Michigan Civil War Blog

Commission meeting tomorrow

The Michigan Historical Commission will hold its first 2012 meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Michigan Historical Center. There's a full agenda, including time for the Civil War Sesquicentennial update. More to follow.

The State CWS committee website was updated last Friday and is found here -- MiCWSCommittee -- along with the most recent iteration of the CWS Work Plan, as of October 27, 2011.

Custer: Did He Serve in the Civil War?

A ridiculous question, right? But if one looks at books and other media one has to wonder, since the Little Big Horn looms largest, it seems, in the attempt to portray this interesting Michigander, and his spouse, Libby Bacon of Monroe. Thus it was good to see at least some coverage of Custer's pre-Indian War career in the American Experience show on Tuesday last. I particularly liked that some of the themes in Michigan and the Civil War: A Great and Bloody Sacrifice on Custer were included in the show. Here's from the transcript -- note the Michigan references:

'Narrator: On July 3rd, 1863, outside the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the fate of the Union Army, and the course of the Civil War, hung in the balance. On the third day of a climactic battle, confederate cavalry under Jeb Stuart -- the legendary gray horsemen known as "the Invincibles," -- threatened to overrun the Union's vulnerable right flank. As the overwhelmed Union forces began to fall back, only the veteran First Michigan Cavalry remained to counter-attack. At that moment, a figure came riding to the front of the Michigan lines, dressed in black velvet, his saber held high, yellow hair streaming in the wind -- it was the 23-year-old Brigadier General -- George Armstrong Custer.

Louis Warren, Historian: Custer, who's at the head of this charge turns around and shouts 'Come on you wolverines!' And it's a full speed charge. The horses are screaming as they slam into each other.

Narrator: "So sudden and violent was the collision," wrote one veteran, "that many of the horses were turned end over end and crushed their riders beneath them. The clashing of sabers, the firing of pistols, the demands for surrender, and cries of combatants, filled the air." When it was over, the Union lines had held, and Custer's wild charge had helped win the most decisive battle of the Civil War.

Louis Warren, Historian: There is a streak of either courage or foolhardiness, and you can take your pick. But there certainly is something there that does lead him to charge headlong into guns blazing. And it's a critical moment in the Union victory at Gettysburg. It was a giant risk and he took it and it paid off.

Nathaniel Philbrick, Author, The Last Stand: Custer in a battle was, was a thing of beauty. He, he could direct people with precision, never get rattled. I mean he just had a sense of physical courage that was inspiring. And that's a real gift when you're out there in the chaos of war. And Custer had it.

Narrator: "Oh, could you but have seen some of the charges that we made!" he wrote to a friend. "While thinking of them I cannot but exclaim, 'Glorious War!'"

...

Narrator: Although Custer was fresh out of West Point when the war began, his exploits on the battlefield proved that he was more than ready for command.

Richard Slotkin, Historian: He's a guy who sees his chance to rise during the war. And he recognizes that the only way he, the only capital he has is his life. He's got to put himself in a post of danger if he wants to distinguish himself. And so he does. He's on the firing line with his troops. He gets horses shot out from under him and he dresses so that he's a mark for any sniper on the field. He's got a huge sombrero with a feather in the cap. He's got a big scarlet neckerchief. He's got a velvet jacket with gold braid. He's asking for it.

Paul Hutton, Historian: Custer didn't just look the part; he acted the part. He never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself. In the bloodiest war in all of American history, he's in the thick of the fighting from the first battle to the last battle. And he's barely scratched. It's just absolutely remarkable. 'Custer's luck,' he called it and he came to believe in it.

Narrator: Cited for bravery in his very first engagement, at the Battle of Bull Run, Custer distinguished himself in a string of brilliant cavalry actions that made the dashing young officer a darling of the nation's press. The New York Tribune proclaimed, "Future writers of fiction will find in Brigadier General Custer most of the qualities which go to make up a first-class hero." The men of his Michigan Brigade, many of them twice his age, idolized Custer, following him into some of the war's most violent engagements, proudly sporting the bright red neckties that he wore.

