As the theater of the Civil War closed on 1861, the mudd, muck and stink of war had shown it's bloody face. Those who had thought the hostilities would only last a few short months were disheartened. The Confederates had driven back the mighty fighting force of the North. First at Bull Run, where Willis Gorman became the most hated officer in the army as the 1st Minnesota suffered the highest loss of any regiment. Followed by another depressing defeat at Ball's Bluff to the rallying cry of 'Remember Ellsworth' by the retreating Union troops! Many were dead, wounded or taken captive by the Secesh.
The Iron Brigade would have more battles to wage with the return of spring when the fighting camgaign resumed. Many units remained camped on Capital Hill in defense of the Capital. Others marched up the Potomac River. Winter quarters were being set up near Edward's Ferry, a cardinal crossing on the Potomoc in Maryland.
Most of the units had not yet been paid for services rendered. Complaints of hard grub were commonly heard until the funds finally arrived.
Kentucky had declared herself for the Union. Confederate General Polk had invaded the state and now occupied Columbus. General Grant moved forces to control Paducah, the stragtic spot at the mouth of both the Cumberland and the Tennessee Rivers.
It was heard that Edwin M. Stanton would be replacing Simon Cameron as secretary of war. The word was that Jackson's troops were still on the move.
No comments:
Post a Comment