. In the battle of Petersburg in Virginia a young sniper got shot in the head on April 13, 1865. Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was leading his Union troops down to Richmond, Virginia to take it over. When Gen. Robert E. Lee cut off the Union troops in a field about 100 yards from Petersburg to try and stop them from getting Richmond.

. The young man in the photograph got shot at 7:46 the last day of the battle. He was sniping Union troops one after another from a ditch until a bullet penetrated his skull and dug into his brain. The veteran sniper saw the kid’s poor sniping spot and reacted fast on ending his hitting streak.

The confederate boy got shot down in his prime fighting with 4,250 other solders in this battle. He died intently after flopping on his back and laying his musket across his chest in defeat. The boy became a man because he fought for what he believed in and died fighting for it.

. The battle of Petersburg is one of the most important battles of the Civil War. The Yank’s new if they beat the Jony Reb’s now the Confederates wouldn’t be able to regroup, because Gen. Grant called for total war. After defeat Gen. Lee retreated to a small town if Virginia and later surrendered.

The Confederate loss at Petersburg made Gen. Lee retreat and surrender so basically the Civil War ended then. Thanks to Lt. Gen. Grant for beating the Confederates at the battle of Petersburg.

Sources:

Civil War .com

Selected Civil War Photographs 1861-1865

. Last night, field hospitals sent out numerous distress wagons. They were on a mission, collection wounded soldiers after the bloodiest one day battle of Antietam. September 17, 1862, is a day to remember

. In this picture, taken by Tock Biffan, men are being lifted onto stretchers, and then packed into a small crowed unit with other injured Confederate soldiers. General Robert E. Lee stands at a distance directing the volunteers to help his men. The Confederates are eager to know their fate as they’re being escorted to the nearest field hospital.

. Other than being wounded or killed, majority of soldiers died from something else. Surprisingly, disease. The hospitals were running low on medical supplies. The nurses are women who choose to lend a “helping hand” in such a time of need.

. The North and South had yet to settle there differences. The battles continued to travel north into Maryland. Just eighteen days after the Confederate’s victory at Second Manassas, forty miles southeast in Virginia. Antietam was the first major battle fought in the North. The battle also changed the entire course of the Civil War.

. After a long, twelve hour battle, the Union took victory. Between both sides the estimated casualties was 23,000 these men were buried deep beneath the battle field in unmarked graves.

Sources:

http://www.nps.gov/archive/anti/battle.htm

http://www.history.com/army

Early this morning, September 1864, tempers began to flare as General William T. Sherman of the confederacy, had commanded General John Bell Hood to resign from his post in the munitions center of Atlanta, Georgia. The picture containing men around a cannon shows the great discussion between both Generals trying to remove each other from post.

As it is shown in this picture taken by George N. Barnard, these 2 confederate generals had been arguing all morning to take control of the munitions center. General Sherman wanted to keep his ‘war-worn men’ here at the munitions center in order to allow them to rest and recover supplies for the upcoming 2 months.

General Hood, of course, did not like the thought of being removed from his post and would not allow it. Hood thought that Sherman hadn’t earned his rest from war. Hood was said to believe that Sherman hadn’t earned a valuable experience from war and was not yet eligible to return to the munitions center.

Later on, General Hood stated, “If he were a real man of war, he would stay in the battle field for as long as it takes and not withdraw so soon.”

Hearing this made Sherman at a very non agreeable mood, so he sent a letter to higher authorities to remove Hood from post as soon as possible. After 2 hours, a letter from the higher authorities was returned to Sherman saying that he now had power to remove hood from post. The letter stated that just because Hood disapproved of Sherman’s actions during war, does not mean that he cannot allow Sherman to stay at the center. Hood was later on removed from post as General William T. Sherman took control over the munitions center. Sherman said that he was to stay at the munitions center for the next 2 months to recover his soldier’s health and gather ammunition for the upcoming battle.

Sources:

Selected Civil War photographs

CivilWar.com

During Grant’s early years before the war he graduated and moved to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis where he met a woman named Julia Dent, and Grant instantly fell in love and married her. During the war Grant was opposed to the Mexican war, but at that time he felt that he should serve under his flag.

Known for his successes in the west during the war, helped boost his reputation leading him to an awarding appointment as General-in-chief, appointed to him by President Lincoln himself on March 1864.

Grants next major priority was to fight skillfully to win Vicksburg the key city on the Mississippi and to cut the confederates into two. Other higher officials and Grant are planning a way to convert the Quaker guns (logs made to look like guns and cannons) into firing mortars they used them until they burst. To make the confederates think that they were more equipped than they really were, during the battle of Vicksburg. To help the union gain another victory, from his brilliant idea.

During the war at Forts Donelson, Major General Ulysses S. Grant and his troops had the confederates surrounded. General Simon Bolivar Buckner (a confederate) immediately surrendered, leading Grant to another victory for the North.

