Civil War Notes

In the peace of Antietam National Cemetery, National Park Services

Gordon Thorsby

Jun 20, 20224 min read

Why was the Battle of Ezra Church so Crucial? Ask the Common Soldier

by Gordon Thorsby Picture of a Union Camp outside Chattanooga “The battle was brutal and simple. ‘They done the charging and our men did...

Gordon Thorsby

May 5, 20224 min read

James Merrifield, Cited Twice for Bravery, One Medal of Honor

by Gordon Thorsby The Field of Franklin James K Merrifield says he was eighteen when he enlisted on 8 August, 1862 in Co. D of the 88th...

Gordon Thorsby

May 2, 20222 min read

"Hearts Torn Asunder" A Review

by Gordon Thorsby https://www.savasbeatie.com/hearts-torn-asunder-trauma-in-the-civil-wars-final-campaign-in-north-carolina/ Almost every...

Gordon Thorsby

Apr 28, 20224 min read

A Large Massacre, The Largest Execution, 1862

by Gordon Thorsby General John Pope In August 1862, the Southern states were in full rebellion and Lincoln didn’t expect a problem from...

Gordon Thorsby

Apr 25, 20224 min read

Success Not Often Discussed, Rousseau’s Cavalry Raid July, 1864

by Gordon Thorsby We hear of the Union raids of Grierson, Dahlgren and Stoneman. We don’t hear much about Rousseau. If you happen to be...

Gordon Thorsby

Apr 13, 20223 min read

An All Naval Fight at Plum Point Bend

by Gordon Thorsby On May 10, 1862, a naval only operation took place in an effort to finish breaking the hold on the northern Mississippi...

Gordon Thorsby

Apr 6, 20222 min read

The Beef: A Regular Subject In Letters to Home?

by Gordon Thorsby Painter Conrad Wise Chapman, CSA 1861-65 Private John A. James, a soldier in the Army of Tennessee in Winter Camp at...

Gordon Thorsby

Mar 29, 20222 min read

What One Private Observed Entering the Town of Franklin

by Gordon Thorsby Ferguson’s Artillery was advancing toward Nashville but it was constantly in a state of “catch up" as the Army of...

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