Small Talk-Trivia

Small Talk — November 2017

By Stephen Davis · Originally published November 2017 · pp. 35–46

Small Talk By Stephen Davis 1. He arguably fired the first shot of the Civil War, and the last. This Virginia agricultural reformer and ardent Southern nationalist pulled the lanyard of the first cannon fired from the “Iron Battery” against Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. In June 1865, after declaring his “hatred to Yankee rule,” he committed suicide. Name him. 2. This Union major general is possibly best known for having written after the war an historical novel that was made into a famous Hollywood movie in 1959, starring Charlton Heston. Who? 3. First Union general to die on the battlefield in the war was…? 4. And who was the first Confederate general killed in battle? 5. At Appomattox, in Wilmer McLean’s parlor, General Lee saw among Grant’s staff officers one whose appearance caused him allegedly to remark, “I am glad to see one real American here.” Who was the officer? 6. Confederate commander at Ball’s Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861, was fond of whiskey and had an aide follow him with his “barrelita” full of it. Name him.

7. Another bibulous officer: on July 30, 1864, his division led the Union charge into the crater. While his troops were being cut up in their attack, this brigadier stayed behind in a bombproof , drinking rum. Who was he? 8. Bibulousness (cont’d): this Kentucky-born Confederate major general was said to have been intoxicated at Mill Springs in January 1862. Three months later, General Hardee had him arrested for drunkenness and court-martialed; he resigned that October. Who? 9. In October 1860 eleven-yearold Grace Bedell recommended to a prominent American that he grow a beard, “for your face is so thin” and “all the ladies like whiskers.” Who grew the beard? 10. In 1954 Van Heflin starred in a Hollywood film based on the Confederate foray from Canada into St. Albans, Vt., on Oct. 19, 1864. Can you name the movie? See page 45 for answers. Steve Davis is the Civil War News Book Review Editor. He can be contacted by email at SteveATL1861@ yahoo.com

8. Edmund Ruffin (1794-1865). 2. Maj. Gen. Lewis Wallace (1827-1905), author of BenHur: A Tale of the Christ (1880). 3. Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, fatally shot Aug. 10, 1861, near Springfield, Mo. at Wilson’s Creek. He died within minutes; his last words were, “Lehman, I am killed.” 4. Brig. Gen. Robert S. Garnett, shot at Corrick’s Ford, Va., July 13, 1861. Like Lyon, he died within minutes. 5. Col. Ely S. Parker (1828-1895), full-blooded Seneca Indian. 6. Brig. Gen. Nathan G. (“Shanks”) Evans (1824-1868). 7. Brig. Gen. James H. Ledlie (1832-1882) suffered criticism for his conduct, was put on sick leave a week after the Crater, and never returned to the service. 8. George B. Crittenden (1812-1880). 9. Abraham Lincoln. 10. The Raid. Supporting cast members included Anne Bancroft, Richard Boone, Lee Marvin, Peter Graves, Claude Akins and Tommy Rettig.