Remembering the American Civil War
Over the past few years, there have been major attempts to recast our image of the American Civil War. I am supportive of many of these efforts. Specifically, rather than focus on Civil War Battles, [...]
Lee: General Order Number 9
My father was educated in a one-room schoolhouse in Pearland, Texas. While certain deficiencies particularly in mathematics and foreign languages arose from such a rudimentary background, other excellent disciplines were instilled. In particular a strong [...]
Understanding the Complex History of the South and Its Impact on Civil Rights
“It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.” -Martin Luther King August 28, 1963 Introduction: The election of a Democrat to the Senate [...]
Grant-Lee Correspondence that Ended the Civil War
Introduction I am reading Ron Chernow’s Biography of Ulysses Grant. Needless to say, this biography provides a fantastic positive insight into one of America’s greatest generals. While Grant suffered from alcoholic demons, he possessed incredible [...]
Great Britain and The United States During the Civil War
I have learned a lot about the role of Great Britain and the United States during the Civil War from a Book, A World On Fire. In discussing the United States, we must recognize the [...]
Ulysses Grant: An Extraordinary Person by Ron Chernow
“Suffrage once given can never be taken away, and all the remains for us now is to make good that gift by protecting those who have yet received it” Ulysses Grant Ulysses Grant: An extraordinary [...]
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural
Recently, when visiting our public library, I checked out a book devoted to Lincoln’s Second Inaugural. This speech along with the Gettysburg Address are considered to be two of the finest speeches in English ever [...]
In Tried by War by James McPherson
By James McPherson Courtesy Library of Congress Lincoln, McClellan (facing him) and other Union officers on the Antietam battlefield. Introduction: James M. McPherson’s “Tried by War” explained the evolution of the president’s role as commander [...]
1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History
1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History By Charles Flood Introduction: During the same month two hundred years ago, two of the most remarkable men in history were born, Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin. Several [...]
Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863 – Lincoln in His Own Words
I have just completed listening to a course Abraham Lincoln, In His Own Words, which was taught by Professor David Zarefsky. I was so inspired by this course that I thought I would try to [...]
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address – Follow up
Because I am confined to my apartment for much of the day given my illness and the hot weather, I chose to watch again Ken Burns’ Documentary of the Civil War given the controversies surrounding [...]
Stonewall Jackson: Battle of Cross Keys and Battle of Port Republic
In order to understand the importance of the Battles of Cross Keys and the Battle of Port Republic, we must emphasize the importance of the Shenandoah Valley. Stonewall Jackson summed up this region’s strategic importance. [...]
America’s Civil War: History 393 Documents; Professor John C. Willis
Professor John C. Willis U.S. Grant, Meetings with Robert E. Lee, 9 and 10 April 1865 I had known General Lee in the old army, and had served with him in the Mexican War; [...]
Black Confederate Soldiers: A Surprising Fact
The existence of Black Confederate soldiers almost sounds like an historical contradiction. Given that the South initiated the Civil War to preserve slavery, it is hard to imagine that (1) Southern leaders would utilize black [...]
James Ewell Brown Stuart (1833-1864); Eyes of the Confederate Army
James Stuart (Known as Jeb Stuart) was the dominant cavalry officer of the Civil War until his death. General George Patton appreciated his flamboyance and charisma. Stuart provided invaluable service to the Confederate Army during [...]
Visiting Gettysburg
Because so many of my friends have enjoyed visiting Gettysburg over the past few years, I wanted to encourage others to visit this historic battle site. I believe a one and half day is long [...]