This Month's Headlines:

Editor's Letter

Many find Gettysburg a favorite place during the month of June, where summer is almost here. To commemorate this month, we are eager to bring you another issue of historical articles, delicious recipes, and our updated Calendar of Events. All begin on page 11. We offer several articles of historical interest. Remembering Martha Washington begins on page 21, in honor of her 295th birthday. Learn how Gettysburg was The Inevitable Battle, beginning on page 31. The life of a unique Gettysburg veteran is chronicled in "A Man of Splendid Ability": Alfred T.A. Torbert, beginning on page 39. Read More >

Remembering Martha Washington

As the semi-quincentennial anniversary of the birth of America approaches, there are some influential characters of the early times who remain mostly in shadow. Very little is known, or remembered, of some of these influencers of history. While the Founding Fathers are still mentioned in some detail, little is chronicled of the women who played a significant role for the erstwhile American colonies that forged a nation.

             

One of these is Martha Dandridge Custis Washington.

             

As the wife of General George Washington, she braved places with him and for him, from Valley Forge to New York and Philadelphia – and at their home in Mount Vernon. She was America’s initial First Lady, who set the pattern for those who followed. Yet, almost nothing is remembered about her, largely because she was an intensely private person, and a homebody as far as it was in her power to remain there. Read More >

The Inevitable Battle

The Battle of Gettysburg has long been established as the most pivotal fight of the Civil War. Many events transpired that led to this terrible conflict. From the moment that Major Robert Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, there was an inexorable path that led to the village of Gettysburg. It was, then, the inevitable battle. Read More >

"A Man of Splendid Ability": Alfred T.A. Torbert

When Civil War erupted in the spring of 1861, most made their choices as to whether they would fight either for the Union or the Confederacy. Those in the border states, which included Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri and Delaware, however, had close ties with both sides. One Union soldier, who hailed from one of the border states, earned the distinction of being listed on both rolls as an officer in their divided armies. However, he only ever fought for the Union. He was Alfred T. A. Torbert.

             

Alfred Thomas Archimedes Torbert was born on July 1, 1833 in Georgetown, Delaware, the county seat of Sussex County. His parents were Jonathan Torbert, a devoted Methodist minister, and his wife, the former Catherine Milby. From an early age, the younger Torbert showed great interest and aptitude for his studies – decisively earning his cognomen, Archimedes. Additionally interested in all things martial, he secured an appointment to West Point Military Academy in 1851. He graduated in the middle of his class in 1855 and immediately was dispatched to frontier duty. Torbert was tall with gray eyes and dark hair, “a man of splendid physique and fine appearance and was…very popular.” One of his closest friends was fellow West Point classmate Alexander Webb. Their friendship lasted all their lives.¹ Read More >

Editor's Corner: The Cons Have It

In our modern vernacular, the word “con” usually means “against”. It is the shortened form of the Latin prefix “contra”. Many of our words, such as contrary, controversial, contrast, and contraband follow this prefix.

However, many English/American words beginning with the prefix con actually refer to the opposite. Some of these words stem from the Latin prefix cum, which is defined as “with” or “altogether”. Words such as constitution, confluence, congratulate, and confederation are derived from this latter prefix. Read More >

Recipes