Private Summers' Journal

Moving To New Blog Site

2011-01-31T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. This is to inform you that I will be moving to a new blog location. My new blog is at www.abeckoninghellfire.com. Please check it out! I apologize for any inconvenience, and look forward to corresponding to you with my new blog. Thank you so much for your continued support!

Lee-Jackson Celebration

2011-01-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday night, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Samuel A. Hughey Camp 1452 celebrated Generals Lee and Jackson's birthdays with a special dinner honoring the occasion. A good-sized crowd turned out to honor the two Confederate generals, including members of the Varina Howell Davis Chapter 2559 United Daughters of the Confederacy.

The participants enjoyed a splendid dinner prepared by Linda McCan who, in this writer's opinion, should start her own catering business! Following dinner, Compatriot Jeppie Barbour, who is Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour's brother, gave a talk about the two celebrated generals.

The gathering participated in a candlelight vigil honoring the two generals as well as each member's ancestor, who was called out by name. Afterward, a drawing was held, whereby some individuals won grab bags containing Civil War movies, toiletries, etc. The annual dinner was a great experience for all.

Walmart Trial to Start on Tuesday

2011-01-24T21:24:00.000-08:00

The trial deciding whether Walmart will gain hallowed land near the Wilderness Battlefield in Orange County, Virginia will start today.Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian James McPherson will be called to testify as a volunteer expert witness. The trial will take place in Orange County Circuit Court and is expected to last a week.

The Battle of the Wilderness, which took place on May 5 and 6 in 1864, is considered to be one of the most decisive battles of the Civil War. 185,000 soldiers participated, and 30,000 became casualties. McPherson's testimony will elaborate on the importance of this land, and the historical significance it plays. The proposed Walmart site will destroy land on and around the battlefield.

McPherson won the Pulitzer Prize for his book, "Battle Cry of Freedom." He plans to play on the judge's sympathies by relating the graphic details of wounded and dying men who were taken to a field hospital that was located less than a mile from the proposed Walmart site.

UDC/SCV Represented at Local Library

2011-01-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

This morning I had the privilege of attending the Horn Lake Library with two of my dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Lynne Herron, where we gave a presentation about the War Between the States to approximately 200 children. It was a lot of fun, and the kids were great! They were all very well-behaved, attentive, and curious about what people 150 years ago lived like.

Our presentation included performing several Civil War songs. Miss Dorothy talked about our period clothing and the language of the fan. Mr. Lynn discussed what a typical soldier in the army had to endure, and he brought along Civil War paraphernalia for the kids to experience, including a cannon ball, bullets, cooking utensils, and weaponry.

We gave each one of the kids a piece of hardtack. Most said they liked it! The event was the first in a series that we plan to give as living history lessons to local school children, as well as Seniors in Action and other groups.

Happy Birthday General Lee!

2011-01-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

Today marks the anniversary of one of the Confederacy's most beloved generals, Robert E. Lee, who was born in 1807. His childhood birthplace, Stratford Hall Plantation in Virginia, still exists and has been restored to its original condition. It is rumored that when young Robert moved away at age four, he ran to the angel carving above the fireplace and kissed it goodbye.

Lee graduated from West Point at the top of his class in 1829 and embarked on a career as a civil engineer. He married Mary Custis at Arlington on June 30, 1831. The couple had seven children over the course of the next thirty years. Upon the onset of the Civil War, Lee was a colonel with the U.S. Army. He resigned his position to join the Confederacy, and was named general within months. The next four years would take a terrible toll on his country, his health, and his family. Despite his age, General Lee led his soldiers to victory many times, and his men loved him like a father, affectionately calling him "Marse Robert."

Following Appomattox, Lee avoided arrest and was appointed president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia. He served until his death five years later, on September 28, 1870. His citizenship was restored by President Gerald Ford on January 30, 1975.

General Lee, a deeply religious man, was admired for his dignity and devotion to duty, not to mention his military genius. Many southern states honor his birthday with observed holidays. He is immortalized in a carving on Stone Mountain, Georgia, as well as numerous statues and paintings.

Library of Congress Receives Gift

2011-01-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

Late last year, a private collector named Tom Liljenquist from McLean, Virginia, donated a treasure trove of Civil War era tintypes to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. The donation was the largest one that the library has received in fifty years.

Approximately 700 images are included in the collection, most of which are those of Union soldiers who have yet to be identified. Also included are photographs of women, children, and African-American soldiers, which are considered to be quite rare.

Mr. Liljenquist donated his collection in order that it could be made available to the public for free. To honor his wishes, the Library of Congress plans a major exhibition featuring the photographs in April.

Many of the images can be viewed at loc.gov/rr/print/caption/captionliljenquist.html.

Secession! Secession! Secession!

2011-01-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

As most Civil War buffs know, yesterday was the 150th anniversary of Mississippi's secession from the Union. Today marks the sesquicentennial of Florida's departure, and tomorrow will be the 150th anniversary of Alabama's split from the U.S. government.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy, of which I am a member, will be having a commemorative ceremony in Jackson on the 28th at the War Memorial Building. I am certain that other states will be doing the same thing. Our division is also preparing a special pin in honor of the occasion.

The fervor that consumed the Southern states during that time must have been contagious. Effigies of Lincoln were burned in the streets, speeches were given to inspire the hearts of young warriors, and celebrations resounded. If only they knew what was in store ... so many naive Americans believed that, if the country did go to war, it would be over in 90 days. Four years later, over 164,000 lives were lost, and the course of American history would be changed forever.

Got the wintertime blues? Visit a museum!!!

2011-01-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

I don't know about y'all, but for me, January can be a big let down after the holidays. After weeks of holiday cheer, not to mention all the calories, friends, and family coming to visit, once Christmas and New Years are over, so is the excitement. All of a sudden, things get really quiet as they revert back to "normal."

My remedy is to get out of the house! And what better place to go than the museum? Go somewhere you haven't gone before, see the surrounding sights, and experience past lives ... it can be fascinating.

My son and I recently visited the Pink Palace Museum is Memphis. What an awesome place! The mansion was built by Clarence Saunders, the founder of Piggly Wiggly grocery stores, but he went bust after a legal dispute in the 1920's. The city of Memphis purchased the extravagant castle and turned it into a museum. Along with a natural history section, the Pink Palace also has a planetarium, a Memphis history section, an entire wing dedicated to a local citizen who hand-carved a moving mini circus out of wood and pulleys, and an IMAX theatre. If you're ever in Memphis, check it out!

Belle Boyd – Cleopatra of the Secession

2011-01-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

Belle Boyd was only seventeen years old when she began her illustrious career as a Confederate spy. She quickly learned the art of espionage after her hometown of Martinsburg, Virginia became overrun with Yankees.

Born on May 4, 1844, Isabella Maria Boyd was the eldest child of a wealthy family. Her father ran a general store and managed a tobacco plantation. Belle grew up with several brothers and sisters, dominating them all with her tomboyish ways. She attended Mount Washington Female College in Baltimore at age twelve, and after completing her education four years later, enjoyed the life of a fun-loving debutante. Described as having shining blue eyes, thick light brown hair, and a fine figure, she was considered attractive but not beautiful, and made up for it by being overly feminine, flirtatious, and outgoing. A brilliant talker, she dressed colorfully and wore feathers in her hats.

At the onset of the Civil War, Belle’s father enlisted with the Virginia Cavalry, Stonewall Jackson Brigade. It wasn’t long before Belle was confronted with the enemy. On July 2, 1861, Union troops skirmished at nearby Falling Waters, and occupied Martinsburg on July 4. After looting the town, a band of drunken Union soldiers stormed into Belle’s home, tore down the Confederate flag that the Boyd Family proudly flew over their home, and attempted to hoist up the Stars and Stripes. Belle’s mother protested, and was attacked by one of the Yankees. In retaliation, Belle shot him, justifying her actions by stating, “… we ladies are obliged to go armed in order to protect ourselves as best we might from insult and outrage.” Subsequently arrested, she was soon acquitted without reprisal for her action. “The commanding officer,” she wrote, “inquired into all the circumstances with strict impartiality, and finally said I had ‘done perfectly right.’” Belle’s home was constantly guarded by sentries afterward to keep an eye on her activities.

She soon became a courier for Generals Beauregard and Jackson, carrying information, confiscating weapons, and delivering medical supplies. By early 1862, she had developed a reputation for herself, dubbed in the press as “La Belle Rebelle,” the “Siren of the Shenandoah,” the “Rebel Joan of Arc,” and the “Amazon of Secessia.” Using her feminine qualities to allure unsuspecting Yankees, she befriended the invading soldiers to obtain information for the Confederacy. One evening in mid-May, she eavesdropped through a peephole on a Council of War while visiting relatives in Front Royal, whose hotel was being used as a Union headquarters. With the information she obtained, she rode fifteen miles to deliver the news to General Stonewall Jackson. On May 23, she ran out onto the battlefield to give General Jackson last minute information. She later wrote that “the Federal pickets … immediately fired upon me … my escape was most providential … rifle-balls flew thick and fast about me … so near my feet as to throw dust in my eyes … numerous bullets whistled by my ears, several actually pierced different parts of my clothing.” Jackson captured the town and later acknowledged her bravery in a personal note. She was subsequently awarded the Confederate Southern Cross of Honor, and given honorary captain and aide-de-camp positions.

Belle was arrested on July 29, 1862 and incarcerated at Old Capitol Prison in Washington D.C., but was released a month later as part of a prisoner exchange. She was arrested again in July 1863. Not a model inmate, She waved Confederate flags from her window, loudly sang “Dixie,” and sent information to a contact person
outside who shot a rubber ball into her cell. She then sewed messages inside and threw it back. She was released in December, but was arrested again in 1864, and this time was released for health reasons (typhoid fever). On May 8, she was sent to England as a diplomatic courier, but was captured while aboard a blockade runner, The Greyhound. She escaped to Canada with the assistance of Union naval officer Lieutenant Sam Hardinge, who she charmed into convincing him to marry her and switch sides. The two traveled to England, where Belle went to work for the Confederate Secret Service. Hardinge was court-martialed and disgraced for his actions. The two were married on August 24.

