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at 9:19 AM EST
Updated: Tuesday, 1 March 2011 9:21 AM EST
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Updated: Tuesday, 1 March 2011 9:21 AM EST
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Members of the Capt. Thomas Espy Post No. 153 of the Grand Army of the Republic
This week I completed my presentation for the upcoming Civil War Weekend (April 30th) at the Carnegie-Carnegie Music Hall. Back in November, I had the privilege of hosting a premiere for our documentary on Richard Kirkland at the Carnegie and I was thrilled when they asked if I would return to present a lecture and host another film screening. (I get to do both twice.)
My speech is titled “The Gallant Boys of the 123rd” and presents the experiences of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry at the Battle of Fredericksburg. In addition to having a library and music hall, the Carnegie-Carnegie is also the home to the Capt. Thomas Espy Post No. 153 of the Grand Army of the Republic. We know for a fact that there were at least three veterans of the 123rd who survived the Battle of Fredericksburg and were later members of the Espy Post, hence the tie in to our film.
In addition to the 123rd Vols., I also spend time talking about General Andrew A. Humphreys, who led men from the Pennsylvania Infantry in the assault on Marye’s Heights. His troops were the furthest to advance on this portion of the Army of Northern Virginia’s lines. Today, Humphreys’ statue commands the center of the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, the final resting place of 15,000 Federal troops who never made it home. Next to the Kirkland monument, his is the only statue on the field.
In my research I have come to the conclusion that there is a limited amount of materials published specifically on the 123rd. Shortly after the war Samuel Bates wrote a study titled “History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-65” and more recently, a Pittsburgh attorney named Scott Lang, wrote an outstanding book called “The Forgotten Charge: The 123rd Pennsylvania at Marye’s Heights.”
Both of these sources provided me with some great background information. I am also using National Park Historian Frank O-Reilly’s description of the 123rd’s preparation and entry into battle from his excellent book “The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock.”
It would be redundant for me to simply rehash these gentlemen’s findings, so when I was preparing for this talk I wanted to bring something special to the podium. What I was able to do, through the help of my friends at the National Park Service, was to get transcripts from four diaries belonging to members of the 123rd. None of these memoirs have been published and I am quoting a sample of their recordings before and after the battle.
I must say that this lecture was a breath of fresh air as it is the first of mine to concentrate entirely on the Union perspective. Those familiar with my work know that the majority of my books and speaking engagements have always been focused on the Confederacy. It was while working on “The Angel of Marye’s Heights” that I started to realize the one-sidedness of my writings and this initiated a desire to cross battle lines and expand my attentions toward the boys in blue.
I am anxious to see what responses I get. On a few occasions that I have presented the Northern perspective, I have been met with backlash by a minority of individuals who were offended that I spent time on those “Damn Yankees.” In fact, one southern-based group absolutely refused to review my devotional “The Southern Cross” after they saw that I included a handful of Union stories. Apparently the 45 Confederate – to – 5 Union stories was unacceptable so they returned the review copy to me on their own dime.
Personally, I found that to be offensive. Growing up in Pittsburgh as a devout Civil War 'buff,' I never really favored either side. After moving to Fredericksburg in 1994, I became serious about my writing and perhaps it was my location, or my initial focus on religion during the war that led me to focus on the South. Years later, 5 of my 6 books are clearly written from the Confederate perspective.
During my last speech in November, I saw an opportunity to tie the Kirkland film and the Espy Post together through the 123rd. This presentation was a great way to do that. Admittedly it is total speculation, but many members of the 123rd were trapped on the field overnight. Some were severely wounded and ‘could have’ been tended to by Richard Kirkland on the morning after the battle.
James M Watson was shot and remained bleeding on the field until the following morning. Eventually he was removed by an ambulance crew assigned to the 123rd, but would die six weeks later on January 28th, 1863. His story, as well as that of several comrades in arms who survived the war are included in my talk. I am using their own words as well as a series of photographs and illustrations to compliment my narrative.
As with past talks, I hope to record the event on video. Regardless, I will be sure to post the transcripts and slides here on Blog or Die. Of all the wonderful things that I get to do, speaking engagements are by far the most fun. What better way to meet people, feed your ego, sell your wares and share our nation’s history with the masses. This will be my 18th formal speaking engagement and to be able to present it in my hometown, and follow it with a screening of our movie is a blessing indeed.
For more information on this FREE event, visit the Carnegie-Carnegie website and scroll down to their Civil War Weekend link.
COMING UP: A noted teacher and historian from CA is planning on using “The Angel of Marye’s Heights” in her 8th Grade history classes to show Kirkland’s story and how it is remembered. She is also developing some age-appropriate classroom materials to go with the film. In appreciation, I am recording a special video message for the students and asking them to share their thoughts on the movie. Their responses will be posted on a special section over on the movie’s official website and we will be making this courseware available to teachers who wish to purchase our film. Stay tuned.
