Abraham Lincoln Authorized the Largest Mass Execution in US History December 26, 2010

Largest Mass Execution in US History Was Authorized by Abraham Lincoln and it had little to do with the Civil War

On This Date in History: The conflict between the American Indians (aka Native Americans) and European (White) settlers goes back to the original landing of Europeans at Roanoke Island and Jamestown. Just about every time the Indians tried to flip a deal, that deal was broken, most often by the Whites. Sometimes it was by design. Other times, it was not from a formal governmental policy but instead from the fact that White settlers just ignored the treaties. When the British won the French and Indian War, a policy was implemented that prohibited settlements west of the Appalachians. Settlers went into the Ohio Valley anyway. Whether it be British or later American governments, they either had no ability or no desire to enforce the treaties. Many times, it was a combination of government policy, government indifference and settler behaviour that resulted in the fracture of any given treaty. In the end, the result was the same: the Indians got screwed.

In 1851, the Dakota in what is now the northern plains states figured that their only chance for survival was to make peace. On July 23, 1851 the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux called for two bands of the Dakota to cede a big chunk of the southwestern part of the Minnesota Territory (including present day parts of South Dakota and Iowa) to the United States for $1.665 Million. A few months later, two more bands of Dakota gave up a big chunk of the southeastern part of the territory for $1.41 Million. That’s a lot of money today and was an enormous sum back then. Remember, Alaska was purchased for $7.2 Million and about 1/3 of the continental US was had for $15 Million with the Louisiana Purchase. The French and the Russians accepted a check from the US Treasury but the Indians were basically given a promise in the form of future payments and annuities. Hmmm….guess what happened?

White Refugees Escaping the Battles

The Dakota was removed from their lands to reservations but the payments were not as forthcoming. The US government decided it was best to disperse payments over time through Indian Agents. It’s hard for me to ascertain but it appears that those agents, more or less, sub-contracted out some of the work to traders. I believe that, as far as the government was concerned, payments were being made. But, the agents and traders tended to either pocket much of the money for themselves or use it for other purposes. Agents often used monies intended for the Indians to pay claims made against the Indians by White settlers. Over time, the poor guys on the reservations began to starve. As they say, the natives became restless. In 1857, a group of Dakota had an uprising that resulted in the deaths of 40 settlers in what was known as the “Spirit Lake Massacre.” A year later, the Indians tried to make nice by ceding part of their reservation lands to the settlers. That didn’t get them anything except a smaller reservation.

Harper's Weekly Somewhat Propagandized the Affair

By 1862, the Civil War was raging and the Dakota was starving. Confederate agitators were providing some supplies to the Indians and encouraging them to rise up. Johnny Reb wasn’t so much concerned with the plight of the Native Americans as much as they were hoping that they would cause such a problem that it would divert attention and resources from the Union War effort. In any event, I don’t think that the Dakota needed much encouragement. They were getting fed up and their families were starving. Rumors that the payments were not going to be made in gold due to the war really got them going. And the deceptions of the White men involved were numerous and had a long history. So, on August 18, 1862 they staged a huge uprising. Well, that’s what many histories call it. Ultimately, what the Indians were doing to leaving the reservation in search of food and if some Whites got in the way, well that was too bad. At least one group went to a settlers chicken coop and grabbed some eggs.

To make a long story short (er), the Indians were defeated and several hundred Indian males were captured.  They had military trials and were sentenced to death.  The trials weren’t exactly fair but it also wasn’t the total case for murder that some sources cite.  See, if the crimes of violence were indeed violations of the law, then punishment was justified.  BUT…the trials were considered to be part of a military commission and the commanders decided that the defendants therefore were not afforded counsel.  Then, the level of criminality suitable for the death sentence seems to have been pretty liberal.  If someone were to have been shown to have provided ammunition, or fired a single shot or done anything to help, the sentence was death.  And the evidence provided even for those types of charges was pretty thin in many cases.  No doubt, some of the accused had done acts of violence that resulted  in death of combatants or innocent victims.  But, the standards for trial would not have come close to passing muster in a modern courtroom; military or civil.  They took the word of some Indians and “half-breeds” who turned states evidence in return for lenient sentences, but they refused to consider testimony related to those who were said to have prevented murder and rape.  So, 303 men faced the gallows.

Lincoln's order authorizing the execution of 39 men

Well, President Lincoln had a dilemma.  If he allowed the executions, then European nations may take a dim view of the Union and in 1862 things weren’t going so well for the North and there was a real fear that France, England and Russia might come to support the South.  So, Lincoln made a compromise.  He reviewed some cases and determined that 39 executions could take place.  On this date in 1862, the largest mass hanging in US history took place when 38 Dakota Indians were hanged for their “crimes.”  One lucky soul at the last moment was given a reprieve by the military commander.  It’s a little known and sad episode in America and one that is often lost in the historiography of Abraham Lincoln.  It seems to contradict the notion as “Father Abraham” being the “Great Emancipator.”  In fact, it is somewhat ironic that Lincoln had already announced his Emancipation Proclamation that would take effect just 6 days after the execution of the Dakota.  But, it’s difficult to make judgements using present day sensibilities and try to transport them back to the 19th Century.  It was  different time.

 Also, Lincoln’s main objective was preserving the Union and so he probably didn’t take the time to review the situation as much as he might have otherwise.  But, the story itself is an interesting example in how the injustices done to the Native Americans of this nation seem to take a back seat to the injustices done to African-Americans or other minorities or immigrants.  Even today, as the Indians figured out how to take advantage of their status and open up Casinos beyond the reach of the IRS, state governments have tried to use courts to force them to break the treaties of the past and force them to pay taxes.  Some things don’t change…then again…some do because the courts of the late 20th century have told the state and federal governments that they cannot get their hands on the pocketbooks of the sovereign nation.  But, that’s little consolation for the 38 who swung at the end of the rope.

Weather Bottom Line:  The cold stretch is about to come to an end for awhile.  I see most forecasts call for temps to get to the 50′s as we head to the new year.  But, it will be interesting to see how it shakes out because I’ve seen some modeling data that wants to create a huge ridge that takes warm, moist gulf air all the way to the Great Lakes and Louisville pushing 70 degrees on New Years Day with a line of very strong storms approaching.  Hmmmm….probably wont be 70 but don’t be surprised to ring in the new year with some thunderstorms,which I suppose at this point is a nice break from rain.  I think we could do without the severe stuff though but we’ve had tornadoes in January in the past few years.  Not predicting that, but it’s not totally out of the question.  After that (I hate long-term forecasts) but it looks like we fall back to seasonal levels but nothing overly brutal temperature wise but again, i”m talking 10 days out and the models tend to trend toward climatology that far out so we’ll see.  Nevertheless, expect a thaw to end 2010.

