IN GRANT'S BACK YARD. This weekend, the Civil War reenactors were at work just south of Stockton, Illinois. The skirmish to be reenacted is set in Georgia in the fall of 1864. The terrain of the North West Frontier is suitably rugged. (I will have additional illustrations in some forthcoming book reviews.)


I invite my overseas readers to discover what the total population of these States were in 1860, and contemplate what Americans are capable of doing to their neighbors if they get angry enough at each other.


In Jo Daviess, "county mountie" is not trucker slang for the sheriff's speed trap. This horse is being acclimated to unexpected noises, the better to help direct traffic at fireworks displays. I suspect the horse, who is the rider's property, not the county's, is going to associate "kids feed me grass" with loud noises. General Sherman is pacing the battle line.


This reenactment features General Thomas doing the narration, using a technology not yet developed in 1864.


Union troops will have to make do with the technology of the time.


A turkey vulture with a bright red head surveys the battlefield.


The rebels are holding a bridge that the Army of the Cumberland wants to take in order to continue the encirclement of Atlanta. Although there is word of the Yankee advance, these Virginians take best advantage of the lull.


The bridge has lanterns so as to ensure safe passage at night. Morseville to the left, Pleasant Valley to the right.


The mountain howitzer is the 1864 version of the rocket-propelled grenade launcher. It breaks down to be transported by three mules, it can be pulled and pushed by a squad, and Yankee cannon that have a different trajectory are hard-pressed to provide counterfire.


The Rebel preparations are necessary, as these Union cannon are positioned to support an attack on the bridge.


General Thomas wants the bridge taken intact, thus this cannon is pre-sighted against a likely defensive position to the left of the bridge.


Cavalry prepare to skirmish to the right of the bridge, as a Confederate foot patrol moves up.


The mountain howitzer fires in support.


Illinois artillerymen have a cheat sheet to get the range and the charge right.


During the Civil War, "shock and awe" meant the infantry commander would ask the battery to fire more rapidly.


The skirmish was inconclusive, with the Rebels retaining the bridge but unable to dislodge the Army of the Cumberland. General Thomas is wiring his regimental commanders to request situation reports.


He also received an order to make another attempt on the bridge on the next day.