"On board the USS Minnesota in action during the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Wilcox advanced to the top of the sandhill and partly through a breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed and wounded many officers and men. When more than two-thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors."
I imagine that being a soldier, he was more used to this sort of fighting. However, I wonder why they would have waited until dark to withdraw, as the Confederates had been driven away from the northeast salient by that time.
I Wonder. --Da Old B-R'er.
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Fort Fisher Medal of Honor Winner-- Frank L. Wilcox
Frank L. Wilcox (Nov, 1830-Nov. 16, 1898)
From list of USS Minnesota crew on Jan. 1, 1865.
In it, he is listed as an ordinary seaman, enlisted April 28, 1864 at Hampton Roads for a 2 years 5 months term of enlistment at age 33. He came over from the Army. His civilian occupation was bookmaker and had hazel eyes, brown hair, and fair complexion. He originally served as a private in Co. C, 48th New York.
Looking at the list, I saw that several other Minnesota sailors had transferred from the 48th New York Infantry. It sure would be interesting to know what caused this transfer.
He won a Medal of Honor at Fort Fisher and there is a picture of his grave.
From Faded Footsteps www.FadedFootsteps.com
also www.tfoenander.com/minnesota.htm
From list of USS Minnesota crew on Jan. 1, 1865.
In it, he is listed as an ordinary seaman, enlisted April 28, 1864 at Hampton Roads for a 2 years 5 months term of enlistment at age 33. He came over from the Army. His civilian occupation was bookmaker and had hazel eyes, brown hair, and fair complexion. He originally served as a private in Co. C, 48th New York.
Looking at the list, I saw that several other Minnesota sailors had transferred from the 48th New York Infantry. It sure would be interesting to know what caused this transfer.
He won a Medal of Honor at Fort Fisher and there is a picture of his grave.
From Faded Footsteps www.FadedFootsteps.com
also www.tfoenander.com/minnesota.htm
Some New Books-- The Civil War on Pensacola Bay-- The Union Blockade of Texas-- American Civil War Fortifications-- Elizabeth City, NC
I am especially interested in any books dealing with the naval aspects of the war or North Carolina.
1. "The Civil War on Pensacola Bay, 1861-1862" by John K. Driscoll
Pensacola Bay has a magnificent harbor, valuable Navy Yard, and impressive fortifications. Yet, its lack of navigable rivers and limited rail access kept it from developing into a major commercial center.
The book focuses on the town of Pensacola and the small villages of Warrington and Woolsey.
2. "Waters of Discord: The Union Blockade of Texas During the Civil War" by Rodman L. Underwood.
Called the "Dark Corner of the Confederacy" There was a lot of fighting along the coast. Cotton was shipped out of Mexico to avoid the blockade. This book is also an analysis of the effectiveness of the blockade.
3. "American Civil War Fortifications: Mississippi River Forts" Vol 3 by Adam Hook.
Explores fortifications of the river valley, focusing on Vicksburg, Port Hudson, New Orleans, New Madrid, and Forts Henry and Donelson.
4. "Elizabeth City, NC and the Civil War" A History of Battle and Occupation" by Alex Christopher Mackins.
These books are reviewed and announced in the Civil War Book News blog by Dimitri Rotov. He has been doing it since 1997 an offers as complete a list of new Civil War books as possible.
If you want to know what's new in Civil War research, this is the place to go.
http://acwbn.blogspot.com/
Great Job Mr. Rotov!! --Tye Old B-Runner
1. "The Civil War on Pensacola Bay, 1861-1862" by John K. Driscoll
Pensacola Bay has a magnificent harbor, valuable Navy Yard, and impressive fortifications. Yet, its lack of navigable rivers and limited rail access kept it from developing into a major commercial center.
The book focuses on the town of Pensacola and the small villages of Warrington and Woolsey.
2. "Waters of Discord: The Union Blockade of Texas During the Civil War" by Rodman L. Underwood.
Called the "Dark Corner of the Confederacy" There was a lot of fighting along the coast. Cotton was shipped out of Mexico to avoid the blockade. This book is also an analysis of the effectiveness of the blockade.
