The 1999 - 2000 Campaign
The First Defenders Civil War Round Table will begin active campaigning for the '99 - '2000 campaign September 14, 1999. Membership renewal is due by November 9th. After that date, new members will be invited from the waiting list to join our ranks.
Here is the tentative Schedule:
Sep 14th, Annual Business Meeting and an Open Discussion on "Lee and Longstreet at Gettysburg." Between the business meeting and the debate State Representative Thomas R. Caltagirone spoke on the preservation of Pennsylvania monuments at Gettysburg. At his conclusion, "we" made a special donation from our "Preservation Fund" to support to this noble work. The debate was spirited and numerous members joined in with their beliefs about the two generals actions. This debate will continue a long time in to the future.
Oct 12th, Mr. Scott Washburn presented a provocative and thought-provoking talk on Civil War Infantry Tactics. He based his talk on many years of thought, discussion and research on how Civil War armies fought. Beginning with the origins of the regiment as the main fighting unit on the field, he then argued that linear tactics were a logical method of fighting even after the age of the rifled musket. His theory was that it was the most efficient way of controlling large numbers of men and delivering the volume of fire to control the field.
Nov 9th, Mr. Brian Pohanka addressed our best attended Round Table meeting in our short history. His discussion was on "Hollywood and the Civil War". He drew upon his own experience as a participant and consultant to such movies as "Glory" and "Gettysburg" explaining that Hollywood's version of the Civil War often disagrees with historic fact. Poetic license frequently takes precedence for a variety of stylistic and economic reasons. Despite these inaccuracies, Brian believes that movies can be an effective way to attract new people to the study of the Civil War.
Dec 14th, The Annual Christmas Party featuring the Kent Courtney Orchestra. Members and guests were encouraged to dress in period attire. This was the second time that Kent and his orchestra graced us with period music, carols and of course, "Auld Lang Sine".
Jan 11th, Armed with a large display of Civil War era medical and surgical implements as well as a display board, Mr. Kerry Willard presented a thorough talk on the Medical Corps for the Union Army.
Feb 8th, Drs. Ron Rhein and Mike Gabriel presented "The Siege of Vicksburg." Building on their talk from last year, we proceeded with the Vicksburg Campaign of 1862-1863. Starting with Union naval attempts against the city in 1862 and culminating with its surrender on July 4, 1863 Ron and Mike explained the campaign's strategic significance.
Mar 14th, "Civil War Photography and Images." Mr. Harry Roach presented a fascinating slide program on the development of photography from its origins through the Civil War. Men from both sides rushed to the photographers and left images that touch us today. The photographers themselves brought the war closer to the people back home. Overall, Harry's presentation was extremely well done and offered yet another perspective on the Civil War.
Apr 11th, "151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry." Mr. Michael Dreese delivered a very interesting program including a slide presentation on this fine unit. It was a nine-month unit drawing men from Snyder, Juniata, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Pike, Warren and Berks County. Assigned to the First Corps, Army of the Potomac, they played significant role around the Lutheran Seminary on July 1, 1863. During their part of the delaying action, the 151st suffered the second heaviest loss of any Northern Unit at Gettysburg. Two days later, they were called upon again to help repell Pickett's (PPT) Charge.
May 9th, David Kinkaid and his band will entertain us with the "Music of the Irish Brigade."
Jun 10-11, The Annual Field Trip this year will be back down to the Fredricksburg, VA area. This year we will be touring the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Battlefields. Thirty-seven First Defender members and guests had a great time on the Annual Field trip this year. Once again we were supplied the services of an oustanding National Park Ranger, Melissa Delcour to act as our guide. Melissa expertly explained the two battles to us as we walked and rode around the fields.
On Sunday, Melissa again went all out again to bring
Here is Melissa explaining some of the history about the the battle of Spotsylvania into focus.
final resting place for Stonewall Jackson's arm. This is
also on the Wilderness Battlefield at the Lacy House.
Saturday, after a short break for lunch and a tour of the museum, we started out for the Wilderness Battlefield. We visited the Lacy House, Saunders' Field and other areas of the Orange Plank Road like the Widow Tapp Farm. During our dinner Saturday evening, Tom Tate and Arlan Christ presented our Preservation Award to the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust. With the help of all of our members, this year we doubled our donation to this worthy cause. Dr Mike Stevens of the CVBT said it best when he stated that "...poor is the country that has no heroes, but shameful is the country that has them and forgets..." Sunday, we were out campaigning early again. This time to the Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield. Building on the Wilderness fight and movements of the armys, Melissa again was able to turn the fields before us into almost a movie with her knowledge and presence. From the tumultous fighting around the "Mule Shoe" to the desparation that Lee felt to lead his men personally in a charge and then hearing "Lee to the rear!" Alas, noon came much too quickly and we had to depart for a short lunch and then the ride back to Pennsylvania.
Once again, we are indebted to the CVBT for making such a wonderful and knowledgeable guide available to us. To Tom and Mike for coordinating a weekend that went off like clockwork, it was a job well done! Thank you! from all the members and guests that had the opportunity to make this trek.
As Always
The Board of the First Defenders CWRT wants to remind you that this is your Round Table. We want your opinions, insights, suggestions for speakers, anything to make our Round Table more interesting and appealing for the members. Also, please remember that reservations are necessary to attend. Meals are ordered according to the reservations made and paid for from the treasury. We must ask that if you reserve a place at the meeting that you pay for it even if you are unable to attend. Please click on Top below and then leave an E-mail message.
Links to other important Civil War Sites