I am outlining and planning a story about escaped slaves that steal a steam paddle boat during the American Civil War, and head down river. I have related questions.

• How much pirate and bandit activity was going on in the area during the war?
• Where did captains, who wanted to avoid the war, go with their boats?
• How was merchant traffic handled after the Union took Vicksburg?

While walking my dog, Rio, through a cemetery in Marshfield, Massachusetts, I came across the graves of two Union soldiers: Lucius Carver and Allyne Litchfield. That simple walk turned into a project to uncover, preserve, and share their story.

This project revolves around hundreds of letters written from the Civil War’s front lines. These letters give us a close look at the lives of Lucius, Allyne, and Allyne’s wife, Susan. The brothers-in-law served with the 7th Michigan Cavalry and took part in major moments like Gettysburg and the Shenandoah Valley Campaigns. Through their letters, they shared their experiences in battle, thoughts on Union generals, their support for Lincoln’s re-election, and personal challenges.

Susan Litchfield’s letters add another layer. As Allyne’s wife and Lucius’ sister, she wrote about raising her son alone while her husband was at war. Her perspective gives a rare glimpse into the life of women during the Civil War.

This subreddit has already played a big role in this project. I actually met one of my transcribers here after posting about it! I’m really interested in connecting with others who love Civil War history. Whether you have insights, advice, or just want to discuss the era, I’d love to hear from you.

These letters are being transcribed and shared with the public for the first time. The goal is to not just preserve history but also to explore how we connect with it today and what we can learn from the past.

To learn more about how this all started and where it’s going, check out this article.

For updates and discoveries as we dig deeper, follow along on my Substack: Ryan Curley History.

I’d love to hear your thoughts: What do you find most interesting about Civil War letters? Let’s chat!

Working on a dissertation on this topic and have been looking for others' thoughts, but to no avail thus far.

Railroads played a crucial role during the American Civil War, serving as the primary means of transporting troops, supplies, and equipment. The North, with its extensive rail network, had a significant advantage over the South. Railroads allowed for rapid movement of large forces and logistical support, which was essential for maintaining supply lines and reinforcing troops at critical moments.

New Inventions and Their Uses

1. Mortar Cars: These were essentially flatcars equipped with large mortars, such as the famous "Dictator" mortar used at the Siege of Petersburg. The mortar was mounted on a reinforced flatcar, allowing it to be moved along the rail lines and used in various firing positions. This mobility enabled Union forces to bombard Confederate positions from different locations, making it difficult for the enemy to predict and counterattack.
2. Monitor Trains: Inspired by the ironclad warships like the USS Monitor, these were armored trains equipped with heavy guns and iron plating. They were used for both offensive and defensive purposes, patrolling rail lines, and engaging enemy forces. The armor provided protection against small arms fire and artillery, making them formidable weapons on the battlefield.
3. Armed Troop Transports: These were trains modified to carry troops and equipment directly to the front lines. They often included boxcars and flatcars with mounted weapons for defense. The ability to quickly transport large numbers of soldiers and supplies gave the Union a strategic advantage, allowing them to reinforce positions and launch surprise attacks.

These innovations significantly impacted the war, enhancing the mobility and effectiveness of military operations. The use of railroads and these specialized vehicles demonstrated the importance of industrial technology in modern warfare.

https://youtu.be/yyvn5XVc4I8

General Samuel Garland Jr.: A Confederate Leader

Samuel Garland Jr. was a Confederate general whose military career and personal sacrifice left a significant imprint on American history. Born on December 16, 1830, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Garland was destined for a life marked by leadership and military service.

Samuel Garland Jr. came from a distinguished lineage, being the great-grandnephew of President James Madison. His upbringing in Lynchburg provided a strong foundation for his future endeavors. Garland's education began at Randolph Macon College, followed by the Virginia Military Institute, where he graduated third in his class in 1849. His academic success and military training there shaped his early character and leadership skills. Garland then pursued a career in law, attending the University of Virginia and establishing his practice in Lynchburg.

Garland's early involvement in military affairs began when he organized the Lynchburg Home Guard in response to John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. With the secession of Virginia and the onset of the Civil War, Garland's militia company joined the 11th Virginia Infantry, and he was soon commissioned as its colonel. His leadership and strategic acumen became evident in several battles, including First Bull Run, Dranesville, and Williamsburg.

Garland's bravery and command abilities earned him a promotion to brigadier general on May 23, 1862. As a general, he continued to play a pivotal role in key battles such as the Seven Days Battles, Second Bull Run, and the Maryland Campaign. His dedication to the Confederate cause and his ability to inspire his troops were hallmarks of his military career.

Tragically, Garland's promising career was cut short on September 14, 1862, during the Battle of South Mountain. Leading his brigade against Union forces, Garland was mortally wounded. His death was a significant blow to the Confederate Army, as his leadership and tactical expertise were highly valued. He was buried in his hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia, in the Presbyterian Cemetery.

In conclusion, General Samuel Garland Jr.'s life and career were characterized by leadership, courage, and a deep commitment to his cause. His early years laid the foundation for a distinguished military career, and his service during the Civil War demonstrated his tactical brilliance and bravery. Garland's untimely death deprived the Confederacy of one of its most capable leaders, but his legacy endures in the annals of American history.

https://youtu.be/6XwbHUhfYNY

In the months leading up to the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, Union forces were acutely aware of the fort's vulnerable position in Charleston Harbor. Major Robert Anderson, the fort's commander, had moved his garrison from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter in December 1860, anticipating an attack. As tensions escalated, the need to resupply the fort became urgent.

Gustavus Fox, a Union naval officer, devised a plan to relieve Fort Sumter. His plan involved anchoring three small warships off Charleston Harbor near the entrance to Swash Channel, about four miles from the fort. The ships would carry provisions and reinforcements to sustain the besieged garrison.

On April 6, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln approved Fox's plan, but with the stipulation that only food and supplies would be delivered, and no reinforcements would be sent unless further notice was given. Fox and his fleet set sail for Fort Sumter on April 9, 1861, but their journey was delayed by a significant storm.

Despite the delays, Fox's expedition managed to get within 10 miles of Fort Sumter by April 12, 1861. However, Confederate forces, under the command of General Pierre Beauregard, demanded the fort's surrender. When Anderson refused, Beauregard ordered the bombardment of Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War.

Fox's plan was nearly successful in resupplying Fort Sumter and preventing the initial conflict. The timely arrival of the Union fleet could have provided the fort with much-needed provisions and potentially deterred the Confederate attack. However, the delays caused by the storm and the political hesitations within Lincoln's cabinet ultimately prevented the plan from being fully executed.

Fox's efforts, though ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the battle, demonstrated the Union's commitment to maintaining control over its fortifications and highlighted the challenges of executing military operations under such high-stakes conditions.

https://youtu.be/xHU8KrhL1eQ