F O R T F I S H E R

S T A T E

H I S T O R I C S I T E The Powder Magazine W I N T E R 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1

S P E C I A L

P O I N T S O F

I N T E R E S T

New in Museum

Store (page 2)

FF Holiday Open

House (page 3)

Walk of Honor

Project (page 4)

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

From the Site

Manager’s Desk

2

Civil War Medicine

Braxton Bragg

5

FF Marketing Plan

Presented

6

Meet the Friends

Board

8

New Friends of

Fort Fisher

8

Join the Friends of Fort Fisher

9

Lights of the Great Armada: 147th Anniversary

of Battle of Fort Fisher set for Jan. 21-22 The first phase of the Union

land assault on Fort Fisher in

January 1865 was carried out

by a contingent of United

States sailors and Marines who

attacked the fort’s northeast

bastion. Marines provided

covering fire while the sailors

charged across the beach to-

ward the fort, armed with only

pistols and cutlasses. Though

beaten back by the Confeder-

ate defenders, this attack shift-

ed attention away from the

main focus of the Union assault

and the army entered the fort

at the River Road sally port.

Join us on Saturday and Sun-

day, January 21 and 22, 2012,

as we remember the naval ele-

ments of the Second Battle of

Fort Fisher during the 147th

anniversary program “The

Lights of the Great Armada.”

Union and Confederate Navy

and Marine Corps reenactors

will be on hand to showcase the

role the naval services played at

Fort Fisher and during the Civil

War in general. Each day’s

schedule will include small arms

tactics and firing demonstra-

tions, artillery demonstrations

featur in g a 12 -pounder

Friends hold 2nd annual meeting in November

Dahlgren boat howitzer, bayonet

drill, cutlass drill, and children’s

activities. Featured displays will

include Confederate torpedoes,

steam engines, and naval uniforms

and equipment. The United

States Marine Corps Historical

Company will be on hand with

exhibits dedicated to the history

of the Corps during the Civil

War, particularly at Fort Fisher.

A number of guest lecturers will

be giving presentations on both

days, and the site will unveil a new

temporary exhibit of artifacts

from blockade runners as well.

The free program will be held

from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday

and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.

Fort Fisher programming is made

possible by support from the Friends

of Fort Fisher and through the sup-

port of sustaining members Mike

McCarley of Wilmington and James

M. Taylor of Durham, NC.

Among the speakers at the event will be Dr. Robert M. Browning, Jr.

Chief Historian, USCG

The 2d Annual Meeting of the

Friends of Fort Fisher was

gaveled into history on No-

vember 12, 2011 and with it

some impressive accomplish-

ments to support and en-

hance the battlefield site.

Friends board chair R. James

MacLaren reviewed the high-

lights, chief among them the

completion of the site’s 10

year comprehensive strategic

plan, noting that, ultimately,

the site will be positioned to

take its rightful place as a leading

Civil War site in the nation with

significantly improved facilities

and programs.

Members also enjoyed an engag-

ing presentation by NC Deputy

State Archaeologist Dr. Mark

Wilde-Ramsing who chronicled

the birth of underwater archaeol-

ogy in North Carolina with the

operation in 1962 to recover

artifacts from the cargo of the

Civil War blockade-runner Mod-

ern Greece run ashore near pre-

sent day Kure Beach. Mark also

shared some exciting plans for

highlighting the anniversaries in

2012 and beyond as well as an

upcoming conservation field

school at Fort Fisher.

A sneak peak at developing plans

for a fundraising campaign was

shared with attendees by board

member Jim Carper who distrib-

uted a new brochure entitled

”Telling Their Story” and a pro-

ject to gain supporters and their

Continued on page 10

By Andrew Duppstadt

P A G E 2

From the Site Manager’s Desk

T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

Dear Friends:

Thank you for making another great year at Fort Fisher State Historic Site. The Friends of

Fort Fisher and NC Historic Sites can look back with pride on 2011, the first year of the

Civil War sesquicentennial in North Carolina. As I write this, since January Fort Fisher has

presented five major programs, countless small programs, hosted nearly 600,000 visitors, and opened two new

exhibits. And these are only a fraction of the good things that happened here this year. Fort Fisher is truly the

crown jewel of North Carolina’s historic sites, and I speak for all of my coworkers when I express gratitude for

your continuing support of our mission.

