SwampFox Enterprises of North Carolina

08/31/2018

We are pleased to show you John Paul Strain's newest Fine Art Giclee on Paper ...
Courting Miss Nellie by John Paul Strain
Nellie Grandstaff Koontz
Edinburg Mill – Virginia, 1862

Nellie Koontz was born in Edinburg, Virginia on January 13, 1845. She was a beautiful, precocious and strong willed child, being raised by her parents William J. Koontz and Elizabeth Ann Grandstaff. Nellie’s mother was the daughter of Major George Grandstaff, an old US Army veteran of the Mexican War and owner of the Edinburg Mill.
As the American Civil War raged throughout much of the country in 1862, Nellie was a 17 year old teenager going to school, working on the farm, and helping her grandfather at the mill. Little did she know she would become a heroine in the Shenandoah, when the “Yanks” came calling 1864.
Women did what they could to help in the war effort. As men would leave to join the army the responsibilities of raising children and running the farm became theirs. Many served as nurses, helping wounded soldiers, often times in their own homes. Woman applied their skills at making clothing, blankets, quilts and even socks, for the army.
But despite the war, life went on. Friendships were made. Eligible young girls would attend parties and dances to meet young men. They would write letters to their sweethearts who were away serving in the army, hoping for their safe return.
In the autumn of 1864 the war would arrive in the little town of Edinburg. Union General Philip Sheridan sent his soldiers to burn down the Grandstaff Mill and anything of value to the Confederate Army. Nellie and her cousin Melvina, galloped to Sheridan’s headquarters to plead with him for mercy, as their grandfather was a US war veteran. Sheridan rescinded his orders for the destruction of the mill, and the two girls galloped back to Edinburg saving the mill in the nick of time.
After the war was over, Nellie married Newton French McCann and the couple would have three children. After a long and happy life, Nellie passed away in Edinburg on September 19, 1927. But to this day the legend of her exploits during the Civil War lives on in the Shenandoah Valley.

05/23/2018

We think you will enjoy John Paul Strain's newest Fine Art Giclee for Spring 2018. $225.00 with free shipping. Message me ASAP..

Goose Creek Bridge
General JEB Stuart
Near Middleburg, Virginia - June 21, 1863

General Robert E. Lee began what would become known as the Gettysburg campaign in the early days of June 1863. He carefully marched the Army of Northern Virginia across the Blue Ridge Mountains and into the Shenandoah Valley. Detection by the enemy was one of General Lee’s main concerns. He gave his Cavalry Commander Major General JEB Stuart, the assignment of screening the army’s movements by operating on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. General Stuart would need to keep Federal Cavalry from discovering the Army of Northern Virginia heading north into Maryland and on into Pennsylvania.

At the same time, US Major General Joseph Ho**er gave orders to his Cavalry Commander Brigadier General Alfred Pleasonton. “The commanding general relies upon you…to give him information of where the enemy is, his force, and his movements…It is better that we should lose men than to be without knowledge of the enemy, as we now seem to be.”

The opposing cavalry forces found each other on June 17th, and the running battles from Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville lasted through the 21st.

Cavalry charges and counter charges were frequent. Engagements were fast and ferocious. General Stuart directed most of the fighting, employing lightning tactical charges and then giving ground to delay the larger federal force’s advance. This bought valuable time needed for General Lee’s army to march without being discovered.

On June 21st, the Goose Creek bridge, located between the towns of Middleburg and Upperville on the Ashby Gap Turnpike, became a choke point that was a focus of the opposing forces. The four-arched stone bridge spanning that waterway was a perfect location for General Stuart to slow the Federal advance. Facing 7000 Cavalry and infantry troops, Stuart, with the help of General Wade Hampton, strategically placed cannon on the west side of the bridge holding off the federals for two hours until they in turn brought up their own cannon. A devastating artillery duel ensued until the Confederates retired to the next high ground to the west. General Stuart’s stand at the bridge gave him time to consolidate his force east of Upperville, where he again delayed the Federal advance.

General Stuart’s skill succeeded in preventing General Pleasonton’s men from discovering the Army of Northern Virginia’s invasion north across the Potomac River. The battle of Gettysburg would begin just 10 days after the clash at Goose Creek. General Stuart’s next challenge would be to somehow get around the Federal forces and join General Lee somewhere to the north

02/20/2018

We are pleased to show you John Paul Strain's first Fine Art Giclee for 2018 ...

