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From: jsanders@phys.ksu.edu (Justin M. Sanders)
Newsgroups: alt.war.civil.usa,soc.history,alt.answers,soc.answers,news.answers
Subject: U.S. Civil War FAQ
Followup-To: alt.war.civil.usa
Date: 20 Feb 1994 05:35:32 GMT
Organization: Department of Physics, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS, USA
Lines: 789
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
Message-ID: <2k6sr4$hd4@newserv.ksu.ksu.edu>
NNTP-Posting-Host: dirac.phys.ksu.edu
Summary: This article contains a list of frequently asked questions and
answers about the Civil War in the United States (1861-1865).
Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu alt.war.civil.usa:7064 soc.history:18011 alt.answers:1907 soc.answers:884 news.answers:15452
Archive-name: civil-war-usa/faq
Last-modified: 1993/2/19
Version: 1.55
alt.war.civil.usa FAQ v1.55 (19 Feb 1993)
This is a collection of answers to frequently asked questions in
alt.war.civil.usa (and some not-so-frequently, too!) will be posted
on or about the 20th of each month. It was compiled by Justin M.
Sanders (jsanders@orph01.phy.ornl.gov) who tried to be as complete
and accurate as possible, but who is definitely human and has
probably made several errors.
Please send comments, suggestions, or corrections to the address above.
The topics covered are (a plus means a new entry, an asterisk means a
revised entry):
Part 0: alt.war.civil.usa
Q0.1: What is this group anyway?
Q0.2: Are the FAQ and Reading List archived somewhere?
Part 1: The beginning of the War
Q1.1: When did state X secede?
Q1.2: Was there a declaration of war or something?
Q1.3: Who were the U.S. Generals on 1 Jan 1861?
Part 2: Battles and fighting forces
Q2.1: What are the alternate names of various battles?
Q2.2: What were the naval ranks during the Civil War?
Q2.3: What were the organization and strengths of various units
in the armies?
Q2.4: What is the difference between grapeshot and canister?
Part 3: The end of the War
Q3.1: When did the war end?
Q3.2: If the rebel states were never considered legally out of the
Union, how was Reconstruction justified?
Part 4: Miscellaneous
Q4.1: My ancestor fought in the war, how do I find out about
his service?
Q4.2: What is the "Stars and Bars"?
Q4.3: What changes to the U.S. flag occurred during the war?
Q4.4: How was the state of West Virginia created?
Q4.5: What war records did the post-war presidents have?
Q4.6: What are the various alternate names for the war?
- Q4.7: What is a good Civil War game for a PC?
Q4.8: What are good books on the war?
Q4.9: How can I get the soundtrack to Ken Burn's "Civil War"?
Answers
Part 0: alt.war.civil.usa
Q0.1: What is this group anyway?
The charter of alt.war.civil.usa reads:
The purpose of this group is the discussion of topics
related to the United States Civil War (1861-65). Topics can
involve military, political, social, economic or other factors
which impacted upon this period of history. This newsgroup will
also serve as a source of information, assistance, or referral
for persons seeking guidance via responses from more
knowledgeable subscribers.
Q0.2: Are the FAQ and Reading List archived somewhere?
Yes, the latest versions of the FAQ and Reading List are
available for anonymous ftp at:
rtfm.mit.edu /pub/usenet/alt.war.civil.usa/U.S._Civil_War_FAQ
/pub/usenet/alt.war.civil.usa/U.S._Civil_War_Reading_List
Part 1: The beginning of the War
Q1.1: When did state X secede?
Before Lincoln's call for troops, the following states seceded:
1. South Carolina, Convention passed Ordinance of Secession,
20 Dec 1860
2. Mississippi, Convention passed Ordinance of Secession, 9 Jan 1861
3. Florida, Convention passed Ordinance of Secession, 10 Jan 1861
4. Alabama, Convention passed Ordinance of Secession, 11 Jan 1861
5. Georgia, Convention passed Ordinance of Secession, 19 Jan 1861
6. Louisiana, Convention passed Ordinance of Secession, 26 Jan 1861
7. Texas, Convention passed Ordinance of Secession, 1 Feb 1861, to
take effect 2 Mar 1861 provided it was ratified by the voters
on 23 Feb 1861. Texas admitted to the Confederacy, 2 Mar 1861.
After Lincoln's call for troops on 15 Apr 1861, the following
states seceded:
8. Virginia, Convention rejected secession 4 Apr 1861, Convention
passed Ordinance of Secession 17 Apr 1861 and ratified C.S.A.
Constitution, both subject to ratification of voters 23 May 1861.
