The Dictator

The dictator mortar is considered to be one of the largest mortars used in the American Civil War. It's weight was reportedly over 17,000 lbs, and it was estimated to hurl 13 inch projectiles weighing 220 lb around 4,325 to 4,752 yards, or over 2.5 miles! It was cast in 1862, at Fort Pitt, Pittsburgh, but wasn't used until 1864 at the siege of Petersburg. Once there, the dictator became part of "The Petersburg Express", as they built specially designed railroad carts to move the mortars along existing and new additions to the Petersburg railroad. These carts were heavily reinforced so that the mortars could actually be fired from the carts.

Interestingly, even though mortars were extremely effective, and had already been around for hundreds of years, although they hadn't always been common, many on both sides of the conflict felt they were dishonorable weapons, which showed no respect or careful discernment upon whom it was unleashed. In the book, "The Last Citadel: Petersburg, Virginia, June 1864-April 1865", Trudeau discusses how:

"Soldiers on both sides hated the mortars. 'These mortar shells were the most disgusting, low-lived things imaginable,' declared W. W. Blackford, a Confederate engineer. 'There was not a particle of the sense of honor about them; they would go rolling about and prying into the most private places in a sneaking sort of way.' 'Mortar shells fly into the works occasionally,' a Maine soldier confirmed, 'at which times we get out in double-quick time."

While the sentiment of these men is admirable, it is undeniable that mortars have been important implements in war and will most likely continue to be in coming years.

Oh the Iron(side)y! Part II

Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

Now Cromwell was still somewhat unknown to the world, but that would change rather quickly. Because of his position in Parliament, he was given command of a cavalry troop. These well trained and organized troops soon became known throughout as the "Ironsides," the unbeatable cavalry under Cromwell. After the Battle of Marston Moor, Cromwell expanded his command into an army, using his cavalry troops as its foundation. Cromwell began running his army in a revolutionary manner. Officers were promoted based upon merit instead of social position; men were trained thoroughly and equipped well; and all troops were chosen mainly upon their religious convictions and their protestant fervor. This New Model Army, as it was soon called, quickly showed its effectiveness as Cromwell beat back the king's forces, winning significant victories at Edgehill and Naseby. Things appeared to be calming down after the Parliamentarians captured the king and won the First English Civil War. But, Charles I soon escaped and recruited the Scottish army with a promise for church reform leaning towards the Scottish Presbyterian Church. This war did not last long, and the king was soon recaptured in two years' time. This led to the trial of King Charles I for treason, something that had never been done before. Prior to Charles' attempt at defeating the Parliamentarians with the Scots, most of the Parliamentary forces agreed that they were only going to decrease the power of the crown. But, many Parliamentarians felt that the king's pact was an act of treason, and so a Rump Parliament called for his trial. 59 commissioners, or judges, summarily tried and executed the king on the 30th of January 1649, for high treason as a "tyrant, traitor, murderer and public enemy." Parliament then ruled England, at the time one of the few European countries without a monarch, in the form of a Republic, modeled upon Calvin and Knoxs' Presbyterian Church government. However, due to infighting among the various factions of the Parliament, Cromwell felt he must intervene, with the power of the army behind him, and declared himself Lord Protector in 1653. It is interesting to note that as Lord Protector, Cromwell had more power than he would as king, since the power of the monarch had been curtailed throughout the years, while the new position of Lord Protector had no such limitations. Never before nor since has a regular man become so powerful in England. Cromwell led the country for the next five years of his life, until he died in 1658 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Now we reach our moment of irony. Cromwell was, above all, a devout Puritan. As such, he abolished all activities that were thought of as sins, causes of sin, or distraction from important things, such as worship and work. This meant that such things as theater, inns, sports, swearing, and inappropriate clothing were all made illegal, under penalty of fines or even imprisonment. Hopefully, you see now why a casino in Las Vegas named after the most powerful English commoner in history seems rather funny.

Gettysburg Address

Lincoln Watching Over the Capital at the

Lincoln Memorial

Today marks the 151st anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. One of the best known, and arguably greatest, speeches in U.S. history, it was delivered 4 1/2 months after the Battle of Gettysburg at the dedication of the Soldier's National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Within three minutes' time President Abraham Lincoln eloquently reaffirmed the principles of freedom and human equality as established by the founders of America. Lincoln stated that the words spoken that day would not long be remembered, but the actions of the American men who died in defense of our liberty would be. I sincerely hope and believe that both of these historic events will be remembered for generations to come, as a symbol of how whatever may come, the American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will live on. President Lincoln summed up his historic oration, with instructions to those living, "that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Today, Lincoln's address is engraved in his memorial in the U.S. capital in Washington D.C., a fitting seat for one of America's greatest leaders.