A trip to post-terrorized Washington, D.C. in 2025 and a buggy accident in Bird-in-Hand, PA set in motion events that expose a diabolical plan to destroy the Christian community. Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening investigation, fighting a shadowy enemy.
Convinced it's now safe to visit D.C., Ellie and her 8-year-old son, Peter, travel to the nation's capital. Both mother and child make an effort to enjoy the sights, but they're unprepared for the challenges they face. Her nightmares come true when she and Peter are separated.
Back home, John witnesses a neighbor's buggy accident. The suspicious circumstances and law enforcement's refusal to take them seriously prompt him to take on the role of detective. He and a tenacious reporter band together and vow to find out what's happening in Bird-in-Hand.
Extended family squabbles erupt when John's sister, Annaliese, faces off with Ellie for blowing her D.C. experiences out of proportion. She'd rather ignore the warnings than deal with the growing danger.
Hi everyone! I’ve returned from my blog break, and it’s so good to
be back. This week, as promised, I am interviewing a super
author, and a real fine lady, Susan J. Reinhardt. Susan is represented by Joyce
Hart of Hartline Literary. The Moses Conspiracy is Susan's debut novel. I’m excited to have her here this week!
Welcome Susan! So glad you could visit with us this week.
Thanks
for having me on your blog this week, Loree!
To start off, how long have you been writing? Is this your first novel?
I've
been writing for many years, but pursuing publication for only 10. I started off as a non-fiction writer and
have numerous publishing credits with devotionals, short articles, Sunday
School take-home papers, and anthologies.
The
Moses Conspiracy is my first novel.
Author Susan J. Reinhardt
What is the inspiration behind this book, Susan?
My
late husband and I visited Gettysburg in December 2004. Surrounded by old
buildings in the town square, I "heard" the voices of the forefathers.
They were fading like distant echoes.
Attempts
to write a non-fiction piece failed, and I put it aside. In August 2005, we
were discussing "the Gettysburg experience" when my husband said,
"That's it! That's your book, and you'll call it Ghosts of the Past and
write it in 4 months."
At
first, I thought he was crazy, but I caught the vision. The name changed to
Echoes of the Past and later to The Moses Conspiracy. The first draft was
finished in 4 months, but my fiction skills needed serious work. This process
took 8 years with a 2-year hiatus to care for my husband after his leukemia
diagnosis.
Most people know how much I love Gettysburg. There is so much
history there. I love that your “Gettysburg
experience” is the inspiration behind the book! Now I must ask, is there a
sequel or series planned?
I
have a second manuscript with a working title of The Scent of Fear going
through editing. The third book is mostly in my head.
They say that there is a bit of us in each of our characters. Which
character is most like you, and why?
Without
a doubt, Ellie Zimmerman is the most like me. I'm passionate about my
relationship with the Lord, my family, and freedom. Ellie's emotions sometimes
get the best of her, but she's a firm believer in "doing it afraid."
What do you like to read for enjoyment, Susan?
My
tastes are somewhat eclectic and run the gamut from Christian Speculative
Fiction to Historical Romance. I'm a big fan of Tamera Alexander, Cathy Gohlke,
Kathi Macias, Sarah Sundin, Julie Klassen, Kristen Heitzmann, James L. Rubart, and the earlier works of Frank
Peretti.
That's a great list! Okay, this is a required question - What’s your favorite sweet treat,
Susan?
Chocolate
Chip cookies and milk! Chocolate and I have been buddies from my earliest
memory. Unfortunately, I can't eat very much due to lactose sensitivity. I've branched out to other treats, but
they'll never satisfy like chocolate.
Nothing beats chocolate! Susan, it’s been a real treat having you here! Thank you for
dropping by!
Okay friends, Susan is giving away a copy of The Moses Conspiracy, and a $25
Amazon Gift Card! To enter: Go to her website: http://www.susanjreinhardt.com
To celebrate the release of my debut novel, I'm inviting you
to enter my giveaway.
One lucky winner will receive:
*An ecopy of my book, The Moses Conspiracy,
and.... *A $25 Amazon Gift Card
Open to US addresses only. In order to be entered to win this incredible prize package, jump on the Rafflecopter on my website or click the direct link above. But
hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. The winner will be announced
on April 21, 2013.
I’ve had a few requests, so it’s time I do another Civil
War Bivouac. In
this edition of the Civil War Bivouac, I wish to introduce you to a dear
friend who will be presenting a guest post today.
