About That John Brown-- Part 2: Becoming More and More Radical

John Brown was unknown nationally until almost five years before Harpers Ferry.  His father was an outspoken opponent of slavery and that carried over to his son, John. 

 A key point in John Brown's move toward radical abolition took place when, at age 12, he went to live in Michigan and stayed with a U.S. Marshal who owned a slave and beat him.  This deeply offended John Brown.

As a young man, Brown moved often and suffered many business failures.  Along the way, he sired twenty children with two different wives (who were sisters).

Throughout the 1830s, he became more and more outspoken against slavery.  Another major turning point was the death of abolitionist newspaper editor Elijah Lovejoy in Alton, Illinois, at the hands of a mob.

On 1837, John Brown said, "I consecrate my life to the destruction of slavery.:  And that he surely did.

--Old Sercesh

Lieut. William H. Nesbit-- Part 3: After the War

William Hoyle Nesbit was a lieutenant in Company E of the 22nd Georgia Infantry Regiment, Wright's Brigade.  He lost his arm at the Battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.

He married Martha Curtis Grogan in the village of Alpharetta, Georgia, on December 14, 1865, where he taught school for a few years after the war and was engaged in the mercantile business.  Later he was elected  Clerk of the Court and served Milton County for eight years.  He was then elected  Ordinary and served in that post for sixteen years.

During his last term of office and for several years after, he was owner and editor of the Milton Democrat newspaper.  In this last work, he was associated with his son, G.A. Nesbit, as his publisher.

In 1892, he left Alpharetta and with his family moved to his farm in Cherokee County, where he spent the rest of his life.  Due to the loss of his left arm in the war,  he could not do manual labor, but was very successful  in bee-raising, gardening and stock-raising.

He was devoutly pious and had no fear of death and was buried in Hickory Flat Cemetery in Cherokee, Georgia, with his wife who preceded him.

Not Sure What an Ordinary Is?  --Old Secesh

A Sad Telegram-- Part 2: Survived the War

The caregiver who handled the young soldier's message apparently did not know how to spell the name and only that he lived somewhere near Atlanta, so he sent the telegram to the city's leading newspaper, the Daily Intelligencer.

Editor John Steele published the plea July 26, prefaced by a notice to readers:  "The following dispatch has been received at this office.  We do not know the residence of Mr. J.W. Neisbit, to whom it is directed, under our care, and therefore publish it. hoping some one will convey to him the information it imparts.  --ED. INT."

Apparently, no one knew where the elder Neisbit (Nesbit) lived, but the case of the wounded lieutenant, who turned 22 just ten days after his Gettysburg wound, worked out well.

On August 3, he was granted a 60-day furlough to return home.  He resigned from the Confederate Army in November 1863.

After the war, he started farming, married and raised a family north of Atlanta.  He died at the age of 83 in 1925, one of approximately 60,000 Civil War amputees.

--Old Secesh

A Sad Telegram: 'I Lost My Left Arm at Gettysburg'

From the same source as the previous post.

Twelve days after he was shot in the left arm on the second day of fighting at Gettysburg, Lieutenant William Hoyle Nesbit wrote or dictated a telegram to his father in far-away Georgia.

***********************

RICHMOND, July 14-- To Mr. J.W. Neisbit, care of the Intelligencer (Atlanta Daily Intelligencer):

Dear Father-- I am at Jordan Springs Hospital, near Winchester.  I lost my left arm at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  Come to me.  Answer by telegraph.

W.H. Neisbit

***********************

--Old Secesh

An Interesting Story: Who You Going to Draft Now?

From the Autumn 2022 America's Civil War "Rebel Beacon: The reputable Atlanta Daily Intelligencer was both news source and cheerleader for Southern readers" by Stephen Davis and Bill Hendrick.

An article about this Atlanta newspaper during the war.

I found this part of interest.

Then  there were the strikes by printers, demanding higher wages.  In the spring of 1864, after their workers walked out, Atlanta editors visited the city's conscript office and addressed the printers' status.

