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October 6, 2017 By Bob Henderson 3 Comments

The “Russian” Thunderbolts

Husband and Wife American Civil War military team: 

Col. John Turchin

John (Ivan Turchaninov) Turchin was the only “Russian” American general officer in the United States Civil War (he was actually Ukrainian). Trained at the Imperial Military School in St. Petersburg, he later became chief of staff among the Russian Guards and fought in the Crimean War and Hungary. He married the daughter of his commanding officer, Nadezhda Lovov, and immigrated to the United States. They changed their names to John and Nadine Turchin.

Turchin had met George McClellan during his service in the Crimean War. In 1861, the former Russian Imperial Army veteran was appointed as a colonel among the ranks of the Union army with the 19th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry of Chicago. They joined the war with the Army of the Ohio under Don Carlo Buell in June 1861.

‘A Monotony Full of Sadness’: The Diary of Nadine Turchin, May, 1863-April, 1864

Contrary to military regulations, Col. Turchin was accompanied by his wife Nadine in the military theater.

Nadine Turchin

“During her husband’s brief illness in 1862, she took his place as regimental commander but likely did not assume full command. Stories of her military savvy and heroism were reported by soldiers from Illinois and in later newspaper articles about her.” – wikipedia

In early 1862, his orders were to hold Nashville. Turchin convinced his commanding officer to head south. About the time of the Battle of Shiloh, they hit Huntsville, Alabama severing the rail communications of the Confederacy from east to west. The victory was short lived. During this time, the regiment under Turchin, was accused of pillaging Athens, Alabama.

In June 1862, he was Courts Marshaled “of conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline.” One of the other charges included the presence of his wife with him in the field. This was the only point he plead guilty to. Col. Turchin was found guilty of all charges, but pardoned by Abraham Lincoln (after his wife interceded with the president). Nadine was designated a nurse, to comply with requirements to continue on with the 19th Illinois in combat operations.

Her personal diary starts in the summer of 1863. The previous diary has never been disclosed. This period is when much of the scandal occurs. Rumors of Turchin’s heavy-handed policies in Middle Tennessee, persist to this day. It was in April of 1863 the Union high-command issued General Order #38. This order authorized suppression of civilian decent with extreme force.

During the assault on Missionary Ridge, General Turchin’s brigade was one of the first to reach the summit. He also fought with distinction in the Atlanta Champaign.

The Turchin Reservation at Missionary Ridge in 3D like imagery:

133 N Crest Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37404

More on Turchin

 

Filed Under: Books, Chattanooga, Tennessee

August 30, 2017 By Bob Henderson Leave a Comment

Born to Battle

Back-water Generals: Forrest and Grant 

 

The focus of this insightful book is not about the battlefield accomplishments of these well know generals, it’s about two elite military commanders that came form nowhere, and how they rose to prominence. This 2012 book signing event at Landmark Booksellers, was author Jack Hurst’s commentary of what may have molded these two opposing American Civil War generals. Grant and Forrest had much in common: humble beginnings and many early challenges in life.

“If opportunity knocks, you better have your hand on the door knob”

#grant #forrest #civilwar

Filed Under: Books, Forrest Cavalry, Grant

July 8, 2016 By Bob Henderson Leave a Comment

New 11th Tennessee Book

“Forward my Brave Boys!” 

Gary Waddey Booksigning this Saturday. 

Meet the author Gary Waddey Saturday July 8th at the 2016 Tennessee Antiquarian Book Fair. It will be held July 8-10 at Cravens Hall on the campus of the University of the South in Sewanee. 

Address: 435 Kentucky Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375

$35.00 at Landmark Booksellers in Franklin.

 

brave-boysboys

Directions: 

From Chattanooga on I-24 West: 

Take EXIT 134 toward Sewanee/Univ of the South.  Turn left onto US-41 ALT N / TN-15 W. Continue about 6 miles on US-41 ALT N / TN-15 W until you see the engraved sandstone sign announcing the university.  At the sign turn right onto University Ave and proceed approximately one mile. Turn right on Texas Ave. and the Fowler Center will be on your left. 

Sewanee is about 60 miles from Chattanooga, and typical travel time is one hour.  

From Nashville on I-24 East: 

Take EXIT 134 toward Sewanee/Univ of the South.  Turn left onto US-41 ALT N / TN-15 W. Continue about 6 miles on US-41 ALT N / TN-15 W until you see the engraved sandstone sign announcing the university.  At the sign turn right onto University Ave and proceed approximately one mile. Turn right on Texas Ave. and the Fowler Center will be on your left.  

 

Sewanee is about 95 miles from Nashville, and typical travel time is 1.5 hours. 

#11thtn

Filed Under: Books, The American Civil War

July 6, 2016 By Bob Henderson Leave a Comment

McDonough’s Last Book?

James Lee McDonough at Sewanee: 

“In the Service of My Country: A Life”

This might be the last book of his long literary career.

James Lee McDonough will be at the Antiquarian Book Fair: at Craven’s Hall, University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee this weekend. Address: 435 Kentucky Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375

$39.95 at Landmark Booksellers in Franklin.

 

sherman

 

 

#sherman

Filed Under: Books, Sherman, The American Civil War

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