The Black-Bearded Cossack

[major bill]

Although he is not a direct ancestor, a nephew of my direct ancestor, he did have my same last name. Major General Eugene Asa Carr was nicknamed The Black-Bearded Cossack. He was a medal of honor winner and for a short time an Army commander during the Civil War. After the Civil War he was commander of the 6th US Cavalry and fought in many Indian War battles.

Now for my questions. Does anyone know why he earned the nickname The Black-Bearded Cossack? I was also wonder why a Cossack? I am not sure what the average American's idea of a Cossack was or if Americans had much knowledge of what a Cossack really was.

 

[Bruce Vail]

I'll be interested to see what the more learned commenters at CWT contribute, but I am aware from my reading over the years that the term Cossack was known and used in some circles in the US in the 19th century.

In those days, Cossack would have denoted a bloodthirsty brute. It may have also been a reference to physical size, as Cossacks were known to be generally taller and heavier than the other ethnic groups in the Russian Empire.

 

[Bruce Vail]

Ural Cossacks, 1799

 

[major bill]

Cossacks played a major role in Napoleon's invasion of Russia so most people who knew history probably had heard of them. Officers who had studied war certainly would have read of them. Still I am not sure Cossacks were viewed in a positive light. They were useful but often seen more undisciplined looters. Eugene Carr was a West Point graduate and US Army officer before the war.

 

[StephenColbert27]

I believe John Turchin also had a reputation of being a "Cossack", though as a Russian who also permitted his men to loot Athens, Georgia perhaps he was more justified in having attained the epithet.

 

[major bill]

By Civil War usage the term "Cossack" seems to indicate mounted troops fighting more like partisans and prone to looting. At least during the Civil War I do not see Major General Carr engaged in this type of thing, but will try to keep an open mind about his actions during the Indian Wars.

 

[mofederal]

They say it was his military nickname, maybe because of the way he lead his cavalry in fighting. he was being called this by the end of the Civil War.

 

[mofederal]

If his men tended to loot, and cause other depredations, think I can understand where the nickname came from. Was he ever under Turchin?

 

[Brenal]

The Indians called him War Eagle.

James T King. "War Eagle, A life of General Eugene A Carr"

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_s...k:War+Eagle\c+A+life+of+General+Eugene+A+Carr

 

[Bruce Vail]

Cossacks played a major role in Napoleon's invasion of Russia so most people who knew history probably had heard of them. Officers who had studied war certainly would have read of them. Still I am not sure Cossacks were viewed in a positive light. They were useful but often seen more undisciplined looters. Eugene Carr was a West Point graduate and US Army officer before the war.

It's unlikely the nickname was intended as a compliment. I guess it makes a difference who bestowed the nick name -- his fellow Union officers? Or the Confederates?