HOME

John Paul Strain TM


Brice's Crossroads
Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest
Mississippi - June 10, 1864

This is the fourth print in the Wizard of the Saddle Series

Lithographic Prints
450 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $ 200
100 S/N Artist's Proofs - $ 300
Image Size 19 1/2" x 28 3/4"

Canvas Giclees
65 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - $ 275
5 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out!
Image Size 16 1/2" x 24 1/3"

60 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - $ 525
15 Artist's Proofs - $ 675
Image Size 22" x 33 1/8"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - $ 1,200
2 Artist's Proofs - $ 1,400
Image Size 27 1/2" x 40 1/2"

Brice's Crossroads
 John Paul Strain Historical Art
"Everything at the Cross Roads was going to the devil as fast as it possibly could", were the descriptive words of federal infantry Colonel McMillen, at Brice's Crossroads. No truer words were spoken about the incredible events taking place in the steamy hot woods and pastures of northeast Mississippi.

Weeks earlier Major General William T. Sherman had sent the well respected Brigadier General Samuel D. Sturgis and a force of 8000 men to destroy "that devil Forrest". Sherman offered a major general's promotion to any one of his brigadiers who could kill Forrest. Sherman said "It must be done, if it costs ten thousand lives and breaks the Treasury." The Federal Army was in the process of laying waste to the South, and Forrest and his men were the main threat to Federal supply lines and Sherman's goal to capture the prize of Atlanta. General Sturgis had an earlier encounter with Forrest, and with typical bravado wrote to General Sherman, "My little campaign is over, and I regret to say Forrest is still at large...I regret very much that I could not have the pleasure of bringing you his hair, but he is too great a plunderer to fight anything like an equal force."

Receiving news of the Federal movement, General Forrest began a forced march from Tupelo, with 3500 men to intercept the Yankee invaders. Torrential spring rains made travel on the muddy roads and swollen streams arduous and difficult, but Forrest had a plan to use conditions to his advantage. Forrest said "I know they greatly outnumber the troops I have at hand, but the road along which they will march is narrow and muddy; they will make slow progress. Their cavalry will move out ahead of the infantry, and should reach the crossroads three hours in advance. We can whip their cavalry in that time......It is going to be hot as hell, and coming on a run for five or six miles over such roads, their infantry will be so tired out we will ride right over them."

It all would happen just as Forrest predicted. Dismounting his troopers and fighting them on foot with six-guns, carbines and shotguns, was devastating to Sturgis's men. Forrest gave orders to his artillery commander John Morton to drive his guns close to the enemy without support and load with double-shotted canister fire. After a number of hours the Federal line gave way. Sturgis said, "Order soon gave way to confusion, and confusion to panic." In a frantic race to the rear, Federal soldiers threw down their arms and equipment with wild-eyed screaming Confederates at their heals. For over the next 40 hours Forrest and his men chased the remnants of General Sturgis's army.

The battle was the most one-sided defeat of any force in the war between the states. The news of the defeat stunned General Grant's headquarters in Washington. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton said, "Forrest is the devil, and I think he has got some of our troops under cower."

And so it was for the devil at the crossroads.


Sunday In Winchester
General Thomas J. and Anna Jackson with the Graham Family
Kent Street Presbyterian Church - February 2, 1862

Lithographic Prints
350 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $ 200
75 S/N Artist's Proofs - $ 300
Image Size 19 1/2" x 25 3/4"

Canvas Giclees
65 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - $ 275
10 Artist's Proofs - $ 325
Image Size 18" x 23 3/4"

60 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - Publisher Sold Out!
15 Artist's Proofs - $ 675
Image Size 24" x 31 3/4"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - $ 1,200
4 Artist's Proofs - $ 1,400
Image Size 30" x 39 3/4"

Sunday In Winchester
 John Paul Strain Historical Art

It was a stormy Sunday in Winchester on February 2, 1862 in many ways. Three days earlier General Stonewall Jackson had resigned from service from the Army of the Confederate States of America. His letter to Secretary of War J.P. Benjamin stated, "With such interference in my command I cannot expect to be of much service in the field; and accordingly respectfully request to be ordered to report for duty to the Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington; as has been done in the case of other Professors. Should this application not be granted, I respectfully request that the President will accept my resignation from the Army."

