Thunder From a Clear Sky: Stovepipe Johnson’s Confederate Raid on Newburgh, Indiana
Authored By Raymond Mulesky, Jr.
Saturday, July 18th at 1 pm
Newburgh Museum – 503 State Street
“That an insignificant band of guerrillas could dare to invade free soil was a piece of temerity absolutely incredible. Yet that thing was done. Our people were startled as by a clap of thunder from a clear sky.
-Daily Evansville Journal, July 26, 1862
“This book is about the high water mark of partisan warfare, the first Confederate military operation to cross north of the Mason-Dixon Line during the Civil War. As reported in the Daily Evansville Journal, the raid was like “thunder from a clear sky.” It was a bold, unexpected stroke by a bold, unexpected soldier.
Even now, as an event firmly in the past, what is the story of the Newburg raid? Is it one of courage and guile, or is it one of betrayal and revenge? Is Adam Johnson a petty thief and a murdering pirate, or is he a heroic underdog and a military genius? Is Union Bethell, the Newburg Home Guard captain, a negligent coward or an avenging angel? Or are the attributes for each man better placed with the other? From this point forward, the reader decides.” Introduction from Thunder from a Clear Sky written by Raymond Mulesky, Jr. * Please note: The spelling of Newburg during this period of time.
Come hear how this all-true historical event unfolded as told directly from the author himself, Raymond Mulesky, Jr. as he discusses and answers questions about the ‘Raid on Newburg’. Ray will be with us during this interactive conversation where you can purchase a signed copy of his book detailing the events leading up to, during and after this historical event. Come decide for yourself whether “Stovepipe Johnson” was a petty thief or a rebel hero; whether Union Bethell avenged this dastardly act or he was considered a negligent coward. It’s up to you to decide!
Join us beginning at 1 pm at the Newburgh Museum at 503 State Street. Individual tickets for the Raid on Newburg presentation and discussion are $10 each. Signed copies of Thunder from a Clear Sky will be available for $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Newburgh Museum, on Eventbrite or by calling 812-853-5045.