Grant was one of the most brilliant union strategists he rose from obscurity to ranks. He won victory after victory through his years in the military, later leading him to a very important role in our government.

Sources:

http://www.Factasy.com/civil_war/index.shtml

http://www.factasy.com/civil_war/a_Brief_history.shtml

Two days ago, on Sept. 19, 1861 800 fully trained confederate soldiers lead by Brig. Gen. Felix Zollicoffers and his men marched to Knox Kentucky from Tennessee in an effort to push from the Cumberland Gap into central Kentucky and gain control of the important border state camp called Camp Andrew.

The next day in the heavy morning fog Zollicoffer sent forward his 800 men into Camp Andrews, the Confederates killed any Union soldiers in the camp and conquered the camp. And then waiting from a counterattack from the Union.

Later that day, the Union came back to the camp to Camp Andrew to reclaim what was once theirs. Cpt. Isaac J Black sent his 500 men to Camp Andrew. After all night of planning, the Union still overcome to power of the Confederates. After the Union Squad was wiped out, the Rebs destroyed the Camp and took all the Guns and ammo and left.

After the battle of Barbourville, the two men in the picture are looking for what’s left of any supplies in the town, they were also looking for any survivors that they could find and take them to a place to get treated; the only thing they can do is leave.

Yesterday, September 20, 1861 The Battle of Barbourville took place. Today September 21, 1861 this picture of a destroyed Union base. This Union base was part of the battleground in the Battle of Barbourville.

Sources:

www.mycivilwar.com

http://memory.loc.gov

It was the date April 3, 1863 when I woke up at 12:00 in the morning from foot steps outside. I look out my window to find 10 African American slaves in the run! I put my jacket and shoes on and that is when my journey began. I could not believe my eyes on what I was seeing. If these slaves were caught they would immediately be shot or hung without any hesitation. I look to see who is leading the pack, but it was too dark. My legs start to weaken with my head getting dizzy and starting to spin. Right when I feel like giving up and heading back home, we stop. I glance around are surroundings and before I knew it I was on my way to the North where there was no Slavery.

While the Civil War is going on and Slavery is still legal in the South there is a way slaves can find freedom. This way is called the Underground Railroad. The South had lost 100,000 slaves between 1810and 1850 from this brilliant idea. Many people take part in rescuing slaves, and especially the people called the “Society of Quakers”. In the Underground Railroad they use terms in railroading such as, homes and businesses were where fugitives would rest and eat are called “stations” and “depots”. These were run by “stationmasters”. Those who contributed money and goods were “stock holders”. The “conductor” was reasonable for moving fugitives from one station to the next. The people that let us stay and rest in their homes were all very nice to us. After a long tiring yet exciting journey we finally get to the North, and the slaves were free.

When the slaves I was with succeeded in freedom, there was people there waiting for them. I wondered why and so I analyzed my surroundings. Then I noticed a camera and saw the people leading the freed slaves over in front of a cabin. Right then and there I finally figured it out. The African Americans were getting a photo taken of them the very day they escaped. I asked a man why they were taking photos of every pack of slaves that came in and he said “So the people will have a memory of this day when they got their freedom”. I was amazed at what this man was doing to help free slaves. This mans name is John Fairfield. Not only was this man the photographer of are group of slaves, but he was the one who leaded us to freedom. John has helped many African Americans and many more to come. Right as I was about to head home from this incredible journey, another group of people led by Harriet Tubman had escaped to freedom. This man has made 19 trips into the south and escorted over 300 slaves to freedom.

In this picture it might not look or seem like this pack of slaves are happy to be free, but let me tell you… I have never seen so much great full and happiness in someone’s eyes until I looked into theirs. So much has happened to me in such little time. This experience has made me realize how much I should appreciate what I have. This will always remain in me, and the memories will always be close. I hope to see in the future that slavery will be illegal and the world will be in peace.

Cut and paste your next paragraph here. Sources:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh.aia/part4/4p2944.html

The causes of the Civil War

On July 21 1861 in the early morning, the confederates crossed Sudly Ford and charged Fort Brady on Mathew Hill. Inside the fort was commanding General McDowell and the 1st Connecticut heavy artillery unit (shown in the picture) and General McDowell’s 1st and 2nd lead infantry.

As the confederate charged across Sudly Ford, artily shells rained down upon them ripping bodies to shreds but barely stopping the charge. They kept right on moving even as shells passed through their comrade’s bodies. As the confederates reached Mathew hill rifle fire brook out. McDowell’s 1st infantry was dug in at the base of Fort Brady, firing at the confederate to slow the charge but to no avail. The confederate troops never missed a step. They blew right thorough the lead infantry.

