About our
Speaker
Colonel Mark C. Vlahos,
Vice Commander, 314th Airlift Wing, at the Little Rock AFB
will bring our program Tuesday night entitled, “U.S. Regulars.”
Colonel Vlahos grew up in Richmond, Virginia, where he gained his
passion about Civil War History. A graduate from Virginia Polytechnic
Institute, Col Vlahos entered the Air Force in 1983. He has gained his
Master of Art in Businesses Administration from Webster University and a
Master of Science in National Resource Strategy, from the Industrial
College of the Armed Forces. Colonel Vlahos has served in five
operational flying assignments. His staff assignments include commanding
the 763rd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Seeb Air Base, in
Oman, which supported Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and ENDURING FREEDOM.
The 763rd played a major role inserting combat forces and
supplies during the early stages of the war in Afghanistan.
Colonel Vlahos is a self-taught
amateur historian. He maintains an extensive Civil War library and has
placed several original Civil War artifacts on loan at the Jacksonville
Museum of Military History. Colonel Vlahos sits on the Board at the
Museum and is an active participant in the Reed’s Bridge Battlefield
Preservation Society in Jacksonville.
“Few people beyond the
serious buff and the scholar, who study the American Civil War, are
familiar with the role the U.S. regulars played in this conflict. The
tragic story of these well-trained and disciplined troops remained a
mystery for a number of reasons. As professional soldiers, they hailed
from all over and had no “one” state that benefited from their
regimental histories or accomplishments. Unable to recruit due to
shorter enlistments, looser discipline, faster promotions, enticing
bounties and “hometown units” that volunteer service offered, by 1864,
U.S. regular infantry regiments were fought to near extinction. In
other words, the standing professional army of the United States almost
became nonexistent. I always wondered what caused this situation.
Later in life, I found a few sentences in historical works stating that
this situation arose from a decision Lieutenant General Winfield Scott
made in 1861. Scott’s decision to keep the regular army intact impacted
mobilization more than any other policy. The purpose of my talk will
be to get inside the mind of Winfield Scott and what influenced him to
make this decision.”
-------------------------------------------------
U.S. Regulars
At the beginning of the Civil
War in 1861, one might ask: “What U.S. Regulars?” Fourteen thousand
troops, scattered in small detachments along two coasts and outposts
vastly removed from civilization; hardly enough men to guard the borders
and put down a rebellion. Ten infantry regiments and four regiments of
cavalry, which found themselves in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and
California, were far removed from Fort Sumter.
Aging Major General Winfield
Scott was supported by his General Staff Officers, who would play
prominent roles during the war. Included in this list were: Major
Generals George McClellan, John Fremont, and Henry Halleck. Additional
support was afforded by Brigadier Generals: John Wool, William Harney,
Edwin Sumner, Jos. Mansfield, Irvin McDowell, Robert Anderson, and
William Rosecrans.
After President Lincoln called
for the states to supply troops, nine additional U.S. infantry regiments
were organized in May of 1861. (11th Regiment–19th
Regiment). While most of the troops remained loyal to Union, many
of the Southern born officers, who felt a greater allegiance to the
State than to the Union, answered the call from their homeland.
Obviously, this left a tremendous void in leadership. Captain Charles
Morton of the 3rd Regiment Cavalry
stated: “The rank and file remained loyal to a man. Those who quit at
this juncture were Loring, Crittenden, Lindsay, Walker, Claiborne,
Maury, Baker, W.H. Jackson, “Joe” Wheeler, McNeill, Kerr, Henry, and
Watts. The last three had never joined for duty, and were of the
regiment only on paper.” Not a bad list of officers to begin a fight!
Captain Morton continues by
tracing the movements of the 3rd Regiment Cavalry from
“Huntsville, Ala., December 29th, 1863, where it remained on
duty until March, 1864, when it proceeded by rail to St. Louis, Mo.,
arriving at Camp Davidson the 7th, to leave May 20th
on steamers for Duvall’s Bluffs, where it arrived the 26th,
left June 4th and reached Little Rock the 9th.
(probably by
rail-editors note)
Captain Howland commanded the
regiment from the departure of Colonel Howe in May, 1863, until his
return, July 20, 1865, all the field officers—Stoneman, Roberts, Duncan,
Newby and Garrard, as well as the ranking captains being absent, most of
them as general officers of volunteers.
The duty in Arkansas was
principally to prevent the organization of commands and to suppress
guerrilla bands, escort trains, et cetera. The large territory covered
necessitated constant scouting in small detachments, which involved hard
riding, much risk, but no engagements of magnitude to attract attention,
while Sheridan was winning glory for his cavalry with probably no harder
work.
The enemy would make no stand
without having presumably a great advantage, and they were superior to
the Indians and practised about the same tactics. Lieut. George
Harrington was killed in action at Memphis, August 21, 1864. Captain
Howland, with 150 men, was ambushed by a much superior force near
Benton, September 4th, and his command badly demoralized for
a time, but rallied to find no enemy. Though eleven men were lost, this
first reverse in the history of the regiment was treated with some
levity, and the officers interested ever heard from their fellows of
“the Benton Races.”
