CALL TO ARMS
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wally Rueckel, President. wrueckel@questor.com
Charen Fink, Newsletter Co-editor. dcftandm@hotmail.com
Mike Powell, Newsletter Co-editor. mpowell6@ec.rr.com
December 7, 2010
Volume I, Issue No. 4
Location: Trinity United Methodist Church
209 E. Nash St., Southport
First Tuesday of each month
Registration: 6:30pm Program: 7:00pm
In This Issue
1862 Happenings
President’s Message
Upcoming Program Schedule
Voting
About Our Members
The Ladies’ Department
October’s Speaker (summery)
Fort Caswell Tour
Trivia Quiz
Answers to Quiz
Survey Results
Around State & Country
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President’s Message
We had another great turnout at our November meeting including several new members.
Our speaker, Keith Hardison, did an outstanding job getting into and behind the background and personality of
Jefferson Davis. I had never considered all of the difficulties; political, economic and military, faced by Jefferson
Davis as President of the Confederacy. Keith pointedly made the issues clear.
Our December 7th meeting may open up a new chapter in your knowledge of the Civil War when our Vice
President, Jim McKee, will discuss the Civil War in New Mexico thru the eyes of one of his ancestors. Yes, I said
New Mexico.
Earlier this month, on a bright and sunny, Nov. 8th, we had a tour of Fort Caswell led by Jim McKee. We had over
thirty of our members participate climbing in, over and thru the fortification. What most people didn’t know is
that this Civil War fort is only one of five fortifications on the premises. There is a more detailed account of the
tour in this newsletter. Mike Powell and I are also working on future trips for our members in the spring and fall
of next year which we plan to share with you shortly.
At our Dec. 7th meeting we will be asking you to approve a couple of minor amendments to our by-laws so they
will conform to our current practices. Norm Praet, our secretary, has already sent you an email about this.
We continue to finalize our plans for Ed Bearss visit, Jan.12th, for both the walk-about of Ft. Caswell and Ft.
Anderson in the morning, with Ed, Jim and Chris Fonvielle, and the evening’s program with Ed’s talk about the
Vicksburg Campaign. We have currently filled the small group for Ed’s tour and have started a wait list. We are
considering, but not decided, whether to increase the size of the tour group. For this visit we had to
accommodate Ed’s schedule necessitating a change in the meeting date to Wed., Jan 12th at the new St. James
Community Center, instead of the first Tues. at Trinity Church. In February we return to our normal meeting on
the first Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Trinity United Methodist Church.
The program originally scheduled for Jan.3rd, Civil War Medicine presented by Don Johnson, physician,
historian, and instructor at UNCW, will now be scheduled for April 5th. Our own Max Williams will reschedule
his April program for later in the year.
We look forward to seeing all of you at our Dec. 7th meeting with another display of Civil War memorabilia.
Wally
1862 Happenings
 Battles at Pea Ridge, Shiloh, Seven Pines, Cedar Mountain, and others.
 Nickel industry in U. S. began when Lancaster Gap Mine in PA started supplying metal for nickel coins,
authorized in 1857.
 Patent issued to R.J. Gatling for 1st machine gun, not accepted by Ordinance Dept. until 1866.
 First land mines used in the war.
 Artist, Thomas Nast, began what are now political cartoons.
Upcoming Program Schedule
December 7, 2010: Jim McKee, “The Early Days of the Civil War in New Mexico” Jim is vice-president of
the Brunswick Civil War Round Table and is on the staff at the Brunswick Town—Fort Anderson State Historic
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Sites. This topic is of particular interest to Jim because Confederates in New Mexico captured an ancestor, a
physician in the U.S. Army.
January 12, 2011(Wed.): Ed Bearss, speaking on the Vicksburg Campaign (NOTE: Change of DATE &
PLACE) Scheduled to be at St. James Community Center on Rt. 211.
