February 2023 Maine at War blog posts
In February 2023 my Maine at War blog examined topics ranging from a post-war fight between the 20th Maine and other Union soldiers to a new Gettysburg Campaign book by historians Scott L. Mingus Sr. and Eric J. Wittenberg.
February 1, 2023: The 20th Maine raids a black regiment’s sutler, part 1
After Robert E. Lee surrendered his army, the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment marched with its parent 1st Division toward Petersburg. While en route, the regiment camped near a black cavalry regiment. Then some Mainers and other white soldiers started eyeing that regiment’s sutler and his store …
February 8, 2023: The 20th Maine raids a black regiment’s sutler, part 2
When black cavalry troopers ordered certain pillaging-minded white Union infantrymen away from a sutler’s store, all hell broke loose amidst an interracial skirmish.
February 15, 2023: The midnight ride of Thomas Hyde
John Sedgwick aide Thomas W. Hyde planned to attend an impromptu ball in Manchester, Md. on July 1, 1863. Then Sedgwick needed someone to ride through the darkness to army headquarters in Taneytown.
February 22, 2023: Excellent new book details the advance to Gettysburg
Civil War historians Scott L. Mingus Jr. and Eric Wittenberg have recently released “If We Are Striking For Pennsylvania”: The Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac March to Gettysburg, a compelling account of the Gettysburg Campaign’s opening 19 days. Visually enhanced by Edward Alexander maps and period art and photographs, this well-written book is a “must read” for Gettysburg fans.
I enjoy the daily diaries and letters quoted in the Mingus-Wittenberg book for their graphic descriptions of the soldiers’ experiences on the march. The discussions of Brandy Station and Second Winchester also provide clear explanations of those battles.