Virginia admitted to CSA 7 May 1861.
9. Arkansas, Convention rejected secession ordinance on 18 Mar 1861
and called for referendum in August, Convention passed Ordinance
of Secession 6 May 1861. Arkansas admitted to C.S.A. 20 May 1861.
10. North Carolina, Voters rejected calling a Convention 28 Feb 1861,
Legislature called Convention 1 May 1861, Convention passed
Ordinance of Secession 20 May 1861. North Carolina provisionally
admitted to CSA 17 May 1861.
11. Tennessee, Voters rejected calling a Convention 9 Feb 1861,
On 6 May 1861 Legislature passed "Declaration of
Independence" and ratification of CSA Constitution subject
to referendum on 8 June 1861. Tennessee admitted to CSA
17 May 1861.
The following two states never seceded via any mechanism provided
by a legitimate government:
12. Missouri, Convention rejected secession 9 Mar 1861, rump
legislature passed Ordinance of Secession 31 Oct 1861 and
requested admission to CSA. Missouri admitted to CSA
28 Nov 1861.
13. Kentucky, southern sympathizers called for convention Oct 1861,
Convention passed Ordinance of Secession 18 Nov 1861. Kentucky
admitted to the CSA 10 Dec 1861.
Sources: Civil War Day-by-Day; Official Records, Ser. IV, Vol 1.
Q1.2: Was there a declaration of war or something?
1. The United States never declared war. This was in keeping with
its position that the rebel states did not form a new nation,
rather they were states in which a rebellion was taking place.
Abraham Lincoln issued a Proclamation that an insurrection
existed in the states of SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, and TX on
15 Apr 1861 (Messages & Papers of the Presidents,V,p3214).
2. The Confederate States passed "An Act recognizing the existence
of war between the United States and the Confederate States" on
6 May 1861. This act exempted MD, NC, TN, KY, AR, MO, DE, and
the territories of AZ and NM, and the Indian Territory south of
KS.
Sources: McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom; Official Records, Ser. IV,
Vol. 1
Q1.3: Who were the U.S. Generals on 1 Jan 1861?
From: cwa@sgfb.ssd.ray.com (Carlton W. Andrews)
USA Generals 1/1/1861
Winfield Scott M.G. 6/25/1841
John E. Wool B.G. 6/25/1841
David E. Twiggs B.G. 6/30/1846
[Twiggs was dismissed 3/1/1861 for handing/surrendering all
men and equipment in Texas to the state of Texas]
William S. Harney B.G. 6/14/1858
[Harney went to Europe rather than fight for either side]
Joseph E. Johnston QM-B.G. 6/28/1860 [staff appt.]
Notes: Albert Sidney Johnston was Colonel of the Second Cavalry and
brevet Brig. General. I believe he was promoted to B.G. (but
will have to check) to replace Twiggs. Edwin V. Sumner was
Colonel of the First Cavalry. He was promoted B.G. US Volunteers
with a commission date of 3/16/61.
Part 2: Battles
Q2.1: What are the alternate names of various battles?
Union Confederate
Bull Run, VA Manassas 21 July 1861
Wilsons Creek, MO Oak Hills 10 Aug 1861
Logan's Cross Roads, VA Mill Springs 19 Jan 1862
Pea Ridge, AR Elkhorn Tavern 6-8 Mar 1862
Pittsburg Landing, TN Shiloh 6-7 Apr 1862
Bull Run, VA (2nd) Manassas 29-30 Aug 1862
Antietam, MD Sharpsburg 17 Sept 1862
Chapell Hills, KY Perryville 8 Oct 1862
Stones River, TN Murfreesboro 30 Dec 1862-2 Jan 1863
Elk Creek, Ind. Terr. Honey Springs 17 July 1863
Sabine Cross Roads, LA Mansfield 8 Apr 1864
Opequon Creek, VA Winchester 19 Sept 1864
Q2.2: What were the naval ranks during the Civil War?
From: roy_wells@qm.vitalink.COM (Roy H. Wells)
Here is a short discourse from a friend and fellow
re-enactor, Richard Staley (who commands the 69th NY
Infantry in the NCWA):
Todd's American Military Equippage: 1851-1870 lists naval ranks
during the CW as:
Admiral (grade created for David Farragut 25 July, 1866)
Vice Admiral (grade created 21 December, 1864, Farragut being the
first to hold this rank)
Flag Officer (title created 16 July, 1862)
Commodore (courtesy title until 16 July, 1862 when the grade was
formally adopted)
Captain
Commander
Lieut. Commander (grade created 16 July, 1862)
Lieutenant
Master (grade existed throughout the period; originally "sailing
master"; became a commissioned rank in 1862 and after the
period was changed to Lieutenant Junior Grade.)
