Review: United States Army, The Definitive Illustrated History

United States Army: The Definitive Illustrated History

By D. M. Giangreco

It’s nearly an impossible task to cover the entire history of the United States Army from its humble beginnings in 1607 to the present (2011) and call it a definitive history, but somehow D. M. Giangreco has managed to do it.  Of course it took a massive book of 11.4 x 9.8 x 1.4 inches and 528 pages do it in, and it’s fully illustrated too!

Each chapter of Mr. Giangreco’s “The Definitive Illustrated History” covers specific a period of the Army’s History:

• Creating a Continental Army, 1607-1782
• The Army and the Young Republic, 1794-1848
• Regulars, Volunteers and Civil War, 1861-1865
• War on the Plains and Domestic Strife, 1865-1878
• Beyond the Borders, The Far East, Caribbean and Mexico, 1877-1917
• Over There, 1917-1921
• Between Two Wars, 1919-1941
• Victory in the Pacific, 1941-1945
• Defeating Nazi Germany, 1942-1945
• The Cold War Turns Hot, 1945-1953
• Preparing for the “Next War” and Vietnam, 1953-1973
• The Volunteer Army, Panama, and the Persian Gulf, 1972-1991
• A “New” Enemy, 1991-2011

Of course even for a book of its size it would be impossible for it to be an in depth study spanning every phase of the United States Army’s four hundred year history.  That would take multiple volumes and span several feet of valuable shelf space.  Mr. Giangreco takes a “skirt-length” approach to each of his chapters: short enough to keep it interesting, but long enough to adequately cover the subject.

Also included are four Appendices:

• Appendix A: Medals and Decorations; Ribbon-Only Awards; Unit Commendations and Foreign Citations.
• Appendix B: Campaign Streamers; Chiefs of Staff of the U. S. Army
• Appendix C: Branches of the U. S. Army; Distinctive Unite Insignia (DUI) Pins
• Appendix D: Rank and Structure of the U. S. Army

Highlighting Mr. Giangreco’s 180,000+ word text are hundreds of photographs and illustrations; from the uniforms the soldiers carry and the weapons they used, to the mundane equipment they used daily; from generals to privates; from maps and historical paintings to battlefield photographs.  Taken as a whole they thoroughly illustrate and cover each of America’s conflicts from the French and Indian War to the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and everything in between.

Mr. Giangreco’s “United States Army: The Definitive Illustrated History” is a beautifully produced book, thoroughly researched, well written and easily read.  Coming in at a hefty weight of 5.8 pounds it is not a book to be taken lightly, nor would a recommend reading it in a chair for long periods of time without wrist braces.  To call Mr. Giangreco’s book a “coffee table book” would do a great injustice to it, but I would recommend reading it while seated at a table.

ISBN 1402791046, Sterling, © 2011, Paperback, 11.4 x 9.8 x 1.4 inches, 528 pages, 5.8 pounds, Maps, Photographs, Illustrations, Appendices, Photo Credits & Index. $24.95.  To purchase this book click HERE.

Foster Updike, Private, Co. C, 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry

Stones River National Cemetery

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

NOTE: Originally interred at Athens, Alabama.

The other day we said . . .

. . . we did not know of a single loyal Democratic paper in Iowa.  Since we wrote that paragraph we have received a number of the Cass County Gazette from which we cut out the following article.  We are satisfied the writer is loyal and as long as he utters such sentiments we shall hail him as a loyal and true man.  If there are any others we shall rejoice to know it.

AUTHORS OF THE WAR. – The attempt to saddle the whole responsibility of the rebellion upon the Abolitionists of the North is destined to prove a complete failure   It can’t be done without obliterating the memory and records of stubborn facts.  Abolitionists it is undeniable, did much to create disaffection toward the Union in the Southern States and to excite jealousy and hostile feelings between the people of the North and South.  But they did not cause the War.  Secessionists, the extreme opposites of Abolitionists, conceived and matured the plan of disunion, and they deliberately went to work to execute that plan.  They took up arms and began the War for the destruction of the Union, hence, they are directly responsible for it.  Another fact – the secessionist can stop this War as suddenly as they began it.  The moment they lay down their arms and submit to the laws, they will have peace and enjoy all the rights which they possessed from the foundation of the Government to the time they seceded.  Then, what cause have they for fighting?  None at all.  They have been deprived of no right which the Constitution grants them.  Although they have shed the blood of thousands of our fellow citizens in their wicked efforts to overthrow the Government of the United States.  That very government is ready to extend its mercy and protection to them the moment they return to their allegiance.  Then who is to blame for the continuance of this War?  Not the Abolitionists for they have not the power to stop the war.  It is the Secessionists who are whole to blame for they alone have the power to stop fighting against the Union.  When they do this we shall at once have peace.  As long as they continue to fight in their unholy cause, so long will the war last.  If they will not submit they must be conquered, if necessary, subjugated, and all parties in the North as well as the South may as well settle their policy with a view to this great fact.  The Union, it must be preserved, said Jackson in 1832.  “AMEN!” say the people in 1862.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 1

