Maine at War: December 2020
Here’s what our friend Brian Swartz was up to in December at his blog, Maine at War:
December 2, 2020: Fraternity remembers Bowdoin brother killed at Cold Harbor
Bowdoin College junior Edwin Rogers belonged to Delta Kappa Epsilon when he dropped out of school to join the 31st Maine Infantry. Mortally wounded at Cold Harbor and later buried in the on-site national cemetery, he was honored by fraternity brothers during a 2014 graveside ceremony.
December 9, 2020: Mainers meet the Swamp Angel, Part 1
Given its brief lifespan, the Swamp Angel became the best-known cannon in the Union. An 11th Maine Infantry detachment actually operated the gun.
Mainers firing on Charleston with the Swamp Angel find out what happens when their fiery weapon decides that it’s had enough.
December 23, 2020: General Grinch Ruins a Charleston Christmas
Maine soldiers listen as Charleston hater Quincy A. Gillmore lavishes explosive “presents” on the city on Christmas Day 1863.
December 30, 2020: Thanks a Sock
After a Rockland woman ships her hand-knit socks to the 4th Maine Infantry Regiment, a grateful officer sends a “thank-you” note letting her know who benefited from her hard work.
Years ago, I stopped by Bowdoin as part of my tour of Joshua Chamberlain’s nearby home and grave site. There were plaques to both Union and Confederate graduates of Bowdoin who lost their lives in the Civil War. Something tells me the Confederate plaque is no longer there.