The Camp Griffin Gazette News and Information from the Green Mountain Civil War Round Table

Vol. XXIV, No. 7 – September 2017

Publicity/Founding Member: Jack Anderson Treasurer: Gail Blake -

jwahist@comcast.net auntis@comcast.net

Program Committee: Peter Sinclair – Peter.R.Sinclair@Dartmouth.Edu ; Gail Blake – auntis@comcast.net ; John Mudge: Durandpress@aol.com;

Newsletter Editor:: Ginny Gage - lewandginny1863@comcast.net - Video Maven : Alan Cheever – URFINE@aol.com

Our Web Site: http://www.vermontcivilwar.org/gmcwrt/index.html

AND DON’T FORGET: WE’RE ON FACEBOOK!

Sept. 2017 Camp Griffin Gazette Page 1

“CIVIL WAR MONUMENTS OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE”

DON STREETER

TUESDAY, SEPT. 12, 2017

BUGBEE SENIOR CENTER

WHITE RIVER JCT., VT

6:00-6:15 Social Hour

6:15 Buffet Dinner 6:45 Business Meeting

7:00 Program, followed by discussion and book raffle Adjournment

Guaranteed dinner reservations must be made by 12 Noon, Sept. 8. Cost per person for the meal is $12.00. For reservations please contact Gail Blake at auntis@comcast.net or 802-296-2919. Cost for the meeting only for members is $2.00, and for non-members $5.00. PLEASE LET GINNY OR GAIL KNOW IF YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO BRING DESSERT. EITHER E-MAIL OR CALL. GAIL: 802-296-2919 –auntis@comcast.net - GINNY: 603-542-4664 – lewandginny1863@comcast.net At this time we have one person who has offered to bring something. We need one more person.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE NEED YOUR

RESERVATIONS BY NOON, SEPTEMBER 8! THIS IS A CHANGE FROM WHAT IT HAS

BEEN OVER THE YEARS.

Menu:

Pork Tenderloin Marsala Mashed Potatoes Vegetable Soft Rolls w/whipped butter Dessert Reminder to the membership: PLEASE be sure to notify Gail if you will be having dinner at the meeting. Reservations are required so we can order adequate servings. In the past, we have accommodated those without reservations and unfortunately didn’t have enough to go around. We need a head count! Thanks for your understanding.

CIVIL WAR MONUMENTS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire honors it's Civil War Veterans

by erecting monuments and memorials to their memory. A PRESENTATION BY:

DON STREETER

2

Don is a loyal member of this GMCWRT. He was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland within a few miles of Fort Stevens in Washington, DC, the site where Abe Lincoln was nearly hit by rebel fire while witnessing the invasion by Gen. Jubal Early's 2nd Corp Army of Northern Virginia. Growing up in this area afforded him the opportunity to visit many a battlefield in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. He was told at an early age that he had a great grandfather in the 2nd Vermont Volunteer Infantry whom he has now researched at length. He also was surrounded by many WWII veterans who came to live in his neighborhood. This resulted in a life-long respect for all war veterans. Since retiring from the Defense Industry, Don has made a retirement hobby of locating and photographing the many Civil War Monuments in New Hampshire. He lives in Hampstead in extreme southeast NH and thus has handy access to the NH monuments. (He states he would have preferred to visit all the Vermont Civil War monuments but alas they were too distant). His wife, Carolyn, and he took 8 years traveling, largely by motorcycle, to visit these 234 towns and cities. In his presentation he attempts to answer the question of why were these monuments erected in light of the fact that nearly 60% of all the towns have erected these tributes to the service of the over 34,000 soldiers and sailors.

2017 Program Schedule

October 10: Hunter Lesser – “Robert E. Lee’s Feuding Generals Wise vs Floyd” November 14: Sharon and Steve Wood - Abe and Mary Todd Lincoln

2018

January: Ed Chamberlain – “The 7 Foster Brothers of Hanover Center, NH” February: Guntis Goncarovs – “The Men of the HL Hunley” March: Sarah Batterson - “Women Soldiers of the Civil War” or Rob Grandchamp - “Col. Cross at the Battle of Antietam” April: Mick Bedard – “Kearsarge Down Under” May: John Mudge – “What Got You Interested in the Civil War?” June: Will Greene Other Round Table Meetings and Happening

Sept. 13 - NEKCWRT - Paul LeFebvre - Travels in Cuba - 6 P.M. at the Eastside Restaurant, Newport, Vermont. Sept. 15 - CWRT OF NH. : - "Measuring Heroism: the Medal of Honor at Gettysburg." 7:15 P.M., Epping Town Hall, 157 Main St, Epping, NH) www.cwrt-nh.org Chris Gwinn is a native of Amesbury, Massachusetts and a 2006 graduate of Gettysburg College. He's served at Antietam National Park, Boston National Historical Park,

and the National Mall & Historical Parks. He replaced the retiring Scott Hartwig at Gettysburg in 2014.

