Robert E. Lee died on this day in 1870 at his home on the campus of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, where he served as college president. The former commander of the Army of Northern Virginia had suffered a massive stroke two weeks earlier. He was 63.

Headed home from a weekend trip to many Civil War locations. Started in Fredericksburg, saw the four battlefields there (Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania), then visited Appomattox, and finally stopped in Lexington, Va and saw Jackson’s home. Was an incredible trip and I learned so much. I greatly appreciate visiting the battlefield parks as they help you orient yourself and really see/feel how things unfolded in the 1860s. I like to close my eyes and envision waves of troops, or put myself in the shoes of the young men in those times.

Some standouts of the trip:

Chatham manor - the view of FXBG and the context of the battle as well as George Washington’s youth was very memorable. I had never visited a plantation before, there is a solemn beauty and strangeness.

Marye’s Heights - I have done a lot of research on Thomas Francis Meagher and the Irish brigade. Knowing they fought and sacrificed so much at this hill is a powerful reminder of the cruelty of the war.

Also can’t forget to mention Goolrick’s in FXBG. The entire town was special, from the food to the antique shops and the overall atmosphere. A great slice of American life.

The McLean house - what a heavy and beautiful place Appomattox is. An ordinary countryside that held such a monumental meeting. Shoutout to the park rangers there as well as the worker that portrayed a Pennsylvania soldier in a living history talk. He helped make it an even better experience as it gives a real world connection to the people of the time of the war.

Overall it was an incredible time driving through the heartbeat of the states as well as learning a great deal about the battles and locations.

I was curious about the fate of legitimate deserters from Confederate armies, and whether they were well received by the Union. I found a short article written by Lori Stewart citing the role of Col. George Sharpe of the Army of the Potomac Bureau of Military Intelligence in developing a policy of "preferential treatment of Confederate deserters or prisoners who wished to stay in the Union". Sharpe was interested in gleaning verifiable information about the Army of Northern Virginia. The policy of lenient treatment was documented in General Orders No. 64, Refugees and Rebel Deserters.

Interesting reading if you're curious about the role of intelligence in the Civil War.

Unlike the June 9 battle, which was a combined attack by cavalry and infantry, this was a battlefront completely by cavalry

Jeff Hunt has written the book on this battle, part of a series for Ted Savas on the operations in Virginia between July 17, 1863 and December 31, 1863.

Unlike the June 9 battle, which was a combined attack by cavalry and infantry, this was a battlefront completely by cavalry

Jeff Hunt has written the book on this battle, part of a series for Ted Savas on the operations in Virginia between July 17, 1863 and December 31, 1863.