Historical Digression: Exploring Early American History, Conflict, Folklore and Memory
Welcome to Historical Digression, where I delve into stories of Early America and examine how they are told, retold and remembered. I am a historian of the Civil War Era, and so this blog covers many stories from that period. I also delve into the history of early New England, including folklore and legends from that region.
I like to think that here you’ll find a blend of historical analysis and thoughtful storytelling. Most of these posts focus on conflict of some kind, whether its the Civil War, the Revolution, or the struggles of the 19th Century Social Reform Movement and Abolitionism. I often digress into how these histories are memorialized and remembered today. This year, as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, I’ll be emphasizing the stories of the people, places, and events that ignited the fight for independence, particularly in New England.
I hope you enjoy these digressions and I invite you to comment and share your thoughts.
A bit about me: I’m the Executive Director of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society and a historian specializing in the Civil War era and early New England. I was a Lecturer at Boston University and, before that, spent nearly two decades leading historical organizations, including the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum. I hold a PhD in History from Boston University and have written two books on local history, as well as articles in regional academic journals. I also lecture regularly on topics in early American history for historical societies, libraries, and civic groups throughout New England.
Historical Digression 
January 11th, 2011 at 10:04 am
Interesting… what’s your reenactment unit?
January 11th, 2011 at 10:19 am
Thanks. I’m with the 22nd Massachusetts, Co. D.
January 11th, 2011 at 10:28 am
Thanks. Wanted to know as I can’t seem to find a reactivated 34th Mass. I have a particular interest in that unit because it served along with my relatives in Cole’s Maryland Cav., and mostly, it served here, in the Shenandoah Valley.
April 12th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
hello, I just wished to let you know that I linked to your blog. Im 1 week into my new personal blog and I just finnished writing a topic on Howard Pyle. As it just so happens history is also on of my favorite things, thats why I chose your topic to link to. Its nice to meet you. Havent had a chance to explore your blog yet, but Ill be back. 🙂
April 13th, 2011 at 8:38 am
Thanks very much for reading! Glad you’ve enjoyed it so far. Keep up with the blogging.
June 6th, 2011 at 11:13 am
I had a distant cousin in the 11th Mass. – Brevet Brig. General Thomas Harrison Dunham, who I have been researching, so your website and blog are of particular interest to me.
October 15th, 2011 at 10:30 am
Very well researched and presented. I am scanning for information on which to center a ceremony in Berlin, MA where 140 young men enlisted. I located and have possession of a German made 69 caliber musket that was removed from Memorial Hall 9Zbuilt in honor of Berlin’s CW vets and want to use the act of presenting it back to the town as a lever to bring attention to not only Berlin’s generous and brave contributions to the Union cause, but to all veterans.
October 16th, 2011 at 5:57 am
Thanks. Glad to hear about your efforts to commemorate soldiers from Berlin. Hope it works out with returning the musket to Town Hall. Post back if there are new developments, I’d be interested to hear about them.
Best,
Patrick
February 18th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
You would enjoy reading “The Battle of the Crater” by by Gingrich and
Forstchen. Although a novel, it tells the story of the battle essentailly
starting at the Battle of Cold Harbor. The character of
Gen. Bartlett appears during the battle and he is described in quite a
bit of detail. Based on the book and what you have written about
him, he definitely was a heroic and admirable person. Never having
heard of him before, my interest was piqued and I did follow up reseach
coming upon your website. Thanks. It was very informative.
February 19th, 2012 at 9:43 am
Thanks. I. Interesting that Bartlett is represented. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Patrick
February 19th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Thanks Patrick – I am researching a relative who may have been with the 9th, MA. Volunteers, Thomas Sheridan, from Salem, MA. I will be headed to the Salem, MA. Library this coming week to conduct further research. Do you know of any online listing of the names of those who served in the 9th?
Many thanks,
Steve Brown
steveb539@aol.com
February 21st, 2012 at 10:54 am
Steve,
There is an online database at civilwardata.com which requires a subscription, but is worth it if you are trying to look up rosters or any enlistment records. That has a “regimental lookup” which will provide a roster which data on each soldier. Also, the History of the Ninth Regiment is partially on Google books http://books.google.com/books?id=PnQtxIBdjR0C . The full book is not online, so the roster is incomplete. But it might still be helpful.
Best,
Patrick
March 12th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
Mr. Brown,
I’m working on a piece about the “Amherst Cannon” and would like to speak with you. Apropos of nothing, I’m a descendent of a soldier in the Mass. 49th.
Bill Sweet
March 12th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Hi Bill,
I’d be happy to discuss the cannon. Will contact you be e-mail.
Patrick
August 19th, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Patrick:
Enjoy your blog very much, especially the posts on Newton Manross. That man had a fascinating life. take care… john banks
August 20th, 2012 at 8:18 am
Thanks for reading, John. Glad you enjoyed the piece on Manross. I’ve been pleased to find some descendants of his visiting this site, which is nice.
September 23rd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
I like what you are doing here…(adding to blogroll…)
January 26th, 2013 at 11:17 am
I’m a great grand niece of Pvt John Tracy, Co B, 21st Mass. Your blog is a pleasure to read. The Amherst Cannon, on display here in Raleigh in the NC Museum of History, is a reminder of the 21st’s role in the occupation of coastal NC by the Union. Although militarily successful, the occupation was so physically debilitating that many of the 21st suffered from recurring malaria and diarrhrea thereafter. My grand uncle died in January, 1865 from illness after surviving many battles.
January 26th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Ann, thanks very much for reading. Fascinating to “meet” someone with family connections to the 21st Mass. They did indeed have a tough time in camp at Newbern. Must have been a terrible experience.