There was no hope in the fort as the confederates ripped through the door like paper. The 1st Connecticut heavy artily unit picked up rifles and attached bayonets and charged with the 2nd infantry into the confederate’s line. They meet with the clash of steel and the screams of dying men. But in the end the battle was won by the confederate, with only a few survivors from union.

What caused these awful events where the confederate troops needed food and supplies such as shoes, ammunition and rifles. Fort Brady had all the supplies that they needed to survive so they took it.

On the political side of things the attack of Fort Sumter prompted the civil war and forced the north and the south to start fighting, which then in turn caused us to build forts and keep supplies away from the opposing forces.

Sources:

http://memory.loc.gov/ammen/ewphtm/ewphone.html

http://www.civilwarhome.com/cmhlstmanassas.htm

Last week, the first major battle of the Civil War occurred. It was 10:56 at Antietam Creek, were soldiers of the Union and Confederate forces were found fighting over economical problems such as slavery. Union Army, Major General George B. McClellan launched attacks against Confederate Major Robert E. Lee.

Shown in the picture to the left, the wounded soldiers of the Union army are being carried away by the Zouaze ambulance in Antietam Creek. This occurred a few hours after the battle ended and these soldiers are few out of the 23,000 wounded or killed. The Zouaze ambulances are taking wounded Union soldiers to a local field hospital to get taken care of.

Before all of this occurred, troops assembled to march into battle, while many Zouaze ambulances prepared for a long days work. ‘’ The battle was devastating, it was twelve hours long but it felt like it was twelve years!’’ says Charles Mitchel, soldier of the Union force. So far, this battle is the most bloodiest and violent battle of the Civil War.

With many killed soldiers of both the Union and Confederate, not every body was able to be identified. The bodies of the soldiers who were identified were buried in graves with there names on it, and the unidentified bodies were buried in holes made in the ground made especially for them.

In the End, the Union was victories even though the Southerners retreated to Virginia. All McClellan’s soldiers were to injured and worn out to follow the Confederates and continue war. The battle was unconcluded but, the Union was victories enough that Lincoln was able to announce his Emancipation Proclamation.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Antietam

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/battle-antietam.htm

At this point in time, July 3,in the vast fields of Gettysburg Pennsylvania ,near Camp Letterman, General Lee decided to press the attack to the Union center on Cemetrey Ridge. This occurred around early afternoon, where many soldiers were seen risking their lives for a gun shot.

General Thomas ‘’Stonewall’’ Jackson and John Wilkins were seen making an attempt to attack the Confederates. While trying to avoid each gun shot being fired, these two men surrendered to a bullet. John was struck in the mid-thigh, enabling him to walk, and Thomas was hit in the shoulder in the passing moments of Johns attack.

The picture shown to the left was taken by Mathew Brady himself, near camp letterman. That was where the hurt and wounded soldiers were taken to be treated. Pictured on the stretcher in the wagon is Thomas Jackson, and shown on the stretcher to the far right is John Wilkins. These men are two of the many who suffered injuries at Cemetrey Ridge, in Gettysburg Pennsylvania.

The medics shown carrying the stretchers came with their wagons to transport these wounded men to the hospital tents. Once the soldiers are taken to the tents, Nurse Clara Barton takes them into her hands healing them in every way possible.

This just in, The Battle of Gettysburg has been named the bloodiest of the bloodiest battles in Civil War history. This small town of Gettysburg declined greatly in its population.3,155 Union soldiers were killed;14,531 were wounded; and 5,369 were missing or captured. As for Confederate soldiers, 4,708 were killed; 12,693 were wounded; and 5,830 were missing or captured. These statistics added up to a total amount of 57,225 casualties. As the news of the corpse to come reaches families everywhere, devastation will take a toll on the remembrance of these soldiers.

Sources:

http://www.civilwar.com/content/view/1806/39/

http://www.civil-war.net/pages/maps/gettysburg.jpg

Late Last year, President Lincoln was under pressure to go against the Confederacy. Last week, one of the first major battles occurred. The Battle of the Bull Run was against 35,000 Union troops and 20,000 Confederate troops. The war began when Lincoln ordered the Union commander McDowell to attack Confederate troops to begin and advance on Richmond.

Shown in the picture are Confederate troops in front of their Quaker Guns. Quaker Guns are logs that make the army they have more fire power than they really have. Confederate General P.G.T knew McDowell and his troops were coming so he lined up Confederate troops around a stream in Manassas to build a defense line called the Bull Run. The troops shown in the picture are part of the defense line.

The Union attacked the Confederates on July 21st. McDowell hit Confederate troops miles from where they expected the attack to come from. Because of that, the South fell back. By that afternoon Union had crossed the Bull Run defense line. Victory seemed within McDowell’s grasp, but his battle plan was probably too complicated for his half trained officers and men. Unlike they expected, the Confederates fought back hard.

