Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor — October 2020

Originally published October 2020 · p. 2

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

We wish to thank Publisher Jack Melton for permitting us to share the Civil War News column by Editor Lawrence E. Babits, which offers a sober caution about the grave consequences to the study of our nation’s history that the current monuments controversy might engender. This legitimate concern is well worth reading and practicing. Lee & Michele Noyes, Past Editors CBHMA Battlefield Dispatch

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

It was with great wonderment that I read M.G. Subhas’ article “Ulysses S. Grant: Migraine and Drunkenness – A Reconciliation” in your September issue of Civil War News. I agree wholeheartedly with the author’s clear and well-articulated presentation of facts. I wish to point to one additional reference that goes to the heart of the matter. In chapter 4 of John Eaton’s book Grant, Lincoln and the Freedmen, Eaton recalled being present in Grant’s residence while Julia applied poultices to Ulysses’ head and neck “to relieve the violent sick headache from which he was suffering and to which he was subject.” The event took place at the Gayoso House in Memphis during the early months of 1863. Eaton is a highly credible witness who had uncommon access to General Grant during that period. He follows up this account by flatly dismissing stories of Grant’s intemperance. Joe Krom Argos, Ind.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Re: “The Unfinished Fight: War Horses,” by Craig Barry (CWN Sept. 2020, pp. 18-19): May I call your attention to The Photographic History of the Civil War, Vol. 4 “The Cavalry,” Chapter 11, “Famous Chargers” by Theo. F Rodenbough (p. 289 ff). This also has pictures and accounts of named horses. Other scattered references to horses and their owners can be found throughout the 10-volume series. The Photographic History (New York: The Review of Reviews Co., 1911) isn’t just a collection of pictures. Published 50 years after the war, it also has text, including accounts of lesser-known actions often overlooked in the larger histories. Nancy Martsch

Correction – On page 2, August edition of Civil War News, there was an error in the editorial “On monuments and the Silent Majority.” The last phrase of the fourth paragraph should have read “a past that must not be repeated.”