For 2012, look for more great programs, beginning with “The Lights of the Great Armada: The 147th Anniversary

of the Battle of Fort Fisher,” on January 21-22. This living history event will focus on the Naval and Marine experi-

ence at Fort Fisher, feature renowned scholars of the Union naval blockade and Confederate blockade runners,

and of course we will fire the big cannon! Commemorate Confederate Memorial Day at Battle Acre on May 12,

and enjoy three Fort Fisher 2nd Saturday programs in the summertime. We will close out the year with a fall festi-

val in October and a holiday open house in December, so stay tuned. 2012 will be another great year for North

Carolina’s Civil War 150, and move Fort Fisher along the path to becoming the premier Civil War battlefield in

the nation.

Thanks again for all you do and please come visit us here on Pleasure Island.

Happy Holidays, Jim

In this winter edition of the

Museum Store Corner ---we

are giving our readers some

updates on a few items and a

potential new item for the

museum store here at Fort

Fisher.

First, the much anticipated

Federal Point Lighthouse Or-

nament – after some tweaks

and small revisions to the de-

sign –ornament is now due in

the Fort Fisher Museum store

by February 1st. Instead of

the two image design – we

decided to simplify the orna-

ment by focusing on the Cap-

tain Tait sketch of the 2nd Fed-

eral Point Lighthouse. The

history behind the 2nd Federal

Point Lighthouse ornament

will be found on the back of

the box. Estimated retail

price will be $5.50 + tax.

The Battery Buchannan Blend

coffee seems to have been off

to a good start as a new addi-

tion in our store. For a lim-

ited time – if you purchase

one bag of Battery Buchannan

Blend – you get any regular

priced coffee mug – 50% off.

The coffee is available in Reg-

ular and Decaf. Price is

$12.95 plus tax – remember

all proceeds from our store

go directly to our site.

We get numerous requests

about lighthouses here at Fort

Fisher and to help solve this

dilemma – we are looking

into adding a new item to our

store –Southeast Lighthouses:

Illustrated Map & Guide. Pub-

lished by Bella Terra Maps –

same company that printed

the National Geographic Civil

War Battlefield Map (1961

edition) also available in our

museum store. The South-

east Lighthouses Map & Guide

provides the lighthouse seeker

with information and history

regarding lighthouses from the

North Carolina coast all the

way down to Georgia. The

map will retail for $6.95 plus

tax. Of course, all seven of

the North Carolina lighthous-

es are featured but also some

discontinued or “lost” light-

houses are mentioned includ-

ing the Federal Point Light-

house and the Price’s Creek

Range Light.

This is the perfect gift for any-

one with an interest in light-

houses. Be sure to check out

our Museum Store during the

upcoming 147th anniversary

program on January 21-22nd

and hopefully you will see

some new changes to the

store.

Museum Store Corner ...by Becky Sawyer

The Lowdown on Lighthouses like Federal Point

P A G E 3

T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

An estimated 800 visitors enjoyed the sounds of the holiday

season at Fort Fisher’s Holiday Open House on December 6.

Leading off the day’s performances was the fifty voice Leland

Christian Academy Elementary Choir under the direction of

Ms. Vickie Byrd-Jones. These first-fifth graders displayed the

stage presence of a seasoned touring choir without the slightest

hint that this was their first year singing as a group.

Children and grown-ups alike next enjoyed the storytelling and

dramatic interpretations of Ms. Joyce Grear, a professional ac-

tor/interpreter specializing in African-American storytelling and

history. The overflow crowd then took part in sing-alongs and

the stories of Civil War blockade-running by noted entertainer

John Golden in the guise of 19th century ships’ skipper Captain

Roberts.

Capping off a wonderful afternoon were the cool rhythms by

the twenty piece Murray Middle School Jazz Band directed by

Mr. David Tyson. These talented musicians showed the audi-

ence why they are in high demand for area functions through-

out the year. The jazz had everyone swaying and toe tapping as

MMSJB laid down a string of holiday favorites with their own

special sound.

What’s an open house without refreshments? Special thanks go

out to the Friends of Fort Fisher’s Open House partner, Fort

Fisher Chapter 2325, United Daughters of the Confederacy, for

providing all the delicious treats for the public throughout the

day. The event was coordinated by Chapter President Mrs. Pat

Bolander without whom the Open House wouldn’t have the

panache’ we’ve all come to enjoy.

