Thank you Jim. Good evening folks. It is certainly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to speak to you tonight. When Mr. Ford contacted me, he initially requested a presentation on 'Stonewall' Jackson. However, when I heard that the theme of this year was "Great Lives that Touched Fredericksburg during the Civil War," there was perhaps no greater choice of topic in my opinion than that of Sgt. Richard Rowland Kirkland. Like many of you, I have been a longtime admirer of the story of the “Angel of Marye's Heights” and this presentation forced me to further research what is truly an extraordinary life.

It was no surprise that I was able to retrieve some great sources for this evening's talk. Mac Wycoff of the National Park Service has done a wonderful job compiling and publishing information on Sgt. Kirkland. I was able to find a variety of materials in the bound volumes at Chatham, as well as in a short biography written by a novice historian named Les Carroll. I was also able to get transcripts of Kirkland's personal letters from Susan Sweet of the Orange County Round Table out in California. Although I had previously published an essay on Kirkland, as well as a chapter in my devotional titled "The Southern Samaritan," I still believe that I have just begun to scratch the surface of this remarkable man's story, which has inevitably touched me.

So let's begin this evening with a couple simple questions: What is so special about this man and the act of humanity that he exhibited amidst the madness of war? And how did a young man from South Carolina leave such an indelible mark not only on Fredericksburg, Virginia, but ultimately on the rest of the country? Well for one, Kirkland's legacy is based first and foremost on a true story. It is an inspirational story. It is an uplifting story. Even in some respects it is an unbelievable story. But it is both amazing, and true.

Now I'll be the first to admit that much of our Civil War history is far too often mired in folklore and myth. We historians are guilty at times of romanticizing things that should not be romanticized and idolizing people who shouldn't be idolized. Yet this single incident that occurred here in Fredericksburg is revered because it is as profound and inspirational as it sounds. It is one of those rare instances when reality reads like a Hollywood script and remains reality.

I was amazed while browsing through the NPS archives by the number of accounts from eyewitnesses that repeatedly corroborate the story of the “Angel of Marye's Heights.” Time and time again, memoirs repeated the same story over and over. So it leaves little doubt in my mind. We are NOT propagating a legend. However, we must also acknowledge that the telling of this tale has been embellished, includes speculation, and has been marketed over and over in a variety of capacities through the years. Tonight I will show both sides.

While researching Kirkland's history I was fascinated with the monumental efforts that were put forth during the Civil War Centennial to commemorate the event by everyone from the Confederate Veteran's Association to the U.S. House of Representatives. I will be quoting a number of those sources, along with excerpts from my own book and memoirs from those who knew the man himself. Ultimately there is perhaps no other single event here in Fredericksburg that has captured the hearts and minds of both citizens and soldiers like this one. It is after all, the largest marker on the field near the stone wall and therefore the Kirkland Monument is essentially the identifying 'universal' symbol of the battlefield. Additionally, the 'character' of Sgt. Kirkland has become a historical 'pop-icon' of sorts as the likeness of his deed has become forever frozen through the marketing of statues, figurines, paintings and toys. These are just a few of the items I was able to find. In essence, he has become a souvenir, maybe even a brand... a 19th-century "Good Samaritan" if you will.

Of course Kirkland has also been cast in sculpture. One adorns the field here in Fredericksburg, while another sits in the courtyard at the National Civil War Museum up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I think that speak volumes. Of all the significant subjects to choose from, the country's national museum selected this event and this likeness for their site too. Honestly, I can't think of any other action by an enlisted man during the Civil War that has been more celebrated than this one. So it is with that premise that I present to you tonight the life, death, and legacy of Sgt. Kirkland. It is my hope that you will leave here with a greater appreciation not only for an act of charity that momentarily stopped the war, but for the entire life of the man who was more than just the 'Angel of Marye's Heights.'

Richard Rowland Kirkland was born in August of 1843 in the rural county of Kershaw in South Carolina. He was a typical farm boy whose family had strong ties to the community and a long lineage of military service. It is said that at least 10 of his ancestors had fought in the Revolutionary War. His great-grandfather, Daniel Kirkland, had served as a supply officer in the army and had fought in the Battle of Camden, S.C. in 1780.