The Union Army in the Civil War Was Nearly Commanded by an Italian September 8, 2010

Had Abraham Lincoln Been Able to Offer his Emancipation Proclamation a Year Earlier, This Italian Military Hero May Have Been An American Military Hero As Well

Winfield Scott Lives up to his "Old Fuss and Feathers" moniker and the notion that he was a tired old man at 75

On This Date in History:  It has been well documented and reviewed that Abraham Lincoln had a difficult time finding a general to lead the Union Army at the outset of the Civil War and in the years to come.  The carousel of commanders ultimately ended with the elevation of General Ulysses S. Grant to the position of Lt. General of the Armies in 1864 following his victory at Vicksburg in 1863.  When the war began, Lincoln had a true military hero in General Winfield Scott who had gained accolades for his efforts in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War.  But “Old Fuss and Feathers,” as Scott was called, was 75 years old and in declining health when hostilities began in 1861.  After Scott had set forth his “Anaconda Plan” to strangle the South with a naval blockade, he retired from military service.

Lt. Colonel Robert E. Lee Could Not Turn His Back on Virginia

Before the war broke out. Scott had approached Lt. Colonel Robert E. Lee about taking command of the Union armies in the field.  Scott pleaded with Lee not to join the Confederacy.  Lee, however, felt great loyalty to his state of Virginia as its history had in some measure been shaped by his ancestors, including American Revolution hero Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee, Robert E. Lee’s father.  When Virginia voted to secede from the Union and Lee informed Scott of his decision, the aging general said, “Lee, you have made the greatest mistake of your life;  but I feared it would be so.”    Virginia officially proposed secession on April 17, 1861 and Robert E. Lee resigned from the US Army 3 days later.  Three days thereafter, Lee was named commander of the armed forces of Virginia.

McClellan's Deliberate Approach Was Good For Railroad Building But Not So Good For Waging War; Posing Like Napoleon Didn't Make Him Napoleon

From that point, it was all downhill for the Union.  President Lincoln turned to General George B. McClellan who was a West Point Graduate but had spent the most recent years with the railroads, most significantly plotting the course of the Northern Pacific Railroad across the Cascades.  He was gifted at organization and literally built the US Army from scratch.  But, McClellan envisioned himself as an American Napoleon and had a strained relationship with the president as exemplified by his reference to the Commander in Chief as an “idiot” or “the original gorilla.”  McClellan had been a good student at West Point and thus followed the doctrine taught at the academy which  was based on the ideas of Antoine Henri de Jomini.  In general, the military strategy involved maintaining supply and communications lines and securing key locations.  True to his organizational strengths, McClellan and other Union generals tended to take their time in preparation and tended to make deliberate, rather than decisive, moves.  Lincoln accused McClellan of having a case of “the slows.” 

Famous Alexander Gardner Photo of Dead Soldiers at Antietam

In September 1862, Lee invaded Maryland and split his army, which was unconventional, in order for him to follow the Jomini doctrine of securing his supply routes.  McClellan is said to have received advanced intelligence that informed him of Lee’s plans.  A Union soldier in Frederick, Maryland had found a pack of 3 cigars in the street and when he picked it up, he found the cigars were wrapped in Lee’s orders to his field commanders which outlined the strategy which were known as Lee’s Special Orders  no. 191.  McClellan was brimming with confidence that his much larger army could surprise and overcome the divided forces of the Army of Northern Virginia and achieve a great victory.  Alas,  in spite of the information, McClellan moved so slowly and with such deliberate care that Lee was able to regroup his army at Antietam.  The Battle of Antietam, which was fought near Antietam Creek  on September 17, 1862, was one of the bloodiest of the Civil War.  McClellan said it was a great victory but, in fact, his army with a two to one advantage in numbers missed an opportunity to destroy Lee’s army and perhaps end the war.  Lee escaped with his forces intact and McClellan failed to follow up with a pursuit.

Garibaldi Refused Command of Union Army Due To Lincoln's Reluctance to Commit to Free American Slaves

As it turns out, the name of George B. McClellan might be lost to history had Abraham Lincoln been successful a year before the Battle of Antietam.  You see, on this date in 1861, the president attempted to enlist the services of Italian Revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi to lead the Union Army.  Garibaldi had become famous in his own country in his successful operation to unify Italy.  Robert E. Lee did not join the Confederacy because he supported slavery, but instead out of loyalty to Virginia.  Garibaldi had no such loyalty issues and had fought against slavery in South America.  However, a sticking point in the attempt to gain the skills of Garibaldi was the Italian’s insistence that Lincoln promise that American slaves would be freed.  At that point, Lincoln’s objective was to preserve the Union and he doubted he could reach his objective and make such a commitment. 

Ever Heard of Don Carlos Buell?

Of course, 5 days after Antietam, President Lincoln announced his intention of issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 that would free all slaves in areas in insurrection.  Lincoln said it was a military measure to help limit the South’s ability to make war.   However, it effectively freed the slaves since it would be incomprehensible to free those in bondage only to put them back in their former state once the war was over.  Had Lincoln felt as if he was in a position to make such a commitment in September 1862, then George B. McClellan might have been relegated as a footnote of history, like General Don Carlos Buell or even, in some measure, Winfield Scott. 

Light Italian Aircraft Carrier Named For Garibaldi

As it stands, it was Giuseppe Garibaldi who has been lost to American history.  Ultimately, victory was acheived under the command of Ulysses S. Grant, who was not a very good student at West Point and therefore had not been indoctrinated in the Jomini philosophy.  He developed a strategy that involved the “theatre of war” as well as using his overwhelming superiority in stregnth to simply attack and overwhelm the enemy.  The tactics involved are known as “Grantonian Tactics” and were later used by the likes of Erwin Rommel and Bernhard Montgomery.  The philsophy continues to this day and is described by historian Russell F. Weigley as The American Way of War.  The media has given some of those tactics the moniker, “Shock and Awe.”  As for Garibaldi, while he was never named as commander of the Union Army, the Italians did name an aircraft carrier in his honor.