WORLD WAR I GROUP

This group meets monthly on the 4th Monday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Café next to the Hotel Coolidge. If you want to come or want more information, contact Peter Sinclair [802-584-3280] or David Curtin [802-633-2536.] THE SONS OF THE UNION VETERANS CIVIL WAR

& AUXILIARY PRESENT THE 4TH ANNUAL DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR THE CIVIL WAR

VETERANS ADOPTED IN 2016-17. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH. 1:30 P.M. – MT.

CALVARY CEMETERY, LEBANON, NH – RECEPTION TO FOLLOW AT THE SOLDIERS

MEMORIAL BUILDING – SPONSORED BY THE LEBANON HISTORICAL SOCIETY – FEEL FREE TO

BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS.

(Editor’s Note: If you haven’t seen this building, this is a great opportunity to see its wonderful military exhibits.)

CAMP LETTERMAN HOSPITAL As many of you know, we were approached by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association asking us to help in their effort to save a 17 acre parcel of Camp Letterman in Gettysburg. If you haven’t already done so, please consider writing a short letter to: Mr. Robert Poole, CEO, S & A Homes Corporate Headquarters, 2121 Old Galesburg Road - Suite 200, State College, PA 16803, asking them to work with the GBPA to save these very important 17 acres. There were wounded soldiers from both Vermont and New Hampshire who were brought to the Camp Letterman site, some who died there.

Executive Committee Meeting Meeting was held in late June. Jack, Gail, Peter, John, Ginny and Lew attended. Alan was unable to attend. Jack will contact Len from the Bugbee Center to see about the possibility of leaving the videos at the Center. Comment was made about what to do regarding people who do not call in ahead of time for meals. Gail informed us that we actually need to contact her ONE WEEK before the meeting as that's when she needs to contact the caterer. Dues will be kept the same. There was discussion about the projector because of the issue at our June meeting. We discussed paying presenters for mileage and also an honorarium. No definite decision was made. We discussed possible speakers for the coming year. John suggested having a meeting where members talk about their first exposure to the Civil War.

3

ROUND TABLE EXPENSES, ETC.

Total speaker expenses from September 2016 through June 2017: $767.00 Total for meals: $2,583.95 Misc.: $60.00 (plates, silverware, etc.) We have 59 members. 24 of those members are single memberships, 16 are 2 person memberships, and we have one family membership.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to David Gobbi and returning member Hillary Ward.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Starting Balance: $3665.59 Expenses: June Speaker expenses: $14 (maple syrup) Maple Street Catering: $308.40(meal, tax, delivery, gratuity) Bugbee Senior Center: $500 (annual donation) Vermont Humanities Donation: $50 Plates, Silverware, Napkins: $20 Deposit: $425 (meals, dues, raffle, donations) Petty Cash: $265 Balance: $3463.19

Vermont Journal, Windsor, Vermont, Saturday, September 17, 1864

VERMONT OFFICERS IN PRISON AT CHARLESTON. --Capt. C. A. Adams, 1st cav.; Capt. W. W. Barnard, 1st cav.; Maj. C. H. Fleming, 11th infantry. E. Grant, do.; Lieut. E.M. Holden, 1st cav,; Lt. E. H. Higly, Co. K. 1st cav.; Lt. E. Mather, 1st cav.; Lt. C. P. Stone, 1st cav.; Capt. R. Schofield, 1st cav.; Lt. J. S. Thompson, 10th.

Christian Messenger, Montpelier, Vermont, Thursday, September 22, 1864

RUTLAND, SEPT. 15TH, 1864.

UNDER FIRE AT CHARLESTON--The following Vermont officers are among those who have been placed by the rebels under fire at Charleston: Capt. C. A. Adams, 1st Vermont Cavalry. Capt. W. M. Beeman, " " Capt. R. Schofield, " " Lt. E. Grant, " " Lt. Eli Holden, " " Lt. E. Mather, " " Lt. C. P. Stone, " "

Lt. Col. M. R. Stoughton, 1d U.S.S.S. Major C. Fleming, 1st Vermont Artillery. Lt. J. S. Thompson, 10th Vermont. By direction of the Secretary of War the name of the Marine Hospital at Burlington has been changed to "Baxter U.S. A. General Hospital," after the Hon. Portus Baxter.