Belle stayed in England for the next two years, wrote her memoirs, entitled “Belle Boyd in Camp and Prison,” and achieved success onstage. When her husband died in 1866, she returned to America, where she continued her stage career and lecture tour, billing her show as “The Perils of a Spy,” and touting herself as “Cleopatra of the Secession.”

In 1869, she married John Swainston Hammond, an Englishman who had fought for the Union army, but sixteen years and four children later, divorced him. She married Nathaniel High, Jr. two months later in January 1885. He was an actor seventeen years her junior. Belle continued the touring circuit. On Sunday, June 10, 1900, while at a speaking engagement with the GAR in Kilbourn (now Wisconsin Dells), Belle died of a heart attack. She was 56 years old and in poverty. Union veterans paid for her funeral. She is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last night, soldiers of SCV Camp 1452 braved the elements in Southaven, Mississippi to guard the gates of Southern Lights. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Southern Lights is a Southaven Christmas tradition. As you drive through the park, music accompanies an awesome light show.

This year, the Sons were chosen to collect admission from cars traveling through Southern Lights on New Year's Eve. Although the turnout was less than in other years, the weather was tolerable in that it wasn't too cold (like it was last year), but a thunderstorm caused heavy rainfall at times. The lights were accentuated by occasional flashes of lightning.

Here's to a wonderful, happy, prosperous New Year for us all!

New Discoveries for the New Year

2010-12-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

This week, two interesting news stories broke in regard to the War Between the States. It was announced that descendants of John Wilkes Booth are exhuming his brother's body in order to obtain DNA. It will then be compared to the person thought to be buried as John Wilkes Booth. Speculation has circulated since his death (he was shot in a barn two weeks after assassinating President Abraham Lincoln) that an impostor was actually shot, and that the real JWB escaped and lived until 1903, when he committed suicide in Enid, Oklahoma under the assumed name of John St. Helen. Theories exist that he was a member of the Knights of the Golden Circle, an elite group of Confederates who concealed Booth's identity and assisted in his escape.
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/23/did-abraham-lincoln-assassin-john-wilkes-booth-escape-dna-may-s/

Another discovery concerns a message in a bottle. The find was given to the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia in 1896. It was a gift from Capt. William A. Smith, of King George County, who served during the Vicksburg siege. The message, dated July 4, 1863, was encrypted, and the curator of the museum finally became curious enough to find out what was inside the tiny 2" bottle. Essentially, the author, who is believed to have been Maj. Gen. John G. Walker, of the Texas Division, and who had under his command William Smith, the donor of the bottle, stated that he was unable to provide support to General Pemberton, the Confederate General who was under siege in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was on that same day that the Confederate army surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant's Union forces.
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/25/civil-war-message-in-a-bottle-opened-decoded/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl1|sec1_lnk3|192058

Merry Christmas One and All!

2010-12-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

Here's to wishing everyone a very merry Christmas. I realize that I am being unconventional by not stating "Happy Holidays," but I have a different take on all the political correctness. It is my opinion that you shouldn't say happy holidays merely to avoid offending those who aren't Christians. I tell everyone merry Christmas to celebrate my own Christianity. That is my belief and I should not be forced to be ashamed of it.

That being said, remember the familiar adage that Jesus is the reason for the season. If you have the opportunity, attend a church service on Christmas Eve. I guarantee that it will inspire you. For all those who have suffered loss this year, God bless you. And a very special "Merry Christmas" to our armed forces personnel, who are far from home, missing their families.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

And So It Begins

2010-12-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 150th anniversary of South Carolina's secession from the Union, and the escalating events that led to America's greatest tragedy, the Civil War. In 1860, the governor of South Carolina recommended that, if Lincoln was elected, the only honorable thing to do would be to secede. So on December 17, which would have been 150 years ago last Friday, delegates to the South Carolina Convention met in Columbia. Because of a smallpox outbreak, the convention was adjourned until the 20th, and an Ordinance of Secession was passed within hours. The vote was 169 in favor to zero opposed.

The wife of one of South Carolina's senators, Mary Chesnut, was traveling home by train when she heard the news "...that Lincoln was elected and our fate sealed." She also wrote that "South Carolina had been ... rampant for years. She was the torment of herself and everybody else ... South Carolina had exasperated and heated themselves (sic) into a fever that only a bloodletting could ever cure." Judge Pettigru, who was possibly the only Unionist in the state, remarked that "South Carolina is too small for a republic but too big for an insane asylum."

It wouldn't be long before several other southern states joined South Carolina in the cause. From here on out, I will be documenting these events as they occurred over the course of a four-year span. Hope you enjoy!

UDC Christmas

2010-12-17T20:38:00.001-08:00

Last Monday night, my United Daughters of the Confederacy chapter (Varina Howell Davis #2559 in Horn Lake, Mississippi) celebrated Christmas with our annual party. We had a good turnout, and enjoyed lots of great food, friendship, and games! We also participated in a secret Santa gift exchange.

The ladies of the UDC have much to celebrate. This year we participated in the Southaven Christmas parade, and recently learned that our float placed FIRST PLACE! We deserve it after traveling the parade route (4 miles) in frigid Mississippi December weather, over hill and dale, and overcoming a locked vehicle. Fortunately, no one fell down this year!

My chapter also participated in Southern Lights, which is a Southaven tradition. The UDC works one night at the gate each year, and this is one of our primary money makers. It is my understanding that we collected enough to make our goal this year. The Christmas season is indeed a special one when we have so many friends to celebrate it with.

Battle of Fredericksburg

2010-12-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

Monday marks the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg in Virginia. It was during this battle that Burnside's Union forces faced defeat at the hands of General Lee's Confederates, who were entrenched on Marye's Heights. The Yankees were literally mowed down, and during the course of the bitter cold night, suffered tremendously, their cries and moans echoing in the still December air to the distraught ears of the Rebels.

One remarkable soldier laid his life on the line to assist the poor soldiers he was fighting against. This is a profound gesture, because the Union soldiers had pillaged the town upon their arrival, driving the remaining citizens into the woods to fend for themselves. Private Richard Rowland Kirkland, only nineteen years old, ventured out onto the battlefield to offer fallen Yankees sips of water from his canteen. Because of his bravery, he is forever known as "The Angel of Marye's Heights." He was killed a year later at the Battle of Chickamauga.

The battlefield has been honorably preserved, as has a house that survived the midst of battle and still has bullet hole pock mark scars to prove it. My novel, A Beckoning Hellfire, discusses the battle, and the remarkable thing that occurred afterward. Once the fighting had ceased, Northern Lights became visible in the winter sky. This was extremely unusual, as they are normally not seen that far south. The Confederates took it as a sign from God that he approved of their victory.

Blandford Church

2010-12-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

While on a recent trip through Virginia, I was able to visit the historic Blandford Church, located in Petersburg. The church is nearly as old as Virginia itself, having been built in 1735. It sat vacant for nearly a century, from 1800 to 1900, but during the War Between the States, it was used as a field hospital. The structure is a simple one-story, with a balcony that was later taken out.

After the war, Louis Tiffany was commissioned to create stained glass windows in honor of the southern states, each one portrayed by a saint. These include St. John for Virginia, St. Peter for Missouri, St Mark for South Carolina, St. Bartholomew for North Carolina, St. Paul for Louisiana, St James for Mississippi, St. Philip for Tennessee, St. Thomas for Georgia, St. Matthew for Florida, St. Luke for Texas, and St. Andrew for Alabama. Two smaller windows at the back of the church represent Arkansas and Maryland. Every saint has subtle details included within the window. There is also a poem etched in pencil on one of the walls, which is thought to have been composed by either Edgar Allen Poe or Tyrone Powers.

There are only five states that have Tiffany glass windows, and they are in Virginia, New York (which has two), Iowa, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Outside the church is a cemetery where 30,000 Confederate soldiers are buried. The cemetery's entrance is marked by a huge granite arch. There are no weekly services conducted, but the church does hold wedding and summer services, as well as a Sons of Confederates Christmas program. This year's program is entitled, "The Winter of 1864," and letters from soldiers will be read. If you have the opportunity, visit this beautiful, amazing old church.

Tis the Season!

2010-11-30T21:54:00.000-08:00

Now that it is December, the holidays are officially upon us. I always hesitate to say that until November has passed: contradictory to retailers who can’t wait to push the holidays on us by displaying Christmas trees and decorations in their stores even before Halloween. It seems like an atrocity, even though I understand where they’re coming from, but they are missing the whole point by being money motivated. Money is not the reason for the season!

I feel very fortunate this year in that I will be able to spend the holidays with most of my family and close friends. It is a big deal for me since my family is scattered across the country. This year, I will be able to see my youngest son’s annual Christmas concert for the first time, see my oldest son’s new home, and be able to experience California in December.

However, my parents will be spending Christmas in a nursing home. Since my dad’s fall last summer, his health hasn’t improved significantly, and my mom will spend Christmas and New Year’s in the nursing home with him, just like she did on Thanksgiving … alone. No relatives will make their way over there because of various reasons (too busy, too emotional, bad weather, too far away – yeah I’m guilty of that one). So please keep them in your prayers, as well as those who are suffering loss this time of year, be it the loss of a job, a home, a loved one, or a relationship.

Another Fascinating Discovery

2010-11-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

Recently, a site relating to the War Between the States was discovered in Georgia. This time, it was a Confederate prison used for Union POW's. The prison was occupied for a short time before closing in 1864, when prisoners were relocated to South Carolina to avoid Sherman's "March to the Sea."

Specifically, the camp, which was referred to as "Camp Lawton" because it was near Lawton, Georgia, replaced Andersonville in the fall of 1864. The camp was just as foul, and was only used for six weeks. During that time, approximately 725 to 1,330 men perished. The number is unknown because the deceased were tossed into a mass grave, which the Union soldiers discovered in December 1864. Only a board beside a freshly-dug plot, stating "650 buried here," marked their remains. Enraged, Union troops burned the prison to the ground, as well as a hotel and depot in nearby Millen. No photo exists of the camp, but a Union mapmaker named Private Robert Knox Sneden painted watercolor pictures and kept a journal detailing life in Lawton while he was imprisoned there.

