April 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Charles A. Dana, little known and seldom covered by most Civil War historians, was a brilliant American journalist, author, and government official. When Dana left the New York Tribune as Horace Greeley’s right hand man, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton immediately made him a special investigative agent of the Department of War. In this capacity, Dana discovered frauds of quartermaster and contractors. President Lincoln called him “The eyes of the Administration,” and he spent considerable time at the front sending Stanton frequent reports concerning the capacity and methods of various generals in the field.
Most of us interested in the Civil War are familiar with Dana’s reputation for “spying” on General Grant during his Vicksburg campaign. His reports back to Secretary Stanton and President Lincoln are thought to have weighed heavily in Grant’s promotion to Lieutenant General.
Steven Demory will give his presentation, using a highly illustrated PowerPoint, about Dana’s background, the events that lead to his appointment as Assistant Secretary of War, and truly significant role he played in forming the team that would eventually lead the Federal forces to victory! As Secretary Stanton’s right hand man and field operative, Dana had first hand experience with, and reported on, many of the war’s pivotal events and personalities.
Steve and his wife, Patrice, reside in Kentucky, and portray Thaddeus and Leontine Lowe at Civil War reenactments, schools and historical events. Steve became interested in Charles Dana in 2004 when his research found that Dana played such a critical and important role in the Civil War and is so little known of his achievements!