The word of Stonewall's resignation spread like wildfire across Virginia. The populous was in an uproar, soldiers under Jackson's command were stunned, and there was a hornet's nest of activity in the Confederate capital of Richmond about what to do. General Jackson however was calm and introspective, praying several times a day for guidance and intervention.

General Jackson, his wife Anna, and the Graham family attended services at the Kent Street Presbyterian Church where his friend Reverend James R. Graham was pastor. The Jacksons were guests in the Graham home during that winter and they had become part of the family. Family life with the Grahams and their three young children was appreciated by the Jacksons. Time spent with Anna in the winter months brought happiness to the General during days of military challenges and trials. Anna would become pregnant that month with their only child. Arriving at church from a carriage ride in the snow, Anna helped three year old Alfred Graham from his seat. The General had a special affection for Alfred.

Before the snowy weather had passed, President Jefferson Davis had sent an envoy to plead with General Jackson not to resign. The Confederate high command had learned an important lesson on how to handle Generals in the field. General Jackson withdrew his resignation. Attending church services three weeks later, General Jackson was asked to give the closing prayer. The General rose to his feet, bowed his head, folded his arms, and in a powerful voice that filled the sanctuary, prayed. "O Lord, God of Hosts, prevent, we beseech thee, the effusion of blood; but if we must fight, give us the victory. Amen."


Cavalier of the Sea
Charleston, South Carolina - 1861

Lithographic Prints
350 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $ 200
75 S/N Artist's Proofs - $ 300
Image Size 19 1/2" x 29"

Canvas Giclees
65 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - $ 275
10 Artist's Proofs - $ 325
Image Size 16 1/2" x 24 1/4"

60 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - $ 525
15 Artist's Proofs - $ 675
Image Size 22 1/2" x 33"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - Publisher Sold Out!
2 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out!
Image Size 27" x 40"

Cavalier of the Sea John Paul Strain Historical Art
By the summer of 1861, President Lincoln had placed into motion his plan to isolate the secessionist Southern States by imposing a blockade of their shipping ports. The South's economy was based on "King Cotton" and trade with England and other countries. Four million English textile jobs relied on the importation of southern cotton, and in turn southern leaders would need immense amounts of arms and equipment from Europe to defeat the oncoming threat from the north. Blockade runners would become the lifeline of the Confederacy.

Before the Federal blockade was fully in place in the latter part of 1861, supplies were primarily carried across the Atlantic on sailing ships able to handle large quantities of goods. One ship could supply thousands of Enfield rifles and enough ammunition for 30 thousand troops in the field. As the blockade became more fully implemented, newer, faster and smaller steamships were utilized to elude Union vessels.

On May 28, 1861 Charleston received notification that it's port was to be blockaded and that any ship approaching the city would be warned off or seized. A fifteen day grace period was to be given to neutral ships to leave the harbor. Undeterred, Confederate leaders went into action and readied war ships and privateers to counter the threat. The exploits of these bold sailors serving in the Confederate Navy, on privateers and supply ships became greatly romanticized in the newspapers as "Cavaliers of the Sea".


Escape from Fort Donelson
Lt. Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest
February 17, 1862

This is the third print in the Wizard of the Saddle Series

Lithographic Prints
450 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $ 200
100 S/N Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 19" x 29"

Canvas Giclees
65 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - $ 275
5 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out!
Image Size 16" x 24 1/4"

60 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - $ 525
15 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 22 1/2" x 33 1/2"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - $ 1,200
2 Artist's Proofs - $ 1,400
Image Size 26" x 40"

Escape from Fort Donelson John Paul Strain Historical Art
The winter of 1862 was a challenging time for the newly formed Confederate forces trying to defend against invading armies from the North. Many southern officers were elected for their popularity with the men. Some of those leaders were ready to prove their worth in battle while others were not. One elected officer, who would prove himself to be the greatest cavalry officer of the period was Lt. Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest had been a wealthy plantation owner and successful land speculator that had raised and personally equipped his own battalion of eight companies of mounted volunteers, which included companies from Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Texas, a complement of about 650 men.

By February 1862 Federal General U.S. Grant's army had seized Paducah, Kentucky and had captured Fort Henry on the Tennessee River. Supported by a fleet of gunboats and fifteen thousand men, General Grant turned his attention to Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River. Located high on a bluff overlooking the river, Fort Donelson had been reinforced with Lt. Colonel Forrest's cavalry battalion and soldiers from the garrison at Fort Henry. Grant found the fortifications at Ft. Donelson difficult to attack. Federal gunboats that had been so effective in the previous assault of Fort Henry, were practically useless as their shells harmlessly arched over the fort. Southern guns rained fire and shot down from the bluffs sinking two of the Federal vessels and wreaking havoc on Grant's soldiers. In the confusion of battle General Grant rallied his officers and men. Regrouping, the Federals launched a successful infantry assault that pushed retreating southern soldiers into the confines of the fort.

