Monthly Archives: January 2013

“A miserably weak line……….” R. E. Lee

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Russ

On May 9, 1864 Gen. Robert E. Lee rode along his line and commented “This is a miserably weak line, I don’t see how it can be held.” Many times this statement has been used to show that Lee disagreed … Continue reading →

Posted in American Civil War, Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Earthworks and trenchs, field fortifications, Johnson's Division, McHenry Howard, Mule Shoe, Steuart's Brigade | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Assault on Dole’s Salient

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Russ

Today I went out to Spotsylvania and did a one man assault on the earthworks at Dole’s Salient. Forgive the fact that there is no audio other than the wind. Also the fact that I was using a hand held … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Doles Salient, field fortifications, Mule Shoe, Uncategorized, Upton's Charge | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Google Earth of Dole’s Salient

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Russ

After Upton was repulsed on the evening of May 10, Lee ordered Gen. Ewell to have a ditch dug in front of that section of line. That ditch, 417 feet in length, and a parapet in front of the left … Continue reading →

Posted in Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Doles Salient, Earthworks and trenchs, field fortifications, Upton's Charge | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Not leaves but broomstraw – part one.

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Russ

These are a series of photos taken today to depict some of the defects in the “Mule Shoe” line. As a non professional photographer it is difficult to depict the subtilties of the ground. But I will try. Today though … Continue reading →

Posted in American Civil War, Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Battle of the Muleshoe, Doles Salient, Earthworks and trenchs, field fortifications, Mule Shoe, Uncategorized, Upton's Charge | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

A Whiff of the Smoking Gun.

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Russ

First my apologies for taking so long to get the next post out. But work and the holidays seem to have taken more of my free time than expected. However, the next post on how the “Mule Shoe” came about … Continue reading →

Posted in American Civil War, Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Bloody Angle, Hancock's assault on the Muleshoe, Johnson's Division, Mule Shoe, West Angle | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment