Wayne | June 26, 2017
[Cover of Harper’s Weekly, March 29th, 1862] Tennessee was admitted to the Union on June 1st, 1796. The history of the region prior to statehood was one of vicious independence, self-reliance and individual liberty. From the foundations of the Watauga Association in 1770 to the defeat of Ferguson at King’s Mountain during the Revolution, the […]
Wayne | March 25, 2016
On October 16th of 1861, General William Tecumseh Sherman met with Secretary of War Simon Cameron at the Galt House in Louisville. Sherman was new to his position as Department Commander and wanted to brief his boss on the situation in Kentucky. As Sherman entered the room he was greeted by an entourage of reporters […]
Wayne | May 21, 2012
August 19, 1861 was an exciting day on the farm of William H Crook of Clay County Kentucky. Hundreds of people had gathered to hear the pontificatin’ and chest thumpin’. At that point everyone knew that Theophilus Garrard was raising a regiment to help preserve the Union and this rally would result in the enrollment […]
Wayne | January 29, 2012
If a modern General took 4 months to show ANY SIGNS of movement toward a military objective he would be replaced forthwith and that is even discounting our modern communications. General Buell had been given explicit orders to move on East Tennessee SIX TIMES from assuming command on Nov 15, 1861 through February 1862 but […]
Wayne | January 29, 2012
Short of the Gospel of course… General William Tecumseh Sherman on the state of affairs in Kentucky in October of 1861: I was unnecessarily unhappy, and doubtless exhibited it too much to those near me ; but it did seem to me that the Govern- ment at Washington, intent on the larger preparations of Fre- […]
Wayne | April 9, 2011
So, I have found myself with an intense interest in the Signal Corps of late. I have known about the legendary George Ellsworth of John Hunt Morgan’s Cavalry for a while. I have also read about various telegraph operators and flag waiving Signal Corps soldiers in the past. My interest now, however, has turned to […]
Wayne | April 6, 2011
Thanks to the kindness of a friend I will be getting my grubby hands on the Court Martial records regarding the mutiny of some of the men in Company D! The whole kit and the kaboodle! Can. Not. Wait! Will post here once we get it all together.
Wayne | December 28, 2010
Previously, I talked about the execution of Lewis Stivers for the murder of James Cundiff both from the 7th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. Some of the military questions remain such as why didn’t the Sergeant or Corporal of the Guard stop Stivers from retrieving his weapon. One of the social questions that I have had on […]
Wayne | July 4, 2010
God Bless America. Cumberland Gap July 4th 1862 My Dear Wife & Children I have written to you every few days since I arrived at this place. I wrote you a letter day before yesterday and sent it by Alford Wilson. I also sent you my Likeness by him Also. My health is fine so […]
Wayne | April 6, 2010
First alittle background. Yesterday while moving the Quartermaster, EW read us a bit from a book by William C Davis(title escapes me at the moment). The bit spoke of several members of the 7th KY and some other regiments who decided to take a little swim off of the steamer Tecumseh. Mr. Davis told the […]