Now encircled and trapped by the Federal force, four Confederate commanders, Buckner, Floyd, Pillow, and Forrest held a council of war in the middle of the night. To Forrest's astonishment and anger the three other leaders decided to surrender. Forrest was outraged, as he was sure the men could fight their way out of their circumstances. Forrest shouted, "I did not come here for the purpose of surrendering my command". General Buckner agreed to let Forrest's cavalry and what men they could muster attempt to escape before surrender negotiations with Grant began. Forrest stormed out of the meeting and gathered his troops. In the dead of the night, Forrest led his men through the darkness on a snowy wooded two day 75 mile trek to the safety of Nashville.


Stuart's Christmas Raid
Generals J.E.B. Stuart, Fitzhugh Lee, and Major John Pelham
Fairfax Courthouse, Virginia - December 1862

This is the fifth print in the Lions in Winter Collection

Lithographic Prints
400 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $ 200
75 S/N Artist's Proofs - $ 300
Image Size 19 1/2" x 28 3/4"

Canvas Giclees
65 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - $ 275
10 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out!
Image Size 16 1/2" x 24 1/2"

75 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - $ 525
15 Artist's Proofs - Sold Out!
Image Size 22 1/2" x 33"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - $ 1,200
4 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out!
Image Size 27" x 40"

Stuart's Christmas Raid John Paul Strain Historical Art
Not wishing to rest on his laurels after the success of the battle of Fredericksburg, General J.E.B. Stuart planned a raid to disrupt Federal supply lines, cut telegraph communication, and force General Ambrose Burnside to weaken his position on the Rappahannock by sending countering forces. Other benefits of Stuart's raid would be to keep his men sharp and active and well supplied with captured stores.

The column headed out the day after Christmas with 1800 cavalrymen and four artillery pieces. As was usual with Stuart's raids, the cavalry covered many miles and had a number of small successful engagements where enemy soldiers, wagons, and equipment were captured. On the road to the town of Occoquan, Stuart's scouts detected two regiments of Federal cavalry setting up an ambush in the woods along the road. Stuart ordered General Fitzhugh Lee (Robert E. Lee's nephew), and the First Virginia cavalry to ride over the force and clear the woods. Without a moment's hesitation the 1st Virginia roared forward overcoming the surprised Federals and captured 100 of the fleeing Federal troops. Continuing the pursuit, Fitzhugh Lee and his men chased the Federals through the icy waters of Selectman's Ford. The ford was "narrow, rocky, and very difficult" to cross, and to everyone's amazement, Major John Pelham was able to drive his guns through the ford which was said to have been impassable by wheel. Arriving at the deserted Federal camps, Stuart's men carried off anything of value and burned the rest.

After regrouping Stuart's cavalry arrived after dark at Burke's Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and took over the telegraph office. General Stuart listened to his own telegraph operator describe the buzzing hornet's nest of the Federals communicating with each other on how to catch "the rebel raiders." Typical of General Stuart's audacious personality, he then sent his own message to the Federal commanders, complaining that the poor quality of Union mules was such that they were incapable of pulling all the supplies that Stuart had captured. Stuart attached his signature to the message, and decided that since the enemy now knew his position it was time to move. Figuring the Federals would assume his force would head south, Stuart and his men headed north to Fairfax Courthouse to surprise his opponent once again.

At Fairfax Courthouse Stuart's luck changed as their column began to take fire from a large Federal force waiting in ambush. But Stuart's men did not return fire, puzzling the Federal troops. A Federal soldier under a white flag of truce was sent to ask if the unknown force was friend or foe. One of Stuart's men sent to meet the soldier advised that the following morning he would have an answer to his question. Stuart ordered enormous campfires to be lighted and used as a screen as he and his men slipped away and escaped during the wintry night.


