or $12 for both days.

One new thing this year, one hour guided tours are offered of the campsites of both Union and Confederate troops. This is great for those who have questions about what they see, but, of course, you can always ask the re-enactors themselves who will be only too happy to explain.

There will be skirmish (small battle) on Saturday and then a big one on Sunday. Saturday, there will be a twilight firing of assembled cannons. If you have never seen or felt the power of these guns, it is quite an experience, especially in the dark.

The Lincolns, generals, and Sojourner Truth will also be on hand. Items can be bought at the various sutler (souvenir shops) and food and drinks will be available.

Hopefully, our counter parts, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will be on hand as well.

Our Camp Douglas Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans represents the Chicagoland area of the Illinois Division. There are five other camps scattered around the state, which is part of the Arrmy of the Tennessee, SCV.

Taking a Trip Back. --Blockade-R

Civil War Days in Wauconda, Illinois

It's the 18th annual Civil War Days in Wauconda at the Lakewood Forest Preserve at the intersection of Fairfield Road and Il. Highway 176, and I'll be there helping to man the Camp Douglas table of the Sons of Confederate Veterans on Saturday and perhaps Sunday July 11th and 12th.

This is a good way to get our name out before the public and to recruit new members as well. Plus, I get my Civil War "thing" on and get some fun immersion.

This is billed as the largest Civil War Re-enactment in Northern Illinois, annually drawing 600 participants from seven states and 5,000 visitors.

Get Me to the War on Time. --Old B-Runner