THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN OF 1862: THROUGH ARKANSAS EYES I don’t know if you have ever been in the two top northern Virginia Counties, but it is quite a revelation. Nancy and I were traveling south out of Maryland to Leesburg, VA. I took a wrong turn and instead of going southeast I went southwest. I had a detailed map of …
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN OF 1862: THROUGH ARKANSAS EYES In early June of 1862 the 3rd Arkansas spent its time digging earthworks for gun emplacements, troop trenches and revetments. This necessary work brought Lee the moniker of “Spades Lee”. However, later in the war these trenches would be welcome shelter for the Army of Northern Virginia. On June 12th company F …
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN OF 1862: THROUGH ARKANSAS EYES I have marched 7 miles in one day and skirmished during the march. I was dead tired when we finally bedded down for the night. I considered myself in pretty good shape, but until you’ve tried marching as they did, it really doesn’t hit you how tough these men were. The other …
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN OF 1862: THROUGH ARKANSAS EYES Marching in full Civil War regalia during the summer is very tedious work. If you are portraying Confederates and your uniform is made of Jean material, which is a weave of wool and cotton, you are lucky. It isn’t quite as burdensome as pure wool. If you are portraying the Union forces, …
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN OF 1862: THROUGH ARKANSAS EYES After the debacle of Jackson’s winter campaign, the 3rd was sent to Fredericksburg, VA and assigned to T. H. Holmes Division. The First Arkansas, which had enlisted for a 12 month tour of duty, were ready to be mustered out and the 3rd Arkansas took their place in February of 1862. In …
THROUGH ARKANSAS EYES You haven’t really lived until you have spent a night in 39 degree temperatures and only two gum blankets, a wool blanket and your frock coat for warmth on the cold ground. I have spent a few nights in these kinds of conditions, but not a full campaign of freezing night temperatures with not enough cover to …
THROUGH ARKANSAS EYES Ever been to South Arkansas? We refer to it as LA. Not the one out in California but Lower Arkansas. It consist of Delta from the Mississippi River in the east for about 50 miles to the west where it becomes forested and small rolling hills all the way to the western border with Texas and Oklahoma. …
THROUGH ARKANSAS EYES Why does one get an obsession? Is it a nudge in the right direction to enlist us in our rightful part of the divine scheme of things? I think it has been in my life. I watched the Ken Burns documentary on The Civil War in 1992 and of all the battles discussed the Battle of Antietam …
What does it take for a brand new military regiment to become a reliable veteran unit? Good leadership, pride of unit (esprit de corps), patriotism, dedication to mission are just a few of the reasons for the evolution of a green outfit to a veteran unit. Dedication and patriotism were two key ingredients that the 3rd Arkansas Voluntary Infantry, CSA, …