Weather Bottom Line:  I saw someone on TV on Tuesday night say that the track of what is left over of Tropical Storm Hernine would determine if our rain chances go up at the end of the week.  What a crock.  A tropical cyclone is a very large feature and this storm remained well defined even as far north as San Antonio.  Its flow opens up the Gulf and the storm will track into the plains states.  The flow is so broad that most certainly, the moisture drawn up to the east of the center of the low will over run the cold front that came through on Tuesday.  The question will be whether or not the moisture will overcome the dry air and when it does, not the track of the system.  Look for a coolish night in the upper 50′s, a warm afternoon on Thursday with low humidity and high clouds on Thursday afternoon and then thickening clouds as the day progresses on Friday.  The dry air will limit the rain chances for awhile but by late Friday, into Friday night, its likely that our atmosphere will be saturated enough to give us a decent shot at some much needed rain.   The system will lift the front north as a warm front on Friday night or Saturday morning and that will be the best chance.  Saturday may be a shade warm and humid in advance of a cold front which may not only provide decent rain chances Saturday evening, but also, I would think, a risk of some trouble-making t’storms.

A Union Victory Perhaps Greater But Less Celebrated Than Gettysburg July 3, 2010

US Grant and his Army Celebrated Independence Day in Vicksburg While the Rest of the Nation Was Fixated on Gettysburg

Greatness of Grant Often Obscured by History

On this date in History:  General Ulysses S. Grant had to battle more than the Confederate Army in his rise through the ranks of the Union Army; a rise that would see him gain a rank not seen since George Washington and would culminate in his election as the 18th President of the United States.   His chief adversary was his superior officer, General Henry W. Halleck.  In an ironic twist, Halleck indirectly aided Grant in his rise to prominence when he rescued William T. Sherman from obscurity.  Not long after the outbreak of the Civil War, Sherman briefly had been in command of what would become the Army of the Ohio in Louisville when he was ousted following, among other things, claims that he was unstable or “crazy.”  Halleck took Sherman on his staff in St. Louis to give him time to settle down.  Sherman did and went on to be US Grant’s right hand man and most dependable officer.  But Halleck, in general, did not care for Grant.  After Grant rose to national prominence following his victories at Ft. Henry and  Ft. Donelson , Halleck relieved Grant from command for supposed insubordination.  When the officer chosen to replace him fell ill, Grant was reinstated.  Following Grant’s bloody victory at Shiloh, Halleck appeared on the scene and took charge, leaving Grant without any command at all.  Grant nearly resigned but his friend Sherman talked him out of it.  Following a slow and deliberate assault on Corinth, MS Halleck was called to Washington on July 11, 1862 to assume overall command of the Union Army.  Halleck’s rise was more fortunate for Grant than Halleck.

Henry Halleck Didn't Think Much of US Grant

With Halleck out of the way, Grant gained command of the Union Army in the West.  Grant had valuable support from several members of Congress and, more importantly, from President Abraham Lincoln.  When Lincoln was urged to fire US Grant due to charges of Grant’s drunkeness, careless and bold style or typically large casualty figures, Lincoln said of Grant, “I can’t spare this man.  He fights.”  Grant knew that with that kind of support, his career was tied to the fortune of the president.  It was imperitive to Grant that Lincoln be re-elected.  He knew that his own future was at stake but also he thought that only with Lincoln as president could the Union secure an ultimate victory.  So, this fighting general was well aware that the public was growing restless with the length of the war and the few successes of the Union Army against the Confederates.  So, he took bold action.

Admiral Porter Was Confident In His Gunboats

His target was Vicksburg, MS which stood high on bluffs over looking the Mississippi River.  The Union controlled the river to Memphis and also controlled the mouth at New Orleans.  If he could gain control of Vicksburg, the Union would gain control of the entire river and effectively divide the Confederacy in two and deny vital supplies from the Western part of the rebellious states.  Also, such a victory would help the voters gain confidence in the President.  The trouble was that Vicksburg had the river to the west, friendly territory to the South and East and to the North there was a big swampy area that was very difficult to navigate.  After failed attempts to attack from the North, Grant decided that he would take his troops, cross the Mississippi, move down the river on the Louisiana side and then recross the river south of Vicksburg.  Sherman advised against it.

Union Ironclad Carondelet Ran the Mississippi Gauntlet

The scheme would require the Union Navy to run the gauntlet of Vicksburg cannon in order to move down the river and facilitate a recrossing of the river.  Also, Grant would be cutting off his supply and communication lines and be putting his army in enemy terrritory.  To conclude his plan, he had to move North to Vicksburg and attack from the East, which would put his army between Gen. John C. Pemberton’s army at Vicksburg and Joseph E. Johnston’s Army at Jackson, MS.  Talk about high risk, high reward.  But, Grant did it anyway.  Rear Admiral David D. Porter of the Union Navy successfully moved down the river past Vicksburg and transported Grant’s men across the river.  Grant had his men take only the essential supplies, though he was able to create a  very long line of supply. He wanted his force to be able to move quickly.  Henry Halleck ordered Grant to wait for General Nathaniel P.  Banks to reinforce him from New Orleans before he moved to Vicksburg.  But, Grant knew that Banks was slow and in order for his plan to work, he had to move fast.  With his communications relegated to a circuitous route, it took a very long time for Halleck’s orders to reach Grant.  When they did, Grant told the courier that the orders were too late, that he as already moving.  So, now if Grant failed, he faced a potential court martial. 

Grant Took A Long Route to Get to Vicksburg

He took his men northeast and he had Sherman attack Jackson from the Northwest in order  to tie up Johnston.  Grant then turned East on the road between Jackson and Vicksburg and began his assault.  Pemberton had been ordered by Johnston to come out of Vicksburg and meet Grant before he could lay seige to the city.  Grant’s forces met Pemberton’s at Champions Hill on May 16, 1863.  The victory of the Union Army over the Confederates at the Battle of  Champions Hill is considered by many historians as the most important battle of the war.  Pemberton was forced back into Vicksburg and Grant was able to surround the city as Sherman continued to prevent Johnston from attacking Grant from the rear.   For the rest of May and into part of June, Grant attempted to break through the formidable defenses around Vicksburg but failed.  So, he lay seige to the city.  We have a glimpse of what it was like to be in the Union Army  leading up to and the actual siege to Vicksburg  from the diary entries of Union soldier Osborn H. Oldroyd.  We also know what it was like ot be inside Vicksburg.   Without supply or relief of any kind, it is said that the siege of Vicksburg resulted in the citizenry tunnelling into the ground for shelter, not only living like rats but in some cases actually eating rats.  In the early July heat of Mississippi, Pemberton knew that he would not receive any help and that his last stand was over.