3. "American Civil War Fortifications: Mississippi River Forts" Vol 3 by Adam Hook.
Explores fortifications of the river valley, focusing on Vicksburg, Port Hudson, New Orleans, New Madrid, and Forts Henry and Donelson.
4. "Elizabeth City, NC and the Civil War" A History of Battle and Occupation" by Alex Christopher Mackins.
These books are reviewed and announced in the Civil War Book News blog by Dimitri Rotov. He has been doing it since 1997 an offers as complete a list of new Civil War books as possible.
If you want to know what's new in Civil War research, this is the place to go.
http://acwbn.blogspot.com/
Great Job Mr. Rotov!! --Tye Old B-Runner
Sunday, March 23, 2008
New Book on Camp Douglas
For many years, not much was said about the infamous Union prison camp in Chicago with most attention always given to Andersonville in Georgia.
Now, a new book has been published about the infamous Douglas, located about three miles from Chicago's Loop.
"Camp Douglas: Chicago's Civil War Prison" by Kelly Pucci seeks to address the lack of information. Starving prisoners caught stealing from the camp garbage dump were tortured and shot.
Fearing a prisoner revolt, the camp's commander declared martial law in the city of Chicago. Camp Douglas closed down at the end of the war and its buildings demolished. Records were either lost or destroyed and the exact number of dead is unknown, but estimated at least 6000 who are buried in a southside cemetery by an impressive Confederate monument.
The History Channel had a special on it and there is a Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp named after it.
Dimitri Rotov editor of the Civil War Book News Blog at http://acwbn.blogspot.com
Now, a new book has been published about the infamous Douglas, located about three miles from Chicago's Loop.
"Camp Douglas: Chicago's Civil War Prison" by Kelly Pucci seeks to address the lack of information. Starving prisoners caught stealing from the camp garbage dump were tortured and shot.
Fearing a prisoner revolt, the camp's commander declared martial law in the city of Chicago. Camp Douglas closed down at the end of the war and its buildings demolished. Records were either lost or destroyed and the exact number of dead is unknown, but estimated at least 6000 who are buried in a southside cemetery by an impressive Confederate monument.
The History Channel had a special on it and there is a Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp named after it.
Dimitri Rotov editor of the Civil War Book News Blog at http://acwbn.blogspot.com
Bodie Island Lighthouse, NC
On the Outer Banks. The current one was built in 1872 to replace the one blown up by Confederates in 1861 to prevent capture by Union forces.
The new one is 95% completely restored, but work has stopped because of lack of funding. The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society www.outer-banks.com/lighthouse-society is a non-profit organization involved in this work.
The first lighthouse was built in 1947 and had a 54 foot tower. Faults began to show and within two years it began to lean. Numerous repairs were made but it couldn't be fixed and was abandoned in 1859.
The second one was 80 feet tall
Construction on the current one began in 1871. A First Order Fresnel Lens was installed and is still in place. A lighthouse keeper lived in a home on the grounds and kept the light burning until 1932 when the beacon was electrified by the Coast Guard.
All property except the tower was transferred to the National Park Service and the keeper's home is now the ranger office and visitor center. In 2000, the tower was also transferred to the NPS and it is still a functioning US Coast Guard navigational aid.
As They Said, We'll Leave the Light On. --Old Blockade-R'er
The new one is 95% completely restored, but work has stopped because of lack of funding. The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society www.outer-banks.com/lighthouse-society is a non-profit organization involved in this work.
The first lighthouse was built in 1947 and had a 54 foot tower. Faults began to show and within two years it began to lean. Numerous repairs were made but it couldn't be fixed and was abandoned in 1859.
The second one was 80 feet tall
Construction on the current one began in 1871. A First Order Fresnel Lens was installed and is still in place. A lighthouse keeper lived in a home on the grounds and kept the light burning until 1932 when the beacon was electrified by the Coast Guard.
All property except the tower was transferred to the National Park Service and the keeper's home is now the ranger office and visitor center. In 2000, the tower was also transferred to the NPS and it is still a functioning US Coast Guard navigational aid.
