The Shoreline Civil War Roundtable will host guest speaker, Chris Bagley, to start off the group’s sixteenth year on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Acton Public Library in Old Saybrook.

Bagley is the author of The Horse At Gettysburg. His love of horses, combined with his love of American Civil War history, brings forth a remarkable read for both equine lovers and civil war buffs. The book takes a look at the crucial role horses played during the American Civil War. Three million horses and mules supported all the armies. Approximately one-half were injured or killed. Without horses, there would be no cavalry. Horses were essential for assisting officers during battle. Horses were essential for transporting artillery before, during, and after the battle; they were essential for delivering supplies and providing rapid transportation for the wounded. And amid all this tragedy, there still developed a unique bond between soldier and horse. All are welcome. For more information, please contact the Acton Library or the group’s facilitator at 860-395-1124.