Bugle Briefs ...

Henry rifle, fathers of two WWII generals
fought at Battle of Perryville in 1862

In its promos to raise funds for saving land at Perryville Battlefield, the Civil War Trust listed 10 facts about the site, two of which are particularly interesting.

Fact one: The Henry repeating rifle probably was used in combat for the first time at Perryville. Archaeological evidence indicates at least one Henry Rifle was employed during the Battle of Perryville. The rifles were being sold in Louisville in September 1862 and it is assumed that one was purchased by an officer or soldier in Terrill’s or Starkweather’s Brigade and used in the battle.

Repeating rifles like the Henry and Spencer were the most advanced infantry weapons of their day and were the forerunners of more capable assault weapons that were carried by American soldiers in future wars.

The Henry was one of the first repeating rifles of the Civil War.

Fact two: Fathers of two prominent World War II generals fought at Perryville. Simon B. Buckner was the commander of one third of the Confederate Army at Perryville. His son, Simon B. Buckner Jr., a lieutenant general in charge of American land forces on the island of Okinawa, was killed by Japanese artillery on June 18, 1945. Bucker was the most senior American military officer killed by enemy fire in WW II.

Perryville also was the first battle for a young officer in the 24th Wisconsin. Arthur McArthur, who would later earn the Medal of Honor for his exploits at the Battle of Missionary Ridge, was the father of Gen. Douglas MacArthur who would go on to great fame in WW II and Korea. Arthur and Douglas are still the only father-son combination to have both won the Medal of Honor.

Madison roundtable scheduled at Hanger’s

The Madison County Civil War Roundtable has scheduled its May meeting at a new location due to the closing of Ryan’s Steak House, its previous meeting location.

The May meeting is scheduled for May 20 at Hanger’s Restaurant in Richmond at 7 p.m. For more information, call 624-0013.

Cell phone works wonders at Boonesboro tour

The Civil War Fort at Boonesboro is now in its seventh year with its innovative Cell Phone Walking Tour.

By dialing 859-592-9166, visitors can experience a personal tour as they climb to the fort’s summit. By placing a phone on “speaker,” entire parties can hear the information provided.

Visitors are advised that the Cell Phone Tour allows them to move along the trail at their own pace and they can start or stop the tour at any time. By dialing back, information is provided immediately to the last site number.

A sign at Site No. 6 provides the appropriate cell phone number.

Meeting locations available at Camp Nelson

Two Camp Nelson additions are available for social, educational and recreational functions.

The Hickman Creek Nature and Conference Center and the Aline Ludwig Meeting House are located at 2820 Sugar Creek Pike (KY1268). For more information, call 859-881-9126 or 859-492-3115.

Hunley replica to be displayed at Sacramento

A special attraction at the May 20-22 Battle of Sacramento Re-enactment will be the CSS H.L. Hunley.

The replica of the Confederate submarine will be on display throughout the weekend, that includes battle re-enactments Saturday and Sunday, a ladies tea and ball, storytelling and lantern tours.

The hand-cranked Hunley torpedoed the USS Housatonic in Charleston Harbor in February 1864 and became the first combat submarine to sink an enemy warship.

Grant’s first battle raised questions

Sometimes generals play to inexperience.

Union Gen. U.S. Grant did that in November 1861 when he led an attack on Belmont, Mo., located just across the river from the fort at Columbus. Grant apparently decided to attack that area as he said his troops were inexperienced and needed a fight.

Belmont is cited as an example of how much Grant needed to learn about generalship. He apparently acted on erroneous intelligence and there was believed no reason to hold Belmont.

What’s unique about Clark County’s E.G Baxter?

Know the name E.G. Baxter?

You could be aware of E.G. if you’re a true expert of Kentucky Civil War trivia.

Baxter was the youngest officer in the war having been made 2nd lieutenant at the age of 13. He was a member of the Confederate 7th Kentucky Cavalry.

A Clark County native, Baxter enlisted in Company A, 7th Kentucky in June 1862 when he was not quite 13. He was born Sept. 10, 1849. A year later he became a 2nd lieutenant, which was noted as a testament to his courage, leadership and respect from his fellow soldiers.