Michael Elliott, Cultural Historian: The Civil War was a time that called for Custer's brand of leadership. Somebody who was daring and brash and inspiring to the people who fought underneath him.

Richard Slotkin, Historian: Remember, on a Civil War battlefield everything is visual. He has to be a great actor. He has to get out in front of his men and perform courage.

Michael Elliott, Cultural Historian: And that image of Custer, not at the back, but at the front, with his sword out, that's the Custer that put him on the cover of Harper's Weekly and that everybody came to associate him with.

Narrator: Now, with his triumph at the Battle of Gettysburg, Custer had become one of the most famous officers of the war. He was known as 'The Boy General.' He stayed on the front lines until the very last day of the conflict, receiving the flag of truce when General Robert E. Lee finally surrendered at Appomattox, on April 9th, 1865. Custer's most admiring commander, Lieutenant General Philip Sheridan, gave him the table upon which the peace terms were signed, along with a note to Custer's wife Libbie. "...permit me to say, Madam," it read, "that there is scarcely an individual in our service who has contributed more to bring about this desirable result than your gallant husband."'

Can there be any doubt that Custer was the Civil War's most inspirational and victorious cavalry commander?

Battle of Mill Springs

Termed by some the first significant Union victory in the Western theater, it was fought 150 years ago today. Present but not engaged were Companies D, F, and G of the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. They would go on to play a much bigger role in Union victory.

Several days later, this communique was sent around the North, evidence of how a new Secretary of War would help prosecute the conflict:

WAR DEPARTMENT, January 22, 1862 

The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, has received information of a brilliant victory achieved by the United States forces over a large body of armed traitors and rebels, at Mill Spring, in the State of Kentucky. He returns thanks to the gallant officers and soldiers who won that victory; and when the official reports shall be received, the military skill and personal valor displayed in battle will be acknowledged and rewarded in a fitting manner. The courage that encountered and vanquished the greatly superior numbers of the rebel force, pursued and attacked them in their intrenchments, and paused not until the enemy was completely routed, merits and receives commendation. The purpose of this war is to pursue and destroy a rebellious enemy, and to deliver the country from danger. Menaced by traitors, alacrity, daring, courageous spirit, and patriotic zeal, on all occasions and under every circumstance, are expected from the army of the United States. In the prompt and spirited movements and daring at the battle of Mill Spring the nation will realize its hopes ; and the people of the United States will rejoice to honor every soldier and officer who proves his courage by charging with the bayonet, and storming intrenchments, or in the blaze of the enemy's fire. By order of the President.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War

 

A "great" book?!

To have one's book described as among 20 that are "great" and "outstanding" for an entire State's output is pretty humbling: Dome

Also to be in a class of "the most important and intriguing writing" done regionally, and with nationally recognized authors involved, is heady. This debut author is truly grateful. To echo another author's quote, "To be recognized by my home state is particularly gratifying.” Oh, is it true! And I concur with another who "said she was 'thrilled' with the announcement. 'Just to be included on a list with authors like Jim Harrison is amazing.'" A big amen to that.

I also appreciate the sentiment of State Librarian Nancy Robertson, who said, “This year’s Michigan Notable Books celebrate Michigan as a place and a people that even in the most trying of times find transformation.” Precisely.

A read all the way to the end will find yours truly quoted. Accurately, too, he says with a smile.

This day in Michigan Civil War history

On Jan. 17, 1862, the 13th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, organized under the leadership of Col. Charles E. Stuart, was mustered into service and prepared to leave Kalamazoo to fight for the Union.

Mike Culp will discuss “Kalamazoo’s Own,” as the regiment became known, in a January 22 event at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.

Zachariah Chandler in the New York Times

In yesterday's issue of the NYT Disunion blog, author Rick Beard talks about "The Scapegoat of Ball's Bluff" [Disunion] and has this to say about two leaders on the War Committee, one of whom was Michigan's senior senator:

'Two of the senators, Republicans Benjamin Wade of Ohio and Zachariah Chandler of Michigan, were radicals — staunch opponents of slavery intent on using the war to end the South’s “peculiar institution” and unlikely to look kindly on efforts that stopped short of that goal.'

