Category Archives: Civil War

Irishmen — Blue and Gray

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Mustang

Historians tell us that more than 150,000 Irishmen, most of whom were recent immigrants (and many of whom were not yet U.S. citizens), joined the Union Army during the Civil War.  Some of these young men joined out of loyalty to … Continue reading →

Posted in American Military, Civil War, Confederate States, History, New York | 2 Comments

The Ride of Paul Revere

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Mustang

Introduction We were taught as children about the midnight ride of Paul Revere.  It was a great story for young children — fourth or fifth grade, perhaps.  That dashing silversmith — who, booted and spurred and with a heavy stride, … Continue reading →

Posted in American Frontier, British Colonies, Civil War, Colonial America, History, Indenture & Slavery, Revolution, The Horsemen (and women) | 5 Comments

The Last Battle

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Mustang

Introduction For some unknown reason, most people think that Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Courthouse was the end of the American Civil War.  It wasn’t.  Lee’s surrender did take place on 9 April 1865, … Continue reading →

Posted in American Military, American Southwest, Civil War, History, Texas | 4 Comments

Memorial Day

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Mustang

Each year, the people of the United States set aside the last Monday in May to remember our fallen service members.  The observance is a recent addition to the federal calendar, however.  And how America’s various communities choose to observe … Continue reading →

Posted in American Military, Civil War, History, Memorial Day | 12 Comments

An Act: To Provide for the Protection of Texas

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Mustang

According to some modern sociologists, Texas culture is among the major influences of American society today.  Even despite waves of immigrants (an amalgamation of Tejano, Anglo, Irish, Cajun, and African cultures) and the many tragedies impacting life in the Lone … Continue reading →

Posted in American Frontier, American Indians, American Southwest, Civil War, History, Justice, Society, Texas, Texas Rangers | 2 Comments

A Black Speck

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Mustang

A black speck appears against the sky, and it is plain that it moves.  … Another instant and man and horse burst past our excited faces and go winging away like the belated fragment of a storm.  —Mark Twain (Roughing … Continue reading →

Posted in American Frontier, American Indians, California, Civil War, Colorado, Gunfights and such, History, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Pony Express | 1 Comment

Hell’s Fury

Posted on May 2, 2022 by Mustang

Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned. —William Congreve, The Mourning Bride (1697)[1] Between 1960-63, the ABC Television Network hosted an entertaining crime drama called The Naked City.  The star … Continue reading →

Posted in American Frontier, Civil War, Goldrush, Gunfights and such, History, Justice, Missouri, Society, The Ladies | 8 Comments

Virginia Rangers

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Mustang

General Orders No. 30 War Department, Adjutant, and Inspector General’s Office Richmond, April 28, 1862 The following acts having passed both houses of Congress were duly approved by the president and are now published for the information of the army … Continue reading →

Posted in American Military, Civil War, History, Partisan Rangers, Virginia | 11 Comments

Bondage & Deliverance

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Mustang

Introduction The term “brain drain” describes the large-scale migration of educated or highly skilled people from one country, economic sector, or field to another, usually for better opportunities or living conditions.  It may have begun during the Age of Exploration … Continue reading →

Posted in American Frontier, American Indians, American Southwest, Apache Indians, Cherokee Nation, Civil War, Comanche, History, Indenture & Slavery, Indian Territory, Justice, New Spain, Pioneers, Texas | 7 Comments

“I done took it up.”

Posted on January 17, 2022 by Mustang

A look at straight-shooting Texas Ranger Captain Bill McDonald ___________ Introduction In order for stories to become popular, whether based on fact or smothered in myth, they have to reflect the society that takes stock in them.  Texas society has … Continue reading →

Posted in American Frontier, American Southwest, Civil War, Corruption, Feuds & Rivalries, History, Justice, Politicians, Society, Texas, Texas Rangers, U.S. Marshals | 8 Comments