It seems the very soil that his family farmed was hallowed by the service of his forefathers. To quote a UDC study titled A Rebel Against Injustice: Richard Kirkland, Young Humanitarian of Kershaw County, South Carolina: "The Kirklands were not rice bird-planters from Charleston. They came overland from Farquhar County, VA and settled in the Catawba Wateree Valley where the streams, the falls, the steep hills and giant boulders reminded them of Scotland. They were bred with the individualistic tendency of the self-reliant pioneers - the determination to do what they thought right - yet ready to take the consequences."

Richard was the son of John and Mary Kirkland whose relatives had long established a comfortable life farming in the fertile fields of the agricultural South. He was the youngest of 7 children (6 boys and 1 girl). Unfortunately Richard's mother passed away when he was just 2, although it has been written that this tragedy brought the family together. Sadly, there would be more tragedies for the Kirkland family to come.

The Kirkland's owned slaves, although I have been unable to validate exactly how many. One source I found stated there were 20, yet another tallied over 100. My guess is it's probably somewhere in between. Their plantation boasted large tracts of tobacco in White Oak, Gum Swamp, and the Flat Rock Regions of the county. I did read that many of their slaves escaped following "Sherman's March" into South Carolina that left the property devastated for years to come.

The family was indeed Christians and the children attended the Flat Rock Community Church and school. They were a close knit bunch and the relationships that they forged would carry into their adulthood. (On a side note, as I read about the Kirklands, I couldn't help but picture Jimmy Stewart's family in the film "Shenandoah," except of course the Kirkland's were all for the Southern Cause.)

Richard showed an aptitude for surveying and assisted with mapping out a 288-acre farmland near his family's homestead at the age of 16. Although the skill appeared to be a future for the lad, farming remained in his blood. He continued earning money through surveying jobs, but he used the profits to invest in farming tools.

Hard work was a way of life in the Kirkland house. So was the duty to one's country. At the onset of the Civil War, most of the males answered the "call to arms" and enlisted in the Confederate Army as volunteers. It was agreed among the brothers that one must stay home to protect the women and children and to control the slaves, as an uprising was feared. Lots were drawn and the duty of staying home was drawn by James, the eldest brother, much to his sorrow, but he abided by the agreement.

Although the rest of the Kirkland brothers did not all serve together in the same units, they did run into each other off and on during the war. Brother Jesse served with the 7th South Carolina. Dan and Billy deployed with the Kirkwood Rangers. Sam joined up with the 22nd S.C. Militia and later he would move on to the 7th South Carolina Cavalry following the death of his younger brother. He too would perish after being taken prisoner and contracting a disease at Point Lookout prison camp in Maryland. James, who had stayed behind, was tragically shot and killed on the plantation. By the time of the South's surrender, the family patriarch, John Kirkland will have lost his fortune, property, possessions, reputation, and three sons to the 'Great Divide.' Sadly, he died a broken man in 1870.

Following secession, Richard enlisted with the rebel forces before the age of 18. He had signed up as a private in the Camden Volunteers, who were later formed as the 2nd Regiment, South Carolina Volunteer Infantry. His neighbor, Captain John Kennedy was his immediate superior and the regimental commander was Colonel (and later General) Joseph B. Kershaw, a prominent attorney and officer. He is the gentleman pictured here beside Kirkland. Kershaw would also go on to become one of Kirkland's biggest promoters so to speak following the War Between the States. I'll share one of his tributes a little later on. Kirkland was later promoted to Sergeant a little over a year into the war.

Richard is said to have also helped recruit additional members into the S.C. Vols. This unit went right into the conflict arriving in Charleston during the bombardment of Fort Sumter. Although they would not fight in the war's first engagement, there would be few that they would not fight in throughout the war. Just look at this resume...At a first glance you can't help but ask were there any battles that they didn't participate in. Very few it seems. I have highlighted the two most noteworthy fights in relation to our discussion tonight, the battles of Fredericksburg and Chickamauga. The 'beginning' and the 'end' so to speak.

I'd like to read an essay from my book The Southern Cross that presents the extraordinary event that became the cornerstone of Kirkland's legacy: "Every Civil War writer has quoted either Union General William T. Sherman's statement of 'War is all Hell...,' or the Confederacy's supreme commander, Robert E. Lee, when he said 'It is well that war is so terrible-lest we should grow too fond of it.'