They were exempt from the draft while working, the editors claimed; but now, as they were on strike, the draft officer was encouraged to draft them for Confederate service.

The connscriptor liked the idea.  "Gentlemen," he said, "you are undoubtedly right.  I will go to work at once, and as you are here, I will conscript you to begin with."

"Conscript us!" exclaimed the editors.

"Certainly.  As you have no printers, you can't get out your papers.  So you no longer belong to the exempted class."

The editors raced back to their respective offices and contacted the printers' union.  In fifteen minutes, everyone was back at work.

Good Story.  You've Just Got to Have Some Incentive.   --Old Secesh

Graves Decorated in 1903 in Woodstock, Illinois: 15th Illinois

From the May 29, 1903, McHenry County Republican  (McHenry County, Illinois).

This was done by the Woodstock Woman's Relief Corps.

15th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

D.M. Howland

Edgar Richards

William Love

Wallace P.  Jewett

William H. Sherman

Lewis B. Kelly

John D. Bliss

A.W. Cumins

Andrew W. Lascella

This regiment had three companies that were primarily from McHenry County.

--Old Secesh

Thomas Morris Chester-- Part 4: After the War

After the war, Chester moved to England where he earned a law degree.  When he returned to the United States, he became an activist in Reconstruction Louisiana politics, where he became the first black in the state to practice law.

While he would accomplish much over his life before is death of a heart attack in 1892 at the age of 58, his legacy endures as the only black Civil War correspondent for a major newspaper who provided a perspective that was reflective of both  the black troop experience and the crucial final year of the war.

Chester effectively captured the frustration  of black veterans who believed their contributions to Union victory went largely  unnoticed," wrote Gary  Gallagher, a history professor at the University of Virginia who has written several books on the war.

Some years after the war, Morris wrote about the Battle of New Market Heights outside of Richmond, where a brigade of lack troops fought bravely against Confederate forces:  "It is a source of complain, and very justly too, that the colored troops and their officers have not received their meed of praise from the chroniclers  of events in the army, for their splendid advance and gallant bearing."

(Meed means a deserved share or reward.  I hadn't heard the word before.)

Ultimately,  14 black soldiers were awarded Medals of Honor for their valor in the battle.

--Old Secesh

America's First Black War Correspondent-- Part 3: An Encounter with a Confederate Officer after Richmond's Fall

A day after entering Richmond, after the fall of that city in 1865, with the Army of the James, Thomas Morris Chester sat down in the Speaker's chair  at the Virginia state building, the seat of Confederate power.  According to Chester's biographer, R.J.M. Blackett, he was "well aware  of the irony and eager to thumb his nose at the Confederacy."  

Datelining his story, "Halls of Congress, Richmond April 4, 1865.  "Seated in the Speaker's chair, so long dedicated to treason, but in the future to be consecrated to loyalty, I hasten to  give a rapid sketch of the incidents which have occurred since my last dispatch."

A paroled Confederate officer saw him  sitting there and yelled at him, "Come out of there, you black cuss!"  Fellow correspondent  Charles C. Coffin  of the Boston Journal reported what happened next.  "Mr. Chester raised his eyes, calmly  surveyed the intruder and went on with his writing.  'Get out of there, or I'll knock your brains out!' the officer bellowed, pouring out a torrent of oaths, and rushing up the steps to execute his threat, found himself tumbling over chairs and benches."

he New York Tribune finished the story, "Chester planted a black fist and left a black eye on the  prostrate  Rebel," and went on to complete his dispatch to the Philadelphia Press--  but not before  the Confederate officer demanded the sword of a Union soldier  to cut "the N_____'s heart out."

--Old Secesh

America's First Black War Correspondent, Thomas Morris Chester-- Part 2

Chester wrote about black troops in the Philadelphia Press saying:  "Every many looks like a soldier, while inflexible determination depicted upon every countenance."

