Thanks for sharing! Some of my ancestors lived in Franklin, Louisiana at this time. So the story about the “immense train of Negroes” traveling through the city is particularly interesting.
Until I moved to Illinois to work, I knew very little of the western campaign of the war. When my colleagues learned I was a Virginian (and sadly, still a lost causer) they began to teach me that it didn’t all happen in the east! And so I’ve come to aver that Vicksburg was more important than Gettysburg, in that, as Lincoln said, “The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea.” And that the victory brought Grant to lead the armies of the United States in the east, a general who would never let Lee slip from his grasp. I realize that there is a lot I do not understand in Meade’s decision to delay on July 4, which allowed Lee to cross back into Virginia. But it makes me angry that the suffering and dying continued for two more bloody years.
After reading Kent Masterson Brown's wonderful book about Meade and Gettysburg, I will never speak again about a missed opportunity at Falling Waters or suggest that the war could have been ended with a more aggressive pursuit.
Thanks for sharing! Some of my ancestors lived in Franklin, Louisiana at this time. So the story about the “immense train of Negroes” traveling through the city is particularly interesting.
Glad to hear you read through it.
Until I moved to Illinois to work, I knew very little of the western campaign of the war. When my colleagues learned I was a Virginian (and sadly, still a lost causer) they began to teach me that it didn’t all happen in the east! And so I’ve come to aver that Vicksburg was more important than Gettysburg, in that, as Lincoln said, “The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea.” And that the victory brought Grant to lead the armies of the United States in the east, a general who would never let Lee slip from his grasp. I realize that there is a lot I do not understand in Meade’s decision to delay on July 4, which allowed Lee to cross back into Virginia. But it makes me angry that the suffering and dying continued for two more bloody years.
After reading Kent Masterson Brown's wonderful book about Meade and Gettysburg, I will never speak again about a missed opportunity at Falling Waters or suggest that the war could have been ended with a more aggressive pursuit.
Thank you, I will add that to my purchase list. As always, a word fitly spoken.
Also the statement Today Maryland is ours the Penn and Ohio ... is interesting. Did they really believe that or is is a form of propaganda?
It speaks to the optimism and faith in Lee that had matured since taking command in June 1862. I would resist calling it propaganda.
Couple of thoughts:As a Star Trek fan the blessing to Mr. F Kiser “May he live long and proper” is notable!
I thought the same. :-)