Both of these men were among the greatest generals ever to set foot on a battlefield, yet their obvious distaste for the very acts that made them legendary resonates from these lines. As a historian, one must always be careful not to "over-romanticize" war and to be constantly aware of the cold, sometimes harsh realities of the people and times that they portray. This is a dilemma that has plagued critics for centuries, resulting in both revisionist and apologist histories being written again and again.

However, for every heartbreak in wartime there has also been heroism, and for every tragedy, there has also been triumph. This is what makes the history of warfare worthy of our attention and justifies the energy we spend to preserve its memory for future generations. It is the good stories, the ones that reflect life (not death), the ones founded on courage and mercy that demand our interest. This is the side of war that truly needs to be glorified.

One such incident is the story of Sergeant Richard Rowland Kirkland, otherwise known as 'The Angel of Marye's Heights.' Perhaps the most compassionate and heroic character of the entire era, this lone Confederate soldier's conduct has become one of the most touching and inspirational subjects ever to come out of the War Between the States.

By the winter of 1862, Gen. Robert E. Lee's forces had claimed more decisive battlefield victories than their Northern counterparts due, in part, to the majority of engagements that took place on Southern soil. Throughout the first year of the war, the Confederates had managed to capitalize on a clear 'home field' advantage by dictating both the time and place of most major engagements. As a result, the Confederate States of America appeared to be well on their way toward achieving independence.

One of the biggest and most one-sided victories took place during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Early in the morning on December 13, 1862, Union forces began a desperate and doomed assault on a fortified position, known today as the 'stone wall at the sunken road.'

After crossing the Rappahannock River and taking possession of Fredericksburg, the Federal Army of the Potomac set its sights on taking the surrounding area where the Army of Northern Virginia had withdrawn. Perhaps a little too confident after experiencing only minor skirmishes in the town, the Union commanders failed to realize the brilliant tactical deployments established by Lee's lieutenants. By intentionally leaving the town to the enemy, Confederate forces were able to fortify their positions in anticipation of the arrival of the Federals. The most impenetrable of these positions was a long stone wall at the base of a sloping hill known as 'Marye's Heights.'

Overlooking the field stood another 'virtual' wall of Confederate artillery, cavalry and support troops that extended for miles in both directions. An attack would be a suicide mission. In order to reach the enemy, Union soldiers had to ford a canal ditch and then cross a vast open field with little or no cover. As soon as they left the tree line, a massive artillery barrage, joined by almost uncountable rifle fire, rained down upon the advancing men. Those that were able to escape the cannon were slowed by a slope that led to a fortified stone wall lining a sunken road. Behind the wall, soldiers knelt two and three ranks deep, with the front line firing and the rest reloading musket after musket. The result was a continuous hail of fire that cut rows and rows of men down before they could even get into position.

Wave after wave of Union soldiers left the safety of the canal ditch and were slaughtered. The death toll was staggering. In just one hour the Federals suffered more than 3,000 dead. After fifteen unsuccessful charges, the fighting ceased for the night, leaving the field littered with thousands of bloody bodies. Around midnight, Federal troops ventured forth under cover of darkness to gather what wounded they could find, but many were too close to the Confederate line to retrieve. Throughout the night, screams and cries of the wounded penetrated the peaceful silence of the cease-fire.

A Confederate soldier stationed at the wall later stated that it was 'weird, unearthly, terrible to hear and bear the cries of the dying soldiers filling the air -lying crippled on a hillside so many miles from home-breaking the hearts of soldiers on both sides of the battlefield.'

One soldier, Richard Rowland Kirkland, an infantry sergeant with the 2nd South Carolina Volunteers, struggled to rest amidst the horrid sounds of suffering that echoed across the field. A combat veteran, he was accustomed to the dead and dying, having seen action at Manassas, Savage Station, Maryland Heights and Antietam. By the morning of the 14th, he could take it no longer and requested permission to aid the enemy. Initially, his commanding officer was reluctant, as Kirkland would likely be shot dead by Union sharpshooters when he cleared the wall. He later granted the persistent soldier his request, but forbid him to carry a flag of truce. Determined to do the right thing and with total disregard for his own safety, Kirkland grabbed several canteens and leaped over the fortification.