General Lee Is Near!
Stonewall Jackson at Sudley Mills - Virginia
Second Manassas - August 28, 1862

Lithographic Prints
350 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $ 200
75 S/N Artist's Proofs - $ 300
Image Size 19 1/2" x 28 3/4"

Canvas Giclees
50 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - $275
10 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 16 1/2" x 24 1/2"

60 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - Publisher Sold Out
15 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 22 1/4" x 33"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - $1,200t
4 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 27" x 40"

General Lee Is Near! John Paul Strain Historical Art
The warm summer month of August 1862 was a critical time for the Army of Northern Virginia. Its commander General Robert E. Lee was stalking his opponent, General John Pope like a hunter in the woods along the Rappahannock river. General Pope commanded a Federal army consisting of 50,000 troops and was waiting to link up with another Federal army of 80,000 men under the command of General McClellan. General Lee had to destroy Pope's army before the link could happen.

General Lee's plan was bold and audacious. He would deploy one of his top generals, Stonewall Jackson for the assignment. Jackson was to take his three divisions of 23,000 men and skirt around the right flank of Pope's army using the Bull Run Mountains to screen his movements and cut through the mountains at Thoroughfare Gap. Then in the rear of Pope's forces he would cut Pope's communication and supply lines from Washington, the Orange and Alexandria Railroad line. Pope would be forced to move on the new threat and be further drawn away from McClellan. Then Lee and Jackson would attack together and take out Pope's army, and turn on McClellan. The plan was daring and dangerous for Jackson and his command, as he could possibly find himself cut off from Lee, facing two huge Federal armies if all did not go well.

Jackson's march began at 3 A.M. on August 25th with orders for no straggling. The men were pushed hard and made good time passing through the village of Orleans by mid-day. After a 26 mile march, the men went to sleep along the roadside. Passing through Thoroughfare Gap after sunrise the next day, Jackson headed for the town of Bristoe and the railroad. That evening at Bristoe the Confederates attacked the station capturing all the Federal troops that did not flee. Jackson's men opened a railroad track derailing switch and soon a locomotive train barreling down the tracks crashed down the embankment in cloud of steam, smoke, and twisted metal.

After the excitement, Jackson consolidated his troops as it became dark. His men were exhausted after their 56 mile march in two days but Jackson wasn't finished with the day. He sent General Isaac Trimble with his men to secure Manassas Junction before it could be reinforced. Trimble's troops along with Stuart's cavalry attacked Manassas Junction after midnight, capturing 300 Federals and the post commander. The following day Jackson and his men found that Manassas Junction held the mother load of supplies and commissary stores. The confederates stuffed their haversacks with all they could carry including such delicacies as rhine wine and lobster salad! General Jackson ordered his men to obtain four days rations and destroy all the rest. That night the army headed northwest to Sudley Springs Ford at Bull Run. Thanks to Jackson and his command, the first phase of General Lee's plan had been successfully carried out on time, but now the alarm had been sounded and General Pope was on the way. It was now time to prepare for the deadliest part of the plan and take on 50,000 men. But Jackson needed the help of Lee to take on that kind of force. Where were they? Had they been held up, running into trouble? Had they been stopped at Thoroughfare Gap that was only 200 yards wide?

On August 28th Jackson had made his headquarters at Sudley Mills. One of the mills was a grist mill that turned out tons of corn, the other a large saw mill. General Jackson passed the early afternoon riding alone and restlessly worrying, while his men rested in the shade from the hot sun. At about 3:00PM at the mill a courier arrived. His dispatch reported that the second half of the Confederate army was approaching Thoroughfare Gap. General Jackson "beamed with pleasure" and with uncharacteristic exuberance shook the courier's hand for the great news. General Lee was near!


New Year's Wish
Glen Burnie - Town Run Creek
Winchester, Virginia - January 1862

Lithographic Prints
850 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $ 200
125 S/N Artist's Proofs - $ 300
Image Size 19 1/2" x 25 1/2"

Canvas Giclees
75 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - $275
10 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 17 1/2" x 23"

100 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - Publisher Sold Out
15 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 24 1/2" x 32"

12 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - Publisher Sold Out
4 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 30" x 39 1/2"

New Year's Wish Glen Burnie Virginia John Paul Strain Historical Art
Theirs was one of the great love stories of the Civil War. General Stonewall Jackson and his wife Anna were reunited in the snowy month of January after the Romney Expedition. The couple's time together would be fleeting and meaningful.

