Oct.-Dec. 2009
Vol. 3, No. 3
Richmond, Ky.
Book reviews
Civil War issues plagued
Big Sandy Valley residents

By Dr. Paul D. Rominger
Bugle Staff Writer

Preston, John David. “The Civil War in the Big Sandy Valley of Kentucky,” Second Edition. Baltimore: Gateway Press. 2008. 252 pages of text, several valuable appendices, index and bibliography. $35.

Many Kentuckians were sympathetic to the South in the Civil War. The state had been settled mostly by people who came from Virginia and North Carolina. Many held slaves. Operating against these ties was the fact that many Kentuckians were traditionally loyal to the Union. Patriotism was strong in Kentucky and many in the state were opposed to abandoning the old flag. Initial reaction in Kentucky was to attempt to avoid becoming involved, and the Commonwealth declared neutrality. This postponed Kentucky's entrance into the war.

The issues of disunion and neutrality plagued the residents of the Big Sandy Valley counties of Pike, Floyd, Johnson and Lawrence. The majority of people in those counties had been loyal to the Democratic Party before the war. Some Democrats for whom the people had voted were secessionists, but there was also that strong sense of patriotism. The conduct of the people of these counties during the war and the political realignment after the war make this study of their Civil War allegiances worthwhile. Herein lies a main question to be investigated in this book: An examination of the nature and strength of sympathy toward the Confederate or Union cause of the part of the people of the Big Sandy.

The war in the Big Sandy changed from isolated incidents to larger encounters in November 1861 in the Battle of Ivy Mountain. Navy Lieutenant William O. Nelson had been sent to Maysville in mid-September to clear Eastern Kentucky of Confederates who were reported to be in Hazel Green. Losses on both sides were small, but Union forces prevailed and the Confederates retreated. Nelson left Kentucky, leaving the eastern part of the commonwealth to Confederate Gen. Humphrey Marshall, a giant of a man and a graduate of U.S. Military Academy, and to Union Col. James Abram Garfield, a scholarly member of the Disciples of Christ, and later U.S. President.

Garfield secured Paintsville in January 1862. His  2,000 men were on the move at Middle Creek by three o’clock in the morning of Jan. 10. Marshall estimated his force to be 1,500. Losses on both sides were again limited given the size of the armies, but Garfield's forces over-ran Confederate sites resulting in a Union victory.

The story is bigger and more interesting than this short review indicates. John Preston is a highly informed writer and this book showcases his skill as a story-teller. Preston can be contacted at johnmarypres@bellsouth.net.


Freeman captures spirit of 'Forrest's First'

By Ed Ford
Bugle Editor

“The Battle of Sacramento,” photos by Allen Freeman. Blurb Creative Publishing, 40 pages, softcover $24.95, hardcover-dust jacket $39.95.

Not surprisingly, a good graphic artist is also a good photographer. That’s an initial reason that Allen Freeman’s “Battle of Sacramento” photo book is so good.

And, as a plus, Freeman designed the 40-page 8 1/2 x 10 book as a coffee-table product, which is impressive not only for the author, but for the Civil War Battle of Sacramento.

Freeman took his photos on the final day of the 2009 Sacramento re-enactment weekend and genuinely catches the spirit of the largest cavalry battle to take place in the Commonwealth. The battle is know as “Forrest’s First” – the first time that then Confederate Col. Nathan Bedford Forrest initiated his famed cavalry charge that would earn him the reputation as the south’s most brilliant commander.

The Owensboro author took more than 400 photos and edited down to 64 images that range from vibrant re-enactment action shots to thoughtful and provoking closeups of the participants. Every photo should tell a story, and Freeman’s page 23 image of Major Ron Orange, a Federal cavalry re-enactor, particularly does that. The image is the epitome of the grit, determination and bone-weary effort that was required of soldiers on both sides. The photo tells the viewer immediately there’s nothing easy about war.

Allen, who has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Western Kentucky University with a minor in mass communications, has an extensive background in the visual arts. Skilled as a videographer, still photographer and graphic artist, he has been employed as a major advertising associate, has operated his own graphic arts studio and has developed computer action video and web designs. He now concentrates on freelance art and design and edits and publishes comics through his own company, Fan-Attic Press.

And he always has his camera with him.

Freeman can be contacted at 270-993-5202, fanaticpress@yahoo.com, or at www.allenfreeman.net.


This author really knows her subject

“On the Wings of Eagles,” by Angela Elliott, Eagle Eye Photography, 68 pages, soft cover, $19.95.

Among the many “how-to” guidelines to successful photography is a basic that applies primarily to action or sports photography – Know your subject.

Anytime you see a great shot of football, basketball or any similar fast-moving sport, it’s not likely the image resulted from just luck. Great action photos occur because the photographer so thoroughly knows the subject that he or she can anticipate what will happen. In short, the photographer is prepared to record that split-second moment that will dazzle the viewer.

And so it is with Angela Elliott. In her new photo book, “On the Wings of Eagles,” the Big Rock, Tenn., resident publishes her second collection of full-color photos of the Bald Eagle, America’s national symbol. Through the book, readers and viewers receive a quick course in the history, lifestyle, habits and activities of these magnificent birds and close-up photos that range from nesting, mating habits, fishing expeditions and flying majesty.

Angela, who has been photographing bald eagles for more than five years, is known in northwestern Tennessee and at Fort Donelson National Battlefield as “The Eagle Lady.” Many of her dramatic photos are taken at Donelson and other Civil War sites and visitors are quick to learn they should have their cameras ready when Angela announces that a bird “is ready to fly.”

In her new book, Elliott has some fascinating factoids about bald eagles. For example, the birds constantly clean and re-position their feathers to adjust to hot or cold climates. They also have more than 7, 000 feathers, mate for life, can see 10 times better than human beings and often nest within 100 miles of their parents.

“On the Wings of Eagles” is thoroughly enjoyable. You’ll know more about and fully appreciate America’s national bird within a few short minutes. And, the book makes a great Christmas Gift.

To get a copy of “On the Wings of Eagles,” check the website eagleeyeeventphoto.com or contact the author at 931-232-0112, e-mail at angelaelliott5@mchsi.com or by regular mail at Eagle-Eye Photography, P.O. Box 131, Big Rock, TN 37023.

- Ed Ford
Articles and photos appearing on www.thekentuckycivilwarbugle.com may be used with permission. For permission, contact Bugle editor Ed Ford at fordpr@mis.net.

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