My Talk to the Bull Run CW Rountable

           On October 10, I had the opportunity to give a talk to the Bull Run Civil War Roundtable at the Centreville Public Library in Centreville, Virginia. The audience was one of the best to which I have ever spoken. They were very knowledgeable about the war, participated in the talk and asked pertinent questions at the end.
   The meeting prior to my talk was most impressive. This group of Civil War enthusiasts has plans for many Civil War field trips, partners with local Civil War sites and preservationist groups, and is highly active in promoting Civil War education. It was a privilege to speak to them
    This Bull Run Roundtable chose my talk entitled, "The U.S.Marines at John Brown's Raid and During the Civil War." The audience of about 75 guests included many veterans and several marines. The talk included the very prominent role of the marines in John Brown's capture. Events in which the marines played a prominent role during the Civil War included First Bull Run, the Battle of Cape Hatteras Inlet, the capture of New Orleans, the assault on Fort Sumter (1863) and the capture of Fort Fisher.

    I would encourage anyone in the northern Virginia area who is interested in the Civil War to check out the Bull Run Civil War Roundtable website and to consider attending a future talk. Outgoing President Mark Trbovich and group were gracious hosts to both myself and my wife.
    Oh, and the roundtable let me set up a table afterwards to peddle my book, "Such Hard and Severe Service: The 85th Pennsylvania in the Civil War" published by Monongahela Books.