February 1, 2011: Charen Fink, “Civil War Women: Spies, Nurses and Homemakers.” Charen, former nurse,
is a Director of our BCWRT and past-president of the Mahoning Valley Civil War Roundtable, has been involved
in a variety of Civil War-related activities, including presentations as a Living History Interpreter for the past
twenty years…in period dress.
Voting
At the December 7th meeting we, as members of the Round Table, will be voting for the slate of incoming
officers. The slate, as chosen by the nominating committee, is as follows:
President—Wally Rueckel
Vice-president—Jim McKee
Vice-president—Michael Powell
Treasurer—Bob Benedict
Secretary—Norm Praet
Board members are chosen by the President.
About Our Members
The United Daughters of the Confederacy has given the Jefferson Davis Gold Medal
Award to Jack Travis, “Col. Black Jack”, for his book, Men of God, Angels of Death.
Jack will soon finish his second book, Rebel Gunner, General E. Porter Alexander. A
third book, The Guns of Gettysburg, Legends of Artillery is in the works.
An author, historian, and professional Civil War re-enactor, Jack is a member of the
BCWRT and a previous speaker.
Jack Travis
Roy Pender, R.T. member, brought in a picture of his ancestor,
Peter Granville Porter, age 19. A member of the Richmond
Howitzers at the Battle of Fredericksburg, he is buried in the
Confederate Cemetery in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Mr. Pender states that this soldier is related on his mother’s side
of the family, as she too was a Porter.
Peter Granville Porter
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Don’t forget to bring in your used magazines to the December meeting. Swap them for ones that you
haven’t read. A table will be provided.
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The Ladies’ Department
By Charen Fink
Northern and Southern women tried to continue Christmas traditions despite the war’s devastating effects. This
issue includes how our country was celebrating and the origins of these holiday traditions.
Food—Early in the war twelve to sixteen-course dinners were not uncommon. They usually began with soup and
ended with sweets. The meal included: turkey, ham, sausages, fresh and fried oysters, mashed potatoes, sweet
potatoes, eggnog with whiskey, jellies, cakes, apple and mince pies, cabbage, salmon, onions, cranberries, wines,
beer and cider.
Christmas Tree—This tradition came from Germany to England via Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert.
 The Queen and her husband set up a tree in Windsor Castle.
 The editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book Americanized the illustration in the magazine.
 The European style was to place the tree on a table.
 It was decorated with small candles, candy, small unwrapped gifts, popcorn balls and angels.
Hanging of Stocking—This originated from Dutch immigrants.
 They were to be filled by St. Nicholas on Christmas Eve.
Santa Claus—Santa Claus was Americanized by engraver, T.C. Boyd.
 Thomas Nast, cartoonist, drew Santa for publication.
 Nast’s drawings are what we visualize Santa today.
Christmas Holiday—First legalized in Louisiana and Arkansas in 1831 and Maine in 1861. As a national
holiday, it became legal in 1870.
Toys and Gifts
 Some popular gifts were: skates, dolls, drums, swords, books, liquors, cigars, picture frames, jewelry and
a rocking horse.
Activities
 Parlors games (The Parson’s Cat)
 Parties (soirees and balls)
 Visiting (especially on New Year’s Day)
Caroling—This was an English custom.
 “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, “Silent Night”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, and “Deck The Halls.”
Christmas Cards—This is an English custom begun in 1843 and mass produced by 1846. During the Civil War
delivery was free, otherwise, the recipient had to pay the postage.
Mistletoe—Another English custom
 It is a parasitic plant which brings healing and peace.
 With each kiss a berry on the plant is removed.
Yule Log—This dates back to the early Romans and Vikings.
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Greens of holly, balsam, pine and fir were used.
Holly comes from the Romans who used it for protection.
The log was used for light and heat.
When doused with wine and fragrant herbs it brought good fortune.
It was lit with last year’s piece of log.
Slaves did not work on Christmas Day.