Ensign (title for a passed Midshipman after 16 July, 1862)
Passed Midshipman (Midshipman who had passed his examination for
promotion to Lieutenant; called Ensign after 1862 although
the term continued in use.)
Midshipman (grade given undergraduates of the U.S. Naval Academy;
not strictly in the line of the Navy in the latter part of
the century).
Master's Mate
Shipped or Rated Master's Mate (usually a warrant officer).
Q2.3: What were the organization and strengths of various units in the
armies?
[Compiled with the assistance of:
Stephen Schmidt <whale@leland.Stanford.EDU> and
Dominic J. Dal Bello <tecump@fido.ucsb.edu>]
(A good source of information is Richard Zimmermann, _Unit
Organizations of the Civil War_.)
First, always remember that most Civil War units in the field
were only at anywhere between 20% to 40% of their full strength.
Thus, while in theory a company contained 100 men, and would be
recruited at that size, by the time they reached the army they'd
be down to 60 or so and after the first battle down to 40 or so.
The full-strength sizes are given below, so remember to knock
them down by 50% or more when reading about units engaged in
battles.
Second, due to casulties among the officers, frequently units
would find themselves commanded by an officer one or two grades
below the rank he should have for the job (e.g., a regiment
commanded by a lieutenant colonel or major).
Third, keep in mind that in the early stages of the war and in
the more remote areas (such as the Trans-Mississippi), unit
organizations tended to deviate more from the norm. What follows
will be the ideal, your mileage may vary.
I. Infantry.
COMPANY.
The basic unit is the company, commanded by a captain
100 men = 2 platoons = 4 sections = 8 squads
A company has the following officers (commissioned and non-coms):
Captain (1), 1st. Lieut. (1), 2nd. Lieut. (1)
1st Sgt. (1), Sgts. (4) and Corporals (8).
When the company was divided into platoons, the captain commanded
one and the 1st Lt. the other. There was a sergeant for each
section, and a corporal for each squad. The 1st Sgt. "ran" the
whole company.
BATTALION and REGIMENT.
Battalions and regiments were formed by organizing companies
together. In the volunteers (Union and Confederate), 10 companies
would be organized together into a regiment. The regiment was
commanded by a colonel. A regiment has the following staff (one
of each):
Col.; Lt. Col.; Major; Adjutant (1st Lt); Surgeon (maj.);
Asst Surgeon (capt.); Quartermaster (lieut); Commissary (lieut);
Sgt-Major; Quartermaster Sgt.
There were also volunteer organizations containing less than 10
companies: if they contained from 4-8 companies, they were called
battalions, and usually were commanded by a major or lieutentant
colonel.
The (Union) Regular regts organized before the war (1st-10th)
were 10 company regiments like the volunteers. When the NEW
Regular regts. were authorized, a different organization was
used. The new Regular regts were organized 8 companies to a
battalion and 2 battalions to the regiment. Thus new Regular
regts contained 16 companies. These regiments frequently fought
as battalions rather than as single regiments. However, often
the 2nd battalion could not be recruited up to strength, in which
case they fought as a single regiment.
BRIGADE
A brigade is formed from 3 to 6 regiments and commanded by a
brigadier general. The South tended to use more regiments than
the North, thus having bigger brigades. At some times in the
war, some artillery would be attached to the infantry brigade:
see the Artillery section below. Each brigade would also have a
varying number of staff officers.
DIVISION
A division is commanded by a major general and is composed of
from 2 to 6 brigades. In the North usually 3 or 4, but in the
South normally 4 to 6. Thus, a Southern division tended to be
almost twice as large as its Northern counterpart, if the
regiments are about the same size. At some times in the war, some
artillery or, less often, cavalry might be attached: see the
Cavalry and Artillery sections below. Each division would also
have a varying number of staff officers.
CORPS.
A corps is commanded by a major general (Union) or a lieutenant
general (Confederate) and is composed of from 2 to 4 divisions.
Again the North tended to have 2 or 3, while the South had 3 or 4.
Each corps would also have a varying number of staff officers.
ARMIES.
Corps within a geographic department were aggregated into armies.
The number of corps in an army could vary considerably: sometimes
an army would contain only 1 corps and other times as many as 8.
Armies were commanded by major generals in the North, and usually
by full generals in the South. Corps and armies usually had some
artillery and cavalry attached: again, see below. Each army
would also have a varying number of staff officers.