Three members of Co. C, 1st Iowa Cavalry Murdered in Missouri

The sad news of the death of three members of Co. C, 1st Iowa Cavalry, murdered by guerillas in St. Clair county, Missouri, was received here yesterday, casting a shadow over our people.  The news came in a private letter from W. A. Clark, of the same company, and the only one of the foraging party who escaped unhurt.  Harbach and Cameron were from Burlington, young men of much promise, twenty one or two years of age.  Higgins about the same age we think was from the northern part of the county.  Stoddard, also about the same age, is from West Point, Lee county.  He is wounded in the arm and will probably recover.  Young Harbach and one brother who was a member of the 1st Iowa – is now in the 11th Regulars with Gen. McClellan.  His father is Captain of 1st Iowa Battery, now with General Curtis in Arkansas.  Below we print Clark’s letter, written to his brother in law, Mr. Fullerton.  Although not intended for print we see no impropriety in publishing it.

__________

OCEOLA, St. Clair Co., Mo., May 28

BRO. NICK: – It becomes my duty to notify through you the friends of some of the wounded and dead of our Company that were shot yesterday while out foraging.  Wm. G. Harbach, dead, M. Higgins, dead, Josiah Cameron and A. Stoddard wounded.  My horse was shot, and two or three balls penetrated my clothes, and a fine come caved me.  I had a comb in my watch pocket, the ball struck it and glanced off and just grazed the skin.

I will give you the particulars.  We started out in the morning after forage, 12 miles.  We got out all right, loaded the wagons and started back, and were eight miles from camp when we stopped at a creek to water our horses.  Harbach and Cameron were sitting in the wagon.  Higgins, Stoddard and myself were setting on our horses by the side of them talking when some twenty Jayhawkers, concealed in the brush, fired into us, killing Harbach, wounding Cameron, Higgins Stoddard and I supposed that I was wounded, but I am happy to say that I was not hurt.  My horse was shot from his head back to his tail.  Several shots went thro my coat, pants and hat.  I run my horse after he was shot some two miles before he fell, I then jumped over into a field where there was a man plowing; I jerked the harness of the horse and jumped on him bare back and rode about four or five miles as hard as he could run, when I overtook another foraging party.  I sent two of the men to camp for help.  It was but a little while before our men could be seen on a full gallop coming to our assistance.  I went back with them.  We found Harbach dead, Cameron wounded in the leg, it has since been amputated above the knee, Higgins wounded, has since died, Stoddard wounded in the arm.

I intended to start with the body of Harbach home this evening but could not get ice, and therefore could not start, but will bury here for the present.  The boys propose to send to St. Louis for a metallic coffin.  I will then fetch the body home.

We take no more prisoners.  We are going to shoot every man that we catch in the brush.

P. S. – Since I wrote the above Josiah Cameron has died.  We will be obliged to bury them here for the present, as the weather is so warm and there is no ice here.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, July 26, 1862

Nothing of importance. Much of our time in camp is taken up with the question of rations. During this hot weather the regular army rations are drawn, but the men use very little of the salt bacon. But the bacon being issued, the company cook takes care of it and now has a wagon load of it stacked up beside his tent, anyone being permitted to go and help himself to it. At noon the company cook prepares the bean soup and cooks the pickled beef, after which he calls out for every man to come and get his portion. All the other rations are issued every five days, each man carrying his portion in his haversack. We have had no Irish potatoes issued for eight months now, but fresh beef we draw, sometimes twice a week, and it is cooked for us by the company cook. The rations are all of good quality with the exception of crackers, which at times are a little worm-eaten.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 58-9

Are Newspapers A Nuisance?

Major Gen. Ben Butler is reported to have very much astonished certain New Orleans editors , the other day, by assuring them that he would like to see anybody who would sustain the proposition that newspapers had not done more harm than good since their first establishment.