Sample Menu For A Civil War Holiday Dinner
North
Eggnog
Boiled New Potatoes
Oyster Stew
Asparagus/Hollandaise Sauce
Deviled Crab
Jellied Cranberry Relish Salad
White Wine
Red Wine
Assorted Cheeses
Pumpkin Pecan Pie w/Cream
Relishes
Fruits
Rolls & Butter
Coffee/Tea
Roast Long Island Duckling
Green Peas w/Onions Cordials
South
Mint Juleps
Southern-style Rice
Gourmet Lobster Bisque Greens
Crab Newburg
Pecan Pie
Buttermilk Biscuits/Cornbread
Sweet Pickles/Olives
Sugared Grapes
Cheddar Cheese
Orange Slices
Ambrosia Salad
Louisiana Pralines
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Assorted Wines
Candied Sweet Potatoes Coffee/Tea
Lemonade
All these period dinners can be prepared at home. To keep it authentic, use linens and candles or oil lamps. Ask
for help with serving. Typically this dinner should take three to four hours to consume, there is no hurry.
References
Rawlings, Kevin. We Were Marching on Christmas Day: A History & Chronicle of Christmas During the Civil War.
Baltimore, MD: Toomey Press, 1995.
Jefferson Finis Davis June3, 1808-December 6, 1889 “Confederate Commander-in-Chief: The Military
Background of Jefferson Davis.”
Keith Hardison, Director of Historic Sites in NC, opened his window on Jeff by saying “I’m going to tell you
what Mom never told you about old Jeff.” Much emphasis is continually heaped upon his political actions but
very little is placed on his varied military background. We quickly see how this made him a much better prepared
leader than Lincoln.
Yes, he was a West Pointer but really wanted to study the law. Jeff may have been the original party animal. He
was great at drinking, gambling and generally raising hell but lacking as a student. In spite of his riotous conduct,
multiple demerits, a court martial and his role in “The Great Eggnog Riot” (Google it!), he did graduate twenty
second of thirty three in his class. He was promptly given his last choice – the Infantry Division. 1832 was
pivotal as his military career gains speed. He garners recognition for finding a diplomatic resolution to a near riot.
As an aide to Zack Taylor, he was lauded for his humane treatment of Chief Black Hawk. His star is rising but he
becomes smitten and falls madly in love with Zack’s daughter. Taylor strongly disapproves and transfers Jeff to
Oklahoma as a cooling effect. His military career and the love affair achieve new heights. Jeff, in fact, eventually
commands one of the best volunteer units in the Mexican War (1st Mississippi Rifles) and does marry his
commander’s daughter. He even saves Braxton Braggs butt! (All have “issues” with Bragg ).
Jeff’s “workaholic” nature, active mind and visionary thrusts cause him to be chosen (unwillingly) to serve as
Secretary of War under President Pierce. Keith lists some of his accomplishments under a “bet you didn’t know
list.” Under his leadership the north and south wings of the Whitehouse were added. Jeff designed and started
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construction of the dome. He is credited as the Father of the Medical Corp and for expanding the Army by four
divisions. He laid out four major railroad lines that are still in use today. Are you ready? He started the U.S.
Camel Corp. The list just goes on and on.
This background forged the way for Jeff Davis to become a very unwilling commander- in- Chief and (not very
good) President of the Confederacy. Keith feels he was doomed from the start for some very obvious reasons. He
is just plain outmanned and outgunned. How can he possible protect so much land and coast? His means of
supply and transportation are very limited. Those strong and powerful seeds of “States Rights” just don’t work
when nation building. Sadly he is limited to a basically defensive strategy when more bold offensive moves are
needed.
