UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Gene Paleno has written many science fiction novels, but his love of history moved him to examine the travesty of justice that stemmed from Union General Fitz John Porter's being railroaded after the Northern defeat at Second Manassas in 1862.
Paleno's book, “Stolen Honor: The Porter Conspiracy” is due out later this spring, but he will be giving a preview of it at the next Redwood Empire Civil War Roundtable on Monday, March 4, starting at 6:15 p.m., at the Tallman Hotel in historic Upper Lake.
Porter was made the scapegoat for the defeat by his fellow officers.
“Mr. Paleno has meticulously researched the Second Battle of Manassas, how General Porter actually performed, and how a cabal of fellow officers conspired to put the blame of the debacle entirely on Porter, destroying his career,” said roundtable co-founder Phil Smoley. “He also plans to share some very interesting anecdotes he learned while researching the battle.”
In addition to the discussion by Paleno, the group will hear a presentation by local amateur historian Janis Traub, whose topic will be, “A soldiers life: What it was like to live and fight in the Civil War.”
A short question and answer period will follow each presentation.
The Civil War Roundtable attempts to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War by reviewing events of the war month by month.
Admission is free, all are welcome, from quiet spectator to active participant, from novice to expert.
For more information, contact Phil Smoley, 707-264 4905, or Zane Jensen, 707-349-6390.