To summarize, the nominal strengths and commanding officers were:
UNIT MEN Commander Example NAME
Company 100 Captain Co. A, B-K (not J, looks like I)
Regiment 1000 Colonel 5th N.Y. Infantry
Brigade 4000 Brig Genl 3rd Brigade (US) **
Division 12000 Maj. Genl Cleburne's Division (CS) **
Corps 36000 Maj. Genl* IIIrd Corps (US) **
Army Maj. Genl+ Army of Tennessee (CS) ++
* or Lt. Gen. in the South
+ or Gen. in the South
** Numerical designation was used in the North, the Commander's
name was typically used in the South, e.g. Forrest's Corps
++ The South mainly used the name of the area or state where the
army operated. Rivers were used primarily as names in the
North, e.g. Army of the Cumberland.
II. Cavalry.
COMPANY or TROOP.
The basic unit is the troop or company, organized pretty much the
same way as an infantry company. The nominal strength was 100.
If the troop dismounted for battle, 1 man in 4 would stay behind
to guard the horses.
BATTALION and REGIMENT.
In the Union volunteers, 12 cavalry troops form a regiment
commanded by a colonel. The Confederate Cavalry used a 10
company regiment. Again, the (Union) Regulars had a different
organization: in the Regular units 2 troops form a squadron, 2
squadrons form a battalion, and 3 battalions form a regiment.
And again, there were groups of 4-8 companies of volunteer
cavalry which are called battalions.
Initially, each Union cavalry regiment was assigned to an
infantry division. The Confederates brigaded their cavalry
together. The Union eventually adopted this organization as well.
As the war progressed, both sides formed cavalry divisions (again
the South took the lead). The North also formed cavalry corps,
and the South later also adopted this innovation.
III. Artillery
BATTERY.
The basic unit of artillery is the battery, which has 4 to 6
guns, is commanded by a captain, and has 4 lieutenants, 12 or so
noncoms, and 120 or so privates. It typically had 4 guns in the
South and 6 guns in the North. Batteries were a subdivided into
gun crews of 20 or so, and into sections of 2 gun crews, 2 or 3
sections per battery. A gun crew was commanded by a sergeant and
a section by a lieutenant.
BATTALION or BRIGADE.
At the start of the war, each side assigned one battery attached
to each infantry brigade, plus an artillery reserve under the
army commander. By mid-1862, larger organizations were used. The
basic unit contained 3 or 4 batteries of artillery; it was called
a battalion in the South and a brigade in the North (same unit,
just a different name) and it was commanded by a colonel,
lieutenant colonel, or major.
ARTILLERY RESERVE.
After 1862, it was typical for each infantry division to have an
artillery battalion attached, and each corps or army to have a
reserve of two to five battalions. Each division's artillery
usually fought along side the infantry, while the corps/army
reserves were used to form the massed batteries. The artillery
reserve was commanded by a brigadier general or colonel.
IV. Other Units
LEGION.
The Confederacy also organized a number of units known as
legions. They were mixed-arms units, usually containing 6-8
companies of infantry, 2-3 companies of cavalry, and a couple
artillery pieces. Generally as soon as they reached the
battlefield they were broken apart, the infantry forming a
battalion, the cavalry being reassigned to some other unit, and
the artillery joining the reserve. Sometimes the infantry
retained the name legion, more frequently it got renamed to
battalion.
MARINES.
Both sides had a rudimentary Marine Corps which fought along the
Atlantic coast. The US Marines contained about 3,000 men and were
organized into companies. There doesn't seem to have been any
organization higher than that: they rarely operated in larger
units than a few companies anyway. The Confederate Marines had a
strength of about 300 men organized in four companies and was
nominally commanded by a colonel.
HEAVY ARTILLERY.
The Union organized some "heavy artillery" units, regiments
containing 10 artillery batteries (about 1800 men) which had
training both as infantry and as artillerists. They were
organized in much the same way as infantry units, but were quite
a bit larger to provide enough men to run the guns. Originally
raised to man the defenses of Washington, in 1864 they joined the
Grant's army, and then served more as infantry.
ENGINEERS.
Both sides raised special regiments of engineers. They were
organized similarly to the infantry regiments and were expert in
building forts, entrenchments, bridges, and similar military
construction. They were combatants but usually didn't do any
fighting, instead continued to work on construction even when
under fire.
SHARPSHOOTERS.
Both sides raised special sharpshooter units. The Confederate
units tended to be independent companies, but the Union raised
two sharpshooter regiments (Berdan's 1st and 2nd US
Sharpshooters). These regiments were organized as infantry.