Grant Was Never Able to Break Vicksburg's Formidable Defenses

Keep in mind, that at this time, the public’s attention was focused on the battle raging on at Gettysburg.  Robert E. Lee had managed to move north of Washington DC and there was great fear that his seemingly invincible army might be in a position to sack the nation’s capital.  So, while all eyes were on Gettysburg, PA at 10 AM on this date in 1863 John C. Pemberton raised white flags around the city of Vicksburg and sent a message to Major General Ulysses S. Grant asking for terms of surrender.    He proposed that, in order to “save the further effusion of blood”  a committee of three commissioners of each side should meet and negotiate terms.   Characteristically, Grant replied, ” The useless effusion of blood you propose stopping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose, by the unconditional surrender of the city and garrison.”    Grant concluded his response with, “”I do not favor the proposition of appointing commissioners to arrange terms of capitulation, because I have no terms other than those indicated above.” 

Vicksburg Lay In Ruins After the Siege and Provided 172 Artillery Pieces For the Union

On Independence Day of 1863, the nation celebrated the bloody three day victory of General George Meade over the Confederate Forces of Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  No doubt the victory at Gettysburg was a key turn of events for the Union but George Meade’s failure to follow Lee after the victory was criticized.  On that very same day, John C. Pemberton surrendered his forces to those of Ulysses S. Grant.  The terms: unconditional.  However, given that Grant was not able to handle so many prisoners, he did allow for a parole of all soldiers and the officers could keep their horse, private belongings and private sidearms.  This was a fairly common practice and it was supposed that the paroled soldiers would not return to fight another day, though some undoubtedly did so.  Many others though had an honorable excuse to avoid fighting any further in the bloody conflict. Grant had suffered 9, 362 casualties, or more than he lost at Shiloh.  Pemberton’s casualties totaled around 8,000 but he surrendered 29, 491 men and their 172 cannon and howitzers.  The war continued for two more years but, the clock was ticking on the Confederacy.  Not so much because of Robert E. Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg, but because of the strategic victory of Ulysses S. Grant at Vicksburg.  On July 4, 1863, the Union Army and US Grant celebrated Independence Day.   The people of Vicksburg did not celebrate the fourth of July for 100 years.

Weather Bottom Line:  The heat and humidity have returned right on schedule and I have no idea when we will get another break.  Look for highs in the low to mid 90′s and overnight lows in the mid to maybe upper 70′s.  Humidity is back to the uncomfortable range and I see no rain in the offing for the forseeable future.

Kentucky Learns No Decision is the Wrong Decision; You Must Take a Stand May 20, 2010

Houses Divided Fall but What if they Can't Decide to Divide or Not?

Even a Kentucky Civil War Battle Map is Not Too Clear

On This Date in History:  The American Civil War split the nation in two:  North vs. South, Slave State vs. Free State.  Except for one thing.  Not all of the slave states seceded from the Union.  One of those states was Kentucky.  It had been formed from the state of Virginia and, as part of the deal, Kentucky had to be a slave state.  I suppose that there were two reasons for this little clause.  One was that the politicians were generally from the wealthy class and the wealthy minority owned the vast majority of slaves.  Also, slave-holding Virginia’s legislature wanted to double its power.  Because of distance and topography, it was extremely difficult to govern such a large area stretching from the Atlantic Coast to the Ohio River.  So, they almost had to do it.  But, they also knew that citizens in the western part of the state really wanted it too.  So, they agreed to the split and, by making certain that it was a slave state, ensured two more Senators from slave states as well as an additional delegation in the House of Representatives that would be supportive of the “slaveocracy.” 

Sherman Ruled Kentucky Long Enough To Be Called Insane

Well, as previously mentioned, the vast majority of slave-holders in Kentucky were wealthy planters.  The majority of people, however, did not own slaves.  So, that made for a difficult decision for legislators when it came to secession.  Not only were there more people who did not own slaves in the state, but also the Federal government was putting great pressure to have the state of the birth of Abraham Lincoln remain in the Union.  Militarily, it was also an extremely important strategic asset for the North as whomever held Louisville could control the Ohio River at the Falls of the Ohio.  Louisville was also a big rail hub for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and its connection to the South.  The Kentucky Legislature chose not to choose.  Instead, on this date in 1861, the state of Kentucky took a stand of neutrality.  They would officially not support the North nor the South.  It was a pretty short sighted position as I’m not sure how exactly the state thought that it could keep either side from sending troops through the state.  The fact is, they couldn’t. 

US Grant Rise to Prominence Followed Initial Confederate Invasion into Kentucky

President Lincoln was a very shrewd politician and so instead of forcing the issue, on July 10,1861 he wrote  Inspector General of the Kentucky Militia Simon B Buckner and stated that Federal Troops would not enter the Bluegrass State.  In essence he was taking the high road and probably understood that the Confederacy would not make such a claim but instead try to entice the slave state to join their ranks in some form or fashion.  If that was his thought, then he was correct because on September 4, 1861 Gideon Pillow led his Confederate troops out of Tennessee and into extreme Western Kentucky to set up fortifications at Columbus, KY.  Rebel Major General Leonidis Polk was in control of Arkansas and Missouri and he was the one who ordered Pillow into the state.  The South’s Secretary of War told Polk to withdraw but Confederate President Jefferson Davis over-ruled that order.   In reaction, Union General US Grant moved from Cairo, IL to secure Paducah and Smithfield.   Shortly thereafter, Grant started his climb to prominence with victories and Fort Henry and Fort Donnelson. 

Magoffin Was Stylin' With His Beard But Was Hardly a Trendsetting Governor

Obviously, neutrality was not going to work .  Both sides had violated the neutrality terms but the Confederates had started it.  Really, they had started it well before Pillow’s crossing the border.  See, Kentucky Governor Beriah Magoffin had signed the notice of neutrality but he had sympathies with the Confederacy.  So, he did nothing when Rebel recruiters came into the state.  He also did nothing when war materials were being exported South.  Lincoln, however, refrained from reacting because he was very sensitive to doing anything that might shove Kentucky into the arms of the Confederacy.  But in June elections, Unionists had won 5 of 6 Kentucky Congressional seats.  For some reason, many secessionists in the state decided it was wise to boycott the polls.  Then, in early August, Republicans won majorities in both houses of the Kentucky legislature. 

So, it should not be surprising that two weeks after Pillow moved into Kentucky, the legislature resolved that the Confederate “invaders must be expelled!”  Magoffin resigned and that was the end of neutrality.  The Union Army designated Louisville as the home of the Army of the Ohio. At first, it was under the command of Robert Anderson of Fort Sumter fame but he was in poor health and was replaced by William T. Sherman.  Sherman kept wildly saying he needed more troops and acted so eccentrically that he was seen by many as “insane.”  His career almost came to an end but instead he was transferred under the command of Henry Halleck in St. Louis where Sherman regained his composure and later regained his reputation as the right hand man of General Grant.  Don Carlos Buell took over in Louisville and commanded about 75,000 men.  They built some 15 forts around Louisville as a defense against Confederate invasion. 

