The Battle of Shepherdstown, also known as the Battle of Boteler’s Ford, took place on September 19-20, 1862, along the Potomac River during the Maryland Campaign of the American Civil War. Following the Battle of Antietam, Confederate General Robert E. Lee withdrew his army across the Potomac River. Union forces, under Major General Fitz John Porter, pursued them and engaged the Confederate rearguard at Boteler’s Ford.

Brigadier General William N. Pendleton commanded the Confederate rearguard, which included about 600 infantry and 44 artillery pieces. When Union forces began their assault on September 19, Pendleton’s artillery initially resisted but was soon overwhelmed. In a state of panic, Pendleton mistakenly reported to Lee that all his artillery had been captured, prompting Lee to send reinforcements under Major General A.P. Hill. Hill’s counterattack on September 20 forced the Union troops back across the Potomac, inflicting significant casualties and ending the Union pursuit.

On the Union side, Colonel Charles Prevost led the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry, also known as the "Corn Exchange Regiment". Prevost’s regiment was ordered to retreat, but he initially refused to comply, believing the order had not come through proper channels. By the time he verified the order, he was wounded, and his regiment faced devastating fire from Hill’s division. This delay contributed to the heavy losses suffered by the 118th Pennsylvania, highlighting the chaos and communication challenges during the battle.

https://youtu.be/ArIQr7xgOlg

"the historian is engaged on a continuous process of moulding his facts to his interpretation and his interpretation to his facts. It is impossible to assign primacy to one over the other" from the book "what is history?" or just explain me the meaning of the sentence like i am 10 years old

Most people in the modern world rightly regard fascism as evil, but there is a lingering and ultimately misplaced grudging admiration for its supposed efficiency. But while fascism’s reputation for atrocity is well-earned, the notion that fascism was ever effective, orderly, or well-organized is a myth. This piece explores the rich history of fascist buffoonery and incompetence to argue that fascism isn’t just a moral abomination, but incredibly dysfunctional too.

https://americandreaming.substack.com/p/no-the-trains-never-ran-on-time

The Battle of Cold Harbor, a pivotal moment in the Civil War, was as much a test of generalship as it was a clash of armies. The battle itself was a catastrophic defeat for the Union, resulting in immense casualties.

However, the dynamics between the two primary commanders, Ulysses S. Grant and George Meade, are equally fascinating.  

The Battle of Cold Harbor
In the spring of 1864, Grant, newly appointed as commander of all Union armies, embarked on a relentless campaign to defeat Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Cold Harbor was one of the final battles in this Overland Campaign.  

Grant had hoped to outflank Lee and force him into a decisive battle. However, Lee, anticipating Grant’s moves, entrenched his army in a formidable position. Despite the obvious strength of the Confederate lines, Grant ordered a frontal assault on June 3, 1864. The result was a Union disaster. In a matter of minutes, thousands of soldiers were killed or wounded.  

Grant and Meade: A Complex Relationship
The relationship between Grant and Meade was complex and often fraught with tension. Grant was the overall commander, but Meade retained command of the Army of the Potomac. This dual command structure often led to confusion and friction.  

Grant's Role: Grant was a decisive and aggressive leader. He was determined to wear down Lee's army through constant pressure. His decision to attack at Cold Harbor, despite the obvious risks, reflects his aggressive nature.  

Meade's Role: Meade was a capable but cautious general. He was often reluctant to engage in large-scale assaults, preferring a more methodical approach. This difference in style often clashed with Grant's aggressive strategy.  

While Grant ultimately bore the responsibility for the disaster at Cold Harbor, Meade's role in the planning and execution of the attack has also been criticized. Some historians argue that Meade should have more forcefully opposed the assault or taken steps to ensure its success.  

The aftermath of Cold Harbor saw a growing tension between the two generals. However, Grant recognized Meade's abilities and retained him in command. Their relationship improved over time, and they were able to work together more effectively in the campaigns that followed.

The Battle of Cold Harbor remains a stark reminder of the human cost of war. The relationship between Grant and Meade highlights the complexities of command and the challenges faced by leaders in the midst of battle.