Peace in the Valley
By John Paul Strain
Opequon Presbyterian Church
Kernstown, Virginia - Winter of 1862

200 S/N Paper Giclées - $225 with free shipping
50 Artist's Proof Paper Giclées - $325 with free shipping

Image Size 19 " x 25 " approximate size

PM us for more information or to request a giclee.

Jackson and his troops had driven out the armies from the North with skill and boldness. General Jackson now commanded the new II Corps with 33,000 troops, beginning the immense task of organizing and preparing his men for the many challenges to come.
Peace in the Shenandoah Valley had returned during the early winter months of 1862. The great Stonewall
There was an air of festivity in the town of Wi******er as the holiday season was approaching and winter snows had blanketed the valley. Jackson’s wife, Anna had arrived to be with her husband and took up residence with the Reverend Graham family on Braddock Street just a short walk from the general’s headquarters. As Anna and the Graham children prepared for Christmas, General Jackson prepared his troops for what the new year would bring.

But for now as Stonewall rode past the Opequon Church he was content. He had won peace for his beloved Valley.

11/07/2017

Here is your first look at this year’s annual snow scene by
John Paul Strain!
Winter Shadows of 1862
Generals Lee and Jackson
Rappahannock River, VA
Size: 20” x 29” (Approx.)
Issue Price: $225.00 giclee on paper
$325.00 Artist’s Proof giclée on paper

e-mail [email protected] to reserve your copy or message us thru FaceBook messenger.

The year of 1862 had been one of glorious victories with Gen. Lee and Jackson commanding the armies of Northern Virginia. Thirteen battles, great and small had been fought and won. The morale of the Army was high with expectations that the leaders of the North would in time negotiate for peace.
In a letter to his wife on Christmas Day, General Lee wrote, "My heart is filled with gratitude to Almighty God for His unspeakable mercies with which he has blessed us this day and particularly for those he has vouchsafed us during the past year... What should have become of us without His crowning help and protection? I pray that, on this day when only peace and good-will are preached to mankind, better thoughts may fill the hearts of our enemies and turn them to peace..."

10/08/2017

This weekend has been very busy with artwork sales. I just listed three dozen pieces in our store on E-bay, in a wide variety of subjects with great pricing. Most are "Best Offer" too.
Suggest you visit and look around.

SwampFox Enterprises of NC | eBay Stores
Shop SwampFox Enterprises of NC. Find more of what you love on eBay stores!
STORES.EBAY.COM

09/10/2017

Shenandoah Mountain Passage
General Stonewall Jackson & Lt. Sandie Pendleton
Near McDowell, Virginia - May 8, 1862

Issue Price: $225.00 with free shipping

General Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign began at 3A.M. on the April 30th under stormy conditions. Weather at the end of April had gone from cold rain, sleet and snow to rain again. Streams were flowing out of their banks and water was pouring down from the mountains. The roads were turned into quagmires and fields looked more like ponds. Undaunted General Jackson led his army of 6000 men south up the Blue Ridge towards the seldom used pass known as Brown's Gap. Jackson's topographer and map maker Jedediah Hotchkiss knew the country like the back of his hand and was directing the army's trek through the back roads and mountain trails to screen the movements of the great force.

But similarly to the travails of the Romney Expedition, the trail was tough going for both man and horse. Horses floundered, wagons broke down and roads had to be reinforced with stones, fence rails and trees to keep the cannons moving. Often General Jackson himself would dismount and help collect wood and stones. One of the soldiers cursing General Jackson for the back breaking work, was surprised to to hear a voice from behind him say, "It is for your own good sir." Turning he saw Jackson working just as hard.

General Jackson's first target on the spring campaign was the Federal force located at McDowell. He had received a dispatch from General Robert E. Lee on May 1st saying "If you can strike an effective blow against the enemy west of Staunton, it would be very advantageous." On May 3rd the tired army arrived at Mechum's River Station on the Virginia Central Railroad. Fortunately for the weary soldiers the force was able to board the train and ride for Staunton. Disembarking west of Staunton, Jackson prepared his men for the 20 mile mountain march which would cross four ridges of Shenandoah Mountain and down into the hamlet of McDowell. Sandie Pendleton observed "This is the meanest country I ever saw, but it is still old Virginia and we must have it."