When an adversary retreats after a battle, most of the time it's seen as a victory. Buell held the field after Perryville and the Confederates never returned to the state in force. Yet, Buell was fired and many want to say the Battle of Perryville was a Confederate victory.

In 1862, Braxton Bragg led an army of about 45, 000 into Kentucky.  He was convinced that Kentuckians were just waiting to join the Southern Cause.  He moved his troops in an tried to gain recruits.  By the time he got to Mumfordville, it became apparent that was not the case.  Reporter Whitelaw Reid, who later became the editor of the New York Tribune, said that Bragg complained that Kentuckians were “shuffling middlemen” who just sat on the sidelines waiting to see which side would be victorious before making a committment.  So, he tried a political solution by going to Frankfort and holding his own gubnatorial swearing in ceremony.  Perhaps he thought that if the Confederacy swore in a Confederate governor and simply claimed the state that the citizens would follow.  Instead, the ceremony was halted early due to the report of Union cannonfire from a detachment of artillery that was sent from Louisville by Buell.  It was a hot and dry summer and both Buell and Bragg had their men go to Perryville in order to get water from a creek.  A battle ensued with the Confederates inflicting more casualties but the Union holding the ground as overnight Bragg retreated.  Bragg continued to retreat all the way out of the state, never to return.  Buell didn’t follow him and he got fired, never to serve again.

Jeff Davis Monument: No Comparison to Washington

My research revealed a historian who claims that the people of Perryville buried the Union dead and left the Confederates to rot in the hot sun.  Some 25,000 Kentuckians fought for the Confederacy while over 125,000 wore the blue uniform.  Louisville was the home of 75,000 Union troops and was defended by 15 forts against Confederate invasion.  The Kentucky legislature called for the expulsion of Confederate armies.  When given the opportunity to join Bragg’s army, Kentuckians did not respond.  William Clarke Quantrill of “Quantrill’s Raiders” fame died in Louisville after being shot and captured near Smiley, KY.  Confederate Guerilla leader Marcellus Jerome Clarke aka Sue Mundy was executed in Louisville.  Doesn’t sound like much of a Southern state, does it?  Well, after the war, as part of the “Lost Cause” effort in the South, history changed.  Many of Louisville’s elites had been associated with the South and that’s what they wanted to remember.  Louisville, home of the Army of the Ohio, has a Confederate War Memorial.  Jefferson Davis was born in the state but lived in Kentucky for just a few years before he moved to Mississippi. He did return to go to school for a few years but his life’s work was really in Mississippi.   Yet, his statue is in the state capital.  There is also monolith monument to Davis in Fairview, KY that resembles the Washington Memorial.  Not a single Union memorial is in the state.  On April 17, 1885 Louisville led the nation in a birthday celebration of the 63rd year of Ulysses S. Grant.  You can find a plaque commemorating the event on Grant’s tomb but not one word of it is in the 1896 Memorial History of Louisville.  The same is true of the decade long National Industrial Exposition yet, the 5 year Southern Exposition has an entire chapter all to itself.  No…Kentucky said it was neutral but sided with the Union.  It’s history was tied with the North.  I’ve seen a quote that says that “in 1865, Louisville was a Northern City and by 1900 it was a Southern City.”  Most Kentuckians have been raised to think it was always in the South.  Nevertheless, those of us from more southern regions know better. 

No Matter What Party of the Country you Associate Kentucky, It's a Very Interesting and Nice Place to Live

When my friend Kim Stevens, from Muscle Shoals, AL married a young man from Louisville, her family said that they guessed it was okay for her to marry a Yankee.  When Snow White and I were in Savanah, GA and discussing the war between the states with a tour guide, when she found out that we were from Kentucky she dismissed us as being Yankees.   Much of Kentucky gets from 1 to 2 feet of snow each year and annually has at least one night of near zero or below zero temperatures.  Last year, Louisville went through the entire month of July without a single high temperature in the 90′s.  The South?  No…but its not the North either, nor the Midwest or the East.  What makes Kentucky so difficult to pinpoint geographically also makes it difficult to define culturally.  And from a climatological and meterological perspective, its location makes it extremely difficult to categorize and forecast.  Perhaps that is why the state legislature could not make up its mind in 1861.  But, one thing that I think is certain, this conundrum is exactly why I think the state is a wonderful place to live.

Weather Bottom Line:  Thursday evening into Thursday night will most likely produce some pretty good storms with rain totals over an inch.  We don’t need that.  We don’t need severe storms either but most likely we will not see those but its worth keeping an eye on. Some troubling storms with wind and small hail may be on the loose in a couple of areas.  Still looks like we heat up and dry out from the weekend forward.

Burial of Stonewall Jackson’s Left Arm; Death of Robert E. Lee’s Right Arm May 3, 2010

Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson

A youthful Thomas Jackson

On This Date in History:  In early 1861, Thomas Jonathan Jackson served as, what seems on the surface, a professor of an odd combination of disciplines.  He was a professor of philosophy and artillery tactics at Virginia Military Institute.  In spite of this lofty academic status, Jackson had a difficult time in the classroom.  He had a very limited education as a child and he barely passed his entrance examination for West Point.  In an interesting display of the dogged determination that would characterize his life, Jackson went from near the bottom of his class to 17th out of 59 when he graduated in 1846.    As it turns out, the old professor used his philosophy and his extensive knowledge relating to the evolution of the use of artillery to bring havoc to the Union Army.   You see, Thomas Jonathan Jackson is better known as Stonewall Jackson and he gained that moniker from the outset of the Civil War.

Picnic of some of Washington's elite at the First Battle of Bull Run

At the First Battle of Bull Run (aka Manassas), in July 1861, residents of Washington took the short journey to the battlefield to watch the battle.  At first, ideas of glory and heroism filled the heads of much of the citizenry and they thought that taking a picnic lunch to watch the event would be a splendid way to spend the afternoon.  At first, the fortunes of the North looked good as the men in blue shattered the Confederate line until Jackson’s men responded to fortify the defense.  Confederate General Bernard E. Bee is said to have made the observation, “See, there is Jackson standing like a stone wall!”  The Confederates staged a counteroffensive and routed the stunned Union troops, who fled back to Washington along with those who came to view the battle.  It became apparent that there was nothing glorious about modern warfare and that it was not going to be a short conflict.

