The 5-cent note bore the image of Bureau of Engraving and Printing division chief, Spencer Clark, when they were issued as fractional paper currency in the Union. This was met with a significant amount of public protest. The outcry ultimately resulted in Congress passing a law forbidding the likeness of any living person from appearing on currency issued by the U.S. Treasury. However, no such protests occurred when the image of U.S. Treasurer, Francis E. Spinner, appeared on the 50-cent note when it was issued.
General Nathan Bedford Forrest took men forward to probe the strength of the Union troops in and around Camp Calhoun in preparation for the battle of Sacramento, Kentucky, which happened on December 28th, 1861. Two of Forrest's forward scouts, Adam R. Johnson and Robert M. Martin, each had brothers in the Union Army stationed at the camp.
"We had an armistice of two hours. The quietness was really oppressive, it positively made us feel lonesome, after a continual racket day and night for so long. We sit on the works and let our legs dangle over on the front and watch the Johnnies carry off their dead comrades in silence, but in a great hurry. Some of them lay dead within twenty feet of our works - the live Rebel looks bad enough in his old torn, ragged Butternut suit, but a dead Rebel looks horrible all swelled up and black in the face. After they were through there was nothing left but stains of blood, broken and twisted guns, old hats, canteens, every one of them reminders of the death and carnage that reigned a few short hours before."
~ From the diary of Daniel Chisholm
116th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company "K"
June 7th, 1864, while at Cold Harbor
The Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table is proud to begin its 2026-27 season with the return of Dr. Roger Rosentreter and his presentation, "Hoofs & Paws: How Four-Legged “Soldiers” Impacted the War."
Horses and mules went to war in greater numbers than the men in the ranks. They had no voice in being called to duty, and they suffered twice as many fatalities as their masters. Alongside this massive, unprecedented mobilization of animal power, canine mascots were found in all army camps and on many battlefields. Roger Rosentreter chronicles how these four-legged troopers were, in one soldier’s view, both “a companion and friend.”
Roger L. Rosentreter teaches history courses at Michigan State University and is past editor of Michigan History Magazine. His latest book, MANY A HAND: MICHIGAN AND THE CIVIL WAR, was released by the Michigan State University Press in May 2026.
Membership fees for the 2026-2027 season are $30.00.
Checks can be made out to GRCWRT.
Get your membership/renewal form on our website
membership page or at one of our meetings.
Dues are based on the meeting year, September - June.
We are always looking for new speakers. If you would like to give a presentation to the GRCWRT, or can recommend someone, please contact our program director.
Civil War Notes
Our Next Meeting
Special Announcements:
Ulysses S. Grant and Cincinnati
11th Pennsylvania Infantry's, Sallie
Wednesday
September 16, 2026
Roger Rosentreter
Hoofs and Paws:
How Four-Legged "Soldiers" Impacted the Civil War
We Meet At:
Orchard View Church of God
2777 Leffingwell Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Located at the southwest corner of
3 Mile Road NE and Leffingwell Avenue NE
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Program begins at 7:00 pm
