UPPER LAKE, Calif. – One hundred and 50 years ago this month, Confederate General (and former Vice-President of the United States) John C. Breckinridge was faced with a tragic dilemma during the Battle of New Market.

Does he order his his army to retreat, or does he send in his only reserve, 257 young boys from the Virginia Military Institute, to save the day?

The Civil War Roundtable will discuss the New Market tragedy during its next gathering at 6:15 p.m. Monday, May 5, at the Tallman Hotel, 9550 Main St. in downtown Upper Lake.

Breckinridge’s intentions were that the students would remain behind the lines and be used as back up only in an emergency.

Among the company of cadets were many of Virginia’s finest sons. One was a direct descendant of George Washington and another was Thomas Garland Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson’s grandson.

As fate would have it, the situation grew bad for the Confederates and one of Breckenridge’s staff suggested sending in the untested cadets.

“I will not do it,” Breckinridge replied.

“General, you have no choice,” responded the desperate officer.

“Put the boys in,” Breckinridge ordered, “and may God forgive me for the order ...”   

Immediately, a Union artillery shell killed or wounded several. But the cadets bravely closed ranks and did their duty and went on to help win the battle for the South.

Dr. Bill Cornelison, professor of history at Yuba College, will review the events leading up to the Battle of New Market, at the next Redwood Empire Civil War Roundtable. He will be focusing on the human consequences of war.

In addition to Dr. Cornelison's presentation, Zane Jensen will review the start of the Overland Campaign, in which Gen. Grant began his long and deadly offensive against Gen. Robert E. Lee.

Jensen will cover the Battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, where over 60,000 men became casualties in just a few weeks.

There will also be a review of the events of May 1864, as the group has been following the war month by month in recognition of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.  

For more information, contact Phil Smoley at 707-264-4905 or Zane Jensen 707-349-6390.