Typical Jackson Posture on Horseback

Speculation regarding Jackson’s tenacity in mlitary matters and leadership may have been the result of his hypochondria.  For instance, Stonewall Jackson never put pepper on anything, claiming that it made his left leg weak.  His preference was a relatively simple meal that included bread, milk and raspberries.  When sitting, he only did so in an rigid, upright position as he said that his organs were able to sit “naturally” on top of one another.  This insistence on a consistent, erect posture resulted in a distinctive mount on his horse.  It was a perfect inspiration for his men to see their commander in a position of authority, one arm outstretched, directing his troops in battle.  It also probably made him an inviting target.  At Bull Run, Jackson took a bullet in that outstretched hand and the attended doctor suggested that his finger required amputation.  The doctor turned to get his instruments and when he turned back around, the patient had left.  General Jackson had a motto that the “Stonewall Brigade never retreats.”  When facing the instruments of a surgeon, Jackson defied his own orders and retreated on horseback rather quickly.

The Shooting of Stonewall Jackson Was Probably Not As Elaborate as this Artist's Interpretation

Jackson became attached to the Army of Northern Virginia under the command of General Robert E. Lee, who became extremely dependent on the services of General Jackson and his men.  While he was not always successful in battle as evidenced at the Seven Days Battles at Richmond in 1862, Jackson’s efforts were key in the victories of the Army of Northern Virginia at the First Battle of Bull Run, the Second Battle of Bull Run, Fredericksburg and the gallant effort at Antietam.    At Chancellorsville, VA  the Army of Northern Virginia defeated the Union’s Army of the Potomac under the command of General Joseph (Fightin’ Joe) Hooker.  That night, Jackson led a rather risky reconnaisance mission and when he came back in the dark, his men thought that his approach as a Yankee assault.  So, they dischargded their weapons and did what the Union Army had been unable to do.  On May 2, 1863, Stonewall Jackson was felled from his command by the shots of his own men.   There was much confusion in the darkness and Jackson was not attended to immediately.  When he was evacuated, the men were in such a hurry to remove him to safer quarters that he was dropped at least once from his stretcher.   Two slugs shattered his left arm.  This time, there was no escape from the surgeon.

You Can See The Headstone of Jackson's Arm

 Medicine during the Civil War was rather crude.  The understanding or infection and bacteria was just in its infancy and much of the knowledge that had come about had not yet reached the battlefield.  Also, most weapons fired .50 caliber led balls that are huge to begin with, but also tend to flatten out on impact.  Most of the time the results of the human body being hit by such a projectile were devastating.  Bones were typically not just broken but splintered into so many pieces that they were impossible to set.  Many soldiers died from shattered limbs and the only way to prevent gangrene or other complications from such an injury was amputation of the limb.  So, Jackson’s left arm was immediately amputated.  Following such trauma, a high fever quite often follows.  A high fever did strike Jackson and that indirectly led to his death.  When George Washington was ill, he ordered the doctor to continue to open wounds to try and bleed the illness from his body.  Speculation has been that Washington died from a loss of blood.  In a similar manner, Stonewall Jackson ordered servants to put cold towels on his body in an effort to lower his fever.  Some experts point to the use of cold towels as the cause of Jackson developing the pneumonia that ultimately claimed his life.   Doctors also were ignorant of his condition as they had assumed the pain he felt in his chest were simply a result of the rough handling he had suffered during his evacuation from the battlefield.   

On this date in 1863, the left arm of Stonewall Jackson was given a funeral complete with full military honors.  It was buried near Chancellorsville, VA with a marker that reads, “Arm of Stonewall Jackson.”

Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire

When Robert E. Lee heard of the wounding of Thomas Jackson, he sent a note to the ailing general that said, “”Could I have directed events, I would have chosen for the good of the country to be disabled in your stead.”   Dr. Hunter McGuire was the attending physician and he reported that on his death bed, though Jackson became weaker, he remained spiritually strong.  Dr. McGuire wrote an account of his final hours in which the general became somewhat delirious as Jackson cried out,  ”Order A.P. Hill to prepare for action! Pass the infantry to the front rapidly! Tell Major Hawks…” McGuire said that Jackson suddenly  stopped, leaving the sentence unfinished.   What followed was a smile on the face of Jackson ”of ineffable sweetness spread itself over his pale face,” after which Jackson said quietly, with what the doctor described as an expression of relief,  ”Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees”  The final words of Thomas Jonathan Jackson were “It is the Lord’s Day; my wish is fulfilled. I have always desired to die on Sunday.” 

Jackson gravesite

Stonewall Jackson died on May 10, 1863 and his body was removed to Richmond, VA for a public mourning.  His final resting place is the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery in Lexington, VA.   Legend is that General Robert E. Lee, upon hearing of the passing of Jackson, told his cook, “William, I have lost my right arm.  I’m bleeding at the heart.”     You can visit Stonewall Jackson’s left arm 125 miles from the rest of his body at Ellwood Manor, aka Ellwood Plantation.

Regional Rain Through 4PM May 2, 2010

TN Rain Through Sunday AM...but Much More Fell on Sunday

Weather Bottom Line:  The forecast was pretty much on line.  The track for the Derby was a little messier than I thought it might as I had thought the track would be able to drain from rain Saturday morning.  But, I suppose getting an inch in a very short time was just too much.  We did have somewhat of a break during most of the races, once again suggesting that sensible weather notions often trumps what the computers think.  In general though, the rain totals were correct but the heaviest rain corrider was shifted about 40 miles east of our location to a Nashville-Lexington axis.  Those areas ended up with some 6-10 inches of rain.  Louisville was not out of the woods though with relatively minor, but still significant, flooding in the Southwestern part of Jefferson County.  As I had expected, Arkansas and Mississippi got the brunt of the tornadic activity.  But, counties around Memphis and Nashville had rain totals somewhere between 10 and 20 inches.  Many rivers and streams shattered record high levels.   Nashville’s two day rain totals were something in the neighborhood of 14 inches, which is double the previous two day record.

The week ahead will be one of warmer and drier weather at least for a few day.  Toward the end of the week, perhaps as early as Thursday, interesting weather may again be the topic of conversation.