Independent Democrat, Concord, New Hampshire, Thursday, September 29, 1864

--MAJOR Alexander Gardiner, of the 14th N.H. Regiment was lately commissioned Colonel of the Regiment, in place of Col. Wilson, resigned. He was mortally wounded in the late battle of Berryville, as is reported by the Surgeon of the Regiment, and has since died. Col. Gardner was a gallant officer and our State will be sad to learn the news of his death. --THE veterans of the Fourth N.H. Regiment not re-enlisting were given a public reception at Manchester on Monday, of this week. They arrived here, and came to this city on Wednesday the 21st inst., and were furloughed until Monday, of this week. They were mustered out during the day and arrived in Manchester at about 8 o'clock P.M. These war worn veterans were welcomed by Hon. Fred Smyth, the Major of the city. Speeches were also made in answer to toasts by Rev. Mr. Knowles, Judge Upton, Rev. Mr. Bowles and Judge Cross, Capt. Parker who was wounded at Petersburg, Rev. Mr. Wallace, Capt. Patten of the 11th N.H. V., Hon. Daniel Clark, Capt. Clough and A. T. Foss. The speeches were all good, and the people of Manchester showed these brave boys that they were really glad to see them. Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics, Portsmouth, NH, Saturday, September 3, 1864 HOW THE 3D N.H. REGIMENT FIGHTS. The following is an extract from a letter written by a member of the 3d N.H. regiment, describing the action at Deep Bottom, Aug. 18th: During the forenoon, the regiment numbering 250 men, were in the woods in front of some strong works held by the “Johnnies,” keeping perfectly quiet, and preparing a grand charge and perhaps a desperate fight. The rebels were known to be in force, but those works were to be taken, and although the old men who had but six days to serve, were feeling that if they went into the fight the chance for going home next week were slim, yet they were firm and resolved to go at any cost. No $1000 subs there. At 11 o’clock the order came to prepare for the fight. In five minutes the 3d N.H. were in line and ready—the word “go” was given, and go they did, yelling like tigers. Then came the storm of shell, grape and canister and bullets, and the brave boys fell by dozens, yet on they went, and the rebels fell back fighting desperately every inch. Our boys were in their works, and the Johnnies were piled in heaps all around. In ten minutes from that time it was hard to tell whether there was any 3d N.H. or not.

4

What was left were back where they started from, having been flanked, driven and routed—with no Colonel or Adjutant, and but three or four officers. How did that happen, you ask. I will tell you. Our boys that took the works had not held them more than five minutes, when two whole divisions of rebels came down on three sides of them, and opened such a terrible enfilading fire on our brigade, that it is a wonder that one man got back alive, of course they fell back and the rebels had a fair chance to shoot them by scores. Lieutenant Colonel J. I. Plimpton was shot through the breast and killed instantly. Our brave little Adjutant, C. J. Copp, of Nashua, (only 19 years old) who has returned to duty from a bad wound received at Drury’s Bluff, was (I am afraid) mortally wounded, and also Lieut. Lamprey. Lieut. Atherton was killed. Then there is slightly wounded, Capt. Wadlia, Lieuts. Eldredge, Hazen, Giddings, and between 95 and 100 of the men killed and wounded. Quite a number of the old men were killed and wounded. Co. G has not a commissioned or non-commissioned officer left. Capt. Dow is in command of the regiment. Col. Plimpton’s body could not be brought off the field; and three or four boys were wounded in taking his sword and papers. In the afternoon a flag of truce was sent out, and they gave us the body of Col. P., but they had taken all his clothing. We buried him this forenoon on the banks of the James, under a pear tree, and a head board is to be placed there. There were about ten of us including the chaplain, who offered a prayer, and we buried all that remained of Colonel J. J. Plimpton.

Caledonian, St. Johnsbury, VT Friday, September 9, 1864

JEFF. DAVIS’ TERMS.—The N.Y. Evening Post says: “We chance to know, from the best authority, that Mr. Jefferson Davis but a few weeks ago absolutely and finally refused to listen to any proposal of peace except on the ground of Southern Independence; ‘and when I say Southern Independence,’ he remarked, ‘I mean to include in our Confederacy, Maryland, all of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas and Missouri—nothing less.’”