Today I have the pleasure of attending a special Black History Month program at U.S. Marshals Service Headquarters titled “African-Americans in the Civil War.” The event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Frank Smith Jr., director of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum here in Washington DC. According to his bio: "Frank Smith, Ph.D., during his four elected terms with the District Council, Washington, DC, laid the basic groundwork to establish a national memorial for African American troops who served in the Civil War. Fulfilling a lifelong dream to honor African Americans who fought for freedom as USCT, he oversaw the dedication of the African American Civil War Memorial in July 1998. Toward that goal, Dr. Smith used a lifetime of leadership experience to secure financing, District support, and the active involvement of public and private agencies to establish the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum." I will post a recap of the event and hopefully some personal insights from Dr. Smith who I hope to introduce myself to during the reception. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: Today’s presentation was outstanding and I was very impressed with Dr. Smith’s speech. He began by acknowledging the great opportunity that has been bestowed upon all of us with the Sesquicentennial. He also mentioned several events that had already taken place in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War including the Secessionist Ball and Inauguration of Jefferson Davis re-enactments. Respectfully, he offered his own opinion by saying that there are some celebrations that should take place and others that should not. He added that our country is far better off today because of the Civil War. I think we can all agree on that.
The main focus of his speech was the Emancipation Proclamation. After giving a strikingly honest portrait of Abraham Lincoln as a consummate politician (who later turned liberator), he explained the president’s intent of preserving the Union at all costs. He then stated how lucky we were that the South did not accept a reconciliation that was put forth by Lincoln in 1862. Immediately I noticed several audience members around me reacting puzzled to this statement. Dr. Smith went on to explain that it was only after the Confederacy’s rejection of Lincoln’s terms that African-Americans were allowed to serve in the Federal Army. He then went on to tie the contribution of the U.S. Colored Troops as paving the way for the Civil Rights Movement.
In closing Dr. Smith correlated the challenges that were put forth on President Lincoln entering office to those met by President Obama and added that both presidents likely had a “Not on my watch" mentality when they took over from previous administrations that were dealing with some heavy issues. He then challenged all of us to continue to work towards freedom and justice for all.
It was very impressive to see an historian at an event like this speak so candidly. Far too many speakers IMO "play" to the audience at functions of this nature. Dr. Smith was completely understanding of the South's economic dependence on slavery (regardless if it was morally wrong), frank about Lincoln's racist views early in his career, and sincere on the gratitude owed to the USCT. As there was so many senior level staff around the speakers following the program, I did not want to interrupt them to introduce myself. I do plan on sending Dr. Smith a follow-up email and making time to visit the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum.
Days like today reinforce the pride that I have working for an organization like the U.S. Marshals Service. To be a part of an agency that spends such a great deal of time promoting both history and diversity is a blessing indeed.
I was resting and reading today’s issue of The Free Lance-Star which reported that the National Park Service has set aside $1.6 million to rehabilitate exhibits at the Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville Visitor’s Centers. This is tremendous news and I am sure that they will use it to create something wonderful for the Civil War Sesquicentennial. As a local resident, historian, and private guide, I have often wondered when the NPS was going to update and expand their current exhibits. Over the last few years we have seen great additions to the National Park’s presentation of this area’s history including new interpretive markers, regional history books, sanctioned blogs and locally televised films. This coupled with the outstanding staff which includes Russ Smith, John Hennessy, Eric Mink, Frank O’Reilly and Donald Pfanz makes the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania Military Parks among the best in the nation. I for one cannot wait to see what they come up with.
I did want to mention that I am compiling material for my speech on the 123rd PA Volunteers which will be delivered at the Carnegie-Carnegie Civil War Weekend on April 30th. My friends at the NPS have already provided me with four, fascinating diaries from members of the 123rd. This talk will be followed by a special screening of The Angel of Marye’s Heights documentary followed by a Q&A with me. We will have copies of the DVD for sale at the theater. See the ACFL&MH Press Release for full details. I also received an email from a middle school teacher in CA who is interested in using our film for her Civil War class in the spring. We are looking at putting something special together for the kids. Stay tuned. That’s all I can muster this week.
In acknowledgement of February being Black History Month, here are links to some of my past works that fit the occasion. During my recovery, I have started reading Blue-Eyed Child of Fortune, The Civil War Letters of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, edited by Russell Duncan. This is strictly for pleasure although I may post some thoughts in the future. I will also be attending a special Black History Month program at U.S. Marshals Service Headquarters on Feb. 23rd that will deal with the contributions of the USCT. I will share some pics if I’m feeling up to it. See you when I'm feeling better. Whenever that may be. Until then...