November 8, Lieutenant
Wilson’s picket station was surprised with an attack from these prowlers
and lost some men and horses. Tarlton and Campbell with forty dismounted
men had an engagement until dark, January 14, 1865, with a force in
position near Dardanelles, but at daybreak found it had vanished. Though
the Rebellion was on its last legs, a party attacked Carroll’s patrol
January 22d, not far from Little Rock. Such was their persistence and
daring.
In January, 1866, A, D, E, H,
L and M, were manned at Carlisle Barracks and sent to Little Rock, where
they were, mounted and stationed at various posts in the State. While E
was en route, near the mouth of the Arkansas, the 28th, the
boilers of the steamer Miami burst, killing 13, wounding nine,
and probably drowning 12 who were missing.
In April, 1866, the regiment
was ordered to New Mexico again. Its service in the States was probably
the easiest it had ever experienced in the same period of time, though
during the war it had no doubt marched many times the number of miles
marched by any other regiment.”
(Morton, Captain Charles, The
Third Regiment of Cavalry)
------------------------------------------
Champion Hill
The Champion Heritage Foundation
is planning an all-day event at Champion Hill on May 16, 2009, to
commemorate the 146 Anniversary of the Battle of Champion Hill. Put the
date on your calendar and plan to attend.
The gate to the church will be open at
8:00 a.m. to allow time for parking, tee-shirt sales and book signings
by Dr. Timothy Smith, Grady Howell Jr. and Rebecca B. Drake. The first
event of the day featuring Dr. Timothy Smith, speaker, will take place
at 9:00 a.m. Dr. Smith is the author of Champion Hill: Decisive
Battle for Vicksburg. Smith will speak on the battle that took place
on May 16, 1863, and the importance of the historic Old Jackson Road,
which leads through the heart of the Champion Hill battlefield.
Following Smith’s talk, the Champion
Heritage Foundation will unveil a historic marker THE HILL OF DEATH.
This will be the second marker of its kind to be placed on the
battlefield by the Champion Heritage Foundation. The first marker
CHAMPION HOUSE SITE was placed on the site of the original Champion
House which was burned by the Yankees in 1863. Following the unveiling,
the historic marker will be transported to the Hill of Death and
made ready for viewing as the strollers approach the hallowed site.
The Preservation Stroll to the
Hill of Death will begin around 9:45 - 10:00 o’clock following
the opening event on the church grounds. The entrance to the Old Jackson
Road can be seen just a few yards to the west of the Champion Hill
Baptist Church. For those of you who stroll or ride to the Hill of
Death, you will have the unique experience of seeing one of the
south’s most famous battlefield roadbeds. Along the sunken road there
will be re-enactors presenting a living history to make the experience
come alive. The sound of artillery fire will be heard in the background.
The Preservation Stroll,
approximately one mile in length, will end on the Hill of Death
where those attending can view the historic marker at its permanent
location. After observing a moment of silence, Dr. Smith will make a few
remarks pertaining to the Hill of Death and the battle that
changed not only the course of the Vicksburg Campaign but also the
entire war.
The event is now only two months away.
Be sure and wear comfortable shoes for the stroll and bring insect
repellent. Don't forget your camera.
The Champion Heritage Foundation would
like to ask that each person donate $5.00 for the morning event. All
proceeds will used to plan another battlefield event for the coming year
including the dedication of another historic marker.
Next month Terry Winschel, from the
Vicksburg National Battlefield, will be our speaker. Champion Hill
played a pivotal role in the Campaign for Vicksburg. Terry will discuss
General Joseph E. Johnston and his efforts (or lack of effort) to
relieve Vicksburg. I am sure there will be discussion concerning
Champion Hill.
Visitor
Information
Scheduled
Speakers in 2009
Jan Tom Wing, History
Prof, U of A Ft. Smith “A Rough Introduction to This Sunny Land”:
The Civil War Diary of
Private Henry A. Strong, Co K, 12thKansas
Infantry
Feb Mark Kalkbrenner,
Chair SECWHT: General William J. Hardee
Mar Col. Mark Vlahos,
Vice Commander 134th LRAFB: “U.S. Regulars”
Apr Terry Winschel, NPS
Vicksburg: “I am too late” Joseph E. Johnston and the Fall of Vicksburg
May Brian Brown: Fort
Hudson
Jun Don Nall, Local
historian: “Confederate Cavalier, Nathan Bedford Forest”
July Drew Hodges, UALR
History Professor: The Women of Robert E. Lee
Aug Ken Barnes, UCA
History Professor: Brooks – Baxter War
Sept C. Fred Williams,
UALR History Professor: Albert Pike
Oct Mark Christ, Ark
Dept of Historic Preservation: TBA
Nov Bill Shea,
Professor, UAM: TBA
2009
Officers, The Civil War Roundtable of Arkansas, Inc.