By Paul Laird

Above: Murray Middle School Jazz Ensemble led by David Tyson Below: Leland Christian Academy Chorus led by Vickie Byrd-Jones

John Golden Joyce Grear

P A G E 4

T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

The Friends of Fort Fisher Board of Directors has been planning a

campaign to provide critical funding for site programs and projects

that will otherwise be reduced or eliminated. State budget reduc-

tions have provided urgency for the non-profit support organization

to raise the funding not only to make capital improvements at the

site but to also provide enhanced educational programs and exhibits

as we head in to the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

The Board is assigning priorities and developing costs estimates be-

fore announcing campaign goals but the Friends does want to imme-

diately invite public support for a new project - the Walk of Hon-

or – to allow everyone to pay tribute to someone special in a visible

and permanent manner that will be seen by over 600,000 annual

visitors to Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

The new Walk

of Honor

greets visitors

at the entrance

to the Fort

Fisher Museum

and Visitor

Center. Three

different sizes

of engraved

brick pavers

are available to

honor family,

friends, veter-

ans, military

units, businesses, etc. The pavers range in size from 6”x9” ($100),

9”x9” with small logo/emblem ($350), 9”x9” large corporate logo

($500) to 12”x12” with extensive engraving ($1,000).

As part of the Telling Their Story campaign to be announced in

the spring of 2012, details and order information for the Walk of

Honor may be obtained at the front desk in the Visitor Center

or by emailing a request for the informational brochure from Paul

Laird at plaird@friendsoffortfisher.com or calling him at 910-612-

7067 to request the brochure be mailed.

Please provide a tax deductible gift in someone’s honor or

memory and help Fort Fisher by supporting the Telling Their

Story campaign.

By Paul Laird

Development Director

Friends of Fort Fisher

Walk of Honor Pays Tribute and Supports Fort Fisher

P A G E 5

T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

At the conclusion of the Alabama project, Bragg moved to

Galveston, Texas where he accepted a job as Inspector of a

large railroad. While walking alongside a roadbed on 27

September 1876, Bragg suddenly fell and was carried to a

nearby drugstore where he died. An inquest determined

the cause of death to be “fatal syncope possibly induced by

organic heart disease.” Braxton Bragg was buried in Magno-

lia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.

In life, Bragg carried a sickly cadaverous appear-

ance. He was stooped and extremely thin

with an almost emaciated physique. Bragg

seemed to be obsessed with work and he

endlessly labored in a constant state of

stress. Throughout the Civil War,

Bragg was hampered by numerous

painful and stressful medical ailments.

He suffered frequent migraine head-

aches that were often accompanied by

nausea, vomiting, and distractive excru-

ciating pain. Chronic dysentery, gastri-

tis, and reflux esophagitis contributed to

his poor general health, lack of appetite,

insomnia, and persistently emaciated appear-

ance. Owing to long periods of time spent in

the saddle, Bragg was also plagued with painful

boils.

American doctors at that time had little understanding of

medical diseases and their causes. Treatment wasn’t stand-

ardized, and instead was often whimsical. The Confederate

medicine chest contained an odd assortment of chemicals,

tinctures, and powders such as arsenic oxide, oil of turpen-

tine, strychnine, and numerous mercury compounds – the

favorites being blue mass and calomel.

For 70 years after his death in 1813, Dr. Benjamin Rush,

who was a chemist as well as a physician, influenced Ameri-

can medicine. Rush was George Washington’s personal

physician, a close friend of Benjamin Franklin, a Revolution-

ary War veteran, and a signer of the Declaration of Inde-

pendence. Everyone considered Dr. Benjamin Rush to be

America’s finest physician. Regardless of the illness, the

mainstay of his treatment regimen consisted of blistering,

bloodletting, purging, and the liberal use of mercurial com-

pounds. Although blistering and bloodletting were no long-

er popular, Civil War doctors followed Rush’s practice of

using “heroic doses” of a mercurial compound such as blue

mass and calomel for whatever ailed. Blue mass was availa-

ble in the form of blue or gray pills or syrup. Its name

probably derives from the use of blue dye or blue chalk in

some of the formulations. The ingredients of blue mass

varied, as each pharmacist prepared it himself, but they all

included mercury in elemental or compound form, often

as mercury chloride, which was known as calomel. Blue

mass and calomel contained large amounts of mercury,

which were over 3000 times more than what today’s

EPA considers to be a toxic dose. The mercurial

compounds were used for a wide range of ail-

ments including dysentery, gastritis, reflux,

syphilis, yellow fever, depression, tuberculo-

sis, typhoid fever, toothaches, migraine

headaches, and even childbirth pain. Brax-

ton Bragg no doubt received large doses

of calomel for his numerous ailments.