It is very doubtful whether the Major General ever said anything of the sort, but there are not wanting plenty of smaller military gentry, whose mouths are constantly filled with just such remarks.  Hear Henry Ward Beecher on the other side.  We copy from the New York Post –

Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, in the course of his sermon at the Plymouth Church last night, made an eloquent plea for newspapers, speaking of them as one of the most potent elements of our civilization.  “There is,” said he, “a common vulgar objection about newspapers that ‘they lie’ so; they don’t lie any more than you do.  Man is naturally a lying creature.  Truth is a gift from Heaven, and very few of us possess it before they get there.  The newspaper gives both facts and rumors, and they would be blamed if they did not do so.  It is for the reader to judge of these rumors.  The last economy should be in regard to newspapers.  It is better to deprive the body of some ribbon, or jewel, or garment, than to deprive the mind of its sustenance.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 1

Republican State Convention

By the call to be found in our columns this morning it will be seen that a State Convention has been called to meet at the Capital Wednesday July 23d, to nominate candidates for Secretary and Auditor of State, Attorney General and Register of the Land Office.  It is desirable that this Convention should be well attended and every part of the State represented to the end that the best men may be nominated, and that at the coming important election Iowa may speak with no uncertain voice, her approval of the Administration of Abraham Lincoln and her condemnation of the treasonable party organization now attempted to be mustered for the canvass by men of known secession proclivities.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, July 25, 1862

The quartermaster drew some clothing today for our regiment. The regiment was out for drill today, with better success than the other day when it was so hot.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 58

The infamous Vallandigham of Ohio . . .

. . . is appreciated at Memphis where the Avalanche calls him:

The gallant high-minded and true-hearted member from the Buckeye State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 3, 1862, p. 2

The Ohio State Journal affirms . . .

. . . that among the prisoners at Camp Chase were some seventy contrabands, the slaves of rebel officers, also prisoners.  They are the menials of their secesh owners, in Camp Chase as at home, and are claimed to be “sacred” as private property.  This mode of dealing with rebel prisoners, wicked and foolish in itself, becomes most provoking when we recollect that some of our bravest and best, like Corcoran and Wilcox, in violation of all faith and decency, are kept in felon’s cells or amid the stench, filth and vermin of Richmond tobacco factories.  Cannot somebody give us an exhortation on charity, loving kindness and courtesy towards the cut-throats who are prisoners in our camps?  “Respect the rights of these chivalrous gentlemen,” quotha.

– Published in the Iowa State Register, Weekly Edition, Des Moines Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 1

Islands In The Mississippi

The Islands in the Mississippi above the mouth of the Ohio are all named, and below the Ohio they are numbered.  Island No. 1 is below Cairo, and they continue in numerical order to No. 125 at or near Tunica Bend, in Louisiana, about 120 miles above New Orleans.  From that point to its mouth, the river is clear of islands.

– Published in the Iowa State Register, Weekly Edition, Des Moines Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, July 24, 1862

We were relieved from picket this morning by the Thirteenth. Wild fruit is becoming plentiful and while on picket we added quite a variety to our rations.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 58

War with England

Shall we have a war with England?  Nothing but a speedy settlement of the difficulties with the South will prevent it.  The rebels are now hemmed in on every side, and vigorous attacks from various points must result in their overwhelming defeat.  The longer the Southern Confederacy stands, the stronger is it becoming in the eyes of foreign nations.  There is no way in which hostilities with England can be prevented, but by the speedy subjugation of the South.  If this war continues six months longer, we shall have old England, with perhaps one or two allied powers, upon us.

The telegraph informs us that the governments of England, France and Spain are mediating an early recognition of the Confederate States.  Their plea is said to be that of “humanity” – a plea that our Government might have used with a thousand fold more plausibility toward either Ireland or the Indies.  Since the rendition of Mason and Slidell, England has been vigorously preparing for war.  Her North American colonies are especially the object of her solicitude.  They have been more strongly fortified, while one hundred thousand men have been raised to protect them from aggression.

Our Government is aware of the preparations that this power has been making for war.  It knows that they are not all intended for the conquering of Mexico, and it must know that there is no way left under heaven to prevent hostilities with England, but the speedy suppression of the rebellion now raging in our own country.  Knowing all this, why there has not been a general advance of the Federal troops ere this time, is more than we can fathom. – But we “possess our souls in patience,” hoping each day that the next will bring us news that the belligerents which have so long been threatening one another on the Potomac have at last concluded to measure strength.  We have the confidence in McClellan to believe that the news of an advance of the Federal troops under his Generalship would be akin to the heralding of a great victory and the postponing of the recognition by humane England of the rebel confederacy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 2

The Legislature --- State Warrants

Several weeks ago we attempted to show the necessity of some action on the part of our Legislature to place state warrants (on War and Defence Fund), on a proper and honest footing.  These warrants being then hawked around the State at twenty-five per cent. discount.  We are glad to learn by a gentleman direct from Des Moines that the passage of a certain bill, this or next week, will have the effect to bring the price of the State warrants up to par or nearly so.  We expect to be able to quote our war fund State warrants next week at ninety-five cents.  They are now being bought at Des Moines for ninety cents.  There has been no good reason why they should not have brought this figure any time.

