Archive for the ‘Civil War’ Category

This edition of Letters From War Wednesday takes us back to the Civil War, and Union infantryman, William Kimmel. Writing from a “Pine Woods near Richmond,” Kimmel concluded his three-year correspondence with girlfriend, Leah, following the Battle of the Wilderness in June 1864. “We have been having a hard campaign of it—since the 8th of [...]

Ah, the cold is upon us. November always brings that bitter wind and those first hints of winter. But better in your warm house than on picket guard … during the Civil War. This edition of Letters From War Wednesday features a short note home, written 150 years ago this month, from Union soldier, William [...]

In May 1864, General Grant launched his Overland Campaign, a relentless war of attrition aimed at forcing Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia into submission and ending the American Civil War. This Letters From War Wednesday features a note from infantryman Charles Fall, who served in Grant’s army with the 26th Michigan of Hancock’s II Corps. [...]

We had several followers comment on yesterday’s post–Union soldier, William Kimmell’s letter home to his girlfriend Leah, following the Battle of Gettysburg.  Most wanted to hear the rest of the story, whether Kimmell survived the war or not.  And whatever happened with him and Leah? Excerpts from William Kimmell’s letters and diary were compiled by [...]

Union soldier, William Kimmell, served with Company C, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War.  In this edition of Letters From War Wednesday, we feature a note from Kimmell home to his girlfriend, Leah.  It was written on July 6, 1863, 148 years ago today, following the Battle of Gettysburg. From a camp near [...]

Wednesday so soon?  You better believe it, and time for Letters From War Wednesday. Ah yes, it seems like only yesterday.  Or maybe it was 148 years ago yesterday.  On May 24, 1863, Albion, Indiana infantryman, William Kimmell, penned the following note home to his sweetheart, Leah Crispell.  Kimmell’s unit would soon be chasing Lee’s [...]

In May 1864, Union Commander, Ulysses S. Grant, launched his Overland Campaign, a relentless war of attrition aimed at forcing Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia into submission.  Opposing armies first clashed at the Battle of the Wilderness, then met outside Spotsylvania Courthouse. Sergeant Charles Fall served with the 26th Michigan Infantry.  On May 12, 1864, [...]

Charles Fall served in the American Civil War with the 26th Michigan.  In May 1864, General Grant launched his Overland Campaign.  Opposing armies first clashed at the Battle of the Wilderness, then met outside Spotsylvania Courthouse.  Fall and his 26th Michigan found themselves at the center of it all. On May 12, 1864, at dawn, [...]

The origins of the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest award, can be traced to the Civil War.  Fewer than 3,500 have been earned since its inception. Henry Hardenbergh was born in Noble County, Indiana in the early 1840s.  He grew to manhood on a farm in York Township, west of Albion.  He joined [...]

Cease Fire at Cold Harbor

December 28, 2010

I think we are all intrigued by the unusual and out of place when it comes to history, especially regarding military battles.   Amid the most horrific of circumstances, certain things stand out, not for their brutality, but for their humanity.  The History Junkie loves irony. General Ulysses S. Grant’s advance on Richmond came to [...]

Search this Site

Purchase the Books

Blog

Privacy Policy