Major-General Patrick Cleburne - CSA

CSA: Patrick Cleburne – the Irish Private that Rose to Major-General – and Called for the Freeing of the Slaves in the South! (17.7.2025)

As a “British” citizen, Patrick Cleburne joined the 41st Infantry Regiment of Foot of the British Army (serving between 1846-1849) rising to the rank of “Corporal” (and NCO signified by two-chevron stripes worn on the upper-shoulder – pointing-down). He served in the Garrison of Spike Island, situated in Cork Harbour. Here, the British Authorities brutally “processed” ethnic Irish prisoners – and Cleburne got to learn first-hand what anti-Irish racism was really like. Due to this experience, he eventually emigrated with his family to the United States, and was accepted with open arms by the people of Arkansas. He was not interested in preserving slavery and certainly did not own any slaves himself. As he appreciated the kindness of the Southern people – he decided to enlist as a “Private” soldier in the “Yell Rifles” – a local Militia in Arkansas. As these local grass-roots Confederate Units were entirely democratic in nature, all NCOs and Officers were elected by popular vote. This is how Cleburne was elected to the rank of “Captain”. Quite extraordinarily, when the Local Militias and Guards Unit were reformed with many being integrated into Infantry Regiments proper that constituted the Confederate States Army – Patrick Cleburne rose through the ranks to Major-General (CSA).

Bayonet Used As Spear!

CSA: Battle of the Crater – Native Americans Vs Black Americans! (29.6.2025)

A huge crater (and hole) was blown in the Confederate trenchworks surrounding Petersburg. Meanwhile, thousands of blue-clad Union soldiers had crept-up to the Confederate lines and were lying-down in strict military formation waiting for the explosion – and the signal to attack. The idea was to run into the gap and spread-out on both sides – killing and maiming the Confederate defenders until the area was taken. It is said that a number of high-ranking Union Field Officers were killed as the attack unfolded and that the Union-attack had to be led by the lower-level Field Officers who had no one directing the attack. Instead of running around the lip of the crater on both-sides – the Union men were led directly into the centre of the crater – and hit the steep and unclaimable wall at the other end. The Union soldiers became trapped and there was a sickening crush of bodies. Already the muddy water started to run red with blood!