The site was lost for nearly 150 years, but was discovered by Georgia Southern University students who were exploring a state park and federal fish hatchery in Lawton. They found prisoners' personal artifacts such as silverware and coins, as well as the exact location of the prison's stockade. Archeologists have proclaimed that the find is "one of the most significant Civil war discoveries in decades."

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. The last Thursday of November was proclaimed a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln on October 3, 1863, thus commemorating "a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." It took nearly a century before some cities in the South, such as Vicksburg, Mississippi, finally acknowledged the holiday.

Only a week earlier, on November 19, 1863, President Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg to dedicate a national cemetery that was being established to bury Union soldiers who had met their demise there. Everyone is (or should be) familiar with his Gettysburg Address. After delivering his famous speech, which he considered to be "a few appropriate remarks," he was heard to have stated, "I failed, I failed, and that is about all that can be said about it." This was because of the poor reception he received following his speech, but little did he know that his words would become one of the most famous addresses in American history.

With that, let us all give thanks for what we are blessed with. Sometimes it is difficult to perceive the blessings we receive, just as Mr. Lincoln failed to perceive the potency of his words at the time. Many have friends and/or family who are dealing with the loss of loved ones or other critical situations in their lives. During this holiday season, please pray for them, as well as our military personnel.

UDC National Convention (pt. 5)

2010-11-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

Sunday night, November 7, following dinner at the United Daughters of the Confederacy National Convention in Richmond, I managed to contract a stomach virus, and paid for it all night. I learned later that the bug was going around, but at the time, I wasn't sure if it was food poisoning. After suffering for 72 hours, I realized that it wasn't food poisoning after all.

Monday was the final day of the convention, but I spent the entire time in bed while other members voted in new officers. Our Mississippi president was elected national vice president. Fortunately, one of the ladies had an extra bed to provide me before we departed the Omni Hotel on Monday evening and headed back to Charlottesville, spotting several white-tailed deer along the way.

In the morning, we went out for breakfast, departed Lake Monticello, and headed to Appomattox Courthouse. Wilmer McLean's house has been restored, as have several other outbuildings at the tavern, located at a crossroads intersection. The road where Confederate soldiers lined up to surrender their arms still exists. The buildings were in severe decay when restoration began. Mr. McLean lived at the home for five years after the war until his debt forced him to move back to Northern Virginia, where his wife owned a home. From that time until the 1970's, the house and surrounding buildings stood vacant. Restoration is still in process.

We reached Knoxville, where we spent the night, and continued on to Mississippi the following day. Hence, our big trip came to an end. Even though I fell sick, it was still the trip of a lifetime, and I'm glad I went! Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.

UDC National Convention (pt. 4)

2010-11-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning, November 7 was bright and sunny. My group decided to head over to Hollywood Cemetery, where we made a tour for ourselves, taking in the sights. The Confederate monument shaped like a pyramid was awesome, as was seeing the graves of Jeb Stuart, Jefferson Davis and Varina Howell Davis, my chapters' namesake. Somehow we missed Pickett's grave site, but we saw enough old Victorian headstones to make up for it,and the fall colors were brilliant.

We returned to the hotel in time to change and board the bus for a memorial service, which was held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond. This church has seen a lot of history in its day ... Jefferson Davis was in a Sunday morning service when a courier delivered the news that Robert E. Lee was pulling his troops from Richmond. Once the service was over, President Davis ordered that the city be evacuated and departed himself later that day. We then continued our tour onto the headquarters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

On Sunday evening, we congregated in the large convention hall again for a silent auction, dinner, and entertainment by Doug Lothes, who gave us his interpretation of "Gone With the Wind in 20 Minutes." His performance was absolutely hilarious! He portrayed each of the characters himself while adding his own flair. It was a very fun evening, until ...

UDC National Convention (pt. 3)

2010-11-20T19:51:00.000-08:00

Friday morning, November 5 in Richmond consisted of one meeting after another. I set up shop in the corner of a vendor's table and commenced to selling my novel while enjoying the crowd, as well as the other vendors. The hats were awesome! At lunchtime, the UDC ladies dined on salads and listened to entertainment provided by a local author who portrayed his character.

Following an afternoon of more meetings, we congregated after supper in the large convention hall. Each state who had representatives present at the convention had their flag carried in, whereby the ladies from that state sang their state song. It was very inspirational. After the display, Mrs. Ruth Ann Coski spoke about Varina Howell Davis. I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Coski, and gave her a copy of my novel, A Beckoning Hellfire, to pass on to her husband, John, who assisted me in my writing in research.

On Saturday, the ladies partook in more meetings. My small group of Mississippi Ma'ams found a very cool restaurant down the street, which looked to be as old as Richmond itself, and served the best hamburgers! On Saturday evening, we dressed up and gathered in the large convention hall for the President's Dinner, where live musicians (Civil War era, of course) entertained us.

UDC National Convention (pt. 2)

2010-11-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

My escapades with the UDC ladies continued. On Thursday, November 4, after spending the night in Charlottesville, we traveled on toward Richmond through heavy rainfall, traffic, and ominous darkness. Amazingly, we arrived at the Omni Hotel, checked in to our wonderful room, and made it back downstairs in time to board the tour bus, which took us to the state Capitol Building. A tour guide gave us the insights as to Jefferson Davis' time spent there, as well as many other patriots who resided within its Romanesque-like walls.

Following a quick lunch, we rode the bus to Petersburg, and toured the amazing Blandford Church. Following the Civil War, the infamous Louis Tiffany was commissioned to create stained glass windows for the church, each one representing a state of the Confederacy. Needless to say, the sight was inspiring. We boarded the bus, rode through the ancient cemetery surrounding the church, and embarked back to Richmond, where we toured the Museum of the Confederacy.

I have been to the museum once before, but this time was even more insightful. It's like most things in life: you see it once and you remember certain things, but when you see it again, you absorb so much more. I noticed paintings I hadn't remembered seeing before, and the portrait of General Robert E. Lee was almost spooky, because his eyes seemed to follow me wherever I was in the room! My "partner in crime" persuaded one of the vendors to share their table, and so I was established to sell my novels at a small end corner of one of the tables. Thus began the convention ...

UDC National Convention

2010-11-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

Last weekend (Nov. 4-9) was the national United Daughters of the Confederacy General convention. This year, the event took place in Richmond, which only seems appropriate, since that city was the capital for the Confederacy during the War Between the States. Over the course of the next several installations, I will discuss the convention, as well as Richmond itself, and all of the amazing history that exists there.

I departed from Mississippi on Tuesday with three other ladies, two of which belong to the Varina Howell Davis chapter of the UDC with me (I am an associate member, but I prefer to refer to myself as an "honorary member"). After a day of driving through Tennessee, we reached the border of Virginia, and immediately, my spirits were lifted. I have only been to Virginia twice before, but every time I go there, I get an overwhelming feeling that I have been there in a previous life. The beauty of the state always awes and inspires me.

After spending the night in Wytheville, we proceeded the next day toward Charlottesville. En route, we traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway, which was amazing, adorned in colorful fall foliage. Some of these photos can attest to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Battle of Collierville

2010-11-12T21:22:00.000-08:00

This weekend, a reincarnated event will take place near Collierville, Tennessee. The reenactment of the Battle of Collierville will again be held at Piperton Hills, the former Twin Hills Ranch, which is 2.5 miles southeast of Collierville on Hwy. 72. this reenactment was previously put on hold, but after experiencing success last year, the 51st Tennessee Infantry, the Wigfall Greys SCV, the Forrest SCV, R E Lee SCV, and Bankhead’s Battery decided to stage the event again this year.

Last year's event was nearly called off because of heavy rainfall the week before, but this year has been dry, and so there is no question about whether the reenactment will take place. Make plans to attend this event, because it is one of the most realistic reenactments in Tennessee, complete with approximately 600 reenactors, cavalry horses, artillery, and a fort.

God Bless Our Vets

2010-11-11T17:31:00.000-08:00

Today being Veteran's Day, I would like to pay special homage to those who sacrificed lives and/or limbs for our precious country's preservation. Many veterans today face what Vietnam vets had to endure during the 60's ... not so much ridicule but being taken for granted. Without these brave souls, we would not be where we are today.

My father is a veteran of the Korean War. It is something he has ever talked about, and I think something he really wanted to forget. But as he got older, he became more proud. My mother discovered that his medals had been tossed out unintentionally with his uniform when she discovered that moths had eaten through it in a box in the attic. After decades, the Korean government (yeah, that's right!) sent him a special thank you, complete with replacement medals displayed in a shadow box. I know this is something he will cherish for the rest of his life.

Many of our WWII vets are rapidly passing on, so if you know one and have the opportunity, make a special effort to thank him or her. Without their sacrifice, and those of veterans since, we would not be the great nation we are today. God Bless America!!!

Mary Surratt

2010-11-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

... the only woman convicted and hung for the role she played during the War Between the States.

Mary Elizabeth Surratt became a widow at age 42, during the summer of 1862. Her husband left behind 287 acres in what is now Prince George’s County, Maryland. He had constructed a two-story house on the land that became known as Surrattsville. The house was converted into a tavern that served as a way station for the clandestine Confederate network. Mr. Surratt also left his wife a boarding house on H Street in Washington D.C. In October 1864, Mary and her three children permanently moved to that location and rented out the tavern to a man named John Lloyd.

Over the course of the next few months, 541 H Street would become the focal point in what is considered to be one of the most influential crimes in American history. John Wilkes Booth, who frequented the Surratt home, hatched his original kidnapping conspiracy there. Other players who were involved included Mary’s son John, George Atzeroldt, who was supposed to assassinate Vice President Johnson, and Lewis Powell (aka Lewis Paine), who was responsible for the vicious attack on Secretary of State William Seward the night of April 14, 1865, (the same night that President Lincoln was assassinated). David Herold, who was a friend of John Surratt and John Wilkes Booth, rode with Booth following the assassination. He was later captured at Garrett’s Farm, where Booth was shot to death by Sergeant Boston Corbett, who was part of the 16th New York Cavalry that cornered the two men inside a barn. Also participating in the conspiracy were Samuel Arnold, who was an original plotter in the kidnapping scheme, Michael O’Laughlen, who was had been sent to kill Secretary of War Edwin Stanton but failed, and Dr. Samuel Mudd, who treated Booth’s injuries after he escaped from Washington.

