Historians have largely portrayed Major John Chivington as the hero of Glorieta Pass, the bold officer whose surprise attack destroyed the rebel supply train and forced the Confederate retreat to Santa Fe. In contrast, they have depicted Chivington’s superior, Colonel John Slough, as the engagement’s goat, a “martinet” whose incompetence nearly led to the Union army’s defeat in northern New Mexico Territory.What historians have ignored in their recounting of the 1862 New Mexico campaign was Chivington’s persistent effort to win promotion by assassinating Slough’s character, perhaps even planning his murder.
Richard Miller, the author of Thwarted Ambition: The Life of General John Slough, will use the background of the 1862 New Mexico campaign to revisit Chivington’s role in the victory at Glorieta Pass and discuss his plot to ruin Slough through insubordination, anonymous newspaper attacks, and even threats against the colonel’s life.
Richard Miller earned a B.A. in history from Carleton College and an M.A. in history from Princeton University. Although he spent his career in health care management and consulting, he returned to reading and writing history upon his retirement in 2014. He has served as a president of the Puget Sound Civil War Roundtable, where he is a frequent presenter, and has also spoken to the Fort Collins Civil War Roundtable and the Cincinnati Civil War Roundtable. He lives in Seattle with his wife Karin.
Donations welcome
Auditorium event with limited seating-bottled water only please