On New Year's Day of 1862 Jackson had led his troops on an expedition to destroy a concentration of Federal forces near Romney, Virginia. A heavy snowfall made the offensive arduous and challenging. The retreat of the Federal Army from the area and the capture of Romney and Bath, made the expedition a success. Nearly 100 miles of the B&O railroad tracks had been torn up by Jackson's men with stores of confiscated supplies now in Confederate hands.

But General Jackson's thoughts were not far from his loving Anna. After events had stabilized, the General, along with his staff headed back home at a quick pace. Riding along the slushy and muddy roads, Jackson pushed on for Winchester, covering 43 miles. Fighting fatigue and saddle sores one of his aids shouted, "Well, General, I am not anxious to see Mrs. Jackson as to break my neck keeping up with you! With your permission, I shall fall back and take it more leisurely!"

Arriving in Winchester, after cleaning up somewhat at the Taylor Hotel, the General hurried over to the Graham home "as joyous and fresh as a schoolboy". There he embraced his loving Anna. Anna recalled his face "all aglow with delight". He was home safe and it was time to celebrate his return and his 38th birthday.

On an evening ride together the couple stopped for a moment on the wagon bridge crossing Town Run Creek at Glen Burnie estates. Anna pulled out two pennies from her cloak and tossed them into the reflective pool, hoping two wishes would come true. The General's wish was for success in his many challenges ahead. Anna's wish was for her loving husband to always return home to her safe and sound. Only one wish would come true.


Rose Hill Raid
Major John Singleton Mosby
Fairfax County, Virginia - September 28, 1863

Lithographic Prints
550 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $200
125 S/N Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out
Image Size 19 1/2" x 28 1/4"

Canvas Giclees
75 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - $275
10 Artist's Proofs - $325
Image Size 16 1/2" x 24"

80 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - $525
15 Artist's Proofs - $675
Image Size 22 3/4" x 33"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - $1,200
4 Artist's Proofs - $1,400
Image Size 27 1/2" x 40"

Rose Hill Raid Major John Singleton Mosby John Paul Strain Historical Art
The Gray Ghost of the Confederacy was back. Major John S. Mosby commanding the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry, Partisan Rangers, had been seriously wounded in action a number of weeks earlier. Rumors in the North were that Mosby had been killed. No longer would Federal soldiers have to remove the planking from bridges leading into Washington to prevent Mosby from kidnapping the President. But they were wrong about his demise.

Earlier in the year of 1863 Major Mosby's fame grew with the successful raid at Fairfax City, capturing Brigadier General Edwin Stoughton. Now his new plans were to catch an even bigger prize, the Lincoln appointed Union Governor Francis H. Pierpoint. To highlight Mosby's audacity, a note was delivered to Pierpoint warning of impending danger. "You did not see the farmer who rode by your hotel on a hay wagon yesterday, did you Governor? My driver pointed out your window, and I marked it plain. It's just over the bay, and I'll get you some night, might easy." The note was signed by Mosby!

Major Mosby and a few Rangers of Company A began their raid to Alexandria in Fairfax County on September 27th with the intent to capture the Lincoln-appointed Governor. After passing quietly through the Federal lines during the night, the raiding party entered the governor's mansion and found that the Governor had been called to Washington. Changing his plans Mosby decided to capture the Governor's military aide, Colonel Daniel French Dulany, who was staying at the nearby Rose Hill Manor. Accompanying Mosby on the raid was D. French Dulany, who was the son of Colonel Dulany.

As the ghosts in gray entered the Rose Hill home they found Colonel Dulany in bed. Young French greeted his surprised father, "How do Pa-I'm very glad to see you." Bolting upright, his father replied, "Well sir, I'm d- sorry to see you." (Anne S. Frobel's diary) As they were about to leave the home, Colonel Dulany sarcastically remarked to his son that there was an old pair of shoes around the house that he had better take with him, "as he reckoned they were darned scarce in the Confederacy, whereupon the son, holding up his leg, which was encased in a fine pair of cavalry boots just captured from a sutler, asked the old man what he thought of that." (A letter from Mosby to his wife).

Now with their prize in tow the raiding party headed back into "Mosby's Confederacy," most likely traveling parallel to the Little River Turnpike. The raiders then gathered combustible materials and burned the railroad bridge crossing Cameron's Run. But Major Mosby wasn't finished in his quest to capture Governor Pierpoint. He would be back.