Booth intended to kidnap President Lincoln in order to force the Union to surrender captured Confederates. His plans were solidified by March 1865, but were postponed for various reasons, and proved futile once General Lee surrendered on April 9. Mary Surratt traveled to her tavern on April 13, where she allegedly told her renter, John Lloyd, “to have the shooting irons ready; there will be some parties call for them.”

Following the assassination, a woman whose niece worked for Mary contacted police, saying that suspicious men had been seen at Mary’s boarding house. Subsequently, everyone in the house, including Mary, was arrested. Before leaving, Mary was caught in a lie, denying that she knew Lewis Powell, who just happened to show up with a shovel, claiming that she required his services for digging a ditch.

At the trial, several eyewitnesses testified to her involvement in the assassination scheme, including George Atzeroldt. Some claimed that they had seen Mary conversing with Booth, who gave her a wrapped package containing field glasses that she was to leave with her tenant, John Lloyd. Although her son escaped conviction because he was in New York at the time, Mary was not so lucky. Tried before a military commission, the conspirators were found guilty. Mary was one of four sentenced to death by hanging. No one believed she would actually be put to death because of her gender, but regardless of her lawyers’ issuance of a writ of habeas corpus, the federal judge’s order to have her delivered to his courtroom on the morning of her execution (which was ignored), and pleas from her daughter, Anna, President Johnson refused to commute Mary’s sentence. Two days before her execution, the judge advocate general delivered a plea for her clemency to President Johnson, who later claimed that he received no such request until after the hanging.

Mary Surratt died in Washington’s Arsenal prison yard on July 7, 1865 with Lewis Powell, David Harold, and George Atzeroldt. As army personnel crowded into the yard to watch, the first woman to be executed by the U.S. government fell through the gallows’ trap doors alongside her co-conspirators. Whether she was actually guilty of the crimes she was accused of committing, or whether her sentence was unjustified and unfair, remains a topic of debate.

A film directed by Robert Redford, entitled “The Conspirator,” tells the story of Mary Surratt, and is set for release in March 2011. If you have the opportunity, visit Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. In the basement is housed a unique museum containing descriptions and artifacts surrounding this inauspicious act.

Halloween Haunts (pt. 3 )

2010-10-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

Most people think of cemeteries and battlefields when they hear about strange apparitions that exist in regard to the Civil War. However, many old fortresses are rumored to host the spirits of soldiers past as well. As my final installation of "Halloween Haunts," I bring to you the forts that time forgot.

Fort Delaware, located in Delaware City, Delaware, is an imposing structure that is said to be one of the most haunted places in America. It is no wonder, considering the suffering that took place during the War Between the States. The fort unintentionally became a prisoner of war camp, with most of its inhabitants being captured at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The fort, located on six acres, with 32 foot high walls and surrounded by a medieval moat, housed over 40,000 men by war's end. The fort had the highest mortality rate of any POW camp: 2500 to 3000 men died. The ghosts of incarcerated Confederates still inhabit the place, as does a woman and several children. Across the river is Finn’s Point National Cemetery, where most of the Confederate soldiers are buried. Sadly, only one marker is placed, which reads, "Erected By The United States To Mark The Burial Place Of 2436 Confederate Soldiers Who Died At Fort Delaware While Prisoners Of War And Whose Graves Cannot Now Be Individually Identified."

Fort Monroe, where President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned following his capture after the fall of the Confederacy, is another ominous place that seethes with spiritual energy. Located in Virginia, which ranks as the most haunted place in America according to the National Register of Haunted Locations, the fort has reported many spiritual sightings, including those of Abraham Lincoln and General U.S. Grant.

Off the gulf coast of Alabama exists two ancient forts that have now become tourist attractions: Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. Both forts have a long history of military service, surviving many wars, and not surprisingly, both have their share of supernatural inhabitants. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, seeing strange apparitions that follow them out of the park areas, and noticing ghosts that observe them while they are there.

Halloween Haunts (pt. 2) - Tennessee

2010-10-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Many Civil War battlefields in Tennessee are believed to be haunted. One such battlefield that is occupied by a famous ghost is Chickamauga, and the entity has come to be known as "Old Green Eyes." On numerous occasions, people have reported that an eerie presence approaches them, and that glowing green eyes are visible through the eerie mist that lingers around the base of Lookout Mountain.

A group of specters occupies another Tennessee battlefield, Stones River near Murfreesboro (just outside Nashville). At the "Slaughter Pen," one particular spirit inhabits the area, his soul eternally doomed to roam what has now become a dark, shadowy, spooky wooded area.

Shiloh is another haunted battlefield where the land will forever have the impression cast upon it of death, suffering, and destruction. "Bloody Pond" is said to take on the color of blood on occasion, and of course, the battlefield, like nearly all Civil War battlefields, has its share of noises, such as distant drums, marching, battle cries, and gunfire.

Halloween Haunts

2010-10-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

With the advent of Halloween, I am concentrating on haunted Civil War houses, battlefields, and hotels. It seems that every battlefield, whether significant or minor, seems to inhabit its share of Civil War ghosts. Experts in the supernatural say that people who die sudden, unexpected, violent deaths are the ones whose souls get caught in limbo. Gettysburg is the most famous haunted battlefield because it lies on a lay line (mineral deposits under the soil that criss-cross). These places attract apparitions because the electrical current caused by the lay lines coaxes spirits, just like moths to a flame.

Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi has plenty of supernatural inhabitants as well. It is no wonder, since the citizens and Confederate army were under siege for months, forced to live in caves along the riverbank, and eat vermin, dogs, etc. in order to survive. The town is filled with old abandoned buildings, but many are rumored to be not completely empty. Spirits have been seen wandering the streets at night, along with frequenting local establishments, including old antebellum homes that have been converted into bed-and-breakfasts.

New Orleans entertains its share of Civil War ghosts, along with all the other spiritual entities that thrive there. The Beauregard-Keyes house is said to play host to its former owner, General P.G.T. Beauregard. On several occasions, witnesses have heard and/or seen Beauregard's Confederates charge through the dining room, complete with yelling, screaming, gunfire, and cannonade!

October Remembrances

2010-10-21T19:47:00.001-07:00

This week marks the anniversaries of two significant battles that took place during the War Between the States. Tuesday was the anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek (1864), and today was the anniversary of the Battle of Ball's Bluff (1861). Both of these battles took place in Virginia.

The Battle of Ball's Bluff was the second largest battle to take place in 1861. The battle resulted in a victory for the Confederates, and led to the establishment of the Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War after controversy arose as to whether Union officials were participating in a conspiracy against the U.S. government.

At the Battle of Cedar Creek three years later, the Confederacy suffered a crushing blow when General Jubal Early attempted to attack Washington but failed. The defeat led to Abraham Lincoln's reelection, and prevented the Confederates from ever being able to invade Washington again or protect the economic base in the Shenandoah Valley. General Sheridan rode to fame when his cavalry came to the rescue of the Union Army, and his ride is immortalized in Thomas Buchanan Read's famous poem entitled "Sheridan's Ride."

With next year marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, it is without a doubt that much celebration will take place in Virginia, especially on October 21, which will be the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Ball's Bluff.

Mississippi State UDC Convention

2010-10-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the annual Mississippi United Daughters of the Confederacy Convention. This year's event took place in Hattiesburg, which is a lovely town full of history, friendly people, and amazing antebellum homes. The Daughters were originally booked in a hotel that was evacuated because of structural problems, so the convention was moved down the street to another hotel. Needless to say, the event went smoothly after that, and everyone in attendance had a great time.

Antebellum Homes in Hattiesburg

2010-10-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, I had the opportunity to see some beautiful, elegant antebellum homes. Last weekend (Oct. 1-3) was the state United Daughters of the Confederacy conference. I will discuss this event further on my next post, but for now, please enjoy the photos. I invite your comments as well. Thanks for viewing my blog.
www.jdrhawkns.com
A Beckoning Hellfire

More Great Photos of Antebellum Homes in the Big Easy

2010-10-07T20:02:00.001-07:00

Amazing Antebellum Homes

2010-10-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

While visiting New Orleans recently, I was awestruck by the beautiful old antebellum homes that exist in the Garden District and were basically unscathed from Hurricane Katrina. These homes sell for two to three million dollars today, which is amazing considering that five years ago, the housing market in the Big Easy understandably plummeted. Many of these old homes were built in the 1850's, and survived the Civil War.

Crescent City Confederates (pt. 4)

2010-09-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Big Easy has recovered considerably since Hurricane Katrina hit. Bourbon Street was a ghost town five years ago, but is now alive and well. Sailboats float lazily on Lake Pontchartrain, and the street cars run along St. Charles Avenue as though no hurricane ever stalled their routes. In the Garden District, the grand antebellum houses stand as testimony to the survival of the amazing city that is one of the oldest in the country.

Southern Louisiana boasts many antebellum houses that survived the Civil War and Katrina. Outside the city exists many plantation houses, including The Destrehan, Evergreen, and Houmas House plantations, as well as the Laura, Oak Valley, and St. Joseph Plantations. Within the city of New Orleans itself, the Garden District boasts amazing old houses, most of which are so enormous that they have been converted into apartments. (One of these houses was previously mentioned; the home where Confederate President Jefferson Davis died.) Gazing upon these grand old homes, it made me wonder what it must have been like back in the day: to live in one of them among a neighborhood where each majestic home was a one-family dwelling. Fortunately, these houses have been restored to their original grandeur, and have been well maintained. Most of them are priced in the millions, regardless of the drop in property values.

Crescent City Confederates (pt. 3)

2010-09-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

One of the most phenomenal places in the Big Easy is Confederate Memorial Hall. Located in the Warehouse District, across the street from the enormous WWII museum, Memorial Hall is the oldest operating museum in the state of Louisiana. It was built as a repository for Civil War artifacts, reports, records, and memorabilia. On January 8, 1891, the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans (1815), the building was presented to the Louisiana Historical Association.

