Book Review: The Dogs of War 1861

Emory M. Thomas has a book out titled “The Dogs Of War 1861”. I was lucky to receive one in my mailbox for review. It’s a short little book consisting of 92 pages and an easy read.

Author Emory has focuses this book on the assumptions of what both sides, Union and Confederate, thought the probable length of the war would be and how the other side would react. Well, we all know the answers to those questions but they didn’t at the time. Just like today, you can only predict and sometimes miscalculations do happen.

There were several failures. One was the conflict they would encounter; two was the assets of their military and three was consequences that the final result was war. Lincoln was naïve in thinking that only the aristocrats of the South were the only ones that cared about the Confederacy and that the majority of the Southerners would return to the Union. Jefferson Davis was the only one who clearly understood the potential and wrote, privately, of the struggle and a long war but he underestimated the North’s ability to fight a war.

I really enjoyed reading this little book. I had a few chuckles along the way only because it was fun reading what individuals had to say in predicting what would happen and how long it would last when we all know what really happened. I would recommend as a fun read.

Visited the Confederate White House

While I was in Virginia, I went with my parents to the Confederate White House in Richmond where they held a “Thank You” for being a member, wine and cheese evening including a band. I toured the museum where they had several new items on display. I forgot my camera, don’t know why, I always have it with me so I had to use my cell phone. The pictures are not that good but it was better than nothing.

I would love to be a member but it just wouldn’t benefit me since I don’t live in Virginia but if you do or are close then you really should check into it. They offer so many programs/activities if would be worth it!

A Young Robert E. Lee

Gen "Stonewall" Jackson

This is the sword that Robert E. Lee was wearing when he surrendered to Gen. Grant.

Then here's my favorite below. It was hard to get a good picture because the glass case it was in kept glaring.

There was one other item that they had on display and I could kick myself for not getting a picture of it. They had the flag that laid over Jefferson Davis's coffin.

I Attended the 2011 Signature Conference, Virginia Sesquicentennial Of The American Civil War Commission

On May 20th my daughter and I met my parents in Blacksburg, Virginia to attend the 2011 Signature Conference, Virginia Sesquicentennial Of The American Civil War Commission. The topic for the conference was “Military Strategy in the American Civil War.” The conference was held at the Virginia Tech College. There were nine historian/authors that spoke.

James I. Robinson Jr., Dennis E. Frye and Richard J. Sommers spoke on Military Strategy in the American Civil War: An Overview. Gary W. Gallagher, Joseph T. Glatthaar and Richard J. Sommers spoke on Military Strategy in the Eastern Theater. Richard M. McMurry, Stephen E. Woodworth and William C. Davis spoke on Military Strategy in the Western Theater. John M. Bowen, William C. Davis and James I. Robertson Jr. spoke on Forgotten Elements of the Civil War.

I had never attended a Civil War Conference before and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What was so wild was I was actually listening to speakers that I thought I would never get to hear in person, only on TV plus on the topic I really enjoy listening too. Out of all nine speakers I don’t have a favorite. I enjoyed all of them. We listened to the first six speakers then had a sack lunch, which was really good. When you registered you were able to pick chicken or barbeque for your sandwich. I picked the chicken and it was very good. During lunch the Stonewall Brigade Band performed. They were outstanding! Then after lunch we listened to the next six speakers.

During the talks I did take some notes. I haven’t gotten them all put together yet but here is what a few of the speakers spoke about within the Military Strategy topic.

Dennis E. Frye spoke on Harpers Ferry. Richard J. Sommers spoke on the U.S. Army. One thing that Mr. Sommers said and I thoroughly agreed with was “you can’t understand the past unless you know its existence. You have to understand that time period.” Sommers also spoke on 1861-62 Union strategy. Gallagher spoke on what the Union was thinking in 1863 on into strategy in 1864. William C. Davis spoke on west of the Shenandoah Valley down into North Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and Tennessee. Richard M. McMurry spoke on what the Confederate reaction was during 1862-63. Stephen E. Woodworth spoke on Joseph Johnston command of the Army of Tennessee.

After the conference I was able to speak with several of the speakers and have books signed. One book that isn’t out yet but will be coming in September is Dennis E. Frye’s new one on Harpers Ferry titled “Under Fire”. I have to have this one!
If you haven’t attended one of these conferences yet you still can. There has been one held each year since 2009. Here is the schedule for the next four years:

Leadership and Generalship in the Civil War
Virginia Military Institute
March 22, 2012

The Home Front in the Civil War
College of William and Mary
April 20, 2013

Civil War in a Global Context
George Mason University
Spring 2014

Memory of the Civil War
University of Virginia
Spring 2015

I am going to try to attend several of these and I highly recommend you try the same. If you would like more information, click here. I have also included a couple of pictures I took so you can see what it was like.

Looking for a Flag for the 4th...

If you are still looking for a flag for the 4th or for any occasion, you'll want to click here!

Back Home

I am finally home from my 4 week visit in Virginia. After being gone for so long there's lots to do. Once I get caught up I'll post about the Civil War Conference I went to in Blacksburg, VA. It was great!

Still in Virginia

Thought I would just let you know that I'm still in Williamsburg, Va. Having a wonderful time. I will have several thing to tell you when I get home so be on the look out in the weeks to come!

Our Newest Family Member Makes His Appearance!

I would like to introduce the newest addition to our family:

Dempsey MacLaine Warren, born 2:33 June 5, 2011, 7 lbs. 8 oz. 19 1/4", son of Christopher and Jennifer Warren and brother to Donovan. Christopher is my baby brother.

I can't wait to see him! Will be heading to Alexandria, VA the 18th.