"Row well, and live."

For John, BLUF:  If Lew Wallace hadn't been there things might have turned out much differently.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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How Indiana’s Lew Wallace saved the nation’s capital

This is from The Indiana Star, from two years ago.&nbso; The reporter is Mr Ryan L. Cole.

The lede:

Indiana’s Lew Wallace led a grand life, negotiating with Billy the Kid in New Mexico, serving as America’s ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and, of course, authoring “Ben-Hur,” one of the most popular novels of all time.  But the most dramatic chapter of Wallace’s story took place 150 years ago on July 9 when his bravery in a little-known Civil War battle saved our nation’s capital.

Someone I know, wrote in response:

For those in the northern Virginia, Maryland, and southern Pennsylvania region, the Monocacy battlefield, near Frederick, Maryland, is worth a visit  It is small and not as elaborate as Antienam/Sharpsburg or Gettysburg but worth the time anyway to visit and get the feel of a classic delaying action.

Additionally, the battlefield is also the spot where McCellan's troops found a copy of Lee's orders regarding his 1862 Maryland Campaign wrapped with cigars which helped shape the outcome of the Antienam/Sharpsburg battle.  Additionally, elements of Meade's Army of the Potomac passed through the Monocacy site on their way toward southern Pennsylvania in June 1863.

History can be fascinating.

Regards  —  Cliff