Civil War History - The South & Western TheatersCheck this forum for all South and Western Theater Questions. Included are the Western, Pacific, Trans-Mississippi, & Lower Seaboard and Gulf Approach Theaters.
20 years ago I came across a state historical plaque in what I believe is Grant County, Kentucky.
It is just off I-75 where an exit leads to a service station. I took a photograph of it but it was damaged and is unreadable.
It describes a reprisal that took place on the spot; I believe 13 Confederate POW's were executed by firing squad in retaliation for the murder by local partisans of a prominent Union sympathizer.
The POW's were transported from a prison in Atlanta so it had to be after Sherman's March. One of the executed POW's was the brother of the widow of the murdered Union man.
Do any here have detailed knowledge of this reprisal? I'm pretty sure it was Grant County but I could be mistaken - the county seat is just up the road from this site.
I think that kind of thing did happen in the South - North Carolina maybe? I have to look it up. Don't know much about the North's practices - but I think reprisals would have been possible.
Reword that to civilian criminal charges, and a trial by hanging (or firing squad) and you have a means of reprisal.
I think that kind of thing did happen in the South - North Carolina maybe? I have to look it up. Don't know much about the North's practices - but I think reprisals would have been possible.
Reword that to civilian criminal charges, and a trial by hanging (or firing squad) and you have a means of reprisal.
Texas2nd
That's what I'm trying to find out Texas.
I made a detour up to the county seat to see if there were any records of the event, but the courthouse was closed for the holiday.
Why the widow's brother was among those chosen to be executed when he was in federal custody a hundred miles away has always bothered me. He apparently didn't have anything to do with the murder.
This event smells like Malmedy to me. Was summary execution of POW's a regular Union practice, or was this some local commander's act?
This event smells like Malmedy to me. Was summary execution of POW's a regular Union practice, or was this some local commander's act?
Probably some of both. Have always despaired at the helplessness of the occupying army. Somebody shoots a friendly and what do you do? Take a half dozen unfriendlies and shoot them. Ignore the original death and do nothing?
When the Nazis occupied most of Europe, what did they do to partisans? This is not intended to offer an excuse for what appears now to be inexcusable. But it is an interesting exercise in "how would you handle it?" I don't have an answer. Does anyone?
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Partisans, also known as Francs-Tireurs (I think it means French Assassins) can be executed without trial.
Execution of POW's is and has always been homicide. Even under the Black Flag you could only refuse to accept surrender - with prior warning - killing prisoners after their surrender was accepted has always been a violation of the rules of war.
Rules? Of war? Sooner or later, it's gonna come down to shoot 'em all and let God sort them out.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
20 years ago I came across a state historical plaque in what I believe is Grant County, Kentucky.
It is just off I-75 where an exit leads to a service station. I took a photograph of it but it was damaged and is unreadable.
It describes a reprisal that took place on the spot; I believe 13 Confederate POW's were executed by firing squad in retaliation for the murder by local partisans of a prominent Union sympathizer.
The POW's were transported from a prison in Atlanta so it had to be after Sherman's March. One of the executed POW's was the brother of the widow of the murdered Union man.
Do any here have detailed knowledge of this reprisal? I'm pretty sure it was Grant County but I could be mistaken - the county seat is just up the road from this site.
If it's all vague to you, how can one to respond?
20 years ago? Sure you remember just what the heck you think you saw?
Can you clarify it in anyway? If there is a plaque there, ther must be some supporting documentation.
__________________ -
"It was a very peculiar time." - Franklin D. Cossitt
Ancestors in USA Army: 6th IA Inf, 11th IL Cav, 1st AL Cav; 122nd NY Inf; 6th MI Cav; 35th MA Inf; 100th IL Inf; 1st CO Inf/Cav; 22nd IN Inf
What there is, Sam, is a bronze plaque erected by the state of Kentucky. I've given its approximate location and there are probably those in that area who are aware of it.
Although I don't remember what I had for breakfast that day, yes, I do remember what I saw, Sam.
What I'm looking for is someone who knows more about it than just what I saw, Sam.
It's amazing what you can track down on the internet with a little effort.
Sincerely,
Unionblue
__________________ "The American people and the Government at Washington may refuse to recognize it for a time but the inexorable logic of events will force it upon them in the end; that the war now being waged in this land is a war for and against slavery." Frederick Douglass
"Loyalty to our ancestors does not include loyalty to their mistakes." George Santayana
" reprisal for the guerrilla murder of Union sympathizers, Joel Skirvin and Anderson Simpson. Those executed: Wm. P. and John L. Lingenfelter, brothers of Mrs. Simpson"
Well, 2 points:
1) 3 not 13
2) it would appear this was more of a personal/family matter, rather than a systematic or random execution of rebs by the Union soldiers. Might it be that the Lingerfelters murdered their brother-in-law Anderson Simpson, and a friend/relative of Simpson did the deed?
__________________ -
"It was a very peculiar time." - Franklin D. Cossitt
Ancestors in USA Army: 6th IA Inf, 11th IL Cav, 1st AL Cav; 122nd NY Inf; 6th MI Cav; 35th MA Inf; 100th IL Inf; 1st CO Inf/Cav; 22nd IN Inf
CivilWarTalk.com -
A free and friendly Civil War community. 
Grant County Reprisal? 
Linear Mode