Stonewall's Return
General Thomas J. Jackson's Headquarters
Winchester, Virginia - February 4, 1862

This is the third print in the Lions in Winter Collection

Lithographic Prints
950 S/N Limited Edition Prints - $ 200
100 S/N Artist's Proofs - $ 300
Image Size 19 1/2" x 26 5/16"

Canvas Giclees
100 S/N Studio Canvas Giclees - Publisher Sold Out!
10 Artist's Proofs - Publisher Sold Out!
Image Size 18" x 24"

125 S/N Classic Canvas Giclees - Sold Out
15 Artist's Proofs - Sold Out!
Image Size 24" x 32 1/2"

10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclees - Sold Out!
4 Artist's Proofs - $ 1,400
Image Size 30" x 40"

Stonewall's Return by John Paul Strain Historical Art

Wisps of steam rose from the backs of the unsaddled horses on the cold moonlit evening of February 4, 1862. The countryside was covered with 4 inches of fresh snow and the waning moon was overhead as General Jackson returned from a long day's work to his headquarters at the Moore's home on Baddock Street. Waiting for Stonewall's return was an envoy on a special mission from the Governor of Virginia. It was Colonel Alexander Boteler's mission to try and convince General Jackson to withdraw his resignation from the Army of the Confederacy.

General Jackson's Romney Campaign in January had successfully driven the Federals from three counties of Northern Virginia, thus protecting Winchester from invasion. The difficulties and trials of that expedition also showed Jackson who he could count on during war time operations. To hold and protect this northern invasion route, General William W. Loring's command was posted in Romney and the South Branch valley. Other troops would guard Bath and Martinsburg while the Stonewall Brigade returned to Winchester. This action did not sit well with Loring and his officers who wanted to return to the relative comfort of Winchester. With the lack of discipline and complaints throughout Loring's command, morale plummeted. Bypassing the chain of command, Colonel William Taliaferro traveled to Richmond and, incredibly, gained audience with President Jefferson Davis to complain about General Jackson. On the morning of January 31st General Jackson received a letter from the Secretary of War directing him to withdraw Loring's command back to Winchester. Jackson's replied to the Secretary that his order would be promptly carried out. General Jackson concluded the communiqué with his resignation from the Army.

It didn't take long for Jackson's resignation to have an immediate effect in Richmond and Winchester. There was a flurry of activity in response to this turn of events. It seemed everyone was concerned and fearful if his resignation was accepted. Governor Letcher stepped into action on behalf of General Jackson, his old friend. The Confederate high command learned an important lesson on how to handle Generals in the field. Over the next two years Colonel Boteler would come to realize just how successful his mission had been, and how the course of military history would have changed had it not been for Stonewall's return.


Sunset After a Snowfall

First in the Frontier Collection

Studio Canvas Edition $ 275
95 Artist’s Proofs
> Image Size 17" x 26"

Classic Canvas Edition $ 525
50 Classic Giclees
Image Size 22" x 33"

Executive Canvas Edition $ 1,200
10 Executive Giclees
Image Size 26 ½" x 40"

Artist’s Proofs also available

It was a time when immense herds of Buffalo ranged across the American Frontier, and the great tribes of the Plains Indians made up a thriving civilization. By the 1840s the Plains Indian culture, based on horse-mounted warriors and hunters, had spread across the American West.

The Blackfeet Indians were thought of as one of the most cultured of the Plains Tribes, adorning their clothing and personal items with ornate quill and beadwork. The tribe also painted their tepees with distinct beautiful designs. Early explorers and fur traders who visited the frontier were very impressed at how beautiful the Indians were with their colorful clothing, fringe, and feathers blowing in the wind. The horsemanship of the Indians was unmatched, and the Blackfeet were known as the fiercest of the tribes.

As the season changed to winter, the tribes settled into their winter encampments and rested from their migrations with the buffalo herds.



From The Line of Fire
Generals Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet,
In The Battle Of The Wilderness – May 6, 1864

750 N/S Limited Edition Prints $ 200
75 Artist’s Proofs $ 300
> 100 Friends of Wilderness Battlefield Edition $ 200
Image size 18 ¼" x 28 ¼"

Canvas Giclées
50 N/S Studio Giclées $ 275
Image Size 16" x 24"

75 N/S Classic Giclées $ 525
Image Size 22" x 33"

10 N/S Executive Giclées $ 1,200
Image Size 26 ½" x 40"

As wildfires burned in the background, General Robert E. Lee rode up to General James Longstreet. Describing his longtime friend and commander, Longstreet said, “Lee’s blood was up and when his blood was up there was no stopping him.”

