Colonel Charles Russell Lowell died at 29 in the battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. His heroic actions on that day prompted northern papers to eulogize him as the "Beau Sabreau" of the U.S. By that time, Lowell was considered by many to be one of the most talented of the Union Cavalry officers in the eastern theater. General Sheridan called him "the perfection of a man and a soldier." Lowell, the scion of a prominent New England family, was groomed for leadership in civilian life, and when the war came, eagerly looked forward to making his mark in the military as well.

Our speaker this month is Dr. Joan Waugh, professor of History at UCLA. Dr. Waugh has published a number of essays on Civil War topics, and is currently writing a book on Ulysses S. Grant. She also co-sponsored two conferences on Civil War themes at the Huntington Library. Her book Unsentimental Reformer: The Life of Josephine Shaw Lowell was published in 1998. Among other distinctions, Josephine Lowell was a member of a remarkable Boston family prominent in the Civil War era. Her brother was Robert Gould Shaw, the colonel of the 54th Massachusetts, the first northern, all-black regiment. Lowell's husband of nine months was Charles Russell Lowell, the subject of tonight's talk. This presentation will explore his wartime career and leadership skills, and particularly examine his role in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864.

Come join us as we learn the story of this remarkable Civil War soldier.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

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