Their wrath descended on the 'scapegoat', General Charles Stone, at the feet of whom the Ball's Bluff debacle was laid. Stone also stated that he returned fugitive slaves to their masters because that was the law in Maryland. The gist of the column is that Stone got a raw deal, and traditionally the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War has been seen as a Star Chamber of sorts. On this federal holiday honoring a man who courageously called his nation to fulfill the unfinished civil rights legacy of the Civil War, it is well worth pausing from the mainstream interpretation to ask: wasn't Chandler on the right side of the main issue?

 

Civil War Talk Radio appearance

Click on the page, scroll down the right hand column, and find where yours truly will be guesting on CWTR's February 17, 2012 show: CWTR

This is one of those out-of-body experiences. For eight years I've been listening with fascination as Dr. Gerald Prokopowicz (a native Michigander and UofM grad) has interviewed guests and covered the Civil War over the internet with an erudite and informative show. I've learned so much -- been great to have insights of so many experts -- and now to be on the show, during the Sesquicentennial, to talk about Michigan's contributions! As one of my friends likes to end his communications, HUZZAH!

Finally found the Library of Michigan press release that announces the 2012 MI Notable Books -- here tis: MI '12 books

And had to gulp when I read the text below the link [LofM] on the Library webpage:

The Library of Michigan has announced the list of the 2012 Michigan Notable Books - 20 books highlighting Michigan people, places and events. The list highlights exceptional "Michigan books" published in 2011 that bring attention to Michigan authors and topics. Books that showcase the range of experiences of Michigan's citizens and life in the Great Lakes by well-established and first-time authors can be found on the list.

"Exceptional"? Hard to grasp.

It is highly gratifying

... to see this blog become a source of information around Michigan, as witnessed here: Midland

Belle Starr and me

Well, that's a provocative title, isn't it?! What could be the connection between the notorious outlaw and the author of this blog. Therein lies a story ...

Belle Starr was born in 1848 and during the Civil War (essential topic of this blog) served the Confederacy by reporting the positions of Union troops. After the war she took up with the Younger and James outlaws and ended up in the courtroom (your author is a lawyer) where "Hanging" Judge Isaac Parker sentenced her for some crime to a Michigan (another essential topic) prison. Which prison? The Detroit House of Correction (not sure how that would have occurred!). The facility opened in 1861 (Civil War era origin) near Eastern Market on Detroit's (author was born there) east side. The "old prison housed some famous felons, including western outlaw Belle Starr and Morman polygamist David Udall." Source of the quote? -- the  Plymouth MI District Library (my local library) website, which goes on to say: 

"The city of Detroit bought about 1,000 acres in Plymouth Township and Northville Township in 1919 for about $30 an acre to house a new Detroit House of Corrections that would replace the Eastern Market facility."

"In 1920, the city set up a prison farm on the property which housed several bootleggers. The prisoners slept in tents."

"In 1930, a permanent $2.5 million maximum security facility was completed."

"Detroit sold part of the prison complex in 1979 to the Michigan Department of Corrections for $1.6 million."

"The city sold the rest of the prison and about 125 acres to the state corrections department in 1986 for $6.7 million. The same year, the Detroit House of Corrections ceased operations."

In January, 2002, Kojaian Management Corp. of Bloomfield Hills purchased the property for $50 million. Property is now zoned for residential, commercial and industrial.

(And your author resides in Plymouth Township not more than a couple of miles from the site of the former DeHoCo.)

OK, so if still curious (doubtful!) you might ask how'd this post come about?! Well, when one checks out the Turner Classic Movies website to see what's on tonite and finds Belle Starr (1941) showing at 8 ET, a click on the "article" link takes one to the story and synopsis of the movie to help decide whether to watch and ... in which the Michigan connection is revealed.

See, the Civil War and Michigan have many hidden connections ............