What i tried to do was to fit that response into the broader context of slave rebellions. Those that actually happened and those whoa were rumors. It didnt matter if it actually took place, if there was a ruer they dont need to hear cries of remember fort pillow. They know whats done on the morning of july 30th. They do it. In fact if you look at the numbers of black soldiers who were mass kacremassacred. It falls into line of the numbers that are usually killed in the aftermath of state rebellions in the states and beyond in the caribbean. So its a measured response on the part of confederates on july 30th. Its at least worth about. Great questions, thank you very much. Not to keep on the mahone band wagon but reviewing of the 9th corp archives, it was clear that a lot of stuff did not make it into the official records. It was a great camp by henry thom thomas, who they finally allowed them to bury the dead he got turned around and walked into the confederate lions by mistake and was
A year i felt good about being a black person. It was on april 9th. We. Wkvy celebrated emancipation. We talked about lincoln. We talked about freedom. Thats when i really felt good. The other times was an existence as if we were pushing a barrel up a hill. Thank you everyone. I really enjoyed that. Thank you for your questions and your time. [ applause ] once again, kevin, thank you very much for you spending time with us and i want to again, thank st. Pauls episcopal search for this venue. I think this was the perfect setting for this venue. I want to thank you for taking time out of your day and evening to be with us. We hope that you were fulfilled tonight. That you were stimulated somewhat tonight by kevins words. We encourage you to continue learning about petersberg, the american civil war, and where weve come over the last 150 years as a nation but again, thank you all very much for your time with us this evening. [ applause ] with live could havage of the house here on cspan 3
For years nobody believed it. The confederate soldiers themselves claimed to see the dome of the capital. Thats hock um. Theres nowhere to see the dome of the capital. You can see its below where visual would have gotten it out in Silver Spring. Probably saw the lights of georgetown. But mccauslin had gotten up there. Theres claims to ride up in broad daylight. No substantiating that. Old soldiers have vivid memories. One little comment, not a question. I was a surveyor in washington, d. C. For 42 years. In our office we had 1880 i think u. S. Gs topographic maps. First put out by the city and government and fortifications still on there. Cool set of maps. If you havent seen them, library of congress i think has them. Thanks. With that id like to again thank the National Archives for hosting this really wonderful event. Our speakers, please join me one last time in a round of applause for them. Union forces tried to create a gap in the forces but the attack failed. Here is a preview. O
Our invocation will be given by dr. George w. C. Lions. He was pastor here in petersburg. Pray with me in your own tradition as i pray loud in mine. Gracious god, after 150 years of reflection and remembrance, we invoke your name so that you would prod our hearts to remember the lives lost in battle so that we might seek peace in our time. We acknowledge your reconciling presence always at work. Even through battles. Which has brought women and men together from all walks of life from every station and culture. 150 years later in harmony as community. Out of this place of sorrow, make this day a celebration. A celebration of the community of humanity. Our plea remains and all feelings of sexual strife be entirely forgotten and blotted out. In the name of the one who is our ever lasting fortress and peace, amen. Were very fortunate this morning. Weve worked very hard not only is National Park service unit but weve also worked with the u. S. Postal service this morning to make this event
Said, quote, the whites retreated into the niggers. Others were called having to, quote, fix bayonets to stop them. This was a desperate moment for the men in the 4th division, but for the other three divisions, there was now an added element of an enraged enemy that was likely to treat them as accomplices in citing foreign slaves in selection. George kilmer noted, quote, it has been properly asserted that white men fell back into the greater in order to keep whites from confederate vengeance. The 36th massachusetts, quote, mix them up so they, the confederates, didnt show white men any mercy at all. A few days into the battle, charles j. Mills of the 56th massachusetts, spoke for many when he confided to his mother, quote, they cannot be trusted for anything and are, in short, a hideous mistake, i fear. He, of course, was referring to the black division. The three white divisions had spent the morning holding precariously to earthworks in and around the crater. But now their black com