As They Said, We'll Leave the Light On. --Old Blockade-R'er
Tales of the Big Sand Fort-- Foxes All Over the Place-- Before and After-- New Book
Some stuff about that big sand fort called Fort Fisher.
1. Here a fox, there a fox, everywhere a fox-- Wilmington's WECT 6 TV reports that Fort Fisher is overrun with foxes. They have devoured about half of the eggs of the endangered sea turtles and have a penchant for getting into trash cans and making a mess. March 21st
2. Photos of before and after artifacts recovered at Fort Fisher-- Photographer Matt Bell has a group of before and after shots of artifacts from Fort Fisher that have been cleaned and restored by the NC Office of State Archeology (that's right, no a before the first o). Several of the items are Civil War era. http://mattbellphoto.blogspot.com March 21
3. New book on Fort Fisher, well, to me anyway-- Roberto C. Delgadillo reported in his blog that he is reading "The Last Stronghold: The Campaign for Fort Fisher" by Richard B. McCaslin. OK, it is a 2003 copyright, but I was unaware of it.
Tales of the Big Sand Fort. -- Old B-Runner
1. Here a fox, there a fox, everywhere a fox-- Wilmington's WECT 6 TV reports that Fort Fisher is overrun with foxes. They have devoured about half of the eggs of the endangered sea turtles and have a penchant for getting into trash cans and making a mess. March 21st
2. Photos of before and after artifacts recovered at Fort Fisher-- Photographer Matt Bell has a group of before and after shots of artifacts from Fort Fisher that have been cleaned and restored by the NC Office of State Archeology (that's right, no a before the first o). Several of the items are Civil War era. http://mattbellphoto.blogspot.com March 21
3. New book on Fort Fisher, well, to me anyway-- Roberto C. Delgadillo reported in his blog that he is reading "The Last Stronghold: The Campaign for Fort Fisher" by Richard B. McCaslin. OK, it is a 2003 copyright, but I was unaware of it.
Tales of the Big Sand Fort. -- Old B-Runner
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Confederate Diary Going Home
The March 22nd Clark County, Washington, Columbian ran an article "Civil War soldier's diary going home" by Dean Baker.
While going through some things in a late aunt's effects in Downey, Ca., Mitch Hammontree found a leather-bound book and found that it was the diary of a Confederate soldier.
After a lot of research over both the internet and telephone, the descendants of the soldier, A. S. Quarterman, and will hand it over to them next week.
Quarterman was a member of a prominent , Ga, family, and had kept an account of the famous Liberty Mounted Rangers during the war. He listed them and occasionally crossed names of and entered "dead" behind their names.
After tracing on the internet, Hammontree started making telephone calls to Quatermans in the Savannah area. He found Elton and Joan Quarterman, whose great-great-great grandfather Keith Axton Quarterman, a Condeferate Army surgeon, was A.S.'s brother.
At first, the Quartermans wanted to know how much Hammontree wanted for the diary, but he said he'd just give it to them because it was their family history.
Now This is a Great Story. --The Old B-Runner.
While going through some things in a late aunt's effects in Downey, Ca., Mitch Hammontree found a leather-bound book and found that it was the diary of a Confederate soldier.
After a lot of research over both the internet and telephone, the descendants of the soldier, A. S. Quarterman, and will hand it over to them next week.
Quarterman was a member of a prominent , Ga, family, and had kept an account of the famous Liberty Mounted Rangers during the war. He listed them and occasionally crossed names of and entered "dead" behind their names.
After tracing on the internet, Hammontree started making telephone calls to Quatermans in the Savannah area. He found Elton and Joan Quarterman, whose great-great-great grandfather Keith Axton Quarterman, a Condeferate Army surgeon, was A.S.'s brother.
At first, the Quartermans wanted to know how much Hammontree wanted for the diary, but he said he'd just give it to them because it was their family history.
Now This is a Great Story. --The Old B-Runner.
Running the Blockade-- Civil War Gun Stolen in Flint-- 6th Annual Re-enactment in Lake Villa, Illinois
Some news of the war.