 

Abraham Lincolns Final Day; “Now He Belongs To the Ages.” April 14, 2010

145 Years Ago Today, the Course of the Nation Was Changed

Ward Hill Lamon Heard Lincoln Tell of his dream shortly before the President's Assassination

On This Date in History:  Historian Stephen B. Oates wrote in With Malice Toward None: A Life of Abraham Lincoln that one night in the second week of April 1865,  President Lincoln spoke with his wife Mary and long time friend Ward Hill Lamon that he had ghostly dreams.  Lincoln told Mary Todd and Lamon that his most recent dream resulted in his waking and going to his bible where his search led him consistently to passages regarding dreams, supernatural visitations and visions.  When Mary asked what that particular dream was about, Oates describes Lincoln with a sad and serious voice responding:

Lincoln Dreamed of His Own Death in the White House

Lincoln's Dream Came True

“There seemed to be a death-like stillness about me.  Then I heard subdued sobs, as if a number of people were weeping.  I thought I left my bed and wandered downstairs.  There the silence was broken by the same pitiful sobbing, but he mourners were invisible.  I went from room to room; no living person was in sight, but the same mournful sounds of distress met me as I passed along.  It was light in all the rooms; every object was familiar to me; but where were all the people who were grieving as if their hearts would break?  I was puzzled and alarmed.  What could be the meaning of all this?  Determined to find the cause of a state of things so mysterious and shocking, I kept on until I arrived at the East Room, which I entered.  There I met with a sickening surprise.  Before me was a catafalque, on which rested a corpse wrapped in funeral vestiments.  Around it were stationed soldiers who were acting as guards; and there was a throng of people, some gazing mournfully upon the corpse, whose face was covered, others weeping pitifully.  ‘Who is dead in the White House?’ I demanded of one of the soldiers.  ‘The President.’ was his answer; ‘he was killed by an assassin!’  Then came a loud burst of grief from the crowd.”

Lincoln Was Chipper On April 14th After What He Thought Was a Good Dream

Mary Todd said the story was “horrid” and wished she had never asked to hear about the dream.  Lamon said that, as Lincoln spoke, he was pale, “grave and gloomy.”  But, when the President awoke on the morning of April 14, 1865 he had slept quite well.  He had no concerns regarding reconstruction and no bad dreams.  Instead, he had a dream that he had frequently had on the eve of good news.  He had the same dream prior to Union victories at Antietan, Gettysburg and Vicksburg.  So, when he awoke from the dream in which he was on a ship moving quickly toward a distant shore, he surmised that the day must be filled with good news.  After all, it was Good Friday.  However, I wonder if he recalled that “Good Friday” gained the moniker because it was the date that commemorates the death of Jesus of Nazareth.

Lincoln Funeral Train in Philadelphia

That Good Friday in Washington D. C. the weather began under sunny and pleasant conditions.  The President and First Lady planned on taking care of some executive business and then attending a performance of Our American Cousin, a comedy that was scheduled for the stage at Ford’s Theatre.  During a cabinet meeting at 11AM, Lincoln asked, Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant if he and his wife Julia would like to accompany the Lincolns to the theatre.  Grant replied to this verbal invitation in the affirmative if they were in town but, if he was able to attend to his duties, that they were hoping to catch a train that night to visit their children who were then in Burlington, New Jersey.  Grant was able to finish his work before the evening train left Washington on the 14th and so he sent word to the President that he and his wife would not be able to attend. Mrs. Lincoln was quite fond of Miss Clara Harris and so, after several people besides the Grants had declined the invitation, Major Henry Rathbone and his fiancee, Miss Harris, accepted the invitation.  It’s not clear whether or not assassin John Wilkes Booth knew that Grant was not in the box with Lincoln but, when he shot the President in the head, he also stabbed Major Rathbone in the head and neck.  The young major apparently had a bright political future but his life resulted in a tragic scenario.  Rathbone went on to marry Harris and they had 3 children.  But, his mental health had deteriorated with speculation being he never overcame the trauma of the assassination.  Rathbone murdered his wife in 1883 and tried to kill himself but doctors saved his life.  He lived out the rest of his life in an insane asylum.  

Lincoln Funeral Train Route To Springfield, IL

The final letter known to have been written by Abraham Lincoln was a reply to James H. Van Allen, who had written Lincoln to guard against assassination.  The president assured Van Allen, “I intend to adopt the advice of my friends and use due precaution…I thaink you for the assurance you give me that I shall be supported by conservative men like yourself, in the efforts I may make to restore the Union, so as to make it, to use your language, a Union of hearts and hands as well as states.  Yours truly, A. Lincoln.”    Just prior to his leaving the White House for Ford’s Theatre, Lincoln concluded a meeting he had with George Ashmun, who had come seeking a political appointment.  The final words written by Abraham Lincoln was on a pass of admission for Mr. Ashmun that read, “Allow Mr. Asmum and friend to come in at 9 AM to-morrow.  A. Lincoln.”  By 9AM April 15, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was dead.

Derringer Used By Booth Confirmed As Such in 20th Century by FBI

The President of the United States sat with his wife, Major Rathbone and Clara Harris in a special box at Ford’s Theatre watching the popular comedy Our American Cousin. The presidential party had but one body guard.  John Frederick Parker was assigned to guard the door.  He was there when the president arrived around 9PM but he disappeared following the intermission.  It is thought that he joined some other men in the saloon and then found a seat to see the play.  Incredibly, Lincoln’s missing body guard remained on the security staff after the events at Ford’s Theatre.  On this date in 1865, John Wilkes Booth , at about 10:15 PM, fired a single shot .41 caliber derringer into the back of the head President Abraham Lincoln.  Booth escaped by leaping to the stage but caught a spur in the bunting and he broke his leg when he hit the stage.  It is said that he shouted out, “Sic Semprer Tyrannus” which means “death to tyrants” in Latin.  The President was taken across the street to 453 Tenth Street at the home of William Petersen.  They placed him in the bed of a room rented by boarder William Clark.  Throughout the night, family and friends gathered around the President as he breathed laboriously but never regained consciousness.  At 7:22 AM, Abraham Lincoln breathed his last and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton said, “Now he belongs to the ages.”

Abraham Lincoln Shot 10:15 PM April 14, 1865; Died 7:22 AM April 15, 1865-He Belongs To the Ages

Ulysses S. Grant learned of the assassination in Philadelphia.  At the time, he was told that Secretary of State William H. Seward had also been murdered and it was likely Vice-President Andrew Johnson was also dead.  Naturally, with the potential decaptitation of the government, the commander of the Union Army was asked to return to Washington immediately.  Grant wrote in The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant that it was impossible for him to describe his feelings.  He said of Lincoln, “I knew his goodness of heart, his generosity, his yielding disposition, his desire to have everybody happy, and above all his desire to see all the people of the United States enter again upon the full priviliges of citizenship with equality among all.”    Since he was near his final destination, he accompanied his wife to Burlington and then immediately took a special train back to the nation’s capital.  He said upon his return he noticed the stark contrast of the crowds in Washington that had been so joyous when he left had “turned to grief.”  Grant speculated that the South would have been saved much hardship had Lincoln lived and that  “Mr. Lincoln’s assassination was particularly unfortunate for the entire nation.”

