[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1855-1860: Seminar and Discussion Forum
Bleeding Kansas, Dred Scott, Lincoln-Douglas, Harper’s Ferry, the election of 1860, secession – all the events leading up to the Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: Sometime in the future.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed. To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous thread

[Homer_J_Simpson]

In the Bitter Cold – 1-2
Publishers’ Card – 2
What They Think of Us in Europe – 2
Embarrassments of the English in India – 2-3
Railroad Management – 3
Good News for John Bull – 3
Canadian Politics – 3
The Lounger – 3-5
Bohemian Walks and Talks – 5
Hon. Charles O’Conor – 6-7
The Great Massacre at Cawnpore – 7-9
A Visit to Manilla – 10-12

[colorado tanker]

The Indian Mutiny would result in major changes in British rule.

At this time, India was ruled by the East India Company, which had its own army and fleet. Later this year, the Company will be disbanded and direct rule by the Raj will be instituted.

The Cawnpore Massacre was a horrible business. The British had barracaded themselves and were under seige. The rebels offered safe passage, which was accepted as foodstocks were nearly gone. When the British reached the docks where boats awaited, someone started shooting. When it was over nearly all the men were dead. The women and children were imprisoned in a house. As British troops neared and the rebels realized they couldn't hold the town, the decision was made to kill the hostages. The reason is debated to this day. Some argue the rebels wanted no witnesses who could identify killers. Some argue they thought the British would not take the town if there was no one to rescue. In any event, the women were killed at close quarters by knives. Their bodies and body parts were thrown into a well. Needless to say, the British reprisals were harsh.

Many years down the road, beyond our tale, young Queen Victoria, already on the throne and not yet 40, will take for herself the title, Empress of India.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

[Continued from January 22 (reply #14). ]

January 25. General Scott yields to the prayers of the Administration and has made up his mind to go to California, there to organize a campaign against Utah. So his daughter, Mrs. Colonel Scott, reports to Murray Hoffman. The General is a grand old fellow, too old for the fatigue and exposure of such an expedition. It’s not likely he will ever return. We must get up a graven image of him on the other side of Union Square to balance Colonel Jem Lee’s copper Washington.

. Much delighted with a child’s book by Charlotte Yonge, Landmarks of History; not so grand as the Prescotts and Macaulays, but looking at things more nearly as they are.

The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Happy birthday, George.

The Diary of George Templeton Strong (editors’ preface), Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from November 30, 1857 (reply #53).

James Lee McDonough, William Tecumseh Sherman: In the Service of My Country, A Life