December
22, 2011 - Southport,
NC - A "National Treasure" is how most historians
describe Ed Bearss, because he is considered to be
more knowledgeable about the Civil War than any
other historian. By popular demand, Bearss will be
the special guest speaker once again at the
Brunswick Civil War Round Table's Wednesday,
January 11th meeting. To accommodate Mr. Bearss'
schedule, this special meeting date replaces the
regularly scheduled "first Tuesday of the month"
meeting. With an especially large turnout expected,
the meeting will be held at the Brunswick County
Senior Center, 1513 N. Howe St., Southport, adjacent
to the
Wingate by Wyndham Hotel.
As Round Table director and program chairman Max
Williams maintains, "Ed is amazingly knowledgeable
and has an incomparable style and voice long
remembered by those fortunate enough to hear him
speak." Currently in his eighties, he continues to
lead numerous Civil War site tours and
presentations. He is Director Emeritus of the
National Park Service's Historical Section; the
recipient of numerous awards in the field of history
and preservation; a prolific writer, editor and
author of numerous books and articles; and, has
provided television commentary on the A&E Network,
the History Channel, the TLC Channel, including the
Ken Burns PBS series "The Civil War."
His presentation is entitled, "President Lincoln and
General McClellan: A Troubled Partnership." Their
relationship was stormy throughout the Civil War.
After a disastrous Union defeat at the Battle of
Bull Run, Lincoln summoned McClellan to Washington,
and soon elevated him to commander of all Union
armies. Despite McClellan's ability to build an
effective fighting force, Lincoln soon became
frustrated by McClellan's reluctance to fight, his
refusal to share his plans and eventually was
considered an ineffective field commander.
Frustrated by McClellan's actions, Lincoln finally
dismissed him as army commander on November 5, 1862.
Everyone is invited to attend this special meeting,
whether you are a Civil War buff or simply want to
know more about this important period in our
country’s history. Registration for this special
meeting will begin at 6:30 on Wednesday, January
11th. The admission fee will be $10 for guests.
However, if an individual or couple wishes to become
a member, the $10 fee will be applied toward the $25
annual membership fee. Student guests will
automatically become members with their $10
admission fee.
For more information about this special Wednesday
meeting, contact president Wally Rueckel at (910)
253-7382, or email him at
wrueckel@questor.com.
