Monthly Archives: June 2021

Meeting of June 29, 2021

Mark Costin on “1864 General Sterling Price Raid”

By 1864 Missouri had been in Union control for two years. Believing that Missourians wanted liberation from Union forces, the Confederates made a desperate to divert Union forces from other war theatres; the Confederates attempted to retake Missouri. The campaign, often referred to as a raid but much larger in actuality, was led by General Stirling Price, former Missouri Governor, and consisted of 11 major and minor engagements. The campaign was ultimately a disaster for the Confederacy.

This talk will outline the strategic situation in Missouri in 1864 as well describe the personalities and battles of the campaign.

Mark Costin is an engineer living in Sunnyvale, CA working on functional safety for automated and autonomous vehicles. A long time history buff, this is Mark’s first presentation the SBCWRT. He holds a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, an M.Eng from McMaster University, and B.Eng from McGill University.

Quiz for June 29, 2021

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About the Gettysburg Address?

Q#1 – Who invited President Lincoln to speak at Gettysburg?

Q#2 – On the train trip from Washington, D.C., to Gettysburg, Lincoln was accompanied by three members of his Cabinet: William Seward, John Usher, and Montgomery Blair, along with several foreign officials and a man servant. What two other individuals who worked closely with Lincoln also made the trip?

Q#3 – The first page of the speech was written by Lincoln in ink on Executive Mansion stationery. What was the second page written with and on what?

Q#4 – How many words are contained in the Gettysburg Address?

Q#5 – What are the last 18 words of the Gettysburg Address?

Q#6 – Lincoln’s last words in the address were inspired by whom?

Q#7 – On what date and day of the week was the Gettysburg Address given?

Q#8 – Who took the only known and confirmed photograph of Lincoln at Gettysburg?

Q#9 – What was the title of the 13,607-word oration given by Edward Everett that preceded Lincoln’s address?

Q#10 – Regarding the crowd in attendance at the ceremony, what is generally known about their reaction to Lincoln’s address?

Q#11 – In a letter to Lincoln written the following day, Edward Everett praised the President for his eloquent and concise speech, saying, “I should be glad if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes.” What did Lincoln write back to Everett?

Q#12 – National reaction to the Gettysburg Address was mixed. What was the reaction of the Chicago Times Newspaper?

Q#13 – How many known manuscripts of the Gettysburg Address in Lincoln’s hand are in existence?

Q#14 – Three copies of the address were written by Lincoln for charitable purposes well after the event at Gettysburg. These were given to Edward Everett, George Bancroft, and Alexander Bliss. Who received the other two copies?

Q#15 – What happened to Lincoln on his trip back to Washington, D.C., after the event at Gettysburg?

2021 West Coast Civil War Round Table Conference Announced

Canceled! 2021 West Coast Civil War Round Table Conference

This conference has been postponed until November 4–6, 2022, because of continued coronavirus concerns.

Combat Strategy and Tactics, Grant vs Lee in 1864

November 5–7, 2021

Featuring speakers including Gordon Rhea, Eric Wittenburg, Chris Mackowski, Jim Stanbery, and Brian Clague.

Hosted by San Joaquin Valley Civil War Round Table

Wyndham Garden Fresno Airport
5090 E. Clinton Way, Fresno
(559-252-3611)
$103 per night

Attendee Registration

$200 Per person including meals (Breakfast on your own; coffee & pastries provided. Non participants who wish dinner Friday or Saturday Night: $30 each meal.)

NAME:________________________________________
ADDRESS:_____________________________________
EMAIL:_________________________________________
Member of a CWRT? ______________________________

Please address check to SJVCWRT
SEND TO Ron Vaughan (Conference Co-ordinator)
730 E. Tulare Ave,
Tulare, CA 93274

Questions? ronvaughan@prodigy.net