The Confederation of Union Generals

161 years ago on this day in 1865
General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas and issues General Orders, No 3 informing the people there that all slaves were free

There are a number of famous stone walls on battlefields and this was the location of the one that became renowned during the fighting at Kernstown (Virginia). Running down from Sandy Ridge (along modern Route 37), this reconstructed section represents a good visual of what the original would have looked like. Something I do remember from my first tour here years ago and during a more recent visit is that there are still small sections of the original wall sitting in piles in the woods on the hill (see the photo in the comments).

In the late afternoon of March 23, 1862, Confederate regiments, including those of the famed "Stonewall Brigade," took up positions behind the wall under General Richard B. Garnett. In all, it's believed that somewhere around 1,700 troops were placed at this defense. Tyler's Brigade approached this position and eventually exchange several volleys with the Southern riflemen. Being from Northeast Ohio, l've always taken a personal interest in some of the units here — like the 7th Ohio Infantry. This regiment was one of the very first to emerge in front of this fire.

Overwhelming numbers and flanking movements caused Garnett to start withdrawing his forces just before sunset. As some may know, Stonewall Jackson ended up ordering Garnett to be arrested and relieved him of command. He was frustrated by Garnett's eventual withdrawal and viewed the act to be a "neglect of duty." Command decisions and historical hindsight always provide multiple perspectives...

163 YEARS AGO
Gettysburg Campaign

From June 17-19, 1863, actions that resulted with the Battle of Middleburg (Virginia) were waged as the armies’ movements progressed. Located in Middleburg and standing right behind the National Sporting Library & Museum is a monument to often forgotten heroes.

“In memory of the one and one half million horses and mules of the Confederate and Union armies who were wounded or died from disease in the Civil War. Many perished within twenty miles of Middleburg in the Battles of Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville in June of 1863.”

Writing in his journal about his experience at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862, the 5th New Hampshire’s Col. Edward Cross, provided a vivid description about how full the air was with Confederate projectiles and his subsequent wounding:
“We were thus advancing when a shell exploded in the air directly in front of me and about the height of my head. A large fragment hit me on the breast, a smaller piece knocked out two of my teeth—& filled my mouth with sand; another bit struck me on the forehead, making a slight wound, another bit over the eye, and still another along the back of my hand. I was knocked clean off my feet, & lay insensible until roused by a violent blow on the left leg—made by a piece of shell which hit me there. Getting on my hands & knees, & spitting the sand, stones, & blood out of my mouth I looked around. The tattered colors of my Reg’t thank God were in the van! I tried to get on my feet, but could not stand. I then tried to crawl, but the balls came so thick & tore up the ground so spitefully that I could not go it—besides a ball struck my sabre scabbard, knocking me over. After that warning I concluded to lie still.”

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

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163 Years Ago Today... The Second Battle of Wi******er, Day 3

On the third and final day of the Second Battle of Wi******er, Gen. Robert Milroy attempted a desperate nighttime evacuation of his battered garrison toward Harpers Ferry. Under cover of darkness, the Federal column slipped out of Wi******er, but Confederates anticipated the move and Gen. Edward "Allegheny" Johnson's division lay in wait near Stephenson’s Depot.

In the predawn hours a sharp, confused fight erupted, and the retreating Union troops were quickly overwhelmed. The Confederates captured over 2,000 prisoners, along with artillery, wagons, and supplies. Milroy and a small remnant managed to escape; by sunrise the Union garrison had been virtually destroyed, delivering a resounding Confederate victory that cleared the Shenandoah Valley for Gen. Robert E. Lee’s northward march into Pennsylvania.

The gloves, pistol, hat, and other items belonging to Confederate Major General JEB Stuart at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia. Stuart commanded Robert E. Lee's cavalry through much of the war.

On this Flag Day, we remember and honor Army Sgt. William H. Carney, who protected one of the United States' greatest symbols during the Civil War.

Born into slavery, Carney's exact journey to freedom is uncertain. He joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the age of 23. On July 18, 1863, Carney's regiment led the charge on Fort Wagner in South Carolina.

The unit's color guard fell under heavy enemy fire, but Carney rushed forward, caught the American flag before it could touch the ground, and carried it through the battle despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He kept the flag safe until he was safely brought back to Union lines.

"Boys, I did but my duty; the dear old flag never touched the ground!" Carney declared.

Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first African American to earn the nation’s highest military decoration for valor. He was also recognized with the Purple Heart for the wounds he sustained in combat.

More than 160 years later, Sgt. Carney’s legacy endures as a powerful reminder of the bravery of those who have defended our nation and the flag that unites us.

Happy Flag Day and 251st Birthday to
the US Army!

Expecting a Battle by Dale Gallon