...than right here, right now? I can’t think of anything more promising than being a Civil War historian during the Civil War’s Sesquicentennial in Virginia. Perhaps at no other time during our lifetime will we hold the attention of the general public like we do now. This past weekend I spent a few hours watching CSPAN coverage of the events going on at Manassas Battlefield and a few more reading through the recollections by friends and colleagues who were there. To say that it put me “in the mood” is an understatement and I cannot wait to participate in the 150th anniversary events that will be taking place here in Fredericksburg next December. My BIG announcement coming up will present how I plan to make my mark for the benefit of others. Until then, here are links to some excellent Blog postings by those who survived the 100+ degree heat in Manassas:

• Robert Moore at Cenantua’s Blog
• Mannie Gentile at My Year of Living Rangerously
• John Cummings at Spotsylvania Civil War Blog
• John Hoptak at 48th Pennsylvania Infantry
• Craig Swain at To the Sound of the Guns

My friends over at Patriots of the American Revolution just emailed a sneak peek of my upcoming feature on the Aaron Burr – Alexander Hamilton duel. This 5-page article will be running in the Sept./Oct. 2011 issue. It will be my fifth contribution to PAR. My next piece will present a look at Thomas Paine’s controversial philosophies on religion. What better reason do you need to get a subscription to THE leading publication on the War for Independence? Visit PAR’s website for more information.

I still have my BIG announcement coming next week, but in the meantime, I would be remiss if I didn’t join my brothers in the blogosphere and acknowledge this week's anniversary of the Battle of First Manassas. "First Bull Run" as some of you call it, initiated a conflict that would change the course of American history. Of course you can’t mention Manassas Battlefield without including the subject of its signature monument. Here is an excerpt from Chapter 7 of Onward Christian Soldier, my first and still one of my most popular books:

...Perhaps best known as “Stonewall,” Thomas J. Jackson earned his nickname at the First Battle of Manassas, after refusing to withdraw his troops in the face of total carnage. As Brigadier General Barnard Bee was informing him that his forces were being beaten back, Jackson interrupted, shouting, “Sir, we will give them the bayonet.” Inspired by the bravery of his subordinate, General Bee immediately rallied the remnants of his brigade, while shouting “There is Jackson, standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer.”

A devout Presbyterian and believer in predestination, Jackson insisted that God had already determined his time on Earth and that no spot on the battlefield was safer than the other. He once said, “My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to always be ready, no matter when it may overtake me.” It was this unwavering conviction that enabled him to lead his troops into battle without the fear of death and inspire countless others to rally behind him.

After their distinguished service at Manassas, word quickly spread of the gallantry of Old Jack and his Men of the Valley. Eventually the “Stonewall” moniker spread to encompass the entire brigade, which became the only Confederate force ever to have its nickname become an official designation.

That fall, Jackson was duly promoted to major general, and would continue to advance throughout his career. In total, his assignments would include: commanding the 1st Brigade, Army of the Shenandoah (May-July 20, 1861); brigadier general, CSA (June 17, 1861); commanding the 1st Brigade, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac (July 20-October 1861); major general, CSA (October 7, 1861); commanding the Valley District, Department of Northern Virginia (November 4, 1861-June 26, 1862); commanding the 2nd Corps, Army of Northern Virginia (June 26, 1862-May 2, 1863); and lieutenant general, CSA (October 10, 1862).

In May of 1862, Jackson and his troops took part in what is still considered one of the most brilliant and successful missions in American military history, the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. During that time, over seventeen thousand Confederates marched more than six hundred miles to participate in four major battles and seven minor engagements. When it was over, Jackson’s troops had defeated four sizable Union armies, while capturing nine pieces of artillery, ten thousand small arms, and four thousand prisoners…

BONUS: If you are interested in that campaign, here are the transcripts from my lecture on the subject titled Jackson’s Journey: Stonewall in the Valley.