Formed in April 1864, the Army of the James contained two divisions of white soldiers of the XXIV Corps and one division of black troops of the XXV Corps.  The Blacks consisted of two brigades of  seven regiments with 5,000 men.

Chester was embedded with the XXV Corps on the front lines and didn't shy away from describing the carnage they faced.  Once, he wrote about two men who had been on picket duty and had been hit be a shell:  "...quivering pieces of flesh indicated the locality of the frightful scene, while fragments of hearts and intestines were hanging upon the branches of the neighboring trees."

He also was well aware of how bad it would be for a black soldier to be captured by Confederates.  "Between the Negroes  and the enemy, it is  a war to the death," he wrote  on August 22, 1864.  The colored troops  have cheerfully accepted the conditions of the Confederate government, that between them, no quarter is to be shown.  Those here have not the least idea of living  after they fall into the hands of the enemy."

Indeed, black prisoners of war were not even treated as prisoners of war.   Many received harsh treatment from the rebels -- some tortured, some killed and others sold or returned to slavery.  And, of course there was also the massacre at Fort Pillow.

--Old Secesh

America's First Black War Correspondent, Thomas Morris Chester-- Part 1

From the Feb. 15, 2022, History  "America's first black war correspondent reported from the Civil War front lines" by Farrell Evans.

During the Civil War, hundreds of  reporters from the Union and Confederacy published stories about the war.  Only one of them was a black man, named  Thomas Morris Chester, the nation's first black war correspondent.

The invention of the telegraph in  1844  by Samuel Morse had made it possible for newspapers to report the news  in a matter of hours, not days.  The  correspondents reporting the war were all white men except for Chester and they reported the war through the eyes of the white troops.

But, the white-owned Philadelphia Press hired Chester  in 1864, to cover black troops in Virginia.  

The 30-year-old from Harrisburg native wrote under the pseudonym "Rollin."    His mother had escaped slavery.

His beat was with the United States Colored Troops in the Army of the James from August 1864 to June 1865.  Chester had actively recruited Blacks into the ranks and gave  voice and dignity to them as they  struggled for their right to fight, for parity with white troops and for he respect that should come to men willing to lay their lives down for their country.

--Old Secesh

Schedule of Events at the Hainesville (Illinois) Civil War Event Saturday, October 16

Public entry begins at 10 am.

10:15 to 10:45:  Military Drill

10:50 to 11:20:  Elijah Haines  (Hainesville Founder)

11:25 to 11:55:  Mary Todd Lincoln  (A Day in the Lincoln White House)

12:00 to 12:30:  William Irving Kirk  (A Southern Abolitionist Clergy)

12:40 to 1:10:  General Grant  (The Final Days)

1:15 to 2:00:  President Lincoln  (Finishing the Work)

2:10 to 2:40:  Thomas Morris Chester  (Battle of New Market Heights)  Thomas Morris Chester  was te only black reporter for a major newspaper during the war.

2:10:  Officers Call

2:45 to 3:15:  Battlefield Surgery 

3:15 to 3:30:  Assembly of Troops

3:30 to 4:00:  Narrated Battle featuring the Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina.  The last major battle of the war.

4:00:  The event closes to the public

SUNDAY follows the same schedule, but one hour earlier in all times.

Looking forward to being there.

--Old Secesh

McHenry County CW Round Table Discussion Group This Saturday

And, it will be an in person meeting.

The McHenry County (Illinois) Civil War Round Table Discussion Group will be meeting Saturday, August 28 at the Crystal Lake (Illinois) Panera Bread Co. at US-14 (Northwest Highway) and Main Street from 10 am to noon

The topic will be "Civil War  Print Show and Tell" with  Civil War era newspapers,  letters, books, posters etc.

This is a first-time for this topic so should be interesting.

Come on by even if you're not a member.

Everyone is welcome for some good discussion and possibly debate.