At the front of the building sits an eight-inch Columbiad cannon. In 1899, survivors of the 5th Company Washington Artillery, Slocomb's Battery, placed the monument at its present location to commemorate thirteen members of their company who were killed or wounded around the gun during the siege of Mobile, Alabama.

Many of the artifacts within were donated by Louisiana residents and by Varina Howell Davis, President Jefferson Davis' wife. In 1893, the museum saw its biggest turnout, with 60,000 paying their respects to to the remains of Jefferson Davis, who died in New Orleans, and was buried there until 1893, when Mrs. Davis moved his remains to the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. One of the most fascinating artifacts in the museum is a lock of Robert E. Lee's hair, which is encased in small a glass container, and exhibited in a display case alongside his personal items.

Crescent City Confederates (pt. 2)

2010-09-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Nearly everyone has heard of the famous cemeteries that exist in New Orleans. These graveyards are unique and unusual in that all the graves are above ground. In other words, the deceased are all entombed. This is because the Big Easy is below sea level, and the graves would inevitably be washed away at some point. Various tombs are so old that they are decaying, while others are so elaborate that they resemble miniature churches complete with stained glass windows.

One of the most famous cemeteries in New Orleans is St. Louis Cemetery #1, which is located in the French Quarter. The infamous Voodoo practitioner, Marie Laveau, is buried there. Another famous cemetery, the Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District, is where the author Ann Rice based her vampire novels. But I discovered another interesting cemetery that isn't visited by tourists: the Metairie Cemetery.

In this cemetery is a fascinating mausoleum which holds the remains of forty-eight Civil War veterans. Dedicated to the Army of Tennessee, the Confederates are watched over by a statue of a soldier on his steed, and another standing guard with his musket in hand.

Crescent City Confederates

2010-09-21T20:29:00.001-07:00

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to visit New Orleans, where I discovered many historic sites, not to mention fascinating characters. Because there is so much to convey to my readers, I have decided to write a series of blogs about my site-seeing experiences. This first installment highlights two wonderful antebellum houses: the Beauregard-Keys house and Judge Charles Fenner's home.

The Beauregard-Keys house, located at 1113 Chartres Street in the French Quarter, has been listed on the registrar of National Historic Places. It was the former home of Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard following the Civil War. Later, it was occupied by the famous author Frances Parkinson Keyes. The house is reputably haunted by Civil War soldiers still reenacting battles within the house itself. In 1909, the house bore witness to a mass murder associated with Mafia members, and in 1925, was converted into a macaroni factory. However, concern over the house's historical significance caused groups to rally for its inclusion into the National Register of Historic Sites.

The home located at 1134 First Street in the Garden District was once owned by Judge Charles Fenner, who was a friend of the only President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. After President Davis was released from prison following the Civil War, he spent his last years traveling to Canada and Europe, lived in Memphis for awhile, and then resided in Biloxi at Beauvoir to write his memoirs. On December 6, 1889, while visiting Judge Fenner, he died.

Another Anniversary

2010-09-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow marks the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, infamously known as the bloodiest single day of the Civil War. The battle took place near Sharpsburg, Maryland and Antietam Creek. Southerners refer to the battle by the town,whereas Northerners refer to it by the creek. The battle claimed 23,000 casualties. General McClellan confronted General Lee after the Confederates gained control of Harper's Ferry, Virginia two days prior (the anniversary of this event happened yesterday).

Among several remarkable landmarks that still exist at this battlefield site are the "Sunken Road," "Dunker Church," and "Burnside Bridge," where the fighting was so heavy that dying soldiers on the bridge bloodied the creek beneath until the water ran red. The battle was ultimately declared a draw, but President Lincoln saw it as an opportunity to publicly announce his Emancipation Proclamation, which became law the following January in 1863. Regardless, the battle also led to McClellan's dismissal as Major General of the Army of the Potomac.

The National Park Service has announced several free admission dates, which include the Antietam National Military Park. Upcoming dates are next Saturday, September 25, and November 11, which is Veterans' Day. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. Antietam is a national treasure, and once you see it, you will forever be impressed.

Mississippi First Brigade Reunites at Annual Meeting

2010-09-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night, the local Sons of Confederates Samuel Hughey camp met with other camps from North Mississippi in the fourth annual First Brigade meeting. The event was held in Hernando at an old plantation house. The home, originally built in colonial style in the 1840's, was cut in half to convert it into a Victorian-style home prior to the Civil War.

The meeting was held in the yard of the old house, and the weather cooperated nicely. We enjoyed great food, friends, and fellowship before hearing speakers discuss upcoming plans for the Civil War's 150th anniversary, as well as erecting a Mississippi monument at Shiloh National Military Park. Judge McClure entertained us with a talk about the horses of Nathan Bedford Forrest before the meeting concluded.

Confederates Receive Honor in England with Grave Markers

2010-09-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

Although places in America are protesting the public display of Confederate markers, flags, etc., the exact opposite seems to be happening in Great Britain. According to a recent issue of the Confederate Veteran magazine, a senior Sons of Confederate Veterans member visited Britain only to discover that the country had honored fallen soldiers by placing Confederate flags on their graves. There are several thousand Confederate veterans buried in Britain, as well as in nearly every other country throughout the world.

During the War Between the States, there was a profound connection between England and the South of which we will probably never know the exact proportion. It is estimated that 200,000 British-born soldiers fought on both sides, and that 141,000 of the South's citizens were born in the British Isles.

There are over 1,000 Confederate reenactors and two SCV camps existing in Britain at present. It seems British officials are far more supportive about Confederate events and activities, and recently flew a Confederate flag over a government building: the first time since 1865. This is in sharp contrast to what the U.S. is experiencing. In Richmond last year, an article ran that blatantly proclaimed Southern ancestors who fought for the Confederacy to be "terrorists." Unfortunately, nary an SCV member complained, but members in England did voice their protest. In Great Britain, it is considered a privilege to honor those brave ancestors who fought for Southern independence.

Confederate Marker Under Fire

2010-09-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

A small monument erected in honor of 51 Confederate soldiers who died at the Battle of Fredericksburg is under scrutiny. Last month, a judge rejected the city's motion to dismiss a lawsuit by the Sons of Confederate Veterans after it was decided last year by the City Council that the monument must be moved.

The SCV Matthew Fontaine Maury Camp #1722 contends that the city has no jurisdiction over the monument, and thus has no right to force its removal. The monument, constructed of granite and marble, and erected in early 2009, sits on the corner of two intersecting streets. A much larger memorial is also located there, which honors all veterans from WWI to the present. Therein lies the controversy. The SCV says they obtained permission from the city zoning administrator, and that other Civil War monuments have been erected on city land, including one for the 7th Michigan Infantry and another for the Union's Irish Brigade.

However, city officials claim that staff weren't authorized to grant permission. According to the SCV's attorney, Patrick McSweeney, the council cannot change the rules after the fact. The judge requested that both sides settle out of court, but the legal dispute could grow. Ironically, the City Council approved the burial of Confederate troops from seven states in 1861.

A Subject Near and Dear to My Heart

2010-09-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, a hearing was conducted in regard to establishing a casino in Gettysburg. It amazes me that this toxic topic keeps surfacing, and that some die-hards just won't take no for an answer. Is there no shame? I mean, really?

Gettysburg, in my opinion, is hallowed ground, and the thought of building a casino so close to the entrance of the park makes my skin crawl. It is sacrilege, nothing less. Many people made appearances via video at the hearing, including Ken Burns, Matthew Broderick, Jeff Shaara, President Eisenhower's granddaughter, and other famous, as well as not-so-famous, personalities.

Quoting the Civil War Preservation Trust's Facebook page: "The developer of a proposed casino Tuesday called this historic community the 'last untapped gaming marketplace' in Pennsylvania and contended that his casino would rejuvenate the area's recession-ravaged economy while respecting its rich history and tradition." Um, excuse me, but I live close to Tunica, Mississippi, which is one of the largest gaming areas in the country. Needless to say, casinos have not helped the economy here. The economy sucks all over! So by stating that it will help Gettysburg's economy is nothing less than blarney. As far as tainting the town, that's a given. If allowed, casinos will only mar Gettysburg's charming character.

Please do what you can to disallow this from happening. Visit www.facebook.com/pages/Civil-War-Preservation-Trust and http://www.civilwar.org/nocasino to voice your opinion.

Battle of Manassas

2010-08-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

This week marks the 148th anniversary of the 2nd Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) in Virginia. The battle took place on August 29-30, 1862 in nearly the same place that the 1st Battle of Manassas occurred the previous year. What those guys must have thought while they fought, knowing they were near the same location as the first major battle of the Civil War, boggles the mind.

The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) has announced that it will purchase two major parcels of land where the battle took place. The organization still needs sufficient funds to obtain this goal, however. an estimated sum of %57,000 is needed to secure the properties in hopes that the CWPT can sell the land back to the National Park Service in 2011 or 2010. For more information, check out this link:

http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/secondmanassas/manassas-2010

They Gave Me a Medal!

2010-08-26T20:18:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday night, the United Daughters of the Confederacy Varina Howell Davis Chapter 2559 celebrated its 20th anniversary. A great turnout attended the event, which was held in Hernando, Mississippi. After a delicious dinner, the guests were entertained by members who were decked out in their finest fashions. Needless to say, these over-accessorized ladies proceeded to adorn the vice president and new president's grandmother with their stylings while convincing everyone to join and attend the monthly meetings.

Following a wonderful presentation by Annie Ruth Brown about "not so famous Confederates," two people were bestowed the prestigious Stonewall Jackson medal. I am happy to report that I was one of them! Thank you so much ladies for giving me the honor of participating in your chapter's events during the past year. It has been fun and enlightening, and I have made lifelong friendships. My sincere gratitude and thanks to all of you. I can't wait to see what next year brings!

Confederate Flag on License Plates

2010-08-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

In 1998, an appellate court in North Caroline upheld a decision that license plates displaying the Sons of Confederate Veterans logo, which consists of the Southern Cross, may be issued. In "Sons of Confederate vs. DMV", the court noted,"We are aware of the sensitivity of many of our citizens to the display of the Confederate flag. Whether the display of the Confederate flag on state-issued license plates represents sound public policy is not an issue presented to this Court in this case. That is an issue for our General Assembly."

