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April's speaker, Mr. John Kelley, hails from Poughkeepsie, New York. He was born, as he says, in 1928, the “year of the last encampment at Gettysburg.” He attended Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia and graduated with a degree in History. After a short stint as a Teaching Assistant he became an Educational Sales Representative for Prentice-Hall. It was in this position that he began to develop a strong interest in photographic history “as the basis for a visual understanding of 19th Century American history, especially the Civil War.” He had a strong desire also to make sure that “these incredible photographic images...were not to be misused or mislabeled as page adornments in American history texts.” Retired since 1999, Mr. Kelley has devoted his time to the study of American photographic history as well as his own family history.
John has spoken to many Round Tables, high schools, educational organizations ans the State University of New York. His topic- “Embedded With the Troops: Photojournalism in the Civil War”. This talk was the highlight of the August, 2004 Seminar, at the Center for Civil War Photography, in Fredericksburg, Va.
Member John Winecoff delivered a hit with his discussion of events and characters leading us up to the Battle of Bentonville. A quick look at the characters involved - Generals W.T. Sherman, Joseph Johnston, D.H. Hill, O.O. Howard and President Jeff Davis- and you could be sure that things would not go smoothly! Davis and Johnston often quarreled; after the Battle of Atlanta, it led to Johnston's removal. But Johnston still had friends in the Confederate Congress and when it came down to it by February 1865, General Johnston was all Davis had left (except P.G.T. Beauregard, another Davis enemy). Placed in command of any and all Southern troops (from Savannah, Charleston and Wilmington, a total of about 20,000 men) he gathered his men outside Goldsboro (an important rail center). He would be facing his old nemesis, Union General W.T. Sherman, who, with over 60,000 soldiers, was cutting a swath through the South. Indeed, as John related, when asked where he was going, Sherman replied, “Anywhere I want to!”
Passing through Fayetteville, Sherman sent one of his Corps (under General Howard) towards Goldsboro, while Slocum feinted to Raleigh. Directed by General Robert E. Lee to prevent Sherman from joining forces with U.S. Grant at Petersburg, Johnston set up delaying actions at Monroes Crossroads and Averasboro. The action worked to split Sherman's columns and gave the Confederates an opportunity to strike on more even terms. That opportunity came at the little hamlet of Bentonville. From 19 March to 21 March the armies met in what would be the largest land battle in North Carolina.
Placing his troops along the Goldsboro Road and after an initial success was thwarted by stubborn resistance (and counterattacks) from the Union army. The Confederate army was forced to pull back to their original positions. For two days the armies fought over the ground; on the 21st, General Mower flanked the Confederate line and Johnston (who was nearly captured by Mowers advance) later abandoned his position and retreated to Smithfield. Sherman declined to pursue Johnston, instead moving on to Goldsboro where his army was resupplied. Only thirty-six days later, Johnston and Sherman sat down at the Bennett Place to discuss peace terms. Bentonville was important because it was the only major Confederate attempt (after Atlanta) to halt Sherman; it was the last major offensive where the Confederates chose the time and place and made the initial attack.
Enjoy the spring trip to Bentonville!
Friends of the Wilderness Battlefield will commemorate the 144th Anniversary of the Battle of the Wilderness on the weekend of May 9th-11th, 2008. Highlights of the weekend will be the 6th annual Dinner and Auction on Saturday and a Civil War conference (Fri. May 9th-Sun. May 11th). Guest speakers include Chief Justice Frank Williams, Dr. John Simon, Gordon Rhea, Clark Hall and Greg Mertz. Visit www.fowb.org for complete event details, including a flier describing the weekends activities.
The North carolina Military History Historical Society is hosting their annual symposium in Raleigh on 10 may, 2008. The subject is the Civil War & there will be three speakers, one of whom will be Dr. Chris Fonvielle (The Wilmington campaign of 1865); also speaking will be Nora Marie Brooks, she does a first-person impression of Gen. Lee's daughter ("Millie"). Finally, Guntis Goncarovs will speak on the crew of the CSS Hunley ("A Brief History of the Crew of the H.L. Hunley") Admission is free, but you might want to make a reservation. Call Si Harrington (919-807-7314 or 910-897-7968-evenings before 9 p.m.) for reservations. The symposium will be held at the NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St. There will raffles held throughtout the day and a lunch ($5.00-call to reserve a meal!) served at noon.
Fort Fisher Ferry print- Gretchen Kozen; Fort Fisher print- Bob Quinn; Civil War Stories- Charles Watson; Chattanooga- Richard Riano; Sandie Pendleton- Ed Gibson; New Market Battlefield video- John Moore.
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