Call
to
arms
April 2015
Volume VI, Issue 8
The Newsletter of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table
The President’s
Corner
Wally Rueckel
we have officially moved our
monthly programs to Hatch Auditorium
on the grounds of Fort Caswell, a fortification steeped in history, most notably as
an important part of the Cape Fear naval
defenses during the Civil War. It is almost
like moving back in time to embrace our
Civil War history! I think our move went
great. We did have a few minor hiccups,
but all-in-all the relocation was a success
thanks to numerous volunteers spending
considerable time planning for every conceivable eventually. This involved
friendly attendants guiding you to the
parking areas, including the handicap
areas. Not only were the Sutler’s table,
refreshments and registration teams helpful, but there was considerable preplanning to create a smooth flow once
you entered the lobby. The Hatch staff did
a good job working with us on the use of
the audio-visual systems (this may require
a little more work). Importantly, we spent
some time developing safety procedures,
including alerting the nearest 911 call
center of our monthly meetings and informing you about emergency exits. All
of this was done by volunteers who deserve your thanks for this smooth transi-
tion. While things went very well, we all
have vowed to listen to your suggestions
and are prepared to make any necessary
modifications.
Well, we christened our venue by rewarding the 344 members and visitors in
attendance with a great speaker. Theda
Perdue, shared with us — probably the
first time for most — the role played by
Native Americans during the Civil War. I,
for one, didn’t know there were so many
Native Americans who participated, that
some of their chiefs rose to the rank of
general and the final Confederate surrender was not at Appomattox, nor at Bennett Place (Durham, NC), but in the Indian Territories several months later.
Read Dan Fink’s synopsis of Theda’s talk
elsewhere in this newsletter.
Our Sutler’s table is back in business.
We have a wonderful collection of firstrate Civil War books, most for under $5.
Stop by after registering and before going
to your seat. Speaking of seats, Hatch’s
seating capacity is twice that of Trinity.
So, bring a friend, or better still, bring you
grandchildren. This is probably the only
President’s Corner
cont’d next page
Inside this
Issue
President’s
Message
Next Program
Last Meeting
Synopsis
Ladies’ Dept
1-2
2015-2016
Programs
Member
News
Bentonville
150 pictures
5
Salisbury
Prison
Membership
Notice
Newsletter &
Ad Guidelines
150 Years
Ago
6
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
7
Co-Editors
Charen Fink
E. Gifford Stack
Jim McKee
A PRIL 2015
Next Speaker
P AGE 2
Eric Wittenberg to Discuss J.E.B.
Stuart at Gettysburg
Eric
J. Wittenberg is an award-winning Civil
War historian whose focus is on Civil War cavalry operations. Incidentally, he is also a practicing attorney, but that does not
deter him from his active involvement and participation in
various Civil War-related research and activities. His visit as
guest speaker will take place at
the next monthly meeting on
Tuesday, April 7, at Hatch Auditorium on the grounds of the
Baptist Assembly on Caswell
Beach. The topic of his presentation is, “Plenty of Blame to go
Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg.”
Arguably Stuart’s most famous campaign, Gettysburg, was
marred when he was surprised
by a Union cavalry attack at the Battle of Brandy
Station, and by his separation from Lee’s army
for an extended period of time. That left Lee unaware of Union troop movements and contributed to the Confederate defeat at the Battle of
Gettysburg. Stuart received significant criticism
from his Southern press as well as the postbellum
proponents of the Lost Cause movement, but historians have failed to agree on whether Stuart’s
exploit was entirely the fault of his judgment or
simply bad luck and Lee’s less-than-explicit orders. Later, during the 1864 Overland Campaign,
Union Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan’s cavalry
launched an offensive to defeat
Stuart, who was mortally
wounded at the battle of Yellow
Tavern. His widowed wife wore
black for the rest of her life in
remembrance of her deceased
husband. Wittenberg will provide insights into various interpretations of what happened at
Gettysburg.