Usually they were assigned to skirmish duty, or they would be
allowed to roam around the battlefield to find good positions
from which to shoot at enemy officers in the rear.
Q2.4: What is the difference between grapeshot and canister?
Here is a list of the various ammunitions used in the war.
References are:
[1] "Ammunition", in Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed (1911).
[2] F.T. Miller, ed., "Photographic History of the Civil War,"
vol. 5, "Forts and Artillery" (1957 edition).
[3] "Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War"
The main division is between shot (did not carry its own explosive
charge) and shell (carried an explosive charge).
For shot:
1. solid shot-- the standard cannon ball (or bullet shape in the in
case of a rifled gun)
2. canister-- smaller shot placed in a sheet iron cylinder. The
cylinder disintegrated when the gun was fired.
3. grape-- smaller shot layered between iron plates and held together
by a central bolt. Presumably the bolt broke when the gun fired
allowing the shot to scatter. Examples of grape shot can be seen
in [2] pp. 76, 76 and 191.
4. quilted grapeshot-- small shot covered in canvass and tied up with
rope which a gave it a quilted look. An example of quilted shot
can be seen in [2], p. 177.
5. chain shot-- two shot joined by a chain. Used to destroy rigging
of sailing ships.
6. bar shot-- two shot joined by a solid bar (like a dumbbell). Used
to destroy rigging to sailing ships.
7. red hot shot-- shot heated before firing. Used to start fires on
ships.
For shell:
1. standard shell-- hollow iron projectile filled with explosive
2. shrapnel shell-- hollow iron projectile filled with explosive and
with small solid shot which scattered upon explosion. The
spherical version of this was called "spherical case" or simply
"case." The term "case" was also used for the name of the class of
rounds which scattered small shot, thus canister, grape, and
spherical case were all classified together as "case shot."
(confusing, isn't it?)
Shell was fitted with either a timed fuse (which ignited the charge
after some fixed delay) or a percussion fuse (which ignited the
charge upon impact).
Standard solid shot and standard shell were primarily for destruction
of materiel (viz. fortifications or ships). Canister, grape, quilted
shot and shrapnel were used against personnel. However, there were
also varieties of (non-shrapnel) shell designed for use against
personnel (the hollow was shaped so the shell would split into a
relatively few large pieces about the size of small shot).
Part 3: The end of the War
Q3.1: When did the war end?
9 April 1865, Gen. R.E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern
Virginia at Appomattox Courthouse, VA
26 April 1865, Gen. J.E. Johnston surrendered the Army of
Tennessee et al. at Greensboro, NC
4 May 1865, Gen. Richard Taylor surrendered Dept. of Alabama,
Mississippi, and Eastern Louisiana at Citronelle, AL
13 May 1865, engagement at Palmito Ranch, near Brownsville, TX,
often taken to be the last engagement of the war
2 June 1865, Gen. E.K. Smith surrendered the Trans-Mississippi
Department at Galveston, TX
23 June 1865, Brig. Gen. Stand Watie's troops in the Indian
Territory surrendered at Doaksville. Watie was the last
general to surrender his troops.
13 June 1865, Pres. Johnson proclaimed the insurrection in Tennessee
at an end. (Messages and Papers of the Presidents, V, p3515)
2 Apr 1866, Pres. Johnson proclaimed the insurrection ended
in all the former Confederate States except Texas. This was
his recognition of the legitimacy of the governments formed
under his Reconstruction proclamation. (Mess. & Pap. V, p3627)
20 Aug 1866, Pres. Johnson proclaimed that Texas had complied with
the conditions of his Reconstruction proclamation and declared
the insurrection in Texas at an end. (Mess. & Pap. V, p3632)
Q3.2: If the rebel states were never considered legally out of the
Union, how was Reconstruction justified?
Although the states remained part of the U.S., they had no
loyal governments, and the authority for the federal government
to provide mechanisms to erect loyal state governments was derived
from Article IV, Sec. 4 of the Constitution. That section provides
that the United States shall guarantee to each state a republican
form of government.
Another provision of the Constitution which is important was
Article I, Sec. 5 which provides that each House of Congress shall
be the judge of the qualifications of its members. This allowed
the Congress to refuse to seat delegations from former rebel states
until the states had met the conditions of the Reconstruction Acts.
The authoritative constitutional justification for reconstruction
can be found in the Supreme Court's decision in Texas v. White
(74 U.S. 227-243) delivered 12 Apr 1869.
Part 4: Miscellaneous
Q4.1: My ancestor fought in the war, how do I find out about his service?