--Old Secesh

Captain Harley Wayne's Obituary-- Part 1

From the April 16, 1862, Woodstock (Illinois) Sentinel

IN MEMORIUM

The death of Captain HARLEY WAYNE, of Union, who died bravely fighting the enemies of the Government, at the head of his Company, in the battle of Pittsburg, demands more than just a passing notice.

"Death loves a shining mark," and this was never more strikingly  proven than in the fact that the first death that we know of among our county volunteers, should be HARLEY WAYNE one of our first and most prominent citizens -- a man who, with an ample fortune, a beautiful residence, and a beloved and happy family -- left all to serve his country in this hour of danger on the battle's bloody field.

CAPT. WAYNE has been a resident of this county many years; coming when young, and by strict business habits amassed a competence.  He had been chosen to all of the various offices of his town, and was always a leading man.

--Old Secesh

Born a Slave, Henry Mack Served in Union Army and Lived to Be 107-- Part 1

From the January 30, 2021, Minneapolis Star-Tribune "Former slave, Civil War vet lived final decades in Minneapolis" by Curt Brown.

The picture shows him at the age of  104 in 1941.  Five Civil War veterans were honored at the Third Annual Good Will dinner at Post 166 Jewish War Veterans.  He is bottom row, right.

Grave No. 384 in Section A-3 commemorates one of the most remarkable lives among the 240,000 military and family members buried  at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

This is the grave of Henry Mack, an escaped slave, Civil War veteran who lived to be 107.  He died in 1945 and was buried in the area where early black veterans were interred.

Mack was born into Alabama slavery sometime between  1836 and 1838 according to pension records.  Newspapers later settled on 1837 for his birth year.

"I only know my birthday being July 4th as having been told by my parents and master," Mack said in a 1912 interview.  "He concluded:  "I am 75 years old and past."

At age 100 in 1937, he was described as being in great shape for a man of his age.  The Minneapolis Star-Journal reported in 1941 that Mack, at 104, was "trim, alert, conversational," a busy man" with little time for reminiscing" given his schedule as a "patriotic instructor" and one of the last members of the Civil War veterans group, the Grand Army of the Republic.

--Old Secesh

Sherman Explains Why He Didn't Attack Augusta on His March to the Sea: "But, If You Feel Neglected..."

From the October 21, 2020, Athens (Ga) Banner-Herald "October 21, 1888:  General Sherman writes a letter to the Augusta Chronicle editor" by Boll Kirby.

He left Atlanta and Columbia in flames.  Well, why didn't he do the same to Augusta?

For years after the Civil War, Augustans argued about why feared Union General Sherman had not attacked  their city.  They had a variety of reasons and some were even silly.

Finally, Pleasant  Stovall, editor of the Augusta Chronicle, and asked the famous old general nd he answered in what might be one of the most famous-ever letters to the editor.

It was published on October 21, 1888, and, basically the old war horse said he didn't attack Augusta because he didn't have to.  He wanted to get to Savannah where the Union Navy could bring him supplies.

However, he offered to correct the oversight if Augusta felt  neglected, writing: "I can send a detachment of 100,000 or so of Sherman's bummers and their descendants  who will finish up the job without charging Uncle Sam a cent."

Send In the Bummers!!  --Old Secesh

Who Wrote This Letter? Did She Really Say That?

From the Civil War Times February 2018  "'I Do Not Think of Peace."

From Selma, Alabama, July 23, 1861:

"I see from today's paper Mrs. Lincoln is indignant at my Bro. David's being in Confederate service and declares 'that by nor word or act of hers should he escape punishment for his treason against her husband's government should he fall into their hands.'

"I do not believe she ever said it and if she did and meant it she is no longer a sister of mine nor deserves to be called a woman of nobleness and truth and God grant my noble and brave-hearted brother will never fall into their hands and have to suffer death twice over, and he could do nothing which could make me prouder of him than he is doing now, fighting for his country.

"What would she do to me, do you suppose?  I have as much to answer for.

