John Walsh of Dover, Tenn., has dedicated significant tine and energy into building a premier collection of portraits of Union and Confederate soldiers and sailors who participated in operations that culminated in the Battle of Fort Donelson.
John and I began discussion about featuring his collection more than two years ago. I’m delighted to feature his images in this issue, as well as his deep knowledge of the events and locations surrounding the engagement.
The cover image, of Brig. Gen. John Buchanan Floyd, the overall commander at Donelson who turned over command to Brig. Gen. Simon B. Buckner before escaping, was taken just after the battle. It is historically significant as well as visually striking.
This was a tremendous learning experience for me. My knowledge of forts Henry and Donelson is rather limited. John helped me to understand an appreciate how the Union forces led by Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the unconditional surrender he achieved struck Confederate arms a heavy blow and proved an early turning point of the war.
I’m indeed to John for his commitment, including a meetup in Washington, D.C., to scan some of his images.
I’m pleased to share two other features by Military Images Senior editors. Paul Russinoff’s One Vacant Chair: Photographs of a Michigan family remind us of loss and sacrifice tells the story of William H. Black of the 5th Michigan Cavalry and his family. Ron Field’s gallery of naval photographic portraits, Man-of-War Men, includes Union sailors from the Brown Water Navy and the coastal blockade forces.
Some of our columns include profiles of well-mandated lesser-known figures from the Civil War period. Kurt Luther’s latest installment of Photo Sleuth is focused on Charles Trowbridge of the 33rd USCT and his connections to photographer Eliza Balch and nurse Susie King Taylor. Most Hallowed Ground tells the story of Maj. Gen. James Brewerton Ricketts and his wife, Fanny. The Honored Few describes the action for which Capt. George N. Bliss of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry received the Medal of Honor. Women of War by Melissa A. Wynn looks at the life and times of Virginia native and Southern spy “Belle” Boyd. Scott Valentine’s Vignette recounts the May 1862 Battle of Plum Point Bend and the role of Union Mortar Boat No. 16 and its commander, Thomas B. Gregory.
Other columns explore different aspects of the war. Antebellum Warriors examines a U.S. sailor in a unique uniform. In The Citizenry, Elizabeth A. Topping highlights women who coped with disfigurements. Phil Spaugy’s Of Arms and Men tells the story behind a series of images of howitzers of the 5th Ohio Cavalry. In Material Culture, guest columnist and Military Images Copy Editor Jack Hurov looks at photos of soldiers who fastened buttons on both the right and left sides. Behind the Backdrop profiles Washington, D.C., photographer John Wallen Holyland. Stragglers features unusual images that include a soldier pictured in a clock pendulum bob. And The Last Shot explores the story behind Joseph W. Turner’s “The Assassin’s Vision.”
And two more columns of note. Military Anthropologist shares the results of a review of military backdrop paintings in 100 Civil War photographs. Passing in Review considers Paul Frecker’s Cartomania: Photography & Celebrity in the Nineteenth Century.
Enjoy!
Ronald S. Coddington
Editor & Publisher
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