First, here are two good reference books that contain much more
information than can be given in this FAQ:
George K. Schweitzer, Civil War Genealogy,
available from: G.K. Schweitzer, 7914 Gleason C-1136,
Knoxville, TN 37919
B.H. Groene, Tracing Your Civil War Ancestor
ISBN 0-345-36192-X
An additional reference dealing in Confederate records is
James C. Neagles, Confederate Research Sources: A Guide to
Archive Collections (ISBN 0-916489-11-6, Ancestry Publications,
P.O. Box 476, Salt Lake City, UT 84110)
The basic information on your ancestor that you will need to know
is his state, regiment, and (if possible) company, for example:
Levi Lindsey Sanders, 6th Texas Cavalry (CSA), Company I. If you don't
know the regiment name, you can often find it in 19th century county
histories for the county your ancestor lived in. Also be careful
with Confederate regiments; they were frequently referred to by
the commander's name when they in fact had a numerical designation,
for example: 2nd Texas Partisan Rangers a.k.a. Stone's Regiment
a.k.a. Chisum's Regiment. There are frequently indexes listing all
the soldiers from a state which were published in the 19th century
as well (this is almost without exception for the Union states, more
rare for the Confederate states). The National Archives has published
a Consolidated Index to Compiled Confederate Service Records on
microfilm which is available in many large historical libraries (the
service records themselves are also frequently on microfilm at the
library). A useful bibliography of regimental and state histories
is C.E. Dornbusch, Military Bibliography of the Civil War (4 vols).
Assuming that you have the above information, you can obtain copies
of your ancestor's service records by writing to the National
Archives. Write to:
Reference Services Branch (NNIR),
National Archives and Records Service,
8th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW,
Washington, DC 20408
and request NATF Form 80. You may wish to request 3 or more copies,
especially if you are researching a Union veteran or multiple veterans.
When you have the forms, fill one out as completely as possible and
check "military service" (Schweitzer recommends that you write in red
ink next to the veteran's name "Please send complete contents of
files.") If your ancestor fought for the Union, he may have a pension
file; you may fill out a second Form 80 and check "pension record"
(again Schweitzer recommends requesting the entire contents of the
file). (The National Archives will not have pension records for
Confederate veterans, but some former Confederate state did give
pensions and their archives may have the records, details can be
found in the above references especially Neagles.) Some weeks later,
the Archives will send you a letter indicating what they have located
and how much it will cost to copy it.
Q4.2: What is the "Stars and Bars"?
The "Stars and Bars" IS NOT the familiar "rebel" flag one
sees adorning license plates and carried by the KKK-- that
is the CS Naval Jack, based on the CS battle flag.
The Stars and Bars design was approved by a committee
of the Provisional Congress on 4 Mar 1861, but was never made
official by law. The bottom red stripe ran the entire length
of the flag and was 6 units long and 1 unit wide. Above it,
and to the left was a blue square, 2 units on a side. In the
blue square, a circle of stars (one for each state, initially
seven, to represent the original seven Confederate States,
eventually thirteen). To the right of the square, two stripes,
white below, red above, each 1 unit wide and 4 units long.
The Stars and Bars' similarity to the U.S. flag caused
problems of mistaken identity at 1st Bull Run/Manassas, so a
battle flag for the Army of Northern Virginia was designed.
It was blue saltire ("X" shape) on a red SQUARE field. On the
saltire was placed stars equal to the number of Confederate
States (in principle, eleven at the time of the initial design,
but up to thirteen by the end of 1862). This flag design was
soon picked up by the other armies and branches of service. The
CS Navy flew an oblong version as a Naval Jack which is identical
to the oblong "rebel" flags seen today.
By a law approved 1 May 1863, a new national flag was
adopted by the Confederate States-- the "Stainless Banner".
It was a field of white twice as long as wide, in the upper
left was the battle flag (square) with a side two-thirds the
width of the field. This flag had the drawback that when
partially wrapped around the flagstaff, the non-white part
was covered. This made it look like a white flag of surrender.
Furthermore, its length to width ratio of 2 to 1 made it an
unusually long flag which exacerbated the problem.
A law approved 4 Mar 1865, modified the "Stainless Banner"
to correct its problems. The revised flag was 10 units wide and
15 units long. In the upper left was an oblong battle flag 6
units wide and 7 units long. The field was white, as before,
except on the fly end there was a vertical red bar 4 units wide.
The above dimensions, in terms of units, are derived from the
much more convoluted description given by the flag act. This
flag was the last national flag of the Confederacy.
Q4.3: What changes to the U.S. flag occurred during the war?