In 1863, U.S. Army Surgeon General Wil-

liam Hammond recognized the dangers of

calomel and had it removed from the

Army’s medicine chests. Union military

doctors were so outraged that they con-

vinced Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to

court martial Hammond and restore calomel,

which he did.

Abraham Lincoln used blue mass for depression. In

1858, he began to show signs of mental instability and out-

bursts of rage. His erratic and bizarre behavior often led

to fights. Fortunately, Lincoln realized that the little blue

pills were causing his erratic behavior and he subsequently

stopped taking the medication. As is the case with all

heavy metals, mercury in any form is extremely toxic to

life.

Poisoning and death from blue mass and calomel can be

horrific. Bleeding disorders develop, wounds don’t heal,

and emaciation occurs. Excessive mercurial salivation de-

stroys teeth, gums, and jawbones. Damage occurs to the

brain, kidneys and lungs. Neuropsychiatric symptoms such

emotional lability, memory impairment, and insomnia are

not infrequent.

General Braxton Bragg was most likely introduced to calo-

mel during the Seminole Wars for his “Florida liver condi-

tion.” Until the Civil War, there are no reports of his

experiencing significant medical problems.

Civil War Medicine , Part 2 of 2

Genera l Braxton Bragg, CSAGenera l Braxton Bragg, CSAGenera l Braxton Bragg, CSA By Jack Hisley, MD

Continued on page 10

P A G E 6

T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

Some of the challenges facing Fort

Fisher Historic Site include a lower

than desired level of awareness of, and

appreciation, for the Site’s historical

significance on a national level among

Civil War enthusiasts, and a general

lack of awareness of its place in history

among a good portion of those who

live closest to it. There is also a strong

desire on the part of management to

improve the educational experience of

tourists and school groups alike, and to

significantly increase membership in

the supporting organization, The

Friends of Fort Fisher.

To address these issues, our classes

broke the target audience into 4 dis-

tinct groups; Civil War enthusiasts,

families and locals, students, and tour-

ists. Each of these groups will be re-

sponsive to distinct messages, and can

be reached via unique media vehicles.

We then conducted research and de-

veloped recommendations in the fol-

lowing areas: Message Development;

Improving the Visitor Experience; In-

ternal Recognition and Reward; Mem-

ber Retention and Recruitment; Web-

site, Newsletter and Social Media; Pub-

lic Relations, and Advertising.

One of the concepts the class devel-

oped for an overall message theme

was ‘More than’, which implies that

there is so much more to Fort Fisher

than what might be obvious. Possible

ways to use this message include:

Tourists: More than just an-

other day at the beach

Civil War Buffs: More than

just blockade runners and batter-

ies

Students: More than another

day behind a book

Families: More than just an-

other family outing

While acknowledging that funding is

tight throughout all state agencies, the

plan also provides some specific rec-

ommendations for improving the visi-

tor experience, such as signage and

audio tours.

Other areas examined by teams of mar-

keting students resulted in detailed new

membership and retention incentives,

the use of social media, improving the

website and looking at public relations

and advertising needs and opportunities.

UNCW marketing students present their Strategic Marketing Plan to the Friends of Fort Fisher by Tori Jones

The next phase of the project will be as-

sisting the Friends prioritize its needs and

resources against a timetable for imple-

mentation in 2012. Stayed tuned for fur-

ther developments.

Students from UNCW’s Cameron School of Business present their Strategic Market-ing Plan to the Friends of Fort Fisher in an on-campus class session led by their in-

structor Tori Jones..

P A G E 7

T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

…. at Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Through our special event rental program, allow us to host your wedding or special event

amongst the gnarled live oaks and scenic views of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Last year, Fort Fisher State Histor-

ic Site hosted over 3,000 people and nearly 60 special events.

Choose from multiple locations to host your event.

