Battle of Big Bethel: Crucial Clash in Early Civil War Virginia by J. Michael Cobb; Edward B. Hicks; and Wythe Holt is the first full-length treatment of the small but consequential June 10; 1861; battle that reshaped both Northern and Southern perceptions about what lay in store for the divided nation. In the spring of 1861; many people in the North and South imagined that the Civil War would be short and nearly bloodless. The first planned engagement of the war at Big Bethel; however; provided undeniable evidence of just how wrong popular opinion could be. Major General Benjamin F. Butler was in command of Union forces at Fort Monroe; Virginia; at the tip of the peninsula between the James and York rivers only ninety miles from the Confederate capital at Richmond. Thanks to the foresight of Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott; President Abraham Lincoln’s elderly chief military adviser; thousands of troops had been assigned to Butler to protect the fort and eventually threaten Richmond; thus perhaps bringing a quick end to the war. Opposing the Yankees was the aggressive and dramatic Colonel John Bankhead Magruder; who decided to lure Butler into a fight. Magruder fortified a strategic swampy creek crossing; skillfully placed several artillery pieces; selected excellent defensive positions for his 1;400 men; and camouflaged the entire works with brush. Never one to shy away from a challenge; Butler marshaled about 4;000 men for a daring dawn attack.Although Butler’s forces launched three charges against earthworks well supported by artillery; each was repulsed. Several reasons account for this; including a demoralizing friendly-fire incident; a combination of murderous cannon and musketry; Magruder’s deft handling of his men; the inexperience of the attackers; and poor Union leadership. One of the sterling performances of the day was turned in by Colonel Daniel H. Hill; who ordered his Southern infantry to move across the enemy’s front to retake a forward redoubt.While the carnage was light compared to later battles; the combat at Big Bethel remained indelibly imprinted on those who fought there. The successful defense reinforced the belief most Southerners held that their martial invincibility and defense of home and hearth were divinely inspired. After initial disbelief and shame; the defeat hardened Northern resolution to preserve their sacred Union. The notion began to take hold that; contrary to popular belief; the war would be difficult and protracted—a conviction that was cemented in reality the following month on the plains of Manassas.Years in the making; Battle of Big Bethel relies upon letters; diaries; newspapers; reminiscences; official records; and period images—some used for the first time. The authors detail the events leading up to the encounter; survey the personalities as well as the contributions of the participants; set forth a nuanced description of the confusion-ridden field of battle; and elaborate upon its consequences. Here; finally; the story of Big Bethel is colorfully and compellingly brought to life through the words and deeds of a fascinating array of soldiers; civilians; “contraband†slaves; and politicians whose lives intersected on that fateful day in the early summer of 1861.
#1905222 in Books Bergin Brian Voorheis 2012-10-09 2012-10-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .50 #File Name: 1609497937128 pagesThe Washington Arsenal Explosion
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An Historic Tragedy Touches the HeartBy Ronald M. JohnsonSometimes major tragedies have short lives in public memory. Terrible; inexplicable events occur and; after a period of mourning; are forgotten. Over time; they almost disappear as historical happenings. One such example is the June 17; 1864 explosion that ripped apart the Washington Arsenal; taking the lives of 21 young women working there. An event lost in time. That was true until Brian Bergin discovered the Lot Flannery monument that honors those women at Congressional Cemetery in Washington; D.C. A man not to deterred by those who forget; Bergin dedicated himself to recovering the facts and significance of the Arsenal disaster and publishing a book on the event. The results of that commitment are truly impressive. With a skill that all true historians bring to their task; he has compiled; narrated; and analyzed the deeper meanings of what happened that day and the construction of a monument to memoralize the event. In so doing; he created his own memorial because; sadly; Brian died before the book was published. To her great credit; his daughter Erin Bergin Voorheis brought his work to final form and publication. The words are his; the book her's; a loving tribute to a father.For all readers of Washington history; this is a must. The Arsenal tragedy tells us so much about the city; its neighborhoods; the war effort and toll it took on the city and the nation; Lincoln as both parent and President; and how Washingtonians responded to a tragic event with courage and assistance. And the monuent? Still there; recently restored; a site where the hands and heart can touch the past. "A respectful visit to the monument;" wrote Bergin; "involving a silent reading of the front and back etched plaques and the flanking tablets listing the twenty-one names; might reasonably conclude with a thoughtful contemplation if the sigificance of the sculpted survivor atop the monument; perpetually grieving for friends denied the joys of a fully lived life." (p. 108) My suggestion; go there; touch the monument. Remember the moment; the young women; and bring them back to life by remembering a nation and a city at war.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Recommended by The Immigrants' Civil WarBy Patrick YoungWashington Arsenal Explosion: The Civil War Disaster in the Capital by Brian Bergin published by History Press (2012) is a straightforward telling of the forgotten story of the mostly-immigrant women killed in that catastrophe. Brian Bergin passed away before this book was published; but we are lucky his daughter saw the project through to completion.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Needed InformationBy sparkyI ordered this book as research for a Civil War story. The information was staggering. A worthy investment.