Booth Wanted Poster

Historian William J. Cooper, Jr says in Jefferson Davis, American that Confederate President Jefferson Davis, like Grant,  felt great regret upon hearing of the death of President Lincoln.  Davis felt that the South would have been dealt with much more leniently and expected no special considerations for himself or his Confederate colleagues from the new Democrat President Andrew Johnson.  Davis was right as the Johnson administration accused Davis as complicity in planning Lincoln’s assassination.  He issued a proclamation calling for the arrest of Davis and a reward of $100,000 in gold.  Later, during the trial of Booth’s co-conspirators, it was determined that no evidence existed to suggest any involvement by Davis or other high ranking Confederate officials.  The conclusion reached was the death of Abraham Lincoln was planned and executed by a small group of people led by John Wilkes Booth.  Booth had been a famous actor, well known across the nation. He  thought that he would be thought of as a hero.  Instead, his actions have placed him at the top of the list of American villains with whom no one wishes to acknoeledge any family ties or association.

Weather Bottom Line:  Weather still looks on line.  Warm and nice through the rest of the week. High pressure moves off to the east and a little cold front comes through late Friday bringing perhaps some showers or even a t’storm.  Thunder Over Louisville Weekend looks good still with highs on Saturday in the mid to upper 60′s.

Battle of Glorieta Pass the Gettysburg of the West? March 28, 2010

Is This Any Place to Have A Civil War Battle?

CSS Shenandoah Fired Last Shot of Civil War Two Months After It Was Over

On This Date in History:  When we speak of the US Civil War, one thinks of great battles in the eastern and southern parts of the country.  There were however battles on the high seas and in areas far from the main battle fields.  The last battle fought on land was the Battle of Palmetto Ranch in South Texas of all places and it came after the war was over in May 1865.  Communications were rather slow and so no one got the message that the south had lost so those who died near the Rio Grande River really did die in vain.  That would suck to fight a battle in a war that was over.  But, it wasn’t the first time.  The Battle of New Orleans was fought after the War of 1812 was complete.   While Palmetto Ranch was the last land battle fought, the last shot fired in the Civil War two months after hostilities had ended on June 22, 1865 when the CSS Shenandoah’s guns finally went silent in a battle in the Bering Strait.

From These Heights It's Easy to Control This Mountain Pass

The State of Texas was marked the farthest western edge of the United States except for California and Oregon.  The region in much of the west were US territories that had not been organized into states.  While the war was largely fought over the expansion of slavery in the new territories, very  little action took place in the West…except for New Mexico.  The Confederates had many grand plans at the outset of the war and one included capturing gold and silver mines in the West.  Success would give the slavocracy some hard currency that might lend legitimacy in international circles as well as permit it to actually pay for war supplies instead of operating on credit.  The first thing that the Confederacy did in 1862 was claim that the southern half of the Arizona Territory and the New Mexico Territory was the Confederate Arizona Territory. 

Out West, Without Your Own Supplies You're Doomed

The supposed capital was Mesilla which is outside of the booming New Mexico metropolis of Las Cruces.    Seems to me that I’ve eaten lunch several times in Las Cruces.  When traveling out west even today, places with adequate supplies are hard to find.  Well, that was true back in the mid 19th century and the Confederates in general were not nearly as well supplied as their Union adversaries.  Back East, Confederate Armies regularly foraged the land and took supplies from the citizenry for support.  Out west, there wasn’t really anything to forage and the Union Army forts were relatively well supplied.  So, Brig. General Henry Hopkins Sibley took his forces from the south and moved North where he ran into Union Colonel Edward Canby’s army.  Canby was defeated and went in retreat to his base at Fort Craig.  Fort Craig was near present day Truth or Consequences and that is well south of Santa Fe.  Instead of doing what he was supposed to do and capture Fort Craig, Sibley bypassed it and moved North to take Santa Fe. If you look closely, you can see that the route taken by the Confederate forces from Mesilla to Fort Craig and then to Santa Fe follows the exact route of the current I-25.  Now,  it’s generally not a good idea to leave a substanative enemy force in your rear and Sibley found out why.  See…from Fort Craig, Canby was able to disrupt the supply and wagon trains to Sibley’s army.

Sibley Looked Good But Should Have Checked His Rear

Sibley sent about 300 Texans to Glorieta Pass with the idea that control of the pass would mean that the Sibley could take a large force through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to attack Fort Union in the northwestern quadrant of modern day New Mexico.  On March 26 there was some initial skirmishing and the timing was good for the Confederates because the 400 Union soldiers at Glorieta Pass had just  gotten there a few hours earlier at the conclusion of a forced march from Denver.  The next day, not much happened except that each side gained reinforcements with the Union Army numbers rising to about 1300 and the Confederates fielding about 1100.  These numbers are way way less those associated with most Civil War Battles. 

Does This Painting Look Anything Like The Battle of Gettysburg?

Nevertheless, the battle took place on this date in 1862.  All told, between fighting in the pass and also in Apache Canyon, casualties were pretty even with the Union suffering 51 deaths and 50 Confederates died.  Casualties for the North numbered 78 to 80  wounded for the South.  As previously mentioned, an army can only go as far as the supplies can last and out west you almost always had to bring your own.  New Mexico volunteer leader for the North, Lt. Colonel Manuel Chaves reported that scouts had  found the Confederate wagon train.  So, Union officer in command Major John M. Chivington who  for some reason decided to observe the activity for an hour or so before ordering an attack.  On the battlefield, the Confederates had pushed the Union out of the pass and controlled the field.  But, because they had lost some 500 mules and horses as well as all of their supplies.  Seems that they forgot to leave enough men in the rear with the gear for defense.  So, even though they won the day, the Confederates lost because they had to retreat back to Santa Fe.  Eventually, CSA had to retreat all the way back to San Antonio, Texas.  Somehow, some historians apparently call the Battle of Glorieta Pass the “Gettysburg of the West” but I think that’s a bit over the top.  But, it is an interesting battle and outcome.

Weather Bottom Line:  I had to watch part of the UK game in the dark.  Snow White turned out the lights for Earth Hour.  The kitties and I were not amused.  Sunday will feature clouds and rain and perhaps some rumbles of thunder.  Anything worthwhile should stay to our South.  There really wasn’t much action on Saturday except for a few hail reports associated with cold air connected with the upper low.  Otherwise, nothing too earth shattering.  Now, this week will be interesting.  Skies clearing on Monday high mid 50′s.  Then low 60′s then low 70′s on Wednesday and I suspect that we will be pushing 80 on Thursday and in the low 80′s for Friday and Saturday.  A big fat high gets set up along the Gulf Coast.  We will get a nice southerly and then southwesterly flow.  By the end of the week I betcha we have a severe weather outbreak in the plains states.   Could be interesting around here on Sunday…long way out…but we’ll have to see.