We have two ocean front gazebos, one beach area, and two

maritime forest groves. To accommodate requests for site

usage, tours can be scheduled of the locations offered to as-

sist in choosing the right place for the special moment. These

tours walk the grounds and discuss the information needed to

ensure that the location will fit your wants and needs. The

largest majority of events at Fort Fisher are couples choosing

us as a wedding location. Many couples have chosen the

North Gazebo for its spectacular view of the ocean and the

convenience of their guests to the visitor center. The South

Gazebo, located at the southern end of the historic site, of-

fers opportunities for couples wishing for more of a beach-

front wedding atmosphere. Couples generally use the Ocean

Grove area as it provides a maritime forest grove area that

brings shade during summer weddings and includes an ocean-

front bluff. Those couples seeking a more secluded area and

an amazing view of the Cape Fear River, especially at sunset, recommend the Fort Grove area behind the fortification’s earthen

walls. Site specific permits are required for any special events conducted on Fort Fisher’s property or to use the facilities. The

dollars generated by the permits will ensure that Fort Fisher State Historic Site will be able to support its mission to visitors for

years to come. To receive a copy of Fort Fisher’s permit, site usage guidelines, or to schedule a tour, contact John Moseley at

(910) 458-5538 or john.moseley@ncdcr.gov

Create a new chapter in your family history... For the ultimate in wedding destinations

By John Moseley, Special Events Coordinator

Congratulations to Cole Smith of Pittsboro, Indiana for winning the reproduction Palmetto Armory 1842

Musket and Bayonet raffled off by the Friends of Fort Fisher at our Holiday Open House held in De-

cember. Out of 1077 tickets sold, a determined Ben Laird, shown above, picked Mr. Smith’s name out of the raffle ticket box. Good work, Ben, and

congratulations Cole!

Jan. 21-22, 2012: The Lights of the Great Armada

May 12, 2012: Confederate

Memorial Day

June 9, 2012: 2nd Saturday

July 14, 2012: 2nd Saturday

August 11,2012: 2nd Saturday

P A G E 8

T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

Richard & Berit Adams Leland, NC

B Real Photo

Suzanne Brewer Four Oaks, NC

Steve Channell Trenton, OH

Russell Clark

Wilmington, NC

Ray Donation Wilmington, NC

Michael C.L. Hauser

Raleigh, NC

Johnny Hipps Nebo, NC

John A. Moore

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Sue Morrell Leland, NC

Eric L. Russ

Rocky Mount, NC

David A. Spetrino Wilmington, NC

James M. Taylor

Sustaining Member Durham, NC

Welcome New

Friends of Fort Fisher

The seeds of imagination grow strongest in fertile minds. So with roots in the Con-

federate capital of Richmond, Virginia and two privates from General “Stonewall” Jack-

son’s “foot cavalry” present in the

ranks of the family tree, there is

little wonder that Dr. Brian Nun-

nally would generate an interest in

the Civil War. As a child this curi-

osity of and appreciation for Unit-

ed States history was fostered by

his mother. Together they made

numerous treks cross fecund fields

of battle where America’s ancients

had reaped a harvest of death and

glory. It was on one of these peri-

patetic adventures many years ago

that he first explored Fort Fisher.

Obviously, it made a lasting im-

pression on Brian. Now he has

returned with a purpose - to pass

the laurels and wreaths of Ameri-

ca’s greatest struggle to his own

offspring and the next generation.

Partly inspired by Chris E.

Fonvielle, Jr.’s The Wilmington Cam-

paign: Last Ray’s of Departing Hope,

the good Doctor’s not just talking

the talk, he’s walking the walk.

About a year and a half back, de-

spite the demands of work, family

and church activities he took time

out of his busy schedule to bring

his children to Fort Fisher’s annual

“Park Day”, a volunteer day of site

beautification. There he was intro-

duced to Development Director,

Paul Laird and soon after was in-

vited to join the Friends of Fort Fisher’s Board of Directors. A year later and Nunnally

is most definitely on board. His contagious enthusiasm for the site and future improve-

ments resonates. He’s excited about the “Walk of Honor” project (see related article

page 4) that will offer visitors an opportunity to honor loved ones, friends, veterans or

organizations with a permanent marker; acquiring a reproduction Armstrong Rifled

Cannon; and expanding interpretation with the goal of setting Fort Fisher State Historic

Site on equal footing with the major national Civil War sites.

An employee of Pfizer (the world’s largest research and pharmaceutical company),

Brian holds two degrees in Science and Chemistry from the University of South Caroli-

na and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Duke University. Dr. Nunnally is a multifaceted man

whose vocation and avocation afford an interesting dichotomy: At work, his research

involves seeking present solutions for prospective problems; while on the other hand,

his love of history compels him to examine the past while pursuing his vision for the

site’s future. It promises to be smooth sailing with Dr. Nunnally on board.