Wittenberg is the author of
sixteen books focusing on Civil
War cavalry operations, as well
as over three dozen articles that
have appeared in national Civil
War magazines. He has addressed nearly every major cavalry battle of the Civil War. His battlefield preservation work includes serving as the vice president of the Buffington Island Battlefield Preservation Foundation, and is a member of the governor of Ohio’s Advisory Commission on the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. He is also active
in the preservation efforts of the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Trevilian Station Battlefield
Foundation, and Brandy Station Foundation.
President’s Corner… cont’d.
tenberg who will discuss the circumstances surrounding Confederate Cavalry General Jeb Stuart’s controversial ride to Gettysburg. Some believe Stuart’s late
arrival might have influenced the outcome of this epic
battle. Eric is an accomplished Civil War historian and
award winning author noted for his studies of the cavalry during the war.
One final request. After the conclusion of our programs, please make sure to clean-up your area and
throw away unused items in the trash receptacles provided. We have special permission to bring our refreshments into the auditorium…but only if we cleanup. Otherwise, we may lose this enjoyable privilege. Thank you.
place they will learn about this significant event in our
history. Also, at the request of some of you, we have
started a program to provide rides for residents of
Southport and St James. Some of our members in
those areas are agreeable to picking up fellow residents who may need a ride or wish to start a car pool.
Please contac t P ete r Desrochers [email protected]
or
myself
[email protected] for more info.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 7, in Hatch
Auditorium at the usual time. Our speaker is Eric Wit-
A PRIL 2015
Speaker Synopsis
By Dan Fink
P AGE 3
A TALE OF TWO TRIBES: THE CHEROKEE
AN D LU MBEE IN DIANS IN THE CIVIL WAR
They had a friend in William Holland Thomas.
As a lawyer and adopted son, he served wisely
and well. His Thomas’ Legion, composed of
Cherokees and Scotch-Irish
Highlanders, must have been
a sight as they faced the enemy while brandishing tomahawks, scalping knives, rifles
and kilts! Theda feels they
probably fired the last shot of
the war on May 6, 1865, at
White Sulfur Springs, North
Carolina.
Ya just had to be in the
audience to learn more about
“Mudwall” Jackson! Theda's
knowledge of fascinating
facts about the Lowry family
and the seven-year “grudge” battle seems to parallel the Hatfields and McCoys. The oppressed
included Native Americans, poor whites and
blacks who stood against those groups calling
themselves the home guard, and the Klan. There
was a lot of good versus evil here with good finally winning. A Cherokee boarding school was
started with more motivation to do well growing
exponentially.
The two tribes, Theda summarizes, have prevailed over time and at great odds. They have
fought not just a war, but discrimination, extermination and removal attempts. Both tribes remain intact and are growing in pride, purpose and
strength. Per capita, the Lumbees are the best
educated tribe in America. We are asked to leave
with this provocative thought: Ely Parker, a Seneca from New York, drew up the surrender papers. Lee observed at the signing: “I am glad to
see one real American here.” Parker answered:
the war. They lost about 35% of their population “We are all Americans.”
of 21,000. Their entire nation lost all their rights
and were deemed disloyal at the end. The federal
government had originally promised them a pardon.
A
small, almost unknown, sliver of Civil War
history came to life last month with such respect,
reality, insight, and heartbreak. Theda, you embraced us with your abundant
Lumbee and Cherokee knowledge and then “Iced the Cake”
by dedicating your presentation
to our beloved Max Williams!
Theda points us to a reality
that not many Native Americans were actually involved in
the war. They were far more
interested in their land than
their citizenship. The Lumbee
were a small group who suffered greatly at the hands of
early colonization attempts and
were barely surviving. They felt strongly about
their citizenship to North Carolina but were far
less aligned with national citizenship. Choosing
to speak Sioux made them even more different.
