Powell Liberty Historical Society

Michael Wise, educated and entertained the audience while portraying his second great-uncle, Captain George M. Wise, who served as Adjutant for the Union's 43rd Ohio Infantry Regiment during the Civil War, under Major General William Rosecrans of Sunbury. He reviewed Rosecrans' life, including his time at West Point, his time serving in the Army Corp of Engineers and his time as a general in the Civil War. He explained why his men loved him, and described his disastrous relationships with Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and Commanding General U. S. Grant. He explained how Rosecrans was asked to be President Lincoln's running mate in 1864 but his long telegram accepting the nomination was never delivered. He also described the numerous other political opportunities the Rosecrans declined to pursue.