Skip Griffiths and Loree Huebner
Remembrance Day - Gettysburg, PA - On Little Round Top
With General Warren
Photo by Eric Huebner
I met David (Skip) Griffiths online over 10 years ago. Yes, this
was back in the day when chat rooms were popular…but it wasn’t the “pick up”
kind of chat room. We were part of a group of history hosts in a
Civil War chat room for AOL’s infamous, Mason/Dixon Line Room. This chat room on AOL’s, Research and Learn, was dedicated to the history of the Civil War only. As
hosts, we monitored conversations and debates, keeping the peace between the
North and South. We also presented Civil War trivia twice a week to a large
online audience, and hosted cyber round tables, as well as interviews
with famous Civil War historians and authors. Skip was Host General GK
Warren, and I was Host Hardtack.
After the chat room closed, Skip and I kept in touch through
email. Eric and I finally met Skip and his lovely wife, Arlene, in person—in
Gettysburg. We’ve been great friends since. The four of us have actually spent
a few weekends together in Gettysburg, walking the battlefields and sharing the
history.
Loree Huebner with Arlene and Skip Griffiths
O'Rorkes - Gettysburg, PA
Photo by Eric Huebner
When I met Skip, he was a re-enactor in the 5th New
York Duryee Zouaves—the very same regiment that the late, great, popular Civil War
historian, Brian Pohanka was Captain. Skip was also president of the
organization before Brian Pohanka passed away in 2005. Nowadays, when he isn’t
organizing a reenactment, Skip is a Civil War historian, speaking and educating
history fans on the Zouave. The Zouave units were notable for their bright
colored uniforms and participation at Fort Donelson, Gaines Mill, Antietam, Gettysburg to
name a few. I can already tell that we will have to call Skip back
for a second guest post on the Zouaves sometime in the future…but for now,
please welcome my friend and Civil War Historian/Zouave
expert, Skip Griffiths. Take it away, Skip!
ZOUAVES
Thank you, Loree! Welcome everyone!
When I was a kid in school I
discovered that my favorite subject was American History. I learned at the age
of nine that my favorite period in time was the Civil War. When I became an
adult, I learned the cold hard truth that my history teachers lied to me. They
told me that the Union wore blue uniforms and the Confederacy wore gray. They
never mentioned the soldiers who wore red, green or butternut. They also never
mentioned that during the first Battle of Bull Run, so many different uniforms
were worn that it became confusing and regiments on both sides fired at
friendly regiments. Had these teachers, many I still call friends, told me the
truth, I might have become obsessed with Zouaves earlier instead of later in my
life.
What is a Zouave you might ask? I
define a Zouave as a French infantry soldier that was
originally composed of members of nomadic tribes of North Africa, who wore the
baggy trousers, braided jackets and tasseled fez. They were well trained
soldiers and fierce fighters who only succumbed to the overwhelming better
weapons of the French. After France completed their foray into Africa, Louis
Napoleon III, the emperor, created three corps of Zouaves in the French army.
The best soldiers of those corps formed a fourth corps that became his Imperial
Guard. They became the best trained soldiers in the world in the nineteenth
century.
Skip Griffiths and Eric Huebner
Remembrance Day - Gettysburg, PA
Photo by Loree Huebner
How did they come to the United
States? In 1854-1855 a war between France, Britain, and Russia broke out on the
Crimean Peninsula. It was here that the Zouaves validated their reputation as
the best soldiers in the world. In numerous charges with the bayonet they were
able to secure key cities and positions to defeat the Russians. As with many
wars in the nineteenth century, other countries sent observers to learn new
tactics and discover new inventions. The United States was no different. They
sent a young captain named George B. McClellan (later Major General of the Army
of the Potomac during the CW), with others to watch. Captain McClellan thought
that the Zouave “was the beau ideal of a soldier”. Although the War Department
dismissed the Zouave as too expensive to outfit and train, the idea for Zouaves
in the military did not end there.
Loree Huebner with Skip Griffiths
Remembrance Day - Gettysburg, PA
Photo by Eric Huebner
A young man from upstate New York
had moved out to Illinois and taken a position of a law clerk in the law
offices of Herndon and Lincoln. His name was Elmer E. Ellsworth. While in
Chicago, Ellsworth had met a veteran Zouave of the Crimean War. He convinced
the man to train him in the tactics and drill to become a Zouave. After months
of training, Ellsworth formed his own militia unit, the U.S. Zouave Cadets.