HE BLEW IT! Keith feels Jeff’s basic nature got in the way. He is a micro-manager with his “control gene”
running wild. Right or wrong, he was steadfastly loyal to his friends – like Braxton Bragg, Joe Johnston and
P.T.G. Beauregard. He loved playing General but never commanded an army in the field. That orientation to
detail caused him to lose sight of “The Big Picture.” He adopted such a rigid organizational structure that it
caused nothing but mass confusion.
Jeff Davis sacrificed so much to mold a “would- be” nation and was ultimately recognized by both North and
South for his noble efforts. Keith feels Jeff rose above the political mumbo-jumbo to become a true statesman.
His reputation, in the South, escalates with warm recognition for all he did and continued to do for a broken
nation. Successful in his military life as well as civilian endeavors, we see him as being the best at whatever task
was presented to him. You can almost hear his mother admonishing him with words like “Jeff, always strive to
be first as the view from the back of the pack seldom changes!”
A tired, worn out Jeff Davis spends his last years writing his book at his beloved post-war home in Biloxi,
Mississippi called Beauvoir (beautiful view). He is honored by one of the largest funerals in the South with the
continuous cortege going from New Orleans to Richmond. Beauvoir, now a U.S. National Historic Landmark,
was heavily damaged by Katrina in 2005 and is in the restoration process fueled by buckets and buckets of FEMA
money. Ah—poetic justice. We thank you, Keith.
Submitted by Dan Fink
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V.P. Jim McKee, December’s speaker
and Keith Hardison, November’s speaker.
Round Table enthusiasts listening to
speaker, Keith Hardison.
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In Memoriam
October 17th we mourned the passing of Ray Consolino of Leland. His wife
stated that he enjoyed BCWRT and was enthusiastic about the programs
and planned activities.
We also note the passing of Rose Powell of Baltimore, MD, mother of coeditor, Michael Powell on November 8th.
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Civil War Trivia
1) Who were the five presidents who fought in the Civil War?
2) In the vernacular of the time, what was a “housewife”?
3) What state provided three of the five regiments in the famous Iron Brigade?
4) What type of regiment was the 1st District of Columbia?
5) Who was the reputed president of the Underground Railroad?
6) Fort Granger, Winstead Hill, Breezy Hill and the Carter House were features of what battlefield?
7) What are the names of Lincoln’s natural mother and stepmother?
8) Under what general did Jefferson Davis serve in the Mexican War?
9) Who played Abraham Lincoln in the TV miniseries, “The Blue and the Gray?”
10) Hillsboro Pike, Granny White Pike and Franklin Pike all ran through what battlefield?
References
Boatner, Mark Mayo. The Civil War Dictionary. New York: David McKay Company, 1959
Perry, James M. Touched With Fire. New York: Public Affairs, 2003
Fort Caswell Tour
On November 8, a bright sunny day, 35 members toured Fort Caswell, located at the mouth of the Cape Fear
River. This was the first of several tours being planned for our members.
Jim McKee, V.P., Director of our Round Table and historical interpreter at Fort Anderson, led the tour with the
help of Paul Branch who is site manager and historian at Ft Macon. A sister fort to Fort Caswell, it’s located on
the coast near New Bern, N.C. For two hours the focus was on Fort Caswell, however, everyone learned there
are several other fortifications on the grounds, including those of the Spanish American War, W.W.I and W.W.II.
A couple die-hard fans of fortification stayed around to tour the other forts.
There was an opportunity to walk around the Fort, on the embankment and inside the walls where the powder,
shells and supplies were stored. The Fort is a class three fort originally built of brick and concrete and later
protected by significant earthen works. The original Fort was enclosed and partially destroyed when the retreating
Confederates blew up one of the powder magazines. Approximately two-thirds of the outer walls remain.
All of the cannon were mounted on top of the Fort and many of the mounting positions are still visible.
The Fort was one of the major fortifications on the Cape Fear River protecting the access to Wilmington.
