Small Talk-Trivia

Small Talk — April 2017

By Stephen Davis · Originally published April 2017 · pp. 7–44

Small Talk By Stephen Davis This is a new monthly column from our Book Review Editor, Stephen Davis. Let’s have some fun with Civil War trivia. Here are ten head-scratchers. Answers will be found on page 44. 1. Both Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln did not retain their first Secretaries of War. Who were these two men? 2. Kelly’s Field and the Widow Glenn’s house were prominent landmarks on the battlefield of what major engagement? 3. Other than the Lincoln conspirators, only one man was executed by the U.S. after the war for his wartime activities. Who was he and what was the position which led to his trial and execution? 4. What was the Union Army unit whose members wore unique green uniforms, a black plume in their caps and leather leggings? 5. This Confederate officer rose to the rank of lieutenant general of infantry but ended the war as lieutenant colonel of artillery. Who was he? 6. What two states were admitted to the Union during the Civil War? 7. At Louisville, Ky., in September 1862, a Union major general was shot and killed by a Northern brigadier who was never punished for murder. Who were the perpetrator and victim? 8. In Dec. 1864, General Grant grew impatient when George Thomas delayed attacking Hood’s army at Nashville. Grant sent a major general to relieve Thomas, but en route, when Thomas won his victory on Dec. 16, the would-be successor called off his mission. Who was he? 9. What was the name of the big iron works in Richmond which produced cannon, ironclad plating and other material for the Confederacy? 10. Some Civil War fortifications contained open-ended wicker-woven cylinders that were filled with dirt or rocks. What was their name?

Small Talk

ANSWERS: 1. Leroy P. Walker and Simon Cameron 2. Chickamauga 3. Henry Wirz, commandant at Andersonville 4. Berdan’s Sharpshooters 5. John C. Pemberton 6. West Virginia, Nevada 7. Jefferson C. Davis and William “Bull’ Nelson 8. John A. Logan 9. Tredegar Iron Works 10. Gabions