The Cherokee found some grudging allegiance to the Confederacy. It seemed their best
hope to preserve their culture, their land and their
freedom as a people. Cherokee and Lumbee Indians made up less than 10% of the roughly 28,000
Native Americans involved on both sides. It
came down to this: they must participate or perish as a people. The Cherokee were decimated by
A PRIL 2015
Ladies’ Department By Charen Fink
P AGE 4
on an educational show about cooking using period menus.
o Chance of dying: about one in four
Vivandieres and daughters of the regiment
o The following are for the Union Army:
worked
as military assistants and were allowed on
n 1 out of approx. 65 men were killed in action
the
battlefield.
For the most part, their role was
n 1 out of 56 died from wounds
as
battlefield
medics,
but could carry a pistol if a
n 1 out of 13.5 died of disease
safety test was passed. Permission of the unit
n 1 out of 10 wounded in action
commander was needed to be a member of the
n 1 out of 15 captured or reported missing
military unit to which she wanted to be attached.
n 1 out of 7 died in prison
Part of the uniform is a small cask of brandy for
Civil War Medical Terms:
first aid on the battlefield. Avoid being a freelance vivandiere.
o Apoplexy—Paralysis due to stroke
o Bad blood—Syphilis
V The Sanitary Commission and the Chriso Bilious fever—Typhoid, malaria, hepatitis or tian Commission were legitimate representations
elevated temperature & bile emesis
in the Union military camp. They set up on the
o Bladder in throat—Diphtheria (seen on death edges of the encampment. This is appropriate
certificates)
only for the Union camp as they were Northern
o Bone shave—Sciatica
civilian groups. The South only had state and
o Brain fever—Meningitis
local soldier’s aid societies.
o Bright’s Disease—Chronic inflammatory disResources for Food & Cooking
ease of kidneys
Medical Statistics for the Civil War
Women in Military Camps
The American Frugal Housewife by Lydia Maria
Child with Introduction by Jan Longone. First
published in 1832 & a must for every mid-1800s
bride.
www.bookguy.com/cooking/civilwar.htm
www.foodbooks.com www.antiqnet.com
www.GOantique.com
The following tips are for women who are
unsure as to whether or not they belong in a military camp during reenactments. The personas fitting in camp include a soldier, a female soldier
dressed as a male and looking convincingly masculine, female cooks, laundresses, vivandieres
(women sutlers or canteen keepers), and daughFestivals & Their Foods:
ters of the regiment. If the persona is not appropriate the woman should retire during public Passover—Union 23rd Ohio often was unable to
hours to the township or the refugee camp.
find what they needed but when available ate:
V
The Union army allowed one laundress cider, whole lamb, chickens, matzo, eggs, bitter
for every 20 men. This means one must look like weeds but no charosets (they looked at a brick
a laundress with the correct equipment, no hoop and thought about its hardness).
or fancy dress. Look tired and worn out, spend- Easter—The middle class in the North colored
ing the day at a laundry tub of soapy water wash- eggs, ate ham or pork, green beans and apple pie.
ing men’s shirts and unmentionables. Know how
References
to make lye soap in case the public asks. Usually
Goellnitz, Jenny. Medicine:Statisitcs.http://
the lower class of society was relegated to this ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/features/medicine/cwsurgeon/
work. The sergeant appointed the laundress, most statistics.cfm
Fanny & Vera. “Helpful Hints & Timely Tips”.
often his wife, sister or other poor member of his
family. In turn, he would collect a large portion The Citizens’ Companion, (Morristown, TN: Lakeway
Publishing Co., Inc., Oct.-Nov., 2005), Volume XIIof the pay.
s
Civilian men and women were cooks.
Dress humbly; this is a great opportunity to put
V
Number 4.
Mitchell, Patricia B. Civil War Celebrations. 1998.