Moment earlier, Lee had attempted to go side by side in the line of battle with his Texas brigade. Wildfires blazed across much of the contested ground as the critical moment of the Battle of the Wilderness had arrived. General Ulysses S. Grant’s Federal army began to break through Lee’s lines. Lee was desperate to find help. As if on cue, the lead brigade of one of Longstreet’s divisions, General John Gregg’s Texans had unexpectedly arrived and immediately without missing a step closed ranks and formed a battle line to meet the Federal onset. Lee called out to the veterans, “Who are you boys?” “Texas boys,” the men yelled back. Exhilarated that his best troops were now on the field of fire, General Lee stood up in his stirrups and exclaimed, “Hurrah for Texas. Texans always move them!”

With a shout that could be heard for a mile the line moved forward. Caught up in the moment Lee also spurred his horse Traveler forward. The commander of the entire Army of Northern Virginia was now advancing into the line of fire as a combat soldier. The veteran Texans realizing the folly of Lee’s intentions yelled at him to go back, but Lee pushed forward. A sergeant grabbed Traveler’s reins saying, “We won’t go on unless you go back!” Major Venable of Lee’s staff rode up and yelled, “General Longstreet is at hand!” This brought Lee back to reality and his other responsibilities. As General Lee rode up next to his “Old War Horse,” Longstreet tactfully mentioned the danger the two leaders were in and advised moving westward a short distance to safety. The two commanders rode off having turned a perilous morning into a victorious afternoon.

Mary Ann
Nathan Bedford Forrest and Mary Ann Montgomery,
Hernando, Mississippi – August 1845

Limited Edition Prints
Image Size: 19 1/2" x 28"
800 S/N Lithographic Prints $ 200
80 Artist's Proofs $ 300

Framed Print
Size: 38" x30"
Conservation Framed, Conservation Glass
$445

Giclées
Image Size 16 1/2" x 24"
100 S/N Studio Canvas Giclées $275
10 Artist's Proofs - Sold Out!
Image Size 23" x 33"
60 S/N Classic Canvas Giclées $525
15 Artist's Proofs - Sold Out!
Image Size 28" x 40"
10 S/N Executive Canvas Giclées $1200
2 Artist's Proofs - Sold Out!

The legend of Nathan Bedford Forrest began long before the start of the American Civil War. Although there are a number of differing accounts of the events that took place in the summer of 1845, Bedford did meet his future wife in a notable and romantic way. The story illustrates that even in his early 20’s, Bedford displayed the character, chivalry, and powerful personality that would later propel him to become one of the most successful and feared cavalry commanders of the Civil War.

On an August Sunday, Forrest met the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, Mary Ann Montgomery, and her mother while they were on their way to church. The Montgomery’s buggy had broken down while crossing a stream. A couple of the local young men were on the river bank laughing and teasing Mary Ann and her mother. Bedford rode up on his horse, saw what had happened, and dismounted. Immediately he waded across the stream and carried Mary Ann to safety and then rescued her mother. Deciding that the boisterous jokesters needed to be taught a lesson, Bedford crossed the stream again and proceeded to thrash the young men.

After properly introducing himself, Bedford asked permission to call on Mary Ann. Impressed with his gallantry Mrs. Montgomery agreed. Bedford and Mary Ann were married six weeks later on September 25, 1845. And so began the life long love affair that would become part of the legend of General Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Strain prints Heat at Catharine Furnace Heat at Catharine Furnace
Stonewall Jackson and JEB Stuart
May 1, 1863

Framed Print
Overall Size 39" x 31"
$ 468

Limited Edition Prints
Image Size: 19" x 30"
Overall Size: 23 1/2" x 34"
750 signed and numbered prints $ 200
75 Artist's proofs $ 350

15 Giclée Prints
Image Size: 34" x 48"
Overall Size: 39 3/4" x 52 1/2"


General Thomas J. Jackson and General James Ewell Brown Stuart could not have been more different in personality and persona. Stoical and methodical, Jackson had been a professor of philosophy and artillery tactics for the Virginia Military Institute. Carefree and jovial, Stuart had been a cavalry Lieutenant on the frontier before the war began. As a Confederate commander Jackson paid little attention to his dress, and was often described wearing a kepi pulled down covering his features. General Stuart on the other hand was always superbly mounted. Wearing thigh-high boots and upturned hat with a plume, he made a very striking and handsome appearance. Although both men came from humble beginnings, the two would become close friends and rise to become principal players in the War Between the States.