Instantly several shots rang out as the Union soldiers thought their wounded were under attack. Realizing the sincerity of Kirkland's effort, the Federal marksmen lowered the barrels of their rifles. Thus, the fatal shot never came and both sides looked on in amazement as the sergeant moved from one wounded man in blue to another. Going back and forth over the wall for an hour and a half, Kirkland only returned to the safety of his own lines after he had done all he could do.

A fellow soldier in Kirkland's company later recalled the incident in part of a short narrative for The Confederate Veteran that was published in 1903. He wrote, 'The enemy saw him and supposing his purpose was to rob the dead and wounded, rained shot and shell upon the brave Samaritan. God took care of him. Soon he lifted the head of one of the wounded enemy, placed the canteen to his lips and cooled his burning thirst. His motivation was then seen and the fire silenced. Shout after shout went up from friend and foe alike in honor of this brave deed.'

In the end, this soldier's action resulted in much more than a moment of mercy. It was a moment that stopped the entire Civil War and reminded those around him that, regardless of their circumstances, one should always strive to show compassion for his fellow man."

Mercy is the only way (in my opinion) that man can retain a sense of decency amidst the primitive circumstances of war. Perhaps that is why Kirkland's selfless action is celebrated even to this day? Years later General Kershaw himself would write to the editor of The News and Courier in January of 1880 presenting what he called "an accurate record of the events surrounding Richard Kirkland at Fredericksburg." He stated:

"With profound anxiety, he was watched as he stepped over the wall on his errand of mercy, Christ-like mercy. Unharmed he reached the nearest sufferer. He knelt beside him, tenderly raised the drooping head, rested it gently upon his own noble breast, and poured precious life giving fluid down the fever scorched throat. This done he laid him gently down, placed his knap-sack under his head, straightened out his broken limb, spread his over-coat over him, replaced his empty canteen with a full one, and turned to another sufferer.

By this time his purpose was well understood on both sides and all danger was over. From all parts of the field arose fresh cries of 'Water, for God's sake, water!' More piteous still, the mute appeal of some one who could only feebly lift a hand to say, here too is life and suffering. For and hour and a half did this ministering angle pursue his labor of mercy, nor ceased to go and return until he had relieved all of the wounded on that part of the field."

His commanding officer wasn't the only one touched by the Sgt's compassion. The Confederate veterans of Kershaw County so admired Richard Kirkland that they bypassed six Confederate generals born in Kershaw County and later named their organization "The Camp Richard Kirkland."

I had noticed while flipping through the bound volumes at the NPS archives that tributes abounded to this event, especially in publications that were issued during the Civil War Centennial period. I wonder if this is also an example of people looking to shine a light on a positive story from a war that had so few things to celebrate. One piece in particular that was published in 1962 by the Carolina Museum personifies this concept of elevating a mythical hero, by taking the truth and presenting assumptions that may or may not have been completely accurate. Clearly there is an agenda with articles like this. And I quote:

"The public must remember that this unassuming South Carolina farm boy held no bitterness or malice towards his enemies. He simply believed in a cause, and, for that cause, he died during the Battle of Chickamauga. At the instant of his death Richard Kirkland ceased to belong exclusively to the Confederacy and became a hero of national magnitude."

That is certainly a wonderful tribute, but in retrospect, it seems a tad inflated. At best this piece is compromised by some personal speculation. However, perhaps this is exactly what the descendants of the war's participant's wanted, or even needed at the time. In other words, maybe the public begged for Kirkland's story to justify the right to commemorate the war in the first place. It may therefore be case of simply embellishing something that transpired on the battlefield even though it was already worth remembering.

Why? Perhaps the tragic memory of brother versus brother was simply too painful to pursue. The biggest proof (in my opinion) of this intentional focus on 'presenting the positive' came in the form of a declaration that is printed in the Congressional Record Appendix from January 23, 1961. The record includes a formal statement that says: "The Civil War Centennial Committee has decided not to attempt to reenact any part of the battle in its program commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg to be held on December 13, 1962. But rather would the committee and the people of the North and South expand their energies in giving to their fellow countrymen and the world the story of Richard Kirkland who fought here and hallowed the ground upon which this bloody battle was fought."