Because of the gun smoke, similar uniforms, and the shock of the battle experience, everything led to a complete confusion. Between the North and the South there were many soldiers killed. North lost nearly 1,400 with about 1,200 men captured and the South lost 1,500 men with another 1,220 missing.

In the end, the South won the battle. The Battle of the Bull Run was much longer and bloodier than anyone imagined it would be.

Sources:

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USACWbullrun.htm

The First Battles- The Millbrook press, Brookfield, Connecticut

Yesterday in the southeastern part of the Washington Territory, Union soldiers and Shoshone Indians engaged in a fierce battle. Union led by Col. Connor traced down the Shoshone Indians and their Chief Bear Hunter because they murdered many farmers and white settlers. This battle (Bear River Massacre) is part of a bigger operation, the Bear River Expedition.

The picture shown to the left is Union soldiers preparing for battle against the Shoshone Indians led by Chief Bear Hunter. The soldiers are in a trench to avoid attacks from Indians. The cannon is being prepared to shoot snipers and/or Indians shooting from inside houses.

The main reason the massacre started is because Shoshone Indians were killing farmers for there crops and anyone in there territory. That is when Col. Connor decided to go on the Bear River Expedition, so that he can resolve any disagreements between white settlers and Shoshone Indians.

The reason that the Indians were killing white settlers is because they were pushing the Shoshone out of there own land. Also settlers killed a young Shoshone Indian for no reason, that is why the Indians are out for revenge, but Col. Connor and the union army will not allow such killing.

When the Bear River Massacre ended, the union had destroyed everything in sight because the Shoshone ran out of ammunition after two hours. I am pretty sure that the union army will not have any more problems with the Shoshone Indians. Sources: http://www.CivilWar.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_River_Massacre

Last night, in the combat zone of Palmito Hill, an agreement between Col. Theodore H. Barret and an unidentified rebel leader to refrain from fighting was broken by a Union attack on the rebels’ side of the river. The Union struck with an unfathomable force, torching rebels mercilessly before a rebel alarm was raised.

Shown in the picture is rebel forces scorched down to bones after the federal attack on the hill. Before they knew what was happening, they were under siege and their camp set ablaze.

Palmito hill is a rebel stronghold in Texas, in an area called Cameron country. It is located near Brazos Santiago, a powerful union commanding base in Texas. 90% of the union soldiers involved in the battle were dispatched from the 62nd U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment and the 2nd Texas Cavalry Regiment.

After torching more supplies at Palmito hill, the union moved on a couple miles or so and met a line of rebels and rebel cannons prepared for battle. After the ill-equipped union soldiers fled, John S. “Rip” Ford declared victory of the battle for the rebels.

Palmito Hill was a blood-spattered battle, many men lost their lives and an entire rebel squadron was demolished completely, but the rebels still came through with a victory.

Sources:

http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/lincolns/atwar/gal_camera.html

1863, that’s when the rebels went down, the two Union spies known as James Hickory aka Wild Bill, and the beautiful miss Pauline Cashman, together they are an unstoppable team that would take on and destroy everything they were ordered to take care of.

It all began on March 15, 1863. The stunning actress known as Miss Pauline Cashman spy received an invitation to go give a toast to the Rebel convention in tower 805 in Richmond Virginia. She took the invitation in a heartbeat Pauline Cashman went to her Union General by the name of Jack Lump. Jack Lump ordered Miss Pauline Cashman to go spy on the Rebels at once, intercept the information about there Buildings and plans of attack on the Union Army.

Miss Pauline Cashman got to the building at exactly 7:30AM March 16, 1863. She unpacked her stuff and gleamed around. Cashman quickly found out that it was one of the biggest, most complicated security breaches to pass, and only gun factory in the south, she knew that she must have to destroy the building known as Conunition to get a good advantage on the war. Cashman asked the Union general to supply the best spy the union has ahold of, there mission would be is to give a toast at the convention.

‘’James Hickory’’ yelled the general, ‘’Yes sir’’ he said! I have a mission for you. General Jack Lump explain the plan of the attack to James Hickory, The general explained the escape, the explosion, and most importantly the result. James Hickory was looking forward to the invasion of the conunition, claimed NEW YORK TIMES.

March 25 1863, meanwhile there was a party present at Conunition. James Hickory killed 50 people with 50 bullets, the plan was bound to work, as it was planned the building was quickly detoxicated. James Hickory lined up a line of gun powder and shot it, it quickly blew up, he went underground safe from the explosion. In the meantime while Pauline Cashman cleared the building by jumping through the window, the conunition was destroyed, several confederate lives were lost. The picture to the left shows an example of what the building 805 after the disaster, The civilians were running around in panic many thought it was an earthquake. Some claim they saw the 2 spies escape and disappear over the horizon. We shall never know but for the 2 spies, it was a miracle the Union won the battle.

Sources:

www.Civilwar.com

www.itd.np.gov