A PRIL 2015
BCWRT News
P AGE 5
2015-2016 Program Speakers
May 2015 – Will Greene, “The New Orleans December 2015 – Peter Carmichael, TBD
Campaign – Union Offensive on the Mississippi January 2016 – Ed Bearss, TBD
in 1862”
February 2016 – Chris Mackowski, “The Last
June 2015 – Kathleen Thompson, “To the Days of Stonewall Jackson - From Wounding to
Breaking Point - The Toll of War on the Soldier” Death”
July and August – NO MEETINGS
March 2016 – Bud Robertson, TBD
September 2015 – Wiley Sword, “Shiloh”
April 2016 – Chris Kolakowski, “Perryville October 2015 – Mathew Borowick, “Court Mar- 1862 Battle in Bragg’s Failed Kentucky Camtial of John Fitz Porter - Result of Battle of 2nd paign”
Manassas"
May 2016 – Horace Mewborn (Tentative)
November 2015 – Chris Fonvielle, TBD
June 2016 – Susannah Ural, TBD
2015 Ladies’ Forum
Bentonville 150th
Ladies, mark your calendar for the next Ladies'
Forum which will be on Monday, October 12,
2015, from 6-8 pm, at Murrow Hall in Trinity
UMC. We have a featured speaker who will
enlighten us about Flora Stuart, wife of J.E.B.
Stuart. In addition, there will be a discussion of
the daily lives of women, their clothing, and lifestyle. This is for women only. Members of
BCWRT are free and guests $5.00. As in the
past there will be refreshments and door prizes.
Sutler’s Table, Ft. Fisher Books
Be sure to visit the Sutler’s Table at our new location in the Hatch Auditorium lobby. There are
always new books and periodicals, all low priced
and ready for you to enjoy! The Sutler’s Table
also has information on local events and other
services provided by BCWRT.
The Friends of Fort Fisher will be selling The
Battle for Fort Fisher 150TH commemorative
books in the lobby before the April BCWRT
meeting. The books will be selling for $5.00 and
part of the proceeds benefits the BCWRT.
Mike Powell (yellow shirt) poses with (L-R) his brother,
nephew, & President Wally before the Saturday Battle
Bvt. Lt. Col. Jim McKee (center with sword) fighting as...
Infantry!?
Photo by Nathan Sloan
A PRIL 2015
News & Notes
P AGE 6
Salisbury Confederate Prison Association
What was it like being a Union prisoner of
war in North Carolina? How did the Confederate prison guards spend their days?
Learn insight to these and other Civil War
prison-related topics at the 18th Annual
Salisbury Confederate Prison Symposium,
April 17-19, 2015, in Salisbury, NC, sponsored by the Robert F. Hoke Chapter 78 of
the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
The event opens with a Friday night banquet
and talk. On Saturday, activities shift to the
campus of Catawba College with six diverse
lectures. The symposium ends on Sunday
with memorial services featuring music,
readings, and re-enactors, followed by a tour
of the prison site. Registration is $75. Of
note: BCWRT members who went to last
year’s symposium greatly enjoyed the event.
If you are interested in attending please contact Ed and Sue Curtis at [email protected] or 704-637-6411.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO THE MEMBERSHIP
The Brunswick Civil War Round Table has a Board of nine members, including five officers, plus several
advisors and committee chairs. The membership should be made aware of certain recent policies.
1. Basic membership fees for individuals and couples is $25.00.
2. Students are welcome free of charge.
3. A $10.00 admission fee will be charged all guests.
4. Occasionally it may be necessary to charge guests a higher fee when there is an especially renowned
speaker or when travel arrangements become more expensive.
The BCWRT has the following stated objectives:
1. To promote knowledge and understanding of the complex Civil War era through programs, travel, and the
newsletter.
2. To support the development and preservation of Civil War sites.
The BCWRT objectives are pursued in various ways, some obvious and some less so, as to the monthly cost
of speakers, venues, programs, and publicity. With this in mind, we propose to establish two categories of
elective, tax-free giving which would secure our finances in light of unknown future changes. The proposed
categories reflect our purposes. One category will be for programs and the other for Historic Site preservation.
The membership may be assured that due diligence is given to all BCWRT finances and other affairs.
A PRIL 2015
Membership Information
P AGE 7
BCWRT Guidelines For Ads and
Newsletter Content
Slide Show Ads
 Who, what, when, where and why—with contact info.