Vehicle owners in Alabama, Louisiana, Maryland, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia may request state-issued license plates featuring the SCV logo. However, a local member was fired from his job in Memphis recently for displaying said logo on his vehicle. He is in the process of litigation, and the first court decision has been appealed. I will keep you posted on any further developments.

Confederacy Reflected on Six States' Flags

2010-08-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

Following the Civil War, it was decided that each state should have a flag to represent itself, so in the late 1880's the process began. Not surprisingly, many southern states chose to represent themselves with replicas of their beloved, albeit lost, Confederacy. Over the course of time, criticism and controversy have surrounded these states' decisions, claiming that they are racist. The motto "Heritage Not Hate," has received skepticism as to its sincerity, and whether it is a cover-up for racism underneath.

Alabama's state flag is white with a red saltire cross, similar in design to the most recognizable flag of the Confederacy, the St. Andrews cross, otherwise known as the Southern Cross. Florida also has a red saltire cross on its state flag. Mississippi has the only state flag that still bears the true replica of the Southern Cross. This design is in the upper left-hand corner, with the rest of the flag resembling the Stars and Bars. North Carolina also has a state flag that resembles the Stars and Bars, as does Texas, and Tennessee's flag replicates the battle flag by its color scheme and design with a vertical bar on the fly that is reminiscent of the Stainless Banner. Two other states use similar colors in their flag designs: Arkansas and Missouri. Georgia received so much flack that it underwent numerous changes until finally deciding on a design that displays previous state flags.

It is fascinating to see how some state's flags transformed over the years. Texas and Florida both started out with the Bonnie Blue Flag. Interestingly, California also had a lone star flag, although it was considered to be a part of the Union during the War Between the States.

Hunley Still a Mystery

2010-08-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

It has been ten years since the Confederate submarine Hunley was raised from the deep dark depths off the South Carolina coastline, and still the mystery remains as to why it sank in the first place. There has been much speculation, including the idea that the sub lost oxygen inside, thus causing the demise of the crewmen within her thick iron walls. (Their remains were put to rest during a Confederate funeral in 2004.) Another thought is that an explosion occurred after the Hunley rammed a spar with a power charge into a Union blockade ship, the Housatonic, in February 1864. The Hunley was the first submarine to ever sink an enemy warship.

Next year, the hull of the sub will be turned upright to reveal a side that hasn't seen the light of day in nearly 150 years. Approximately $22 million has been spent in the past fifteen years to preserve the Hunley. However, the investment has made its return, as several million people have visited the conservatory where the Hunley rests in a tank-full of water. The Hunley could be displayed in a museum as early as 2015.

For more information and some really cool pics, check out:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=144671865557761&id=147175811962358

Civil War Naval News

2010-08-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

The National Museum of the United States Marine Corps (www.usmcmuseum.com), located 35 miles south of Washington D.C. near Quantico, Virginia, recently unveiled three new galleries. The new additions convey Marine history from 1775 through 1918. "Defending the Republic: 1775-1865" depicts just that, with interesting displays, including Marines who were called to defend Harper's Ferry from John Brown's raid in 1859. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, the Marines split into two, and Union Corporal John F. Mackie was the first Marine to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Confederate Marines are also depicted, as is one Union Marine who accompanied Lincoln to Gettysburg, where he gave his infamous "Gettysburg Address." Other galleries include "A Global Expeditionary Force: 1866-1917," and "Marines in World War I: 1918."

The National Civil War Naval Museum in Port Columbus has received an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History. The AASLH, now in its 65th year, gives the most highly-prestigious award to recipients for achievement in preservation and interpretation of state and local history. Only 49 awards were given for 2010 to organizations and individuals across the country.

And lastly, an archaeological project discovered a naval yard site on the east side of the Pee Dee River in Marion County, South Carolina. The site is what remains of the Mars Bluff Naval Yard. Artillery shells and two large cannon were also discovered, belonging to the CSS Pee Dee, which was one of the last Confederate gunboats to be built at the naval yard, and was launched in January 1865. The cannons were thrown into the river upon Sherman's advance into South Carolina to prevent their capture. On March 15, 1865, the boat was set afire and blown up. To find the naval yard, the journal of Lt. Edward Means was used (dating August 3, 1864 to March 15, 1865) as well as ground-penetrating radar and other remote-sensing technologies. A 3-D map was created to help archeologists excavate the site. The items will eventually be on display at the Florence County Museum in South Carolina.

Civil War Battle Anniversaries

2010-08-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today and tomorrow mark the anniversaries of two significant battles that transpired during the War Between the States. On this date in 1862, the Battle of Cedar Mountain took place, and August 10 marks the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson's Creek.

The Battle of Cedar Mountain took place in Culpeper County, Virginia. Culpeper changed hands between Union and Confederate forces 78 times over the course of the war. Also known as Cedar Run and Slaughter's Mountain, the battle was the first combat to take place in the Northern Virginia campaign, resulting in a Confederate victory led by General Stonewall Jackson. Union casualties were 2,353: Confederate casualties totaled 1,338.

At the Battle of Wilson's Creek, also known as the Battle of Oak Hills, the Missouri State Guard took on attacking Union forces near Springfield. Referred to as "Bull Run of the West," this battle is considered to be the first major conflict west of the Mississippi River, resulting in a Confederate victory. Casualties were nearly equal on both sides: 1,317 Union and 1,230 Confederate. The battlefield is in nearly pristine condition today, hardly changed from how it appeared in 1861, unlike many tainted battlefields in the east.

Billy the Kid to Be Pardoned

2010-08-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

Mayor Bill Richardson of New Mexico plans to pardon Billy the Kid in the near future. The outlaw, aka William Bonny and Kid Antrim, whose real name was Henry McCarty, was killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett, and both were of Irish decent. Garrett's ancestors still reside in New Mexico, and met with the governor in Santa Fe to dissuade his decision. Governor Richardson, however, is undecided.

Throughout American history, questionable pardons have been given. For starters, there were the Whiskey Rebels of 1794. And following the Civil War, President Andrew Johnson pardoned all ex-Confederates. General Longstreet was pardoned by Congress in June of 1868. President Nixon pardoned Jimmy Hoffa, and President Ford pardoned Nixon. President Jimmy Carter, during his administration, pardoned Confederate President Jefferson Davis and General Robert E. Lee posthumously.

According to the Associated Press, Governor Richardson is considering a pardon because of an old pending pardon that was never upheld. New Mexico territorial governor Lew Wallace failed to fulfill his promise to pardon the Kid after Billy testified about killings that occurred during the 1878 range wars.

Riverboats and the Civil War

2010-08-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

It is a well-known fact that riverboats were essential to Southern commerce before and during the War Between the States. Southern states used rivers to transport cotton to the north, and one of the most heavily-used rivers was the Mississippi. Old Man River took his share, as there are still many riverboats sunken into the silt of the mighty, muddy Father of Waters.

The Union Army's primary objective in the Western Theatre was to secure the Mississippi, thus strangling the Confederacy's ability to trade and ship wares to various states below the Mason-Dixon Line. By the middle of 1863, the Yankees had accomplished this feat by capturing Vicksburg.

At the end of the war, riverboats were used extensively to transport released prisoners. One such boat, the Sultana, has virtually been lost to history, but her story is fascinating. Overloaded to around 2,400, with a maximum capacity allowance of only 376, the boat chugged her way up the Mississippi until it reached Memphis. A few hours later, as she made her way to Cairo, Illinois, carrying POW's from Andersonville and Catalpa prisons, she exploded. Only a few hundred survived. Known as the worst maritime disaster in North American history, all that remains are a few markers, one of which is located at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis.

CSS Alabama

2010-07-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

(Above: photos of USS Cairo at Vicksburg National Military Park)

On this date in 1862, the CSS Alabama departed the shores of England where it had been constructed. The ship's career was short-lived, however, because she was sunk in 1864. Originally launched as Enrica, the ship never anchored in Southern waters. She was dubbed the Alabama in August of 1862 to the jaunting melody of "Dixie" following President Jefferson Davis'commission of the vessel as read by the captain.

In 1865, the USS San Jacinto was wrecked. What remained of the vessel was sold at auction, and added to the US Treasury. The total sum was $224.61.

Many ships have survived the ages throughout history, and new wrecks are being discovered all the time. It wasn't long ago that the turret to the USS Monitor was discovered, still containing the remains of the poor soldiers inside. Same goes for the CSS Hunley, one of the first submarines ever used which vanished off the coast of South Carolina in 1864 after torpedoing the USS Housatonic. And in today's news, a 150-year-old ship was discovered off the coast of Canada, which is thought to have been searching for the fabled Northwest Passage and lost its way.

I have seen a few remnants of boats during this era that still remain. One interesting artifact is located at Desoto Bend, near Omaha, Nebraska. Here, a museum houses what remains of a riverboat that sunk in the Missouri River around the time of the Civil War. There is also a wildlife refuge there where you can see a wide variety of water birds as they migrate during the fall. Another fascinating relic resides at the National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The USS Cairo was sunk into the murky waters of the Yazoo River during the siege of Vicksburg, but all of the occupants managed to escape before she went down. Nearly a century later, the boat was retrieved, and artifacts are on display at the museum inside the park.

Real Sons and Daughters

2010-07-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

It amazes me to think that there are still people out there who can claim that they are "real" sons or daughters of Civil War veterans. According to several recent reports, it is estimated that around 300 real sons and daughters are still alive in the United States. Most of them are now in their nineties, which would make them pretty young when their fathers served. Although they were too young to recollect the war themselves, many can still amuse us with stories they grew up hearing from their parents.

In my UDC chapter, we have one real daughter who is a member. She is, of course, in her eighties, and still lives at home. The chapter members religiously send her birthday cards, gifts at Christmastime, and awards to bestow upon her.

