Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           985/549-2341/fax 985-549-2061
    Date: 5/28/02
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple   18

Editors: Photo accompanies release
ANNUAL DEEP DELTA CIVIL WAR SYMPOSIUM AT SOUTHEASTERN TO
EXAMINE "BLOODBATHS AND BLUNDERS"
     HAMMOND -- The staggering human cost of victory and defeat will be the focus of the
annual Deep Delta Civil War Symposium, June 7-8, at Southeastern Louisiana University.
     Now in its 16th year, the symposium will feature ten nationally prominent historians
engaged in cutting-edge research who will discuss themes, battles and personalities illustrating
"Bloodbaths and Blunders: The Human Cost of Chivalry and Ineptitude 1861-1865."
     The two day symposium, sponsored by Southeastern's Center for Southeast Louisiana
Studies and department of history and political science, will be held on the second floor of  the
War Memorial Student Union. 
     "The glory of brilliant military campaigns and the gallantry of hard-fought battles catch
the attention of Civil War enthusiasts everywhere," said Center for Southeastern Louisiana
Studies Director Samuel C. Hyde Jr. "But the staggering human cost of victory and defeat, paid
for in the blood of the common soldiers both blue and gray, often remains unaddressed and
unanalyzed." 
     Lectures and roundtables will examine the "blood and guts" effects of inept or unlucky
commanders, faulty strategic planning, and logistical failures and outmoded tactics, issues "so
critical to a deeper understanding of the War Between the States," Hyde said.
     Presentations beginning at 1 p.m., Friday, June 7, include Glen Robins, "Bishop of the
Old South: The Civil War Legacy of Leonidas Polk"; Jim Hollandsworth, "Nathaniel Banks in
Two Valleys," and Terry Winschel, "A Tragedy of Errors: Failures of the Confederate High
Command during the Vicksburg Campaign." 
                             (MORE)
DEEP DELTA CIVIL WAR SYMPOSIUM   Add One

     Larry Daniel's "Bloodbaths and Blunders in the Western Theater" provides Friday night's 
7:30 p.m. keynote overview presentation.
     The program for Saturday, June 8,  begins at 9 a.m. and features Steven Woodworth,
"Longstreet's Assault on  Knoxville"; Brook Simpson, "From Cold Harbor to the Crater: The
Frustrations of U.S. Grant";  Paul Anderson, "On the Borders of Chivalry: The Partisan War,
1861-1862"; Stacy Allen, "Literally Shattered to Fragments: The Destruction of the Last
Confederate Offensive in Mississippi, October 1862"; and Bill Parrill, "Violence, Memory and
Loss in Three Civil War Films of the Silent Period."  
     A 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon roundtable will pit historian against historian in a lively
debate and will include audience participation. Joe Harsh's "Taken at the Flood: R.E. Lee and
Confederate Strategy in the Maryland Campaign of 1862" is Saturday night's 7:30 p.m. keynote
focus presentation.
     The Deep Delta Symposium also offers rare, used and new books on the Civil War
including those of all the published speakers. 
     The symposium includes a lunch and dinner option. Two pre-dinner socials promote
comradery and conversations between presenters and attendees. Seating is limited and
reservations are advised. 
     For additional information concerning the symposium, including fees, call the Center at
985-549-2151 or visit www.selu.edu/Academics/Depts/RegionalStudies.
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu/news/spring02.html