1. Civil War revolver stolen in Flint, Michigan-- A Civil War era 1861 Navy Colt Revolver was reported stolen from the Stockton Center at the Spring Grove Museum during a March 11th book signing a few weeks ago.
It was on loan and had belonged to Union Army Col. Thomas B. W. Stockton. Valued at $3,500.
It will be hard to get ammunition for it as it must be specially cast and use black powder.
2. 6th annual re-enactment in Lake Villa, Illinois-- This is really getting to be a big deal. I attended it last year and was amazed at how many re-enactors and regular folk attended.
The 6th annual Civil War Re-enactment has been scheduled for September and will additionally feature a living history program directed at junior high kids. This is sponsored by the Lake Villa Historical Society and held at the historic Lehman Mansion (founder of the Fair Department stores). Every year, attendance increases.
Saturday's events are capped by a Civil War Ball in the mansion. Last year 160 attended, most in period dress.
Don't Shoot Me. --Old B-Runner
The event runs from 10 am to 3:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. THre is a $5 admission cost.
1. Civil War revolver stolen in Flint, Michigan-- A Civil War era 1861 Navy Colt Revolver was reported stolen from the Stockton Center at the Spring Grove Museum during a March 11th book signing a few weeks ago.
It was on loan and had belonged to Union Army Col. Thomas B. W. Stockton. Valued at $3,500.
It will be hard to get ammunition for it as it must be specially cast and use black powder.
2. 6th annual re-enactment in Lake Villa, Illinois-- This is really getting to be a big deal. I attended it last year and was amazed at how many re-enactors and regular folk attended.
The 6th annual Civil War Re-enactment has been scheduled for September and will additionally feature a living history program directed at junior high kids. This is sponsored by the Lake Villa Historical Society and held at the historic Lehman Mansion (founder of the Fair Department stores). Every year, attendance increases.
Saturday's events are capped by a Civil War Ball in the mansion. Last year 160 attended, most in period dress.
Don't Shoot Me. --Old B-Runner
The event runs from 10 am to 3:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. THre is a $5 admission cost.
General Adebert Ames, USA
From the March 19th Green Integer Blog which was doing a review of the book "Redemption: The Last Battle of the Civil War" by Nicholas Lemann. This was mostly about Reconstruction and was based a lot on the letters between Adebert Ames and his wife Blanche.
US Grant appointed Ames the provisional governor of Mississippi, but his wife hated the place and refused to go, staying at her family's home in Massachusetts.
Adebert Ames was a commander at Fort Fisher of my personal interest and Blanche was the daughter of Benjamin Butler who led the army in the first attempt to take the fort,
Lehmann described Ames as "...handsome, high-browed, large pupil-eyes...replete with Custer-style beard and mustache, was a Civil War hero who captured Fort Fisher, at the mouth of Cape Fear, North Carolina, during the war."
Alfred Terry actually led the forces in the second battle which led to the fort's capture.
Great Description. --Old B-R'er
US Grant appointed Ames the provisional governor of Mississippi, but his wife hated the place and refused to go, staying at her family's home in Massachusetts.
Adebert Ames was a commander at Fort Fisher of my personal interest and Blanche was the daughter of Benjamin Butler who led the army in the first attempt to take the fort,
Lehmann described Ames as "...handsome, high-browed, large pupil-eyes...replete with Custer-style beard and mustache, was a Civil War hero who captured Fort Fisher, at the mouth of Cape Fear, North Carolina, during the war."
Alfred Terry actually led the forces in the second battle which led to the fort's capture.
Great Description. --Old B-R'er
Friday, March 21, 2008
Some More on USS Michigan
Frpm wikipedia.
The USS Michigan's name was changed to USS Wolverine in 1905 so that the battleship USS Michigan could be commissioned.
James Jesse Strang led a dissident group of Mormons on Beaver Island.
Before the Civil War, the Michigan only carried only one cannon because of an agreement with Canada. During the war, she was armed with 13 more cannons.
For the century anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, the Wolverine towed the original USS Niagara to various ports in the celebration.