In the spring of 1863 the Army of Northern Virginia under the command of General Robert E. Lee maneuvered to deliver a crushing blow to General Joseph (Fighting Joe) Hooker's Army of the Potomac. The two great armies found themselves in the tangled heavily wooded area called the "Wilderness," located near Chancellorsville, Virginia. Scouting Federal positions at 5:30 p.m. on May 1st, Jackson and Stuart followed a small path in the dense growth of Catharine Furnace. Not far from the two general's position a Confederate artillery piece fired one round in the general direction of the enemy. The shot gave away their position and the Federals returned fire with a barrage from hidden batteries that made the woods explode with fire, splintered trees and shrapnel.

Shouting above the explosions, General Stuart exclaimed, "General Jackson, we must move from here!" As the scouting party quickly moved off, shrapnel from one of the explosions hit Stuart's adjutant, Major R. Channing Price. Refusing aid, and saying he was not seriously injured, he rode off with the group, but shortly the dying young Major fell from the saddle.

With the information gathered this day, General Lee, Jackson and Stuart would devise a plan, which would give the Army of Northern Virginia one of its greatest victories.

The Last Ride & Stonewall
Image Size:
The Last Ride with mat: 11 3/4" x 15 1/2"
Stonewall with mat: 5 7/8" x 7 7/8"
750 signed and numbered prints $ 250
75 Artist's proofs $ 350

Stonewall Jackson had just completed a daring march that covered over a dozen miles to reach the rear of the Federal Army. At 5:15 p.m. General Joseph Hooker's Federal Army of the Potomac was caught completely by surprise as deer came bounding through their encampment, followed by two full Confederate divisions screaming the Rebel Yell. Jackson's men rolled up the flank of a full Union corps, despite a brave resistance.

By sunset, the Confederate advance had ground to a halt. Many of his regiments and brigades had become intermingled during the chaos of the ferocious attack. Voices of the victorious could be heard, but Jackson wasn't finished. He worked feverishly to reorganize his command as he rode along the Plank Road. One final push was needed to secure United States Ford and block the Union's escape across the Rappahannock. Precious minutes passed, but Jackson rode confidently, sure that a total victory was only a short distance away. At about 8:30 p.m. he and his staff rode forward to find some means to exploit the momentum of the attack. It was dark now, and when Sandie Pendleton realized they had ridden ahead of the skirmishers, he warned Jackson, "General, don't you think this is the wrong place for you?" Jackson shouted that the enemy was routed and ordered Sandie to go back and tell A. P. Hill to press forward. Soon they could hear Federal voices and axes cutting down trees for breastworks.

Time had run out, for the attack, and for Jackson. Within a few minutes General Stonewall Jackson would be wounded by his own troops as he tried to return through his own lines. The final hour of his greatest victory would be his last ride.


After the Storm
Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 16, 1862

Image Size: 26 1/2" x 19 1/2"
Overall Size: 30 1/2" x 23 1/2"
850 signed and numbered prints $ 200
150 Artist's proofs $ 350
Shipping $ 19

As the winter morning fog lifted on December 13, 1862, the Federal Army of the Potomac, under the command of General Ambrose Burnside, began advancing from its positions around the city of Fredericksburg toward Mayre's Heights. By the end of the day Robert E. Lee had held his ground and won his most one-sided victory of the war. General Burnside and the Federal troops abandoned the once beautiful city. A chilling rainstorm drenched the night countryside as the Federal troops retreated across the Rappahannock. After they left, General Jackson looked over the still bloody battlefield and declared, "I did not think a little red earth would have frightened them. I am sorry that they are gone." By the 16th, Confederate troops reoccupied Fredericksburg. Later as Jackson and his staff rode through the city their anger was aroused by the extent of the ruthless vandalism. A staff officer commented on how thoroughly the Federals had taken the town apart and asked, "What can we do?" "Do?" replied Jackson, "Why, shoot them!"

On Princess Anne Street General Jackson is directing the refortification of the city and setting up new defenses, as a horse-drawn artillery piece rushes by, pulled by a fine team of Morgan horses. Soon new orders will call Jackson away from the city he helped to defend so successfully.

Please note that Artist's Proofs are released in small editions. Please confirm availability before ordering.


Web site created by WebIsland
Updated 2/19/2010