Brigadier General John A. Rawlins

Portrayed by Gary Carlberg

BGen. John A. Rawlins

In support of the CWIA events, impressionist Gary Carlberg portrays BG John Rawlins, General Grant’s Chief of Staff.  A friend from Galena Illinois, Rawlins served on Grant's staff throughout the war, rising from Captain to the rank of brevet Major General, and was Grant's chief defender against allegations of insobriety.  He was Grant's alter ego, discharging with objectivity the duties and responsibilities of intimate friend, military and political adviser, editor, and, on perhaps a few occasions, apostle of sobriety.  Grant referred to him as the most nearly indispensable man he had around him.  After the war President Grant appointed him as Secretary of War.     

General Grant with MGen Meade, BGen Rawlins and Medical Staff Officers at Liehigh Valley Civil War Days event in June 2017