Isn't that amazing? Here you have members of the U.S. government, South Carolinians, telling Virginia not to focus on the battle, but rather on the human interest story of a single soldier. It appears that the Battle of Fredericksburg became palatable only through this story of a Confederate's compassion.

Still, Fredericksburg was not the end of Kirkland's story. His life continued on and he accompanied his comrades in the victorious, yet bittersweet Battle of Chancellorsville, then up north to face the Federals on the fields at Gettysburg. Following the battle here, Kirkland was able to return home for a short time. There he was able to spend weeks with his sister Caroline and also his sweetheart, who was Susan Evelina Kirkland, the daughter of Major Daniel Kirkland and his second cousin. Little did they know it would be the last time they would meet.

Richard returned to the ranks of the Army of Northern Virginia just in time for the fight at Chancellorsville. Once again, the gods of war smiled upon the sergeant and he was able to emerge from the horrific engagement without a scratch. By the time of the Battle of Gettysburg, Kershaw had been promoted to a brigadier general in McLaw's Division of Longstreet's Corps. His regiments (including Kirkland's 2nd) fought in the woods and fields of the George Rose farm as well as the infamous Wheatfield. It is said that Kirkland performed with great courage and distinguished himself in battle. He was enthusiastically *promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. [*this has been disproved]

Many of Richard's companions were not as fortunate as he. Here we have a familiar image that was taken by photographer Timothy O'Sullivan on a visit to the Gettysburg battlefield on July 5-6, 1863. He captured dead South Carolinians from General Kershaw's Brigade, who were killed in fighting near this spot on July 2. The Confederate casualties were photographed exactly where they were laid to rest on the George Rose Farm. The comrades of these men only had time to dig the graves and carve initials on simple wooden headboards before they were ordered to leave the scene. Richard evaded wounding. His luck however was about to run out.

Kirkland's final fight would come during the bloody battle at Chickamauga. Here he would fall, yet be remembered in the same heroic fashion as he was after Fredericksburg. One eyewitness, who has been contested, but not disproven was a gentleman by the name of W.D. Trantham, who is said to have entered the army at the age of 13 and served with Kirkland. As he was apparently present at the Lieutenant's fatal wounding he presented a tribute to his fallen comrade. It is especially noteworthy as it specifically recalls the incident at Marye's Heights. It stated:

"The circumstances of his death were most heroic. He fought literally until the last gasp, and even in the very presence and moment of death showed that the sublime self-sacrifice and regard for others which he exhibited at Fredericksburg, was a settled principle of his nature. His command was hurled like a thunderbolt against the enemy who held a position that was nigh-impregnable. The line suffered a temporary check. Kirkland with two of his comrades, Ario Niles and James W. Arrants, were in the front of the line and reached an exposed knoll before they discovered that they were alone. They of course retired; but in doing so Kirkland, against the warning of his companions, persisted in turning and firing upon the advancing enemy. While thus engaged he was shot in the breast. Niles and Arrants ran to him and sought to bear him from the field. With blood spurting from wound and mouth he gasped: 'No, I am done for. You can do me no good. Save yourselves and tell my pa that I died right.' In a few minutes the line returned to the charge and drove the enemy from the field. Richard Kirkland's pure soul was with God."

Once again, we have a magnificent tale that is certainly rooted in fact, but written in a way that you can't help but be inspired when reading. Now Richard was only one of the tragic losses in this particular battle. I believe that half of the brigade was either wounded or killed there. Kirkland's body was removed from the field, sent back to his family in Kershaw County, and he was buried in a secluded spot on the White Oak Plantation. His grave marker was simple and had the initials R.R.K. carved into it. Fortunately his moment of courage and compassion at Fredericksburg was recorded for posterity and recognized by a handful of officers and enlisted men.

Following his death, many recalled the impact that this South Carolinian farm boy had on their lives during one of the darkest periods in American history. One of Richard's friends wrote: "I knew this brave boy; he was my friend and chum; we shared each other's blankets. He was a noble boy...He fought through all the Virginia battles in Longstreet's Corps, and was killed on the bloody field of Chickamauga...He did his duty and always answered the roll call. No nobler soul ever winged its flight from the field of battle...than that of Richard Kirkland...Sleep on, dear friend. Your old comrades will soon join you in your home of rest."