VERMONT IN THE CIVIL WAR HERITAGE TRAIL LAUNCHED

On behalf of fellow sites, partners and stakeholders throughout the state, the Milton Historical Society and General Stannard House Committee are pleased to announce the launch of the Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail. The Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail was born out of a desire to link key American Civil War sites in the Green Mountain State - museums, historic sites, exhibits and more - and educate by making this important history more unified and accessible. Special thanks are due to Howard Coffin, whose 2013 book “Something Abides: Discovering

the Civil War in Today’s Vermont” is a reference and inspiration for this Trail. Three organizational meetings were held at Trail sites in Ferrisburgh, Bennington and Rutland this year, and in late July, brochures were printed and are currently being distributed. A web site (which contains the brochure), www.vtcivilwarheritage.net, has been established and will continue to be enhanced. A Facebook page, www.facebook.com/civilwartrail, has also been established and will be posted to regularly. Sharing is highly encouraged. The Trail follows US Route 7, South to North. Each site is a link to the crucial contributions Vermont made to the preservation of these United States in the American “War Between the States.” There are also many little-known connections critical to that War, and it is our Mission to better illustrate and explain those connections. From Abolitionist John Brown to Stephen Douglas to William Lloyd Garrison to Frederick Douglass to the Northernmost land battle of the Civil War, to the General who made the decision to flank Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg, Vermont has a significant story to tell. The contributions and influences Vermont had on the Civil War are not widely known or appreciated, even within the state. We are here to fix that. There are other important sites and connections to the Civil War in Vermont, but the majority of our sites are found along the ‘western coast’ of Vermont, along the Route 7 corridor. Future expansion of our Trail may include Eastern sites such as the rifle, machinery and clothing factories of the Connecticut River Valley, and more. "Vermont is known for our rich history, as well as a tradition of neighbors and communities working together," said Alex Lehning, Director of the Saint Albans Museum and member of the Trail Committee. "Our shared regional heritage is part of larger story of America itself. The creation of the Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail - by volunteers from across the state - provides a comprehensive link to that important piece of our past, and to the people, places and ideas that defined Vermont's critical role in the Civil War. This Trail will benefit residents, visitors, and students alike who have an interest in exploring and discovering that story." We are looking at a lot of improvements ahead for our Trail. They include plans for individual and joint collaborative site events, a geo-locating application, identity signage at sites with QR code-accessed content, virtual reality tours, and local/statewide Public Broadcasting videos and presentations. Our current brochures are only the beginning! "History is where we've been and where we are going,” said Terry Richards, Trail Committee Chair. “Please, do not miss out on your Discovery." For more information on the Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail, visit www.vtcivilwarheritage.net or email vtcivilwarheritage@gmail.com. Individual sites may be contacted directly for hours and site-specific information, and please be advised that some sites may charge

5

admission. Terry Richards Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail Steering Committee Chair - Board member, Milton Historical Society Historian, General Stannard House Committee

CWRT CONFERENCE

Editor’s note: The following was in the April 2017 newsletter of the Capital District (Albany, NY) Civil War Round Table, written by Matt George. Perhaps some of our members would like to attend? The weekend of September 15-18 will see the initial meeting (on the 16th) of a nationwide CWRT Conference in Centerville, Virginia. The hosts will be the Bull Run CWRT, the Brunswick, NC CWRT, the CWRT of Scottsdale, Arizona, and the Puget Sound CWRT. Speakers include Matt Borowick of the Civil War News and Mike Movius of the Puget Sound CWRT (State of Washington). Topics include: Best practices in membership recruitment, governing your RT effectively, techniques in raising and having fun in the process, and governing your organization effectively. Over the past several years at least 64 RTs across the nation have closed their doors. These tragic closures were often caused by insufficient membership, a poor sustaining organizational structure, poor programming, and insufficient funding. Often it has been a combination of these problems. This Conference will attempt to help the remaining RTs across the country avoid these problems by listening to how the leaders of successful RTs have addressed these issues. The Brunswick CWRT in North Carolina has 1,185 members. The Scottsdale CWRT in Arizona has hundreds.

HONORING OUR ANCESTORS

As we have in the past, we will be honoring our Civil War ancestors in the November issue of the Camp Griffin Gazette. If the editor already has your information from previous years, there is no need to contact me. If I don’t have the information, and you’re a member of the GMCWRT, please send me your ancestor(s) name, Regiment, Company, rank and how he/they are related to you as soon as possible. I would be more than happy to include more information if you have it available.

BATTLES IN SEPTEMBER 1864

September 19 – Third Battle of Winchester, Virginia September 23 – Battle of Fisher’s Hill, Virginia September 27 – Battle of Pilot Knob, Missouri

Green Mountain Civil War Round Table March 2017— March 2018 Membership Rates

Name:____________________________ Address: __________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ Home Phone _______________________ Work Phone________________________ E-mail address______________________________ __ Single $20.00 (includes newsletter) __ Student $10.00 (includes newsletter) __ Two Person $35.00 (includes newsletter) __ Family $50.00 (includes newsletter) __ Newsletter subscription alone – ten issues $10.00 Is this a new membership ___ renewal ___ Please make checks payable to: Green Mountain Civil War Round Table

6

Green Mountain Civil War Round Table P.O. Box 982 White River Junction, VT 05001