Remember, the Intra-coastal waterway didn’t exist at the time of the War-Between-the-States. There were two
other batteries/forts on Oak Island, Battery Shaw and Fort Campbell. While none of these forts saw any
significant fighting during the war they were credited with allowing blockade runners to conduct a significant
trade with Wilmington and the railroads to “feed and arm” General Lee’s army in Virginia.
Submitted by Wally Rueckel
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Thirty-five participants on the Fort Caswell Tour
Answers to Quiz
1) U.S. Grant, James A. Garfield, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley, Benjamin Harrison
2) A sewing kit furnished by a mother, sister, wife, or a Soldier’s Aid Society.
3) Wisconsin (2nd, 6th, and 7th
4) Cavalry
5) Levi Coffin
6) Franklin, TN
7) Nancy Hanks was his natural mother and Sally Bush was his stepmother.
8) Zachary Taylor
9) Gregory Peck
10) Nashville, TN
NOTE January’s speaker, Don Johnson, “Civil War Medicine”, will be
speaking April 5th.
Survey Results
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2)
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4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
29 Respondents
Knowledge of Civil War—Low 5 Medium 20 High 4
Rate of Interest----------0
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22
Main interest--------------Military 20 Social 15 Political 15 Economic 15
Increase in knowledge & peaked interest from programs.-----Low 0 Medium
Importance of images.----------------------------------------------0
Importance of maps and handouts--------------------------------0
Where do you get your information?----------------------------- T.V 10 Internet
Interest in visiting battlefields and museums-------------------- Low 3 Medium
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12 High 14
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23
11 Books 29
13 High 13
Suggestions for topics and speakers: Discussion groups, Women/social, Weapons development,
Overview of battles, Strategy, Common soldier, Western theater, Music, Militias, Medicine/hospitals
Around the State
The 148th re-enactment of the Battle of Goldsborough Bridge will be held on December 11-12, 2010.
It will take place at Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield on the original December 1862 battlefield.
Re-enactors expected include infantry, artillery and cavalry. Food for sale and vendors selling C.W.
items will be available. The battlefield is located 3 miles south of Goldsboro, on the banks of the Neuse
River, at the crossing of the old Wilmington & Weldon Railroad Bridge. The battles will be held at
1:00pm each day and the camps open at 10:00am. For more info contact Old Waynesborough
Commission Inc. at waynesborough@earthlink.net, or 919-731-1653.
Aycock and Bentonville State Historic sites will hold free holiday programs, open houses in early
December. Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site will hold its holiday celebration on Dec. 4th from
10:00am-4:00pm circa 1863. The Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site holds an open
house on Dec.7th & 9th from 6:030-9:00pm, recreating a celebration with the Aycock Family circa 1870.
For information call Bentonville Battlefield at (919) 594-0789 or go to
http://www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi/bentonvi.htm it’s located at 5466 Harper House Rd., Four Oaks,
NC 27524. Call Aycock Birthplace at (919) 242-5581 or
http://www.nchistoricsites.org/aycock/aycock.htm it’s located at 264 Governor Aycock Rd., Fremont,
NC 27830.
Around the Country
Durham, NC, Living History Weekend on December 11-12, 2010, “Christmas in the Carolinas During
the Civil War” at Bennett Place Historic Site. Hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday and 10:00am to
3:00pm on Sunday. Living historians, music, caroling and refreshments. Free, donations accepted. For
more info call 919-383-4345.
During the next four years there will be 150th anniversary re-enactments of major battles
throughout the country. We will strive to keep you posted.
150 years ago in 1860
December 1st: Major Robert Anderson makes his third request for reinforcements at Ft. Moultrie.
December 8th: President Buchanan states that secession is unconstitutional, but the Federal government
lacks authority to prevent it.
Follow-up Story John Lawter checked into the story that young George Patton visited Mosby in his old
age. George Patton’s grandfather, also George Patton, fought with the 22nd Virginia. He was killed in
1864, but he may very well have known Mosby. Would he have fought for the Confederacy, something
to think about??
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