Thoughts on Conrad Wise Chapman and the 156th Shiloh Anniversary

By Craig Barry · Originally published June 2018 · p. 24

Shiloh National Military Park does not have annual events as a general rule, so when they do schedule a large scale anniversary event, it draws a serious level of interest from those invited to participate. This year Shiloh had their 156th anniversary event impacted by unseasonably poor weather conditions that led to the decision to reduce activities to a more manageable level. For example, I was there as a member of the Stones River National Battlefield artillery crew, slated to be part of twelve artillery crews (two six gun batteries) providing firing programs along with infantry and cavalry on Saturday April 7, 2018. However, a series of heavy storms reduced the site at Duncan field (tour stops 3 and 4) to a quagmire. Wisely, the park decided on Friday to cancel most programs at Duncan field in favor of a reduced schedule of events that would be conducted next to the Visitors Center. There were still artillery demonstrations at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., but they were limited to two guns. One was obviously the Shiloh artillery piece, the other was from Stones River, which was already in place. In addition, there were infantry firing demos as well as camp life demonstrations with several Sibley tents set up. Indoor programs were largely unaffected. There was a music program from the 52nd String Band as well as guest lecturer and author Elizabeth Coleman presenting a program on Civil War nurse Mary Jane Stafford. One of the best things about visiting a Civil War battlefield park is how it brings back to mind all the great stories from the battle. One of my favorites from Shiloh is that Confederate painter Conrad Wise Chapman fought there and suffered a serious head injury during the battle. He had rushed back from art school in Rome in 1861 at the start of the Civil War and enlisted in the Third Kentucky, part of the famous Orphan Brigade. The odd story of his lost painting “Camp of the 3rd Kent., nr. Corinth, Miss. May 11th 1862” was the subject of a previous column for The Watchdog (by me) which appeared in the December 2014 edition of Civil War News. He painted it while he was convalescing from his wounds before

Circa 1865. Conrad Wise Chapman in Confederate uniform. Virginia State Library and Archives, Richmond. transferring to the 46th Virginia Infantry. Chapman later moved his family to Richmond, Va., where he sold 31 paintings to the Confederate Memorial Literary Society, which later became the Museum of the Confederacy and finally the American Civil War Museum. Camping overnight at Shiloh was not permitted after the deluge that canceled most of the programs. The great discovery of the weekend, which was otherwise frigid, damp, very windy, and numbingly cold was a nearby Civil War themed bed and breakfast called “Shiloh Chennault” in Ramer, Tenn., (www.shilohchennault.com). One factor to consider when visiting Shiloh National Military Park is that it is in the middle of nowhere and the surrounding area is somewhat bereft of reasonable accommodations. The closest hotels are probably in nearby Savannah, Tenn., and they are spartan. The Shiloh Chennault bed and breakfast is located about midway between the Corinth, Miss., Civil War Interpretive Center and the Shiloh

The original “Shiloh Meeting House” – a one-room log structure with rude handmade furnishings – was built by the Southern Methodists about 1853, nine years after the church had split over the slavery issue. It is from this unassuming structure, whose name ironically translates to “place of peace,” that the battle would derive its name. A modern church, completed in 1949, stands on the site of the original church. The reconstructed log church was built in 2001. (Jack Melton, 2011)

National Military Park Battlefield. I booked the “Jenny Lind Suite.” The rooms were luxurious and filled with antique furniture and artwork. We were treated to an impromptu evening of period music around the fireplace in the parlor courtesy of the proprietor and one of the guests. The breakfast part of the package also did not disappoint. It was first rate. I plan to make it my business to find a reason to return.