“about two thirds of our Co, Regt, & Brigade are gone. . . .” “It is impossible to tell how long the fighting will last, but if we keep at it much longer . . . there will be nobody left to fight.” Lt. Chester K. Leach, 2nd Vermont Inf., May 13, 1864. #cvbt

Loud shirt...conversion musket...bowie knife....and dare I say ...a war spoon! #1861

4th U.S. Artillery, Battery A, several weeks after Gettysburg. This battery under Lt. Alonzo Cushing held the "angle" during Pickett's Charge and ultimately helped preserve the 2nd Corps line. The scale of this photo reminds us just how much space a battery can take up!

On this day on July 28th, 1864, the Battle of Ezra Church occurred. Although a Union victory, the Cofederates managed to keep the vital rail junction out of Federal hands. This battle shows the value and importance of employing military intelligence when planning for battle.

During the battle of Ezra Church, Private Harry Davis of the 46th Ohio Infantry, a twenty-three year old Columbus, Ohio native, captured the flag of the attacking 40th Louisiana Infantry. The moment imortalized in this Harpers Weekly illustration.

There is one common bond all soldiers, regardless of era, culture, or cause all share.... to steal a moments sleep in the most uncomfortable of circumstances. #gruntlife

Monument to Union Colonel Everett Peabody, near the spot where he was killed at Shiloh. A combination of factors obscured Peabody's important role in this crucial battle for more than a century. An oversight that has slowly and thankfully changed. #MonumentMonday

Civil War battles were quite often decided with the employment of artillery. Operating a gun normally required 7 soldiers plus an entire host of supporting members such as drivers and smiths. Here are some images of the process from a recent program at Lee's HQ in Gettysburg.

Not all the boys in Blue had boring uniforms! Here is an example of a chasseur from 65th New York Volunteers. The 65th served from 1861 - 1865 in the VI Corps and experienced all the major campaigns in which the corps was involved.

The 34th Ohio "Piatt's Zouaves" served in western VA and in the Shenandoah 64 campaign. Certainly one of the more "forgotten" zouave units. In January 65 a large portion of the regiment was captured at Beverly forcing the survivors to consolidate with the 36th Ohio.

#OTD 160 years ago one of the most horrific scenes of the Civil War unfolded..the battle of the Crater. One eyewitness said in awe of the expolsion, "we saw a volcano erupt and experienced an earthquake at the same time." Thousands perhised with no decisive outcome. #petersburg

Joseph Fissell is believed to be the youngest Civil War soldier to serve in the Union army. He was 11 years old when he enlisted as a drummer in the 45th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1862. #civilwar #military #History

It appears that drummers are a theme this week! This one is unidentified, but the soldiers posture, the position of the drum, and the overall impression suggest that this young drummer had certainly seen the "elephant" once or twice. #civilwar #History

And early war "Johnny" with all the flair. Dressed hardee hat...feathers...frock coat and even a model 1822 musket (likely converted). Based on his uniform it is likely he is an Alabama soldier. His story is unknown, but his experiences still live in our fascinated memory.

“Union Vanguard” by Julian Scott, 1889. Scott enlisted in the 3rd Vermont Infantry in 1861, at the age of 15, as a fifer. In February 1865, he received the Medal of Honor for rescuing wounded soldiers while under enemy fire during the Battle at Lee's Mills, Virginia. #History

Without question the hardest job in any Civil War army was the Horse Artillery. These batteries were required to not only be highly mobile and keep up with the cavalry, but also make accurate and effective shots against their fast moving mounted enemy.

Citronelle, Alabama: The only surrender of a major force that occurred outdoors - May 4, 1865

A member of Crenshaw's Battery in early 1862. He is most certainly wearing a private purchase uniform head to toe. Make no mistake, military fashion and looking good in their uniform was important to the volunteer soldier of the Civil War.

Listening to "Episode 3: Manifest Destiny and Political Compromise" at buzzsprout.com/2384107/155322…

Our newest episode dealing with ideas on "Manifest Destiny" and political compromise in the decades leading up to the Civil War is now out! youtu.be/RVttDRKoZVY