The admission of two states affected the U.S. flag during the
war. By the Flag Act of 1818, a new star was added on the 4 July
following the admission of a state. Stars were added on 4 July
1861 for Kansas (admitted 29 Jan 1861, the 34th state) and
on 4 July 1863 for West Virginia (admitted 20 June 1863, the 35th
state). Nevada, the 36th state, was admitted during the war
on 31 Oct 1864, so its star was added 4 July 1865 after
hostilities were over (more or less, see Q3.1).
Q4.4: How was the state of West Virginia created?
The Va Secession Convention passed an ordinance of secession
(to be ratified by the people) about 17 Apr 1861. A mass meeting
was held in Clarksburg and called for a Convention of western/unionist
counties to meet in Wheeling. The 1st Wheeling Convention met
13 May 1861 with 425 delegates from 25 counties, it decided to
adjourn until after the vote on the secession ordinance. The
ordinance of secession was ratified by popular vote on 23 May 1861
at which time new legislators were also elected.
The 2nd Wheeling convention met 11 June 1861 and included the
western counties' members-elect to the VA legis. On 19 June, the
convention passed an ordinance "reorganizing" the state government
(creating a "loyal" one), and on 20 June, Francis Pierpont was chosen
governor. On 1 July 1861, the members of the legislature elected on
23 May and some holdovers from the old legislature met, finished the
organization of the Reorganized state govt., and elected 2 U.S.
Senators-- this government was recognized as legitimate by the U.S.
On 6 Aug, the Wheeling convention reconvened, and on 20 Aug 1861
passed an ordinance to divide the state. The division ordinance was
ratified by the people on 24 Oct. From 26 Nov 1861 to 18 Feb 1862,
the convention wrote a constitution for the proposed new state which
was approved by the voters on 11 Apr 1862. Lincoln signed the
enabling act on 31 Dec 1862 which admitted W.VA on the condition that
its constitution include a provision for the gradual abolition of
slavery.
The Convention reconvened yet again, and amended the state
constitution to abolish slavery on 12 Feb 1863. This amendment was
approved by the voters on 26 Mar 1863. Lincoln proclaimed (on 20
Apr 1863) that W.Va would officially be admitted in 60 days. During
the interval, W VA elected new officers-- A.I. Boreman was elected 1st
governor, and VA unionist government under Gov. Pierpont was moved to
Alexandria. On 20 June 1863, West Virginia was officially admitted
to the Union.
In 1866, Virginia repealed the act approving the division, and
brought suit in the U.S. Sup. Crt. to have the division overturned.
In particular, it wanted Berkeley and Jefferson Cos. returned.
On 10 Mar 1866, Congress passed a joint resolution approving the
previous transfer of the counties to W.Va. In 1871 the Supreme
Court decided in favor of W.Va., thus settling the matter of division.
Source: Virginia and West Virginia articles in Encyclopaedia
Britannica, 10th ed.
Q4.5: What war records did the post-war presidents have?
From: tecump@sulu.ucsb.edu (Dominic J. Dal bello)
Date: 23 Apr 93 17:11:42 GMT
OK, I have looked up what the presidents after Lincoln and up
to McKinley did in the war (from _The Complete Book of US
Presidents or something like that.
ANDREW JOHNSON: In March, 1862, President Lincoln appointed
Johnson military governor of Tennessee with the rank of brigadier
general.
ULYSSES GRANT: No intro necessary (lieut. general)
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES: served with the 23d Ohio Infantry from
June, 1861, entering service as a major. October '61: promoted
to lt. colonel; Oct. '62 promoted to colonel, commanding the 23d.
After Cedar Creek (Oct. '64), promoted to brigadier general of vols.
Received one of the infinitely many brevets dated March 13, 1865
to major general, vols. Resigned June, 1865.
JAMES GARFIELD: Commissioned a lt. col in the 42nd Ohio,
Aug. 1861, and promoted to Col. in November, '61. Commanded the
18th Brig. at Middle Creek, Jan. '62, defeating superior numbers,
and was subsequently promoted to brigadier general. January, 1863--
appointed Chief of Staff to Rosecrans, "In a daring ride under
enemy fire, during which his horse was wounded, he conveyed vital
information from flank to flank. For this he was promoted to major
general." Rosecrans said of him: "I feel much indebted to him for
both counsel and assistance in the administration of this army...He
possesses the instinct and energy of a great commander." Elected to
Congress in Sept., 1863 Garfield resigned in Dec., 1863.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR: Served in New York State militia from Feb. '58
to Dec. '62, rising from brigade judge advocate to quartermaster
genl. In Jan, '61, appointed engineer-in-chief with rank of
brigadier general. Apr, '61, promote asst. QM genl; Feb '62 inspect.
genl; July `62, QM general. Spring `62 inspected NY troops in
Virginia. War Gov. Edwin D Morgan said: "He was my chief reliance
in the duties of equipping and transporting troops and munitions of
war. In the position of Quarter Master General he displayed not
only great executive ability and unbending integrity, but great
knowledge of Army Regulations. He can say No (which is important)
without giving offense."