"Elodie Todd"

--Old Secesh

An 1861 Appeal for Aid at the Confederate Hospital in Bowling Green, Ky.

From the December 4, 2019, Bowling Green (Ky) Daily News Way Back in Warren County "In 1861, women asked to provide aid to Confederate hospital in Bowling Green."

An open letter to the December 2, 1861, Louisville (Ky) Courier  Journal asked  'the ladies of Kentucky and northern Tennessee"  for help in providing supplies and services to the Confederate hospital in Bowling Green.

Women were asked to form relief organizations, send needed supplies (such as bed clothes, bandages and soap)  and volunteer at the hospital since "the sick chamber is destitute of its chief solace unless graced by the  presence of your sex."

I find this surprising as I thought Louisville was under Union control at the time.

And, No Corvettes.  --Old Secesh

Elijah Haines Tasted the Ups and Downs of Politics

From the August 7, 1994, Chicago Tribune by Marc Davis.

This was one really busy man in the early days of Lake County, Illinois.  He was a lawyer, writer, book and newspaper publisher, surveyor, school teacher, politician, justice of the peace, state legislator, speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and Founder of lake County's first village, Hainesville (named after him).

He was also a historian and author of scholarly  volumes, including "The Past and Present of Lake County, Illinois, Illustrated," published in 1877.  Another of his books, "The American Indian," published in 1888 is a book on their character, languages and traditions which he studied extensively.

He also founded one of Lake County's first weekly newspapers, The Patriot, and one of the state's first legal newspapers, The Legal Advisor, were published by him.

Elijah Haines was born in Oneida County, New York, April 21, 1822,  and came with his family in 1835 to Chicago and then moved to Lake County a year later.  Admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1851, he practiced law in Waukegan and in 1860 opened an office in Chicago, but continued living in Waukegan.

Among his earliest publishing efforts was a compilation of Illinois township laws.  Elected to the legislature originally as a Republican in 1858,  he drifted from them and served several terms as an independent.  Served as Speaker of the House in Illinois in 1875 and 1885.

At that point, his political star began to fall with once-ardent supporters accusing him of "arbitrary and unjust"  decisions.  He died in Waukegan in 1889.

--Old Secesh

That Civil War Reading Thing-- Part 3: "With What Delight"

**  "No sooner did an army halt within reach of these enterprising fellows than they were to be seen galloping from brigade to brigade distributing daily newspapers to eager buyers ....   With what delight the veterans read descriptions of actions they had taken part in...."

--War correspondent George F. Williams, on the arrival of newspaper vendors in camp, in his reminiscences of the conflict.

******************

**  "We opened one morning at nine o'clock with a stock of four thousand books and papers, and at two o'clock P.M. all were gone, and almost every one taken from the counter, -a book or paper to each man who presented himself."

--  Rev. William A. Lawrence  on the soldiers' reading room established by the U.S. Christian Commission in Savannah, Georgia, after the city's capture by Union forces in December 1864.

Where's My Book?  --Secesh

That Civil War Reading Thing-- Part 1: "Able To Go On With His Latin"

From the Spring 2019, Civil War Monitor "Salvo:  Voices."  The magazine goes into first hand accounts on a given subject.  This one is on the importance of reading to Civil War soldiers.

**    "Please Drop Papers."  --   Message on a sign made by Union soldiers on guard duty along the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, in hopes that passengers might toss them reading materials.

*************************

**  "While we were bringing water he sat down on the ground, and pulled from his bosom a copy of Andrews' Latin Grammar.  It was covered thick with his blood.  he turned to the fifth declension and began with res, rei.  He said that ... he found this book, and had carried it under his blouse in the fight, thinking if he was wounded or taken prisoner he would be able to go on with his Latin."  --  Rev. E.P. Smith, U.S. Christian Commission, on a wounded soldier he encountered after the Battle of Missionary Ridge.

Veni, Vidi, Vinca?  --Old SeCaesar