At daybreak on May the 8th Jackson's army once again began their climb. At the end of the day's journey through Shenandoah Mountains they would completely surprise and crush the Federal troops at McDowell, their first victory of the Valley Campaign.

09/05/2017

This is John Paul Strain's Fall 2017 limited edition giclee on canvas ...

Shenandoah Mountain Passage
By John Paul Strain
General Stonewall Jackson & Lt. Sandie Pendleton
Near McDowell, Virginia - May 8, 1862

$225.00 with free shipping!
Message me to purchase or receive more info.

General Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign began at 3A.M. on the April 30th under stormy conditions. Weather at the end of April had gone from cold rain, sleet and snow to rain again. Streams were flowing out of their banks and water was pouring down from the mountains. The roads were turned into quagmires and fields looked more like ponds. Undaunted General Jackson led his army of 6000 men south up the Blue Ridge towards the seldom used pass known as Brown's Gap. Jackson's topographer and map maker Jedediah Hotchkiss knew the country like the back of his hand and was directing the army's trek through the back roads and mountain trails to screen the movements of the great force.

But similarly to the travails of the Romney Expedition, the trail was tough going for both man and horse. Horses floundered, wagons broke down and roads had to be reinforced with stones, fence rails and trees to keep the cannons moving. Often General Jackson himself would dismount and help collect wood and stones. One of the soldiers cursing General Jackson for the back breaking work, was surprised to to hear a voice from behind him say, "It is for your own good sir." Turning he saw Jackson working just as hard.

General Jackson's first target on the spring campaign was the Federal force located at McDowell. He had received a dispatch from General Robert E. Lee on May 1st saying "If you can strike an effective blow against the enemy west of Staunton, it would be very advantageous." On May 3rd the tired army arrived at Mechum's River Station on the Virginia Central Railroad. Fortunately for the weary soldiers the force was able to board the train and ride for Staunton. Disembarking west of Staunton, Jackson prepared his men for the 20 mile mountain march which would cross four ridges of Shenandoah Mountain and down into the hamlet of McDowell. Sandie Pendleton observed "This is the meanest country I ever saw, but it is still old Virginia and we must have it."

At daybreak on May the 8th Jackson's army once again began their climb. At the end of the day's journey through Shenandoah Mountains they would completely surprise and crush the Federal troops at McDowell, their first victory of the Valley Campaign.

07/17/2017

New by John Paul Strain ...
The Texas Battle Flag
September 1862
Archival Paper Giclées Limited Supply

200 S/N Paper Giclées - $225.00 with Free Shipping
50 Artist's Proof Paper Giclées - $325.00 with Free Shipping
Image Size 19 1/2" x 28 3/4"

To order a copy of this special giclee please message us ASAP. Customers with automatic invoicing are not required to purchase this image. Message us to request your usual invoice; please.

The battle flag the 1st Texas Regiment carried into the most ferocious and desperate two hours of the battle of Antietam proudly flew the colors of the State of Texas.

Stonewall Jackson's corps were desperately trying to hold General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia's left flank from a sea of blue clad soldiers under the command of US General Joseph Ho**er. Reinforcements were called in and General John Bell Hood's Texans were brought up to hold the line. Hood's brigades were able to hold their ground during the pitched battle but the 1st Texas Regiment decided not just to hold their ground but charged forward across the Miller's cornfield on their own.

These courageous men could not be stopped even by their own officers' orders, and they fought across the 40 acre corn field carrying what became know as the Texas Wigfall Flag. The flag was so named because it was made from Mrs. Wigfall's wedding dress. Nine color bearers were killed carrying the flag during some of the most savage fighting of the war. The 1st Texas suffered over 82% casualties on that field, more than any other Regiment North or South, during the entire war. The blood soaked flag was not captured in battle but found by a federal soldier under the body of one of those brave Texas heroes.

The flag was returned to the State of Texas in 1909, and hung with honor in the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives until the 1920's.

This painting was commissioned by the Texas Sons of Confederate Veterans to be placed on the State of Texas motor vehicle license plates.

04/16/2017

We put several pieces of Artwork by Don Troiani, Mort Kunstler & John Paul Strain on E-bay's Auction this week. You are encouraged to inspect & may offer for purchase. Example:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=252856201473&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

It would be the only time during the war years that the two would be able to spend much time together. The Grahams had three young children, and Jackson enjoyed being a part of their family life. It brought a sense of normalcy to a world of pressure and heavy responsibility. | eBay!

