Presented by General U. S. Grant (Dr. Curt Fields), Historian
Dinner: 6 PM, Menu: Chicken Parmesan, Penne Pasta with Marinara Sauce, Bread Sticks, Garden Salad, Assorted Desserts., $20 per meal. RSVP by responding to this email or by calling or texting Jim Rosenthal at 817-307-9263
Program: 7 PM
Location: UNT Health Science Center, MET Building, 1000 Montgomery, Fort Worth 76109, Room 124
In May of 1864 the Army of the Potomac crossed the Rappahannock to engage the Army of Northern Viginia. Both Armies had been reinforced and refortified after the major battle at Gettysburg the July before. The Army of Northern Virginia was still commanded by General Robert E. Lee. The Union Army had a new head – General Ulysses S. Grant. General Gordon Meade was still in charge of the Army of the Potomac, but he reported to Grant. Grant was with the Army. There was no doubt who was in charge. Thus began the Grant-Lee continuous confrontation that would go on for the next year and result in the surrender at Appomattox.
The first battle of this campaign was “The Wilderness” – named after the twisted terrain of this part of Virginia. Both Armies were familiar with this area since they fought the Battle of Chancellorsville on this same ground one year before. Both battles were hard fought with many casualties and lots of decisions and maneuvering by the Generals. Even though Union forces were badly battered, Grant ended the battle by moving around Lee and South toward Richmond.
Dr. Curt Fields is one of our favorite speakers. He is an excellent historian. But he is an even better General Grant. Watching him speak is almost like being there for a first-person account of the battle. This would be a great meeting to bring a guest. All will enjoy it. See you there!