 Highlight the event, not the organization.
 One slide - per month - per group. Some people may be 60 ft. from the screen, so ad needs to be
in large print as small print will not be seen by most.
 History related, especially Civil War related.
 No recruiting of volunteers among our membership. No fundraising.
 We have right to refuse any ad. If any ads need additional info or clarification, Mike Powell will
do that.
 Submit 7 days prior to meeting, which is the 1st Tuesday of the month, to Rob Clarke at
[email protected] or Mike Powell at [email protected] or call 910-278-3545.
Newsletter Ads
 Short, one paragraph, 5-6 lines, single-spaced, lined with bullet points and contact information.
 Any graphics must be in the 6 lines.
 The editors can determine criteria. However, the same principles that are set for slides will hold
true for newsletter.
 BCWRT Board and editors have the right to refuse.
Newsletter
 Date of submission to Jim McKee or Charen Fink is the 18th of the month to allow the editors
time to format the information.
 Space limited to 5-6 lines to adhere to same criteria as slide show ads.
 Articles submitted to be limited to 100 words.
 Editing may be done for readability without changing content.
No Ads will be accepted for the website.
Thank you for your understanding in our efforts to improve your newsletter.
150 YEARS AG O april 1865
Apr. 1– Battle of Five Forks. Confederate defenses of Petersburg collapse.
Apr. 2– Confederates abandon Petersburg and Richmond. Richmond surrendered.
Apr. 2– Gen. James Wilson (US) defeats Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest (CS) at Battle of Selma, AL.
Apr. 3– Richmond and Petersburg occupied by Union forces.
Apr. 4– President Lincoln visits Richmond.
Apr. 6– Battle of Sayler’s Creek.
Apr. 8– Battle of Appomattox Station.
Apr. 9– Gen. Robert E. Lee surrenders to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House.
Apr. 11– Confederate government withdraws to Greensboro and then Charlotte, NC.
Apr. 14– Pres. Lincoln shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater, Washington, DC.
Apr. 15– Pres. Lincoln dies. Andrew Johnson becomes 17th President.
Apr. 26– John Wilkes Booth killed near Port Royal, VA.
Apr. 26– Gen. Joseph E. Johnston surrenders to Gen. William T. Sherman at Bennett House, Durham, NC.
Apr. 27– Booth’s body arrives at Washington Navy Yard. His autopsy is performed on USS Montauk.
A PRIL 2015
Call To Arms
P AGE 8
THE NEXT MEETING IS
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Hatch Auditorium
The Brunswick Civil War Round Table is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that
meets on the first Tuesday of each month, except July and August. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will be held at:
Hatch Auditorium, NC Baptist Assembly
Fort Caswell, Oak Island, NC
Registration is open at 6:30 p.m. and the program starts at 7:00p.m.
Co-Founded by Tom O’Donnell and Wally Rueckel
Organized May 2010
2015 BCWRT Officers, Directors and Advisors
Wally Rueckel: President & Director
Rob Clarke: Vice President & Director
Marv Hamer: Vice President & Director
Tom Kehoe: Treasurer & Director
Peter Desrochers: Secretary & Director
Jack Carpenter: Director
Charen Fink: Director
Chuck Roedema: Director
Mike Powell: Director
Chris Fonvielle: Advisor
Connie Hendrix: Advisor
Jim McKee: Advisor
Kathy O’Donnell: Advisor
Roy Pender: Advisor
Jonathan Richmond: Advisor
E. Gifford Stack: Advisor
Max Williams: Advisor
Check Us Out on the Web
The BCWRT website can be found under brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com or
brunswickcivilwarroundtable.org. All of the information on the website is available
to everyone, no user name or password is required.
Be sure to check out the list of presenters already lined up for our 2015/2016
year. There is also information on current Round Table sponsored trips and writeups on trips already taken. Also, check out the Links page for other organizations
involved in the Civil War.
The website is updated frequently, so please keep checking in on us.