03/31/2017

We only have two S/N's giclees on paper of John Paul Strain's "Hampton Roads". The rest have been sold. If you would like a giclee message me ASAP.

Hampton Roads
By John Paul Strain
Clipper Ship "Belle of the Sea"
James River - Norfolk, Virginia – 1861

200 s/n giclee on paper reproductions - $225.00
#94 & #95
50 Artist Proofs - $325.00
Image Size -19 ¼” x 26 ½”

She was named the "Belle of the Sea". Her bow was adorned by a beautiful maiden cradling a yellow rose. The clipper ship was long and sleek, beautiful as her name sake. She was built for speed, and often capable of reaching 20 knots, in contrast to the 5-6 knots attained by other ships of the day. At full sail her bow would neatly cleave water into mirror image waves. The ship in it's full glory was over 200 feet in length at 1255 tons, sporting a wooden hull. Fast and sleek, silent and dark at night, she was a 19th century "Flying Dutchman".

The ship was built in the New England coastal town of Marblehead, Massachusetts by Ewell & Dutton in 1857. First owned by T.B. Waters & Co. of Boston, the merchant ship traveled to many ports across the seas covering thousands of miles. The ship was eventually sold in Liverpool, England in 1864 for $45,000.

Sailors had three requirements for a clipper ship. "She must be sharp-lined, built for speed. She must be tall-sparred and carry the utmost spread of canvas. And she must use that sail, day and night, fair weather and foul." The "Belle of the Sea" was all of these.

Sailing through Hampton Roads on the James River, the "Belle of the Sea" had now returned to one of the more important ports in Virginia, Norfolk. The crew would off load and load their cargo for the next leg of the journey. It would be the last time for the ship to dock there as war would soon come to Virginia, and President Lincoln would impose a blockade of all Southern ports. This action would lead to one of the greatest naval battles in history, the Battle of Hampton Roads.

On March 8, 1862 the ironclad CSS Virginia would attack 3 Federal wooden hulled ships blockading Hampton Roads. Two of these were sunk, with the third run aground. The next day an epic battle would be fought between two ironclads, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (Merrimack), and the United States Navy would carry the day.

03/16/2017

Hampton Roads
By John Paul Strain
Clipper Ship "Belle of the Sea"
James River - Norfolk, VA - 1861

200 s/n giclee on paper reproductions - $225.00
50 Artist Proofs - $325.00
Image Size -19 ¼” x 26 ½”

She was named the "Belle of the Sea". Her bow was adorned by a beautiful maiden cradling a yellow rose. The clipper ship was long and sleek, beautiful as her name sake. She was built for speed, and often capable of reaching 20 knots, in contrast to the 5-6 knots attained by other ships of the day. At full sail her bow would neatly cleave water into mirror image waves. The ship in it's full glory was over 200 feet in length at 1255 tons, sporting a wooden hull. Fast and sleek, silent and dark at night, she was a 19th century "Flying Dutchman".

The ship was built in the New England coastal town of Marblehead, Massachusetts by Ewell & Dutton in 1857. First owned by T.B. Waters & Co. of Boston, the merchant ship traveled to many ports across the seas covering thousands of miles. The ship was eventually sold in Liverpool, England in 1864 for $45,000.

Sailors had three requirements for a clipper ship. "She must be sharp-lined, built for speed. She must be tall-sparred and carry the utmost spread of canvas. And she must use that sail, day and night, fair weather and foul." The "Belle of the Sea" was all of these.

Sailing through Hampton Roads on the James River, the "Belle of the Sea" had now returned to one of the more important ports in Virginia, Norfolk. The crew would off load and load their cargo for the next leg of the journey. It would be the last time for the ship to dock there as war would soon come to Virginia, and President Lincoln would impose a blockade of all Southern ports. This action would lead to one of the greatest naval battles in history, the Battle of Hampton Roads.

On March 8, 1862 the ironclad CSS Virginia would attack 3 Federal wooden hulled ships blockading Hampton Roads. Two of these were sunk, with the third run aground. The next day an epic battle would be fought between two ironclads, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (Merrimack), and the United States Navy would carry the day.