His Obituary that ran on October 16, 1863 also included a multitude of accolades such as: "Many gallant heroes have fallen, but not a more generous or gallant spirit has been sacrificed on our country's alter since the beginning of the war, than that of the one for whom this is intended as a feeble tribute. He was one of those who, knowing his duty was willing to discharge it, be the consequences what they might. He shunned no hardships, he shrunk from no danger. His was a steady course, making the path of duty the road which he was won't to travel…" And "…Young and gallant soldier rest in peace; fate has decreed that you should not reap the reward of all your toils; but your name stands recorded upon the long list of victories already sacrificed upon the altar of your country's liberty."

In 1909, a request was made to move the remains of Richard Kirkland from the family plot to the Quaker Cemetery in Camden. This was mostly suggested as his original place of rest was becoming overgrown. The notion of giving him a more prestigious burial so that others could honor him was granted. A large stone was sculpted and engraved to mark the final resting place of the one they had called an angel.

His tombstone reads: "Richard Kirkland, CSA, who at the Battle of Fredericksburg risked his life to carry water to wounded and dying enemies and at the Battle of Chickamauga laid down his life for his country."

As you can see people leave canteens at the site in tribute. Additional shrines to Richard Kirkland include a memorial fountain that was financed by school children in 1910 and of course the monument here in Fredericksburg. In 1965, this piece was sculpted by the famous artist Felix DeWeldon and unveiled in front of the stone wall on the Fredericksburg battlefield where Kirkland performed his humanitarian act. The inscription on the statue reads: "At the risk of his life, this American soldier of sublime compassion brought water to his wounded foes at Fredericksburg. The fighting men on both sides of the line called him the Angel of Marye's Heights."

So here we are tonight, living in the crossroads of the Civil War, standing just a few miles from the spot where a young man performed an extraordinary act of humanity. We have a library full of tributes and accolades recalling the event and elevating the man who performed with grace, and compassion - courage and selflessness. Some are embellished, others are not.

We also have a magnificent monument testifying to the best and worst of man. And shelves of souvenirs and paintings that depict this remarkably encouraging moment that will be forever frozen in time. Most importantly, we have the collective memory of a young man who was able to rise above the madness of war and extend a helping hand to those who were not 'really' his enemy.

In closing, I would like to quote an excerpt from a poem about Richard Kirkland that was penned by Walter Clark in 1908:

"Like Daniel of old in the lion's den,
He walked through the murderous air
No touch or tear his gray-clad form,
For the hand of God was there"

"And I am sure in the Book of Gold,
Where the blessed angel writes
He wrote that day with his shining pen
The Angel of Marye's Heights"

We can see that this man's memory is worthy of the myth and that his was a life that certainly touched Fredericksburg (and beyond) during the Civil War. It is a story that touched me, and I certainly hope that it touched you too. Thank you.

BUY The Angel of Marye’s Heights on DVD

Mr. Aubrecht,

I have enjoyed many of your posts over the months and found your research to be excellent and interesting. I have to question a few statements made in your September 8th blog though. First, posting five points that you "don't think anyone can argue with" is an odd assertion. What has the study of history been but a long series of differing voices sifting through facts and arguing their meaning while hoping to come closer to the truth?

And as for America being exceptional, were not observations of the early Republic by an outside voice (de Tocqueville) arguing it so? And does believing America to be exceptional mean that there have not been and are not other exceptional societies? Was Rome not exceptional, or ancient Greece, or ancient China, or England? One can believe in America being exceptional and unique and even, dare I say it, good- without saying that others are bad. Of course Americans believe their country to be exceptional, when any country stops believing that they begin a sharp decline.

That is not to say that America is always right or always lives up to it's own vision of itself just as most people have failed at times to live up to their own ideals but to abandon your ideals is to embrace destruction. So to your 5 inarguable points:

1. America has created a revised version of its own story. This adaptation is taught to its youth and contaminates their fundamental understanding of history for the rest of their lives.

American historians have gone through many stages including one of idol building that encouraged beliefs with a mix of facts and fiction, to revisionism that demonized with a mix of the same. Most American school children have been getting very little substantial American history for the last 30 years and as a result have no idea what core beliefs and actions the country was founded on. 