Ray Flowers Curator of History

Meet our board: Dr. Brian Nunnally

Dr. Brian Nunnally

P A G E 9

T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

Individual Membership $25

Family Membership $40

Military/Student Membership $20

BENEFITS

Members receive subscriptions to The Powder Magazine

quarterly newsletter, membership card, notice of educational

programs and special events, a 15% discount in the Fort Fisher

Museum Store, and invitations to special Friends of Fort Fisher

events throughout the year.

SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP $500 and Up

All of the benefits above, plus acknowledgement in The Powder

Magazine quarterly newsletter, VIP acknowledgement in all

special programs and recognition on the museum’s permanent

donor board.

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP $100 and Up

Benefits will be extended to a designated representative of the

business. In addition, the business shall be entitled to one free

display advertisement (business card sized) in the next edition

of The Powder Magazine.

ARMSTRONG SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP $500 and Up

Gifts are placed into a restricted fund for capital improvements.

Benefits include membership for the year in which the gift is

received, permanent recognition on the museum’s donor wall

and at the annual meeting of the Friends of Fort Fisher.

OTHER WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE

Memorial & Honor Gifts

Artifact Donations

Volunteers

Named Gift Opportunities

Bequests

MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT FORM

Name__________________________________________

Address_________________________________________

________________________________________

City___________________________________________

State________________ Zip________________________

Telephone_______________________________________

Email___________________________________________

□ New □ Renewal

All contributions are tax deductible, less the fair market value

of goods and services received.

If you choose to waive your membership benefits, your contri-

bution is fully tax-deductible.

□ I wish to waive my membership benefits

□ My employer has a matching gift program.

Proper forms are enclosed

Membership Categories

Individual $25 ____________

Family $40 ____________

Military/Student $20 ____________

Sustaining $500+ ____________

Business $100+ ____________

Armstrong Society $500+ ____________

Payment □ Cash □ Check □ Credit Card Make checks payable to Friends of Fort Fisher

□ VISA □ MasterCard

Name on Card____________________________________

Account #_______________________________________

Expiration Date_____________3-digit security code_______

Signature___________________________Date_________

Join the Friends of Fort Fisher

Mail to: Friends of Fort Fisher

P.O. Box 169 Kure Beach, NC 28449

Not

valid

with

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T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E

Friends of Fort Fisher Board of Directors:

R. James MacLaren, Chairman Jerome Fennell, Vice Chair

Earl Lane, Secretary John Coble, Treasurer

James Carper Dan Hickman

Jack Hisley,MD Earnestine Keaton

Michael E. McCarley Brian Nunnally, Ph.D. Jim Steele, Ex-Officio

Paul Laird, Development Director

Web: www.friendsoffortfisher.com

E-mail: plaird@friendsoffortfisher.com

This newsletter was proudly produced with support from the Friends of Fort Fisher

Fort Fisher State Historic Site 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. South P.O. Box 169 Kure Beach, NC 28449 Phone: (910) 458-5538 E-mail: fisher@ncdcr.gov www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher

After his Pensacola assignment during the Civil

War, Bragg began experiencing medical prob-

lems for which he received calomel. Mercury toxicity could

well explain his bizarre behavior and melancholy, as well as his

poor interpersonal relationships and his pervasive distrust of

others. Although General Braxton Bragg was vilified during the

Civil War, he served with distinction and earned the admiration

and respect of his fellow men during the years prior to and fol-

lowing the Civil War. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the home of

the 82nd Airborne, bears the name of a “brave, resourceful, hard

bitten fighting man…a soldier’s soldier…a fighting man who saw

action in three wars and won distinction in each of them.” Was

the nemesis of General Braxton Bragg mercury toxicity?

Gen. Braxton Bragg Continued from page 5

recognition on a new paved plaza in front of the visitor center.

Capping off the afternoon was election of directors to the

board as follows: Michael E. McCarley – 1 year term; James

Carper, Jerome Fennell, Dan Hickman, and Earl Lane -2 year

terms. Following the Annual Meeting the Board convened to

elect corporate officers: R. James MacLaren, Chair; Jerome Fen-

nell, Vice Chair; Earl Lane, Secretary; John Coble, Treasurer.

Friends Annual Meeting Continued from page 1