GROVER CLEVELAND: Drafted, but purchased a substitute. Paid $150
to George Brinske (or Benninsky), a 32-year-old Polish immigrant
to serve in his place.
BENJAMIN HARRISON: 17th Indiana Infantry, starting as a 2nd Lt in
July, 1862. Eventually rose to brigadier general. "I am not a
Julius Caesar, nor a Napoleon, but a plain Hoosier colonel, with no
more relish for a fight than for a good breakfast and hardly so
much." Commanded a brigade under Hooker in the Atlanta campaign.
Hooker recommended him for promotion to brigadier general for
foresight, discipline and fighting spirit.
WILLIAM McKINLEY: 23d Ohio Infantry from June 61 to July '65,
starting out as a private. April '62 commissary sergeant; for
valor at Antietam (in getting rations to the men) promoted to 2nd
Lt. commd'g Co. D, but put on Col. Rutherford Hayes' staff. Feb 63,
promoted 1st Lt.; July 64, promoted captain. Served on staffs of
George Crook and Winfield S Hancock. March, 1865, breveted major.
In uniform, cast his first vote in 1864 (for Lincoln). Hayes said
of him: "Young as he was, we soon found that in the business of a
soldier, requiring much executive ability, young McKinley showed
unusual and unsurpassed capacity, especially for a boy of his age.
When battles were fought or service was to be performed in warlike
things, he always filled his place."
Q4.6: What are the various alternate names for the war?
From: pdunn@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Patrick L Dunn)
>From Davis, B. (1982). -The Civil War: Strange and Fascinating Facts
(Originally published as "Our Incredible Civil War). ISBN 0-517-37151-0
Chapter 13. Which War?
pp. 79-80.
The War for Constitutional Liberty
The War for Southern Independence
The Second American Revolution
The War for States' Rights
Mr. Linclon's War
The Southern Rebellion
The War for Southern Rights
The War of the Southern Planters
The War of the Rebellion
The Second War for Independence
The War to Suppress Yankee Arrogance
The Brothers' War
The War of Secession
The Great Rebellion
The War for Nationality
The War for Southern Nationality
The War Against Slavery
The Civil War Between the States
The War of the Sixties
The War Against Northern Aggression
The Yankee Invasion
The War for Separation
The War for Abolition
The War for the Union
The Confederate War
The War of the Southrons
The War for Southern Freedom
The War of the North and South
The Lost Cause
The War Between the States
The Late Unpleasantness
The Late Friction
The Late Ruction
The Schism
The Uncivil War
and of course....
THE War, "as if the planet had not heard a shot fired in anger
since '65."
- Q4.7: What is a good Civil War game for a PC?
From: pdunn@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Patrick L Dunn)
The best one out there, according to the general .net opinion over
the last few months (and I agree), is "No Greater Glory," from
Strategic Simulations, Inc. Costs about $60.00; tons of fun.
- **** This game is now out of print. Contacts with the publisher
- **** indicate that there are no plans to make any more.
- **** This entry will be removed from future versions of this FAQ
- **** unless some other game is recommeded.
Q4.8: What are good books on the war?
Steve Schmidt (whale@leland.Stanford.EDU) has compiled a recommended
reading list which will be posted periodically as a supplement to
this FAQ.
Q4.9: How can I get the soundtrack to Ken Burn's "Civil War"?
From Wayne J. Warf (WWARF@ucs.indiana.edu):
<Original Soundtrack Recording> The Civil War <A Film by Ken Burns>
Elektra Nonesuch #9 79256-2 copyright 1990
ISBN# 0-681-92609-0
Songs of the Civil War
Produced by Ken Burns and Don DeVito
Columbia #CK 48607
Copyright 1991 by Sony Music Entertainment
no ISBN# listed
End of alt.war.civil.usa FAQ
--
Justin M. Sanders "Nothing is more unfamiliar or
Research Associate uncongenial to the human mind than
Physics Division, ORNL thinking correctly about probabilities."
jsanders@orph01.phy.ornl.gov --S.J. Gould, "Eight Little Piggies"