In 1927, the Wolverine was pushed onto a sandbank in Presque Isle Bay and loaned to the city of Erie as a relic. It was sold to the Foundation for the Preservation of the Original Michigan, Inc, in 1948, but fund raising efforts failed and it was cut up for scrap in 1949.
In 1950, her prow was placed as a monument in Wolverine Park near where she was built. In 1980, it was restored and moved to the Erie Maritime Museum where it can still be seen.
An Interesting History and Too Bad Something That Survived That Long Could Not Have Been Saved. --Old Blockade-R.
The USS Michigan's name was changed to USS Wolverine in 1905 so that the battleship USS Michigan could be commissioned.
James Jesse Strang led a dissident group of Mormons on Beaver Island.
Before the Civil War, the Michigan only carried only one cannon because of an agreement with Canada. During the war, she was armed with 13 more cannons.
For the century anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, the Wolverine towed the original USS Niagara to various ports in the celebration.
In 1927, the Wolverine was pushed onto a sandbank in Presque Isle Bay and loaned to the city of Erie as a relic. It was sold to the Foundation for the Preservation of the Original Michigan, Inc, in 1948, but fund raising efforts failed and it was cut up for scrap in 1949.
In 1950, her prow was placed as a monument in Wolverine Park near where she was built. In 1980, it was restored and moved to the Erie Maritime Museum where it can still be seen.
An Interesting History and Too Bad Something That Survived That Long Could Not Have Been Saved. --Old Blockade-R.
USS Michigan-- First US Ironclad Ship
From the Archives of Michigan. The Primary Re:source Reference Blog.
The USS Michigan was the first ironclad ship in the US Navy and operated on the Great Lakes for her entire career. Parts of the ship were built in Pittsburgh and sections transported to Lake Erie by ox teams and riverboat.
It got involved in the Strang affair when it carried Jesse Strang to Detroit for trial in 1851.
The ship also foiled a Confederate plot to liberate the prisoners at Johnson Island in Sanduskey Bay.
After the Civil War, it was used as a training ship and saw service in WWI. Her last cruise was in 1927 and even FDR wanted her saved, but the ship was scrapped in 1949.
The mainmast is in the Historical Society of Fairport, Ohio.
Really Too Bad That a Ship THAT Old Would be Summarily Scrapped. This would have made an excellent museum. --Old B-Runner
The USS Michigan was the first ironclad ship in the US Navy and operated on the Great Lakes for her entire career. Parts of the ship were built in Pittsburgh and sections transported to Lake Erie by ox teams and riverboat.
It got involved in the Strang affair when it carried Jesse Strang to Detroit for trial in 1851.
The ship also foiled a Confederate plot to liberate the prisoners at Johnson Island in Sanduskey Bay.
After the Civil War, it was used as a training ship and saw service in WWI. Her last cruise was in 1927 and even FDR wanted her saved, but the ship was scrapped in 1949.
The mainmast is in the Historical Society of Fairport, Ohio.
Really Too Bad That a Ship THAT Old Would be Summarily Scrapped. This would have made an excellent museum. --Old B-Runner
Confederate Flaf Banned from Maryland High School
WTOP News 103.5 FM March 11th.
The principal of Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, Md. has banned Confederate flags from cars and clothing on campus after an outbreak of racial hostility and suspension of two students.
Blacks make up 10 % of the 1000 students. Tensions started ten days ago.
It is Too Bad that Things Like This Happen and Continue to Happen. --B-Runner
The principal of Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, Md. has banned Confederate flags from cars and clothing on campus after an outbreak of racial hostility and suspension of two students.
Blacks make up 10 % of the 1000 students. Tensions started ten days ago.
It is Too Bad that Things Like This Happen and Continue to Happen. --B-Runner
Civil War Cannon to Fire in Alabama, Well, Replica Actually
From March 15th Baldwin CountyNow "Cannon replica to fire to mark opening of Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa" by Curt Chapman. The hotel is located near Fairhope, Alabama and overlooks Mobile Bay. Unfortunately, this would not be a place I could afford to stay. A one night special which includes the Bellingrath Garden starts at $253. More than I'd be willing to pay. Found a $179 deal.