They became one of the best trained militias in the country. In 1860, Ellsworth
took his militia around the country and competed in competitions of tactics and
drill. The Zouaves never lost a competition, and when the Zouave Cadets left a
city, a Zouave regiment was established. Captain Elmer E. Ellsworth had firmly
established the Zouave into the American culture. When the Civil War started in
April 1861, Ellsworth and many other men formed Zouave regiments.
Unfortunately, for Ellsworth, he has the distinction of being the first officer
killed when he shot retrieving a Confederate flag from the roof top of the
Marshall House in Alexandria, Virginia. It happened that President Lincoln
could see that flag being flown from the White House.
There were about 50 Zouave regiments
formed throughout the American Civil War on both sides during the war. Many of
the Northern Zouave regiments came from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.
The southern Zouave came out of Louisiana, because of the heavy French
influence. There were northern Zouave regiments present at Lee’s surrender of
Appomattox. The Zouave ended in the United States after the Civil War, except
for a band of Zouaves in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. In France, the Zouave
lasted until the middle of World War.
Skip Griffiths is a Civil War Re-enactor, Civil War Historian and Speaker
He resides in New York State with his family
Photo courtesy of David (Skip) Griffiths private photo album
Thank you Skip!
Thanks for giving us a brief history of the Zouave—so fascinating!
General Warren - Little Round Top - Gettysburg, PA
Photo by Loree Huebner
men·tor
Wikipedia defines the modern use of mentor as - “a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person.”
Over the course of my life, I’ve had many mentors to help me along or keep me on the straight paths, heading in the right direction for the things that were important to me – school, work, marriage, raising kids, growing in my faith, exercise, Civil War re-enacting, computers, networking, and writing. I remember each mentor fondly, keeping the warmth of their inspiration and encouragement in my heart forever.
Now, if we really think back to all of our mentors—excluding the ones from our families—just a few really stick out. They are those strong forces that made a real difference in our life. You know the ones—those who were there during a life-changing-turning-the-corner moment—the people who are beyond the normal family realm, who helped us out along the way on our life journey.
For me, it’s a teacher, a preacher, and a writer.
Some mentors stay close in our lives, and some mentors come into our lives for only a season.
Just recently, Eric and I were saddened to hear of the loss of such a mentor. A few weeks back, Paul C. Cooksey, passed away at his home in Gettysburg. He was 73. Paul was a Licensed Battlefield Guide in Gettysburg for over 25 years. He loved telling the story of the Battle of Gettysburg. He was also a writer, and a Civil War re-enactor. Paul had many history articles published, and wrote for Gettysburg Magazine.
Eric and I met Paul online about 10 years ago, playing Civil War Trivia. We met in person a short time after that.
He became a friend who mentored us in our writing of non-fiction history articles. He took the time and talked at great lengths with us about writing history, particularly on one cold November night, over Chinese food and some refreshments at his home in Gettysburg. Without going into the depths of the conversation, that night Paul inspired us to step beyond our comfort zone. That inspiration also spilled over in to our historical fiction writing. That night would change us forever. This year, Eric and I finally had our first (Civil War) history article published.
Over the years we kept in touch and saw Paul on occasion when we would visit Gettysburg. Every so often, he would send over a newly written article for us to look over and comment on. The past few years our correspondences became sparse—you know, work, busy lives...etc. And I know he had a few health issues that he was dealing with.
One main point he left us with was, “Historical fiction or non-fiction...do your own research—walk the grounds where the events took place, check sources, and then check their sources.”
He was there for a season, and I will never forget him.
Have you had a mentor who influenced your writing, or just you personally? Is your mentor still around, or were they only there for a certain season? Are you a mentor?
I would love to hear from you.
Between you, me and the gatepost,
Loree
This week I received 2 more blog awards—one from the lovely, Brandi Boddie, and the other from the beautiful, Stacy Henrie. I'll share more about the awards on next week’s post. Until then, head on over and check out what these awesome lady writers have got going on at their blogs this week.
Loree on Little Round Top - Gettysburg, PA
Photo by Eric Huebner
Veteran’s Day is this Friday—11/11/11.
In honor of Veteran’s Day, I wanted to talk about romance and war.
Many of you know that I write historical fiction and historical romance that takes place during war time. I love writing about the Civil War era the most.
There’s something about living life with war as a backdrop that stirs my soul. I can’t explain it…so I write it.
I am one who always looks for God’s blessings in the midst of crisis or disaster, and for this reason I adore wartime romance, especially the wars of our country’s past. I’m particularly drawn to the eras that spiral around the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and Vietnam. I believe that a person’s faith, hope, and especially love, is surly tested to the limits during the trying times of any war. This remains the same today as it did yesterday. Words and images of family love and intimate devotion during wartime hold the most precious place in the soldier’s heart, and in the hearts of those left behind. It sees them through—it is his strength…it is her glory—all the makings of a good story.
