The Answer Man for American Boundary Questions
When it came to the question of borders, Col. James Duncan Graham was the military’s go-to engineer for answers. For the better part of the first half of the 19th
Tag: antebellum
Foundation of the Rock
Wise. Calm. Self-poised. Steadfast. These words were used by a comrade and biographer of George Henry Thomas to describe the venerable soldier long after he had been christened with the
Heydey of Hope
Much has been written about John Pelham’s courage on the battlefield of Fredericksburg and his mortal wounding in the cavalry fight at Kelly’s Ford. Far less has been recorded about
An Early West Point Graduate
Daniel D. Tompkins arrived at the U.S. Military Academy in 1814 with an aptitude for learning and a well-known namesake—his uncle, the governor of New York, who would soon serve
The Uniform That Demoralized a Regiment
This Brooklynite in the 14th Regiment, New York State Militia, is dressed in a newly designed uniform that had unexpected consequences. A brigade inspector reported on Oct. 18, 1858: “This
A Militiaman and His Mississippi Rifle
A thin-bearded volunteer poses with all the trappings of a militiaman. He is a private—don’t be tricked by the officer’s shoulder straps on his uniform, which are purely decorative. His
Rats, Crossed Arms and a Mourning Ribbon
By Ronald S. Coddington with Warren “H” Shindle and Glenn Ethridge Hilburn The phone call that came in to Glenn Hilburn’s antique shop in Frederick, Md., on a spring day
One of the “Master Spirits” of the War
The first real indication that Micah Jenkins was destined for military greatness came not on the battlefield, but inside the classroom. As a Citadel cadet, the South Carolinian rose to
A Militiaman of a Different Stripe
At first glance, the rank insignia worn by this soldier seems at odds. The elongated chevrons appear to indicate his rank as corporal. Yet, his epaulettes suggest that he
A Bay State Militiaman in Full Dress Uniform
Hosea Ballot Ellis (1822-1889), of Quincy, Mass., is attired in the uniform of a Bay State militiaman. Standard trappings include white shoulder belts, epaulettes and a black waist belt with