A replica of an 1862 Tredegar Ironworks bronze cannon will be fired at the grand opening of the new resort and 365 days a year. It was commissioned four months ago by Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the resort. Tredegar Ironworks was the Confederacy's premier arms maker.
It will be the featured attraction of a new cannon park and, if firing live ammunition, could throw a 6 pound projectile 1,523 yards with a 1.25 black powder charge.
The Civil War
The original structure of the Grand Hotel was built in 1847 and was used as a base hospital during the Civil War when it was garrisoned by the 21st Alabama.
More than 300 Confederate soldiers died there and are buried in a mass grave shoulder-to-shoulder at Confederate Rest, a cemetery on the hotel grounds. Burial records were kept at the hotel until destroyed in a fire in 1869.
World War II
During WWII it was part of Operation Ivory Soap. The Army Air Corps was given permission to use the hotel as a Maritime Training School. No soldiers wore combat boots in the hotel to protect the beautiful hardwood floors.
Officers and enlisted men lived in the hotel Navy-style. Floors were referred to as decks and bathrooms as heads.
Around 5,000 men went to war from here and took part in various Pacific landings.
Now, Operation Ivory Soap is an interesting name. I guess because it floats and doesn't sink.
A Hotel with Quite a History and an Appreciation of Its Heritage. --B-Runner
A replica of an 1862 Tredegar Ironworks bronze cannon will be fired at the grand opening of the new resort and 365 days a year. It was commissioned four months ago by Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the resort. Tredegar Ironworks was the Confederacy's premier arms maker.
It will be the featured attraction of a new cannon park and, if firing live ammunition, could throw a 6 pound projectile 1,523 yards with a 1.25 black powder charge.
The Civil War
The original structure of the Grand Hotel was built in 1847 and was used as a base hospital during the Civil War when it was garrisoned by the 21st Alabama.
More than 300 Confederate soldiers died there and are buried in a mass grave shoulder-to-shoulder at Confederate Rest, a cemetery on the hotel grounds. Burial records were kept at the hotel until destroyed in a fire in 1869.
World War II
During WWII it was part of Operation Ivory Soap. The Army Air Corps was given permission to use the hotel as a Maritime Training School. No soldiers wore combat boots in the hotel to protect the beautiful hardwood floors.
Officers and enlisted men lived in the hotel Navy-style. Floors were referred to as decks and bathrooms as heads.
Around 5,000 men went to war from here and took part in various Pacific landings.
Now, Operation Ivory Soap is an interesting name. I guess because it floats and doesn't sink.
A Hotel with Quite a History and an Appreciation of Its Heritage. --B-Runner
Lincoln's Paper Trail
The Feb. 11th LA Times "Abraham Lincoln's paper trail" by P.J. Huffstutter.
A team of historians has been scouring the nation looking for any and everything 16th President Lincoln put pen to during his entire life.
John A Lupton and Ericka Nunamaker have recently returned from a 6 day, five state, 1,400 mile odyssey and tracked down 33 documents.
Over the last 7 years researchers have found more than 1000 documents written by him and nearly 28,000 written to him.
When a document is located, it is scanned and the originals returned to the owners.
Luptak believes there are tens of thousands more. There are also ten others looking from the Illinois-based Papers of Abraham Lincoln. You can go to their website at: www.papersofabrahamlincoln.org.
This is a joint project by the Illinois Preservation Agency and the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum.
Lupton is considered a leading expert at Lincoln's writing. He can even tell you if the president was in a thoughtful mood if the writing has neat, careful strokes, or tired if they were jagged lines. He has located hundreds of hastily-signed military commissions that he has determined were used by Lincoln as busy-work to help him stay awake at night while caring for his ailing son..
The papers project began in the 1980s and Lupton joined the team in 1991. Once, he found mention of bankers accused of bilking shareholders. Lupton found that the case was moved to southern Illinois. He went to the Macoupin County records office and sifted through thousands of documents until he struck paydirt. There was a 43 page legal argument written in Lincoln's on hand, the largest known document by Lincoln.