I collect war-time love letters. The correspondence between loved ones separated by war is some of the most emotional, poignant, and loving writing that I have ever read.
I would like to share a famous one with you…it was written by Sullivan Ballou, and is affectionately known as Dear Sarah. The letter was composed one week before Sullivan fought and was mortally wounded at the First Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War. The man was a politician, a lawyer, and a major in the United States Army. He died July 28th1861, just 14 days after he wrote the letter.
His precious letter was never mailed. It was found in his belongings after he died, and was delivered to his widow. They say that the original letter is gone, but there are several versions in existence that are close to the actual letter that he wrote to his wife, Sarah. You may have heard this letter read before. It was featured in the Ken Burn’s series—The Civil War. I think you will find it a very moving piece. He writes as if he knew that he would not survive the impending battle. The paragraph that I’ve highlighted in blue gets me with a shiver and a tear every time I read it.
July the 14th, 1861
Washington D.C.
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Sullivan
This week I am also honored to be a part of Catherine West’s Blog Tour for her book, Yesterday’s Tomorrow. Her novel was released earlier this year.
I read her book last April and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a story that takes place during the Vietam war.
"She's after the story that might get her the Pulitzer. He's determined to keep his secrets to himself. Vietnam, 1967. Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something. Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they're forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts."
I loved Kristin. You could feel everything that she carried on her shoulders. Luke was the same way. Two different people...very much alike. I could sense the chemistry between them from the start. Romance, action, and war…Catherine West captured it all.
You can find out more about Catherine West, or her book, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, at her website : http://www.catherinejwest.com
She’s got some great posts lined up for this week in honor of Veteran’s Day.
Between you, me and the gatepost,
Loree
And now:
THE HISTORY CORNER with Eric Huebner
150 years ago—on November 6, 1861, some 3,100 men embarked on 6 transports from Cairo, Illinois escorted by the Gunboats USS Lexington and USS Tyler. The movement was a diversion that resulted in the indecisive November 7 battle at Belmont, Missouri. The Federal forces occupied the Rebel camps for a while, but they were driven off after the arrival of Confederate reinforcements. Casualties were fairly even and this affair would be little noted except for the fact that it was the first battle commanded by then Brigadier General Ulysses S Grant. At Belmont, Grant gained experience and employed river transport tactics that would be highly successful in the later captures of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson.
More important was the November 7, 1861 capture of Port Royal Sound between Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Flag Officer Dupont brought the South Atlantic Squadron to attack Fort Walker and Fort Beauregard. The fleet of 77 vessels was the largest naval force yet assembled by the United States. By keeping the ships constantly in motion, Dupont was able to offset the problems of fighting Forts with wooden ships. With the capture, the Navy acquired an important base for use in the Blockade of Southern ports.
November 11 is Veterans Day, also known as Armistice Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. As we honor our veterans, it is easier to appreciate the service of more recent veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan, and even Vietnam. We know and see these veterans every day. Older fellows who fought in World War II and Korea are still around, though in ever diminishing numbers. I even had the privilege to know a few veterans of World War I - their stories of Mustard Gas attacks were very disturbing to me as a boy. There are excellent film documentaries available, providing powerful visual images of all the more recent conflicts.
The Civil War is more remote. As photography was in its infancy, there are grainy photographs from that era, strangely bearded men posed stiffly for posterity. We must rely on paintings, like the tremendous Gettysburg Cyclorama, or our imagination to create mental images. There are, however, interesting films showing Civil War Veterans at the 50th and 75th Anniversary Reunions of Gettysburg in 1913 and 1938. The men look similar to our grandfathers that fought in World War II. They are ordinary men who answered the call—fighting at the Railroad Cut, Barlow’s Knoll, Little Round Top, the Wheatfield, Cemetery Hill, Culp’s Hill, and Pickett’s Charge.
Freedom isn't free. We must be prepared to jealously protect the freedoms for which our Veterans fought, due process of law, our civil rights, our right to vote, our right to assemble, freedom of speech, protection from unreasonable search and seizure, and so on. These apply whether we are from the right wing and protesting excessive taxation or left wingers protesting the increasing concentration of wealth and power by the top 1 per cent. The old saying remains true - "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."