Real sons of the Confederacy are thought to number around 100, real daughters are approximately 150, and Union children number only about 50. A recent story that appeared in the Culpeper, Virginia newspaper, featured a local 93-year-old man named Austin Brown. You can read about him at the following link:

http://www2.starexponent.com/cse/news/local/article/93-year-old_is_son_of_Civil_War_veteran/58861/

My father-in-law, who was a WWII veteran, told some mind-blowing stories, but I was too naive to record them, and now I wish I had. So if any of you know a real son or daughter, take my advice: NOW is the time to get their story!

More Endangered Battlefields

2010-07-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Another battlefield has been added to the annual list of ten of the nation's most endangered. Picacho Peak in Arizona, where cavalry clashed 150 years ago, is in danger of becoming extinct because of state budget cuts. The park was slated to close on June 3, but fortunately, was saved by local funding for another year.

Picacho Peak is where, on April 12, 1862, Lt. James Barrett led Union troopers to this rocky spire located 50 miles northwest of Tuscon. There a skirmish took place with Confederate Rangers. As a result, Barrett was killed, the Federals retreated, and Yankees from California eventually came in to conquer the reigning Rebels.

Other endangered battlefields on the list compiled by the Civil War Preservation Trust include:
- Camp Allegheny in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This is in danger because of a wind farm being built nearby.
- Gettysburg is again on the list because of a second attempt to bring in casino gambling.
- Wilderness Battlefield in Virginia. Another repeated appearance on the list due to Wal-Mart's attempt to move in.
- Pickett's Mill, GA. Faces funding cuts and was damaged by flooding last year.
- Fort Stevens, Washington, D.C. A proposed church community center would tower over the fort.
- Cedar Creek, VA. Mining expansions that will potentially eat up 400 acres.
- Richmond, KY. A new highway interchange with significant commercial growth.
- South Mountain, MD. An energy plant development.
- Thoroughfare Gap, VA. Possible construction of a 150-foot communications tower.

The CWPT calls its list, "History Under Siege," highlighting threats to what the trust calls "tangible links to our shared history." There are also 15 "at risk" sites on the list.

Famous Horses in the War Between the States

2010-07-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the privilege of giving a presentation to my UDC chapter on a topic of my choosing. Since I am an avid horse lover, and my novel is about the Confederate cavalry, I decided to speak about famous Civil War horses. The most famous equines are listed below ...

Traveller (Gen. Robert E. Lee) – As a colt, he won 1st prize at a fair in Lewisburg, VA. First named “Jeff Davis” by his owner, Major Thomas Broun, who paid $175 in gold for him, General Lee always referred to him as “my colt.” Lee obtained Traveller in the spring of 1862, purchased him for $200 in currency and changed his name, and the two were seen together almost daily. Lee owned other horses: “Grace Darling,” “Brown Roan,” “Lucy Long,” “Ajax,” and “Richmond,” but all became unserviceable. He was astride Traveller when he rode to the McLean house at Appomattox Court House, and Traveller lived with General Lee at Washington and Lee University after the war. At Lee’s funeral, Traveller marched behind the hearse, his step slow and his head bowed as if he understood the importance of the occasion.

King Philip (Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest) – This horse charged and snapped his teeth at anyone wearing blue. After the war, King Philip chased off Yankees visiting General Forrest, and while pulling a wagon, went after policemen wearing blue uniforms. One of Forrest’s men noted, “Your negroes fight for you and your horses fight for you.” King Philip died later in 1865 from colic and is depicted at Nathan Bedford Forrest Park. General Forrest also owned “Roderick” and “Highlander,” who was shot in the carotid at Chattanooga. Forrest plugged the hole with his finger until after battle, whereby the horse dropped dead. The general had 29 horses shot out from under him, and is quoted as saying after the war, “I was one horse ahead.”

Cincinnati (Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant) – After the Battle of Chattanooga in 1863, General Grant went to St. Louis, where a man offered to sell him his horse if he promised to take good care of it. Grant accepted, renamed the stallion, and kept him until the horse died in 1878. Cincinnati was the son of Lexington, the fastest four-mile thoroughbred in the U.S., and nearly equaled the speed of his half-brother, Kentucky. Grant was offered $10,000 in gold for him but refused. This fact is profound since Grant was near poverty before he wrote his memoirs. General Grant only permitted two others to ride Cincinnati: President Lincoln and Admiral Daniel Ammen, who had saved his life from drowning when he was a boy. Grant was a horse lover who got along better with horses than he did people and originally wanted to be in the cavalry but was declined. Other horses he owned included Jack, who was with him until after the battle of Chattanooga and which Grant used for special occasions and parades. Grant donated him to the Sanitary Fair in Chicago in 1863-64 where the horse was raffled off and brought $4000 to Sanitary Commission. Grant rode “Fox” at Shiloh, “Kangaroo” at Vicksburg, and also owned “Egypt” and “Jeff Davis,” which in 1864, was captured from Joe Davis’ plantation (Jefferson’s brother).

Daniel Webster (Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan) – This horse was called “that Devil Dan” because of his speed. McClellan owned the horse from 1862 until after the war, and the animal died at age 23. McClellan said of his beloved steed, “No soldier ever had a better horse than I had in Daniel Webster.” The general, who invented the McClellan saddle, also owned “Black Burns” and “Kentuck.”

Highfly (Maj. Gen. JEB Stuart) –In the summer of 1862, Stuart was stretched out on a bench on the porch of a tavern waiting for General Fitzhugh Lee to arrive, but the Yankees arrived first. Stuart narrowly escaped on Highfly, but his hat with the long ostrich plume was captured. General Stuart also owned Virginia, a warm-blooded mare who saved Stuart from capture when he invaded Pennsylvania by leaping over a wide gulley and escaping capture.

Old Sorrel (Gen. Stonewall Jackson) – This mare was also known as “Little Sorrel” because she was so small that when Jackson was mounted, his feet almost touched the ground. He obtained her on May 1, 1861 while in command of the garrison at Harper’s Ferry when a train with supplies for Union troops was captured. She was then thought to be 11 years old. In 1884, Old Sorrel appeared at a state fair in Hagerstown, Maryland, where almost all her mane and tail hair was plucked out by souvenir hunters. When she died, she was stuffed, and is now at the Solder’s Home in Richmond.

Winchester (Gen. Philip Sheridan) – Originally named “Rienzi,” he was given to then Colonel Sheridan in the spring of 1862 while Sheridan was stationed at Rienzi, Mississippi, but the horse’s name wasn’t changed until after Sheridan’s famous ride to Winchester in the Battle of Cedar Creek on Oct. 19, 1864. Winchester was so revered that when he died, he was stuffed and given to the Smithsonian Institution. Sheridan also owned “Alderbaron” prior to Winchester.

Baldy (Brig. Gen.George Meade) – The horse was with him at 1st Bull Run (wounded twice) and Antietam, where he was left for dead but later discovered grazing with a deep wound in his neck. He was also at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, where he received a bullet lodged between his ribs. Meade kept him with the army until the following spring, then sent him to pasture in Pennsylvania. After the war, Meade retrieved his charger, fully recovered, and the two became inseparable. Baldy followed Meade’s hearse, lived 10 more years, and upon his death, his head and two fore hoofs were mounted and are now cherished relics of the George G. Meade Post, Grand Army of the Republic in Philadelphia.

Lexington (Gen. William T. Sherman) – This horse was a Kentucky thoroughbred who attracted admiration due to his fine form. Sherman was astride Lexington when he entered Atlanta, and following the war in 1865, rode him in final Grand Review in Washington. Sherman also owned Sam, a half-thoroughbred bay that made one of the longest and most difficult marches ever recorded in history from Vicksburg to Washington. He died of extreme old age in 1884.

Moscow (Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny) – This was a white horse that made the general very conspicuous during battle, so he switched to a bay named “Decatur” and then to “Bayard.”

Other Famous Horses include:
Lookout (Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker) – obtained in Chattanooga and named after a battle that took place there
Almond Eye (Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler)
Nellie Gray (Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee)
Billy (Maj. Gen. George Thomas) named after his friend, General William T. Sherman
Fleeter (Belle Boyd)
Dixie (Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne) – killed at Perryville – Cleburne was killed at Franklin, Tennessee
Rifle (Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell)
Beauregard (Capt. W.I. Rasin) - ridden by Rasin to Appomattox and survived until 1883
Black Hawk (Maj. Gen. William Bate)
Fire-eater (Gen. Albert Johnston)
Old Fox (Col. E.G. Skinner)
Slasher (Maj. Gen. John Logan)
Boomerang (Col. John McArthur)

More on Nathan Bedford Forrest

2010-07-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, local SCV camp and UDC chapter members gathered together at Nathan Bedford Forrest Park in Memphis to celebrate the illustrious general's birthday. This celebration has been marked every year, sometimes with noted speakers such as Shelby Foote, Jeff Shaara, and last year, Bertram Hayes-Davis, Jefferson Davis' great grandson.

This year's speaker was Judge Melvin McClure, who enlightened the crowd with his topic about General Forrest's horses. The general had 29 horses shot out from under him, and is quoted as saying he was one horse ahead (meaning he killed 28 Yankees). The first battle where General Forrest lost his mounts (2) was at Dover, Tennessee in February 1863, and the last horse killed was at Selma, Alabama in April 1865. At the battle of Chattanooga, "Highlander" received a fatal wound to his carotid artery. General Forrest plugged the hole with his finger until after the battle, whereby the horse immediately died.

Judge McClure's most amusing story was that of "King Phillip," a white horse with a dark mane and tail. This spirited animal hated the sight of anything in blue, and reportedly snorted, bolted, and snapped his teeth in the air while charging toward the Federals. One soldier told the general, "Your negroes fight for you and your horses fight for you." After the war, General Forrest was riding in a wagon which was being pulled by King Phillip, who saw police officers in blue. To the general's chagrin, the horse immediately charged after them, embarrassing his master. Sadly, King Phillip died of colic later that year. He is represented as a statue, standing regally with his master atop, in Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, which is represented in the above photos.

Happy Birthday General Forrest

2010-07-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Nathan Bedford Forrest was born on this date in 1821. In his honor, a large gathering of local Sons of Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy took part in a celebration ceremony at Nathan Bedford Forrest Equestrian Park in Memphis, Tennessee. There were many spectators on hand, and members of the Children of the Confederacy bestowed wreaths and Confederate flags at the base of the general's statue.