Of course, now that we are approaching the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, this will come even more to the forefront.
Talk About a Great Job. I Sure Would Like to Get in on This. --Da Old B-R'er
A team of historians has been scouring the nation looking for any and everything 16th President Lincoln put pen to during his entire life.
John A Lupton and Ericka Nunamaker have recently returned from a 6 day, five state, 1,400 mile odyssey and tracked down 33 documents.
Over the last 7 years researchers have found more than 1000 documents written by him and nearly 28,000 written to him.
When a document is located, it is scanned and the originals returned to the owners.
Luptak believes there are tens of thousands more. There are also ten others looking from the Illinois-based Papers of Abraham Lincoln. You can go to their website at: www.papersofabrahamlincoln.org.
This is a joint project by the Illinois Preservation Agency and the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum.
Lupton is considered a leading expert at Lincoln's writing. He can even tell you if the president was in a thoughtful mood if the writing has neat, careful strokes, or tired if they were jagged lines. He has located hundreds of hastily-signed military commissions that he has determined were used by Lincoln as busy-work to help him stay awake at night while caring for his ailing son..
The papers project began in the 1980s and Lupton joined the team in 1991. Once, he found mention of bankers accused of bilking shareholders. Lupton found that the case was moved to southern Illinois. He went to the Macoupin County records office and sifted through thousands of documents until he struck paydirt. There was a 43 page legal argument written in Lincoln's on hand, the largest known document by Lincoln.
Of course, now that we are approaching the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, this will come even more to the forefront.
Talk About a Great Job. I Sure Would Like to Get in on This. --Da Old B-R'er
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Running the Blockade-- Civil War Weekend-- Louisiana in the Civil War-- SUVCW Meeting-- Sauk City Update-- Another Civil War Weekend
Running the Blockade--Some news of the War from Around the Country.
1. Civil War Weekend in Kentucky-- March 28-30 there will be a Civil War Weekend in Henderson, Kentucky's Audubon Mill Park. It is hosted by Cobb's Battery and the Adam Rankin Johnson SCV Camp 1910.
2. Louisiana in the Civil War-- The Union Parish Library of Bernice, Louisiana, and the Bernice Historical Society are co-sponsoring a six-week series of readings and discussions of the Civil War in Louisiana. Meetings will be Tuesdays from 6 to 8.
3. Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War-- The David Moore Camp 70 will be holding their March meeting at the home of its commander. Sorry, forgot to write down what city, but I think it was in Missouri.
4. Sauk City, Wi, Update-- The Civil War Memorial planned for the city cleared another hurdle when the city's Historical Preservation Committee approved the design. Next, the Sauk City Plan Commission has to ok it. I reported on this earlier.
5. Another Civil War Weekend-- The 11th annual Civil War Weekend will take place at Valley Park in Hurricane, SC. More than 250 re-enactors are expected.
Who Says It's an OLD War? --Old B-Runner
1. Civil War Weekend in Kentucky-- March 28-30 there will be a Civil War Weekend in Henderson, Kentucky's Audubon Mill Park. It is hosted by Cobb's Battery and the Adam Rankin Johnson SCV Camp 1910.
2. Louisiana in the Civil War-- The Union Parish Library of Bernice, Louisiana, and the Bernice Historical Society are co-sponsoring a six-week series of readings and discussions of the Civil War in Louisiana. Meetings will be Tuesdays from 6 to 8.
3. Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War-- The David Moore Camp 70 will be holding their March meeting at the home of its commander. Sorry, forgot to write down what city, but I think it was in Missouri.
4. Sauk City, Wi, Update-- The Civil War Memorial planned for the city cleared another hurdle when the city's Historical Preservation Committee approved the design. Next, the Sauk City Plan Commission has to ok it. I reported on this earlier.
5. Another Civil War Weekend-- The 11th annual Civil War Weekend will take place at Valley Park in Hurricane, SC. More than 250 re-enactors are expected.
Who Says It's an OLD War? --Old B-Runner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)