With one foot in the past,
Eric
THE VACANT CHAIR
Words by H.S. Washburn Music by George F. Root (1820-1895)
We shall meet, but we shall miss him.
There will be one vacant chair.
We shall linger to caress him
While we breathe our ev'ning prayer.
When one year ago we gathered, joy was in his mild blue eye.
Now the golden cord is severed, and our hopes in ruin lie.
I was in Indianapolis this past weekend. On Monday after lunch, my daughter said to my hubby and I, “I’m going to take you to this cool antique place on the east side of town.”
It was hot ~ 103 that day to be exact. I really wasn’t up for antiquing. My daughter guided us from the circle downtown, down several blocks, under I-70, to a remote area with only one big warehouse around.
“That’s it!” she announced.
“What?This is it?Are you sure about this?”
“Yes. You’re going to love it.”
We drove through the gate and parked the car. As I got out of the car, I looked up at this huge building. It stood 3 stories. I felt like I was going to a secret hideout or something. The doors to the warehouse were open wide. You could hear the giant fans blowing inside. We weren’t even to the steps when my daughter turns to me and says, “Can’t you just smell the old?”
On her words, a chill ran down my spine. Goosebumps zipped up and down my arms and legs ~ even in the 100 degree heat.
I could smell the old.It smelled old and musty, but at this point I was game. I love antiques.
Inside, they had stuff from every decade going back centuries. I loved seeing the 60’s dining room table that I could picture in an episode of The Partridge Family or an Austin Powers movie. The backs of the walnut chairs were like that of a figure eight, with royal blue fabric in the circles and on the seat. I wished I would have taken pictures.
In each area, I felt a different spirit…ghosts of the past. Suddenly, characters were coming alive in my head.
I began to picture the people who may have owned some of these strange and unusual objects. I picked up a very old jewelry box and imagined it belonging to a pioneer woman. The box kept all of her personal treasures, letters, and love tokens…What’s this? A hidden compartment? I could write a story from there…
I found some old tin types. I held one picture of a man to my heart. We live in a world of so many pictures and images of loved ones. I wondered what if this was the only picture of my loved one to carry? I imagined the woman who held it to her heart in the 1800’s…Who was she? His daughter? A love? His wife? Yep. I could write a story from there...
My husband held up a pair of large tongs that the ice man used to bring ice to your house. I imagined his cart pulling up to a house. His biceps bulging as he carried the heavy block of ice. He got to the door. What did he find inside? Uh huh. I could write a story from there…
This went on for an hour or so. We didn’t make it all the way through the antique warehouse. It really was quite hot. I was exhausted after the first floor.
I plan to go again on my next trip down to Indy. This place took me totally by surprise. Among the antiques, I found some characters there - one’s that I didn’t know I knew.
How about you? Where do you find inspiration for characters? Ever be surprised at where they appear from?
I would love to hear from you.
Between you, me and the gatepost,
Loree
And now...
THE HISTORY CORNER
The Devil's Den ~ Gettysburg, PA
Photo by Loree Huebner
On June 28, 1861, the NY Tribune published the following headline:
THE NATION’S WAR-CRY
Forward to Richmond! Forward to Richmond!
The Rebel Congress must not be allowed
to meet there on the 20th of July!
BY THAT DATE
THE PLACE MUST BE HELD BY THE NATIONAL ARMY!
The newspaper and the North clamored for action to avenge Fort Sumter. President Lincoln's generals told him that the army was not ready. The men could not rapidly execute the complicated maneuvers bringing a unit from marching column into line of battle and back. The President, however, was insistent, saying to General McDowell, "You are green it is true. But they are green also. You are all green alike."
McDowell's 35,000 man army was the largest force ever fielded by the United States. The minuteman tradition of the volunteer soldier still ran strong. Regardless of the hasty preparations, the National army could surely thrash the impudent Rebels. The resulting July 21, 1861 battle of Bull Run was a hard fought affair that turned into a rout as the undisciplined Union army came apart after nearly achieving success.
The Confederates were able to bring reinforcements to the battle by rail at the critical moment. Due to the use of railroads, telegraph systems, machine guns, reconnaissance balloons, submarines, steam-powered metal warships, and mass production, many historians call the American Civil War the first modern war. After the defeat at First Bull Run, the North prepared greater combinations for a sterner contest. Oddly, this early defeat may have prepared the way for eventual victory, but not before another four years of warfare and hundreds of thousands of casualties. The Southern people conducted a heroic defense of their homeland and historic institutions.The martyred abolitionist appears to have been correct when he said, “I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land can never be purged away but with blood.”