A large display of flags adorned the grounds, as did many wreaths, and the crowd was entertained by several speakers and members of the 52nd Regimental String Band, who performed a few period songs.

A Benediction and musket salute wrapped up the ceremony. I will write more about the event later this week, as well as Nathan Bedford Forrest's lasting impact, particularly in the Memphis region.

The Civil War in Missouri

2010-07-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip through the Midwest, my spouse and I stumbled upon a significant battlefield near Springfield, Missouri. The Battle of Wilson's Creek, also known as Oak Hills, took place on August 10, 1861. The Union army overran the Confederates in an attempt to take "Bloody Hill," where Union General Lyon was killed. Losses totaled 1,317 for the Federals, and 1,222 for the Confederates.

According to the park ranger, next year's 150th anniversary reenactment promises to be an astounding event, with over 4,000 reenactors participating. The Battle of Wilson's Creek introduced Missouri to the War Between the States. Over the course of the next three and a half years, Missouri experienced fierce fighting (mostly in the form of guerrilla warfare), since it was a border state, and both sides sought control.

By the end of the war, Missouri had witnessed so many battles that it ranks third as the most fought-over state in the nation. The top two are Virginia and Tennessee, respectively.

Gettysburg and the Definition of "Shoddy"

2010-07-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

One of the most infamous battles of the Civil War took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on July 1-3, 1863. Several factors came into play, determining the location of this decisive battle. While General Lee led his Confederate army into enemy territory in an attempt to intimidate Union troops, invade the north, and impede upon Washington, the Rebel army was also in desperate need of shoes. It just so happens that there was a shoe factory in Gettysburg. So hence, the Confederates came in search of shoes, and yet found so much more - most likely what they realized they didn't bargain for.

The Civil War introduced mass production to America. Northern cities began constructing various clothing items, Bibles, and ammunition in mass quantities to supply the Union army. Within months of the war's start, manufacturing was changed forever. Child labor was commonplace, as were sewing factories, where women worked from 12-16 hours a day. Because there was such a high demand for these products, the advent of "shoddy" commenced.

Uniforms supplied to the Federal army were rapidly stitched together in a frantic attempt to keep up with the War Department's demand to supply troops. In 1861, 75,000 men volunteered to fight for the Union army, but the War Department only had enough uniforms for 13,000. Even though the infantry wore out shoes faster than what could be manufactured at the beginning of the war, within months, clothing companies found ways to keep up with demand, and managed to supply the Union army until the end of the war. This was far superior to that of the Confederacy, which was unable to supply its troops with clothing. Therefore, many new recruits enlisted wearing only their own homespun garments.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here's wishing everyone a happy 4th of July. It was on this occasion in 1863 that two very important events played out: Gettysburg and Vicksburg. The battle of Gettysburg, after three days of heavy fighting, ended on July 4th, with both sides thinking they were victorious. It was realized later that the Confederate army had actually suffered a defeat: the first major loss of the war. And at Vicksburg, Mississippi, Union General Grant succeeded in taking the town after a month-long siege, thus securing the Mississippi River for Federal use.

I have recently read certain sentiments expressing disenchantment about celebrating our national holiday because of the outcome of these battles, as well as the way the South was treated after the war, which I find completely understandable. However, I also consider it to be somewhat disrespectful to descendants of that war: veterans who fought and died for this country in subsequent wars, including both World Wars, the Korean War, which my dad fought in, the Vietnam War, and all other wars since. These servicemen and women deserve our respect by our saluting Old Glory, singing the national anthem, and honoring them with celebration.

Our founding fathers sacrificed home and health to secure our freedom. This 4th of July, let us honor those who so loved, cherished, and believed in our country that they laid down their lives unselfishly. God bless America!

"Shenandoah" at Desoto Civic Center in Mississippi

2010-06-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I had the immense pleasure of seeing a local theatre production of the musical "Shenandoah." It was a wonderful experience: the actors were fascinating, the music and singing were astounding, and the story was heart-wrenching. I especially liked the part in the play where two twin brothers (one in Union garb, the other in Confederate) sang about going home, and wondered if it would still be the same.

There were many poignant scenes in the play, and the talented actors were impressive, to say the least. Many have participated in numerous community theatre productions. One actor, who is only 12, has been in fifteen plays. Amazing!

Today was the final performance, so afterward, members of Company 6, 11th Mississippi Infantry reenacting unit coaxed the crowd outside to witness a cannon salute. My son, who is visiting from California, stated, "Only in the South would you see a play about the Civil War and then see them firing off a cannon!" God save the South!

More Civil War Discoveries Made

2010-06-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

For one hundred a fifty years, a long standing mystery appearing in a poem written by Walt Whitman remained unsolved ... until now. The meteor in question, mentioned in Whitman's famed "Leaves of Grass," and referred to as "a strange huge meteor-procession," really did occur. It was discovered that a painting by Frederic Church shows the meteor streaking through the sky. The meteor appeared in 1860, which coincides with Whitman's publication. Period newspapers verified the event, which was visible from the Great Lakes to New York, but by the mid-twentieth century, the event was forgotten. The meteor actually split into multiple fireballs upon impacting the atmosphere. Earth-grazing meteor processions are so rare that few people have ever heard of them. There were also documented processions in 1783 and 1913.

Another artistic find recently discovered is a photograph believed to have been taken by famed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady. The photo portrays two young African-American children dressed in raggedy clothing, barefoot, and sitting on an upright barrel. The two boys are thought to be slaves. It was discovered at a moving sale in Charlotte, North Carolina in April, accompanied by a document stating that "John" sold for $1,150 in 1854. The photograph is believed to have been taken around 1860.

I find it extremely fascinating that old relics, photos, and historical artifacts keep resurfacing. Lost long ago, these connections to the past are an essential part of our American experience, thus making us who we are today. I hope these newly-discovered items are never again buried and forgotten.

SCV Members Support Their Community

2010-06-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night was the opening performance of "Shenandoah," a musical about the Civil War. It is being presented by The Desoto Civic Center, a theater here in Mississippi. To support the show, a local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans attended, and more members will see the play while it shows this week, along with an area chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

The SCV generously donated their uniforms for use as costumes to the cast, along with relics and a cannon. This might not seem like a huge gesture, but when you consider how much they invest in their uniforms, not to mention all the extras like shoes, canteens, etc., it really adds up. Needless to say, the cast is now decked out in very authentic duds!

This is just one example of how local chapters contribute to their communities. I urge all of you to support your local chapters if you can. There is so much negativity attached to the Confederacy now that generosity such as this is often overlooked. The SCV, as well as the UDC, do much to inform and support their heritage.

The Art and Heart of a Reenactor

2010-06-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

I started reenacting this year, and I have to admit, it is a lot of fun! People are amazed and fascinated by reenactors in Civil War uniforms and antebellum dresses, and love to hear about history. Contrary to what the press is saying, most people are not offended by the Confederate flag or the presence of Civil War reenactors in parades, at memorial services, etc.

To be a reenactor takes an enormous amount of dedication, perseverance, and knowledge about historical accuracy. Wool uniforms can sometimes be uncomfortable, and hooped skirts can become daunting and cumbersome. But to participate in a reenactment is nothing less than awesome!

There are several ways to learn about reenacting, such as websites (my favorite is www.reenactmenthq.com), lists of events that are published monthly in the Civil War Courier, and local events. Reenactments take place all over the country, not just in the South, as depicted in movies like "Sweet Home Alabama." I strongly recommend that if you are interested and have the opportunity, take advantage of participating. I guarantee you'll be hooked!

New Discoveries at Graffiti House

2010-06-15T13:41:00.001-07:00

To go along with my last post about the significant Battle of Brandy Station last week, I wanted to give additional information about the battlefield that I have learned. The Brandy Station Foundation is constantly trying to procure additional land where this astounding battle took place. On Fleetwood Hill, houses have been built, and the land has been parceled off to private owners. However, with sufficient funding (and it's a lot, let me assure you), the foundation is slowly obtaining more land to be designated for preservation.

On the tracks of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, which are still very much in use, stands an old structure now known as the Graffiti House. This two story white clapboard building is believed to have originally been used for storage. Because Culpeper County changed hands 78 times over the course of the Civil War, the house was occupied by both Union and Confederate soldiers alike.

Much work has been done to the structure, which was literally falling over on its side. In the process, "graffiti" has been discovered underneath the old wallpaper and paint. Because the plaster is separating from the lathing which holds it in place, special preservationists have been called in to do restoration work. In the process, they have discovered signatures, drawings, and various testimonials, the most recent being a weather report stating "First Snow Nov. 9th, 1863." It is nothing less than fascinating to see what these specialists will find next, so I will keep you posted!

For more information, please visit http://www.brandystationfoundation.com/

June 9 is Cavalry Day!

2010-06-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today marks the anniversary of the largest, most famous cavalry battle to ever take place on North American soil, which happened during the War Between the States at Brandy Station, Virginia in 1863. The flamboyant J.E.B. Stuart and his boys were confronted by the enemy in a surprise attack. After clashing, capturing several Union guns, and chasing their adversaries off, the Rebels came out victorious, although they were greatly surprised and outnumbered. This event lead up to the great battle of Gettysburg. In my novel, A Beckoning Hellfire, I discuss the Battle of Brandy Station at length, and explain the events the happened before and after, such as three Grand Reviews that General Stuart staged prior to the attack.

Another cavalry battle took place at Brice's Crossroads, Mississippi, on June 10, 1864, where the infamous General Nathan Bedford Forrest outflanked and outmaneuvered (as usual) his foe. The battle marked another significant achievement in the Western Theatre, as General Forrest outfoxed nearly twice as many opponents. His genius has been a subject of study ever since, and was used by the German's during WWII.

Confederate Decoration Day

2010-06-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

This afternoon an inspiring event took place in Memphis. A large group of historians, reenactors, and spectators gathered at the Soldiers’ Rest in historic Elmwood Cemetery, where they paid homage to their ancestors. Known as Confederate Decoration Day, the event was attended by over sixty people.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy sponsored the occasion. Following a welcome, greeting, and invocation by Tennessee division