The legislature has passed a bill by which the State assumes the collection of the Government tax in Iowa.  It is now proposed to pass a bill by which the State Warrants will be taken for taxes, or for the Government tax – as the Government owes the State more than the amount of war fund State warrants issued.  By this means these warrants are at once given a practical value or  use, making them worth so much money for a specific purpose, and a purpose for which there must soon be some provision made by tax payers.

We do not know that there is any sale for these warrants in this city at the present time.  But we advise holders not to sacrifice them – the same advice we gave months ago.  The warrants of the state of Iowa, and bearing eight per cent. interest, ought never to be sacrificed for a figure much below par.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, July 23, 1862

Our regiment is out on picket today. It rained all day. We seldom see any of the rebel cavalry in this locality, yet we always maintain a strong picket line so as not to be taken by surprise. We are expecting them to make a raid upon Corinth any time.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 58

What we are Learning

The American people are just now learning a great lesson and if they do not profit by it they will lose all claim to Yankee shrewdness.  They are learning that it is not safe to the country to foster institutions that are in antagonism to its liberties, until they become powerful enough to assert their supremacy.  That if it warms into life a serpent within its bosom, they must expect it to turn and sting its benefactor.  They are learning that the boasted sympathy of foreign nations cannot be depended upon, but that we must rely upon our own strength for independence.  The fiery ordeal through which our country is passing will teach us self-reliance, a more entire dependence upon ourselves, a fostering of those institutions that give permanency to our Government and the lopping off of those that tend to impair its strength.  We shall learn to become more attentive to our national character, more jealous of our country’s honor and more embittered in our feelings toward old England.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 2

Latest from Memphis

We conversed yesterday with a gentleman who left Memphis only a week since.  He says that extensive preparations are being made to receive the Yankees.  The foundry at the Navy Yard is turning out cannon very rapidly, and has cast four 100-pounders which are mounted on the earthworks and Memphis.

Clothing is very scarce and high, and woolen goods have almost disappeared from the shelves of the dry goods stores.  Boots sell at $14@$25 a pair.  Coffee $1.50 per pound.  Salt is worth $20 a sack, and the army is obliged to do without it, eating their fresh beef unseasoned.

Of course the rebels are still of the opinion that they will secure their independence, though they confess that Memphis will be in danger if our forces ever ascend the Tennessee River, and cut off their supplies.  A great deal of sickness prevails in the rebel army, and the hospitals are crowded. – Evansville Journal 29th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 2

The War News

Ft. Pulaski thoroughly Invested.

The Committee on Lake Defences Ready to Report.

SOUTHERN SECESSIONISTS IN CANADA.

Flag-Officer Goldsboro Supposed to be at Work.

Prospect of a Battle in Missouri.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, July 22, 1862

We removed our tents and had a general cleanup of the camp. We made brush brooms, took down all tents, swept the ground, then pitched our tents again.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 58

The River Batteries: Fort Donelson National Battlefield

C. S. A.

THE RIVER BATERIES

CAPTAIN JOSEPH DIXON (KILLED)

CAPTAIN CACOB CULBERTSON

COMMANDER

The Lower Water Battery established at this point mounted eight 32-pounder guns and one 10-inch Columbiad.  Company A, 50th Tennessee, under Captain T. W. Beaumont, manned the four guns on the right, and Company A, 30th Tennessee, under Captain. B. G. Bidwell, manned the four guns on the left.  A detachment of Captain Reuben R. Ross’ Battery of Maury Artillery under Lieutenant H. S. Bedford operated the Columbiad, which was emplaced on the extreme left.

On February 13, 1862, this battery engaged in a duel with the U.S.S. Carondelet.  Near the close of the bombardment, which lasted nearly an hour, a projectile struck and disabled the third gun from the left and killed Captain Joseph Dixon, Commander of the river batteries.  It also disabled for a short time Captain J. B. Shuster, and killed and wounded two or three privates.