President Jan Sarna jcsarna@aol.com
Vice President David
Gruenewald dgruene@swbell.net
Secretary/Treasurer Brian
Brown brianb1578@aol.com
Web Master Pris Weathers arkansasties@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor Rick
Meadows rmeadows@aaamissouri.com
At Large Board Don Hamilton don.hamilton@lrwu.com
______________________________________________________________________________________
Grand Opening
of the Arkansas Studies Institute!
An invitation
has been extended from the Butler Center:
Please
join us on
Saturday,
March 21, 2009
Refreshments at 6:30 p.m. remarks at 7:00 p.m., tours to follow
401
President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock
Come view the etch glass
panels that have been given in memory of Jerry Russell, one of the
founders of the CWRT of Arkansas.
Arkansas soldiers honored on
the panels are:
Major General Patrick
Cleburne, C.S.A.
William Villines, 1st
Ark Infantry, U.S.
--------------------------------------------
Book Review – Deserter
Country
Deserter
Country
Civil War Opposition in the Pennsylvania Appalachians
Robert M. Sandow
$50.00
ISBN: 9780823230518
Book (Hardcover)
Fordham Press
288 pages
24 black and white illustrations
6 color illustrations
April 2009 |
“Deserter
Country provides an important and unexpected window on the
Civil War North.”—Daniel Crofts, The College of New
Jersey
During the Civil War, there were throughout
the Union explosions of resistance to the war—from the deadly
Draft Riots in New York City to other, less well-known
outbreaks. In Deserter Country, Robert Sandow explores
one of these least-known “inner civil wars,” the widespread,
sometimes violent opposition in the Appalachian lumber country
of Pennsylvania.
Sparsely settled, these mountains
were home to divided communities that provided safe haven for
opponents of the war. The dissent of mountain folk reflected
their own marginality in the face of rapidly increasing
exploitation of timber resources by big firms, as well as
partisan debates over loyalty.
One of the few studies of the
northern Appalachians, this book draws revealing parallels to
the war in the southern mountains, exploring the roots of rural
protest in frontier development, the market economy, military
policy, partisan debate, and everyday resistance. Sandow also
sheds new light on the party politics of rural resistance,
rejecting easy depictions of war opponents as traitors and
malcontents for a more nuanced and complicated study of class,
economic upheaval, and localism.
| ROBERT M. SANDOW is
Associate Professor of History at Lock Haven University of
Pennsylvania. Available thru Fordham Press. Visit
www.fordhampress.com
or call 718-817-4795 |
|
________________________________________________
History
in Danger
According to a recent
survey, fewer than half of American high school students know when the
Civil War occurred. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough
weighs in about why the ignorance is a problem.
How
important is history in the United States? For at least 25 years,
we’ve been raising young Americans who are, by and large, historically
illiterate.
Why
does history matter? Amnesia is as detrimental to society as to
an individual. Historian Daniel Boorstin puts it this way: “Trying to
plan for the future without a sense of the past is like trying to
plant cut flowers.”Credit:
Parade, June 22, 2008
---------------------------------
Battle of
Westport Visitor’s Center and Museum
Mike Calvert, President of
The Civil War Roundtable of Western Missouri, congratulates the Civil
War Round Table of Kansas City and the Monnett Battle of Westport on the
opening of the new facility at 6601 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO, just
inside Swope Park. The center will be open Wednesday and Thursday from
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. To view more photos go to:
www.windingriver.com
. The center opened this winter. General Sterling Price abandoned his
Missouri Expedition after this battle in modern Kansas City on October
23, 1864. Included is a 32 mile, 25-stop driving tour of the
battlefield.
The Battle of Westport Visitor Center
6601 Swope Parkway, Kansas City MO 64132
913-345-2000
-----------------------
Civil War
Roundtable of Arkansas, Inc
2009
Membership Dues
Membership dues for 2009 are
to be paid now. These monies help to pay for the transportation and
lodging costs of our speakers. Printing costs for our newsletter and
brochures we have at various locations in Central Arkansas are also
supported by your dues. In addition, monies are used for the wayside
signs for the Campaign for Little Rock that the CWRT of Arkansas
purchases and maintains.
Additional monetary gifts
that you make will be used for preservation efforts for Civil War
battlefields and places of historical importance related to the Civil
War.
2009
Membership Dues Statement
$20 per year,
Make Checks payable to:
The Civil War
Roundtable of Arkansas, Inc.
(Please
disregard this notice if dues have already been paid)
Name:
Address :
City :
State :
Zip Code:
________________________________________________________
-Email address
Phone:
Membership dues
……………………………….. $20
Additional $$ for
preservation………………………______
Total
_______
Mail to:
Brian Brown, Treasurer
The Civil War Roundtable of
Arkansas, Inc.
P.O. Box 25501
Little Rock, AR 72221
Or pay online at our
website:
www.civilwarbuff.org
Questions? Call Brain at
501-376-2981