2. The nation’s founding documents are revered more like divine scriptures than legal documents. This is the primary cause of never-ending controversy and misinterpretation.

The founding documents were a repository of the founding thought, debated and tested and resolved to lay out a platform on which the country could be built. As in building construction the foundation is critical to future survival of the structure. People revere that because it is a window to what the founding architects thought and why they thought it. That isn't religious but it is revered and when we fail to respect it we endanger the structure.

3. The vision of an underdog rising against tyrants has indelibly been etched in the nation's consciousness. Americans believe that their fight for independence trumps all others.

The early Americans valued the stories of Romans standing up to tyranny. Modern Americans were awed by the pictures of Tiananmen square. Americans despise tyranny anywhere. They enjoy their story of a fight against tyranny more than others because everyone likes stories about themselves. I hope other countries feel the same way about their stories.

4. Misguided and inappropriate hero-worship abounds in America. There is no distinction between the real contributions of a George Washington and the fantasy ones of a John Wayne.

Everybody in every country has and enjoys heroes. No hero is without flaws but we choose to celebrate what is heroic in people. This is not only human nature but it is beneficial as we model what we admire. If we did not look at the heroic nature of those that came before us then we would not have preserved their writings, homes, battlefields and personal effects in which case you would have nothing to write about. I would agree that there are issues with Americans recognizing the differences between movie heroes and real world accomplishments. I think this is a problem with how we get our information. Even the Civil War seems much more real to our very visual society because we have photographs of it compared to the stiff and mannered paintings of the 18th century. Our change from a reading society to a largely TV, film and internet based society for the communication of ideas makes the job of historians like yourself much harder.

5. America persists in describing itself as the freest country on earth, although by nearly every objective criterion, most European nations are more liberal and free than the United States.

America was the freest country on earth. The term liberal is no longer applicable since classical liberalism is almost the antithesis of political liberalism today. Many European nations are in some respects freer today I agree with you. In issues of personal morality they do trend towards liberty but in regulation and government involvement they trend away from liberty. I agree with you that America has not lived up to its vision of expanding liberty but isn't that where history and those documents that you think we should not revere become important? Isn't that where we should seek to emulate what we find to be heroic in our past? In short isn't that why we need history and historians? History tells us where we have been, what was good and what was bad which allows us to move forward making choices about who we are and who we want to be.

Finally sir, I would ask you to look at the motivations of those who want us to abandon that history. Our history does shape our worldview but that is not necessarily a negative thing. I love visiting other countries and I love seeing what is different in them. I like to see what works and what does not (in my opinion) and viewing that world through my American eyes. You see there are lots of exceptional people in the world and acknowledging that one is exceptional does not mean others aren't. Kind of like an exceptional country.

With sincere regards, Dan Shippey

UPDATE: I just accepted an invitation to make my third appearance at Gray Ghost Winery’s annual “Civil War Authors Day.” This year I will be signing 2 books and 1 DVD. I am also presenting a brief talk on Richard Kirkland as part of their author vignettes. This FREE event is on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. I will repost a list of all participating authors once they are officially announced at www.grayghostvineyards.com.

As I was prepping some additional material for my wheelchair tour business I came upon several interesting passages in Francis Augustín O'Reilly’s book The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock. This is my favorite book on the Battle of Fredericksburg and it is serving as a major source for my tour guide’s commentary. One section in particular from the chapter titled “A Scene of Wildest Confusion” struck me. Although the civilian recollections and post-battle photography lead one to believe that the Union’s artillery successfully wreaked havoc on the town, it appears that 100+ guns did little to accomplish their tactical goals. This inevitably allowed Confederate General William Barksdale’s small contingent of troops to hold off the attacking Federals who were attempting to cross the Rappahannock River. Here are some excerpts from Frank’s book that present the Union troop’s perspective on the artillery attack:

Colonel Charles Tompkin’s Federal artillery responded to the Confederates at both the upper and middle pontoon crossings. An artillerist recalled that the guns answered at once with “a most tremendous cannonade upon the city.” Several batteries opened on the buildings where they had spotted Confederate fire. Tompkins coached his batteries to fire in short bursts-three to six shots per gun-and then allow the smoke to dissipate so they could judge the effect. …Hunt’s batteries intensified their effort between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. A soldier in Seeley’s battery wrote, “We could see the boards and brick fly as the shells went dashing through the buildings which soon began to present a sorry look.” Confederate General Barksdale sent a detachment of the 21st Mississippi to the river, but Miller’s Union battery shredded it before it reached the foot of William Street. A Second Corps staff officer recounted, “It was a magnificent sight to see the bombardment of the sleepy old town, and we expected to see it quickly reduced to ashes.” “Oh! It was terrific!” rejoiced a man in the 50th New York Engineers. “From the time the fire opened until about 11 a.m., it was one continuous roar.” One soldier called the barrage “a spectacle never, never to be forgotten,” and “believed that every shot told.” An infantryman at the upper crossing said, “It was great amusement to us to watch a solid shot tear through a building, beat down a wall, topple over a chimney or root out a nest of sharpshooters.” Each explosion reverberated with an intensity that startled even the Federals. A New Yorker recalled, “The 11th was a day of bombardment such as even soldiers rarely see.” But Tompkins’ gunners lacked the wherewithal to drive the Confederates away. …Some Union commanders became critical as the artillery “did not appear to do much good.” …A member of Zook’s brigade wrote bitterly, “Thursday was spent wasting ammunition from about 100 guns.” …Impatient engineers grumbled, “Our artillery were very inefficient or they could have blown the buildings that sheltered the devils to atoms.”

According to the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania National Military Park website, the results of the Federal Army’s massive bombardment did not produce the anticipated results:

Burnside now turned to his artillery chief, Brigadier General Henry J. Hunt, and ordered him to blast Fredericksburg into submission with some 150 guns trained on the city from Stafford Heights. Such a barrage would surely dislodge the Confederate infantry and permit completion of the bridges. Shortly after noon, Hunt gave the signal to commence fire. "Rapidly the huge guns vomited forth their terrible shot and shell into every corner and thoroughfare of [Fredericksburg]," remembered an eyewitness. The bombardment continued for nearly two hours, during which 8,000 projectiles rained destruction on Fredericksburg. Then the grand cannonade ceased and the engineers ventured warily to the ends of their unfinished bridges. Suddenly -impossibly - muzzles flashed again from the cobble-strewn streets and more pontoniers tumbled into the cold waters of the Rappahannock.

Without a doubt the civilians of Fredericksburg suffered greatly due to the Battle of Fredericksburg (as well as the three other battles that took place in the region: Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania and The Wilderness). In a piece titled Voices from the Storm: Civilians Endure the Battle of Fredericksburg, Historian John Hennessy writes:

The people of Fredericksburg faced two more years of war – living life on, and sometimes beyond, the northern edge of the Confederacy. War weighed heavily, completely, on the Fredericksburg region. By war’s end, the community had been transformed, physically (more than 80 buildings destroyed – just under 10% of the city), economically (personal wealth dropped by more than 70%), and socially (thousands of slaves seized freedom). The experience left behind bitterness for white residents that took decades to heal. …Today visible scars from the war are few; only a single home in town still bears exterior battle damage.

Although this historic artillery offensive dealt a devastating blow to the skyline of the city, it did little to drive out the Confederate forces tasked with defending the town and postponing their enemy’s pontoon crossing. It would appear that as senseless as the sacrifice of soldiers would be at Marye’s Heights, an equally senseless destruction was levied upon the civilians of Fredericksburg.

Tonight's post presents a look at one modern artist’s critical interpretation of America’s Founding Fathers. Painter Ben Sakoguchi’s  Orange Crate Label Series: A Brief History of Slavery boldly portrays the issue of racism in Colonial America and how it influenced the structure of our nation. In 2004, Sakoguchi began directing his focus toward the “peculiar institution” of slavery, as well as the contributions of early African-Americans by merging historic and pop-culture imagery to create these political advertisement-like collages. These striking images, both enthralling and offensive, represent the shameful aspects of America’s origins and the often neglected side of our Founder’s stories. Sakoguchi later added an additional series that takes an identical approach to the Civil War and Confederate history. (NOTE: During World War II, the artist's family was incarcerated by the U.S. government because of their Japanese ancestry. Sakoguchi spent his early childhood in an internment camp at Poston, Arizona which likely influenced his views on race in America.)