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Segment
Descriptions
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- Martin Gordon, Smithsonian Civil War Studies Program
Coordinator introduces Mr. Alexander
- Ted Alexander is a Civil War historian, editor, and
author. He has an MA in History from the University
of Maryland, Baltimore. He is chief historian at Antietam
National Battlefield. He serves as an expert tour guide
of the Civil War Washington region for the Smithsonian
Institution.
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*On Tour with Ted
Alexander
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- How the Civil War transformed the sleepy southern
town of Washington into the most fortified city in the
world, changing the economy, and creating the phenomena
of "big government" and "commuting."
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*Bustling Civil
War Washington
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- Throughout the war, railroads were vital in transporting
men and supplies, especially coal, throughout the border
areas and beyond.
- The impact of Confederate attempts to destroy the
B&O Railroad on the environment.
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*Destroyed Railroad
Bridge
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- The corridor of Washington DC through the Cumberland
Valley suffers unique damage due to the numbers of troops
traveling throughout the area, including regular incursions
by Jubal Early.
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*View of Maryland
Heights, opposite Harpers Ferry
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- How the Confederates held northern towns hostage
until ransomed by the townspeople, and other effects
of the war on the civilian populace.
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General Imboden,
Confederate Guerrilla
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- Among the numerous daring raids by the Confederates,
Washington narrowly escapes capture by Jubal Early’s
band.
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Confederate General
Jubal Early
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- Hunter uses Early’s tactics to lure him back
to the Shenandoah Valley in an effort to relieve the
Washington area from the Confederate threat.
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Union General David
Hunter
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- The overall impact of Confederate guerrilla raids
on the Northern war effort and Grant’s tactical
response.
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Statue of General
Philip Sheridan, rallying his troops at the Battle of
Winchester.
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- 48 of McNeill’s Rangers invade Cumberland which
was held by 8000 Yankees, and capture two Yankee generals
in their beds.
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- The failure of the Federals to protect border citizens
and their property prompted daring action on the part
of many farmers and other civilians.
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- Lt. Walter Bowie of Mosby’s Rangers attempts
to kidnap Governor Bradford of Maryland, and other adventures
of the Confederate secret service.
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- A recounting of both military and civilian casualties
resulting from the battles, and the aftermath of military
operations on the lives of some of the local citizens.
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- The worst wartime mishap occurred at the Washington
Arsenal. More stories of interactions between military
personnel and the civilian populace.
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*Memorial for Victims
of the Washington Arsenal Explosion, Congressional Cemetery,
Washington D.C.
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- Deserters and bounty jumpers among the local townsfolk.
Schemes in which soldiers or gangs steal military supplies
and horses and resell them to the army or local citizens.
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- Along the border, repercussions against Southern
sympathizers and Confederate veterans returning home.
- Border citizens attempt to regain land and other
possessions taken by the army during the war.
- The effect of military operations on the border landscape.
- The end of the war as recounted in a border citizen’s
diary.
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Audience
Questions & Answers
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You said earlier that Jubal Early received $220,000
from Hagerstown and Frederick, and that money seems to
have disappeared. What happened to it?
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 Answer
1
0:28
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How was Mosby able to escape retribution?
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Answer
2
1:41
Confederate
Partisan John Singleton Mosby
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Maryland passed a law ending slavery and there were
thousands of freedmen. Could you comment on what happened
to the freedmen and runaway slaves in Maryland and the
District of Columbia during these guerrilla incursions?
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Answer
3
1:44
*Contrabands
At Camp Along the Border
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What was the genesis of the phrase "seeing the elephant"?
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Answer
4
00:01:38
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You talked about horses being stolen and resold to
the cavalry. When did they start branding and marking
animals?
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Answer 5
00:00:26
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You mentioned the partisan activities. Were they organized
units and if they were, would they be treated as prisoners
of war if they were captured?
Martin adds the following:
I am currently working with an author who is researching the typology of
guerrilla warfare. What is the legal basis for each: the volunteer militia
as citizen in arms; the uniformed soldier; the marauder as a simple bandit;
the partisan ranger act; legal and unauthorized guerrillas. In the border
states there is a breakdown of central authority. Were these organized--some
units act only in the presence of the enemy, or if a payroll is coming through--it
is in the anarchy tradition. |
Answer 6
00:03:59
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To reinforce your comments on Lee, some of his men
wanted to breakup as guerrillas and continue the fight.
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Answer 7
00:00:42
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The 40% attrition rate of Early’s army in the
absence of battle is surprising. Please comment.
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Answer 8
00:00:54
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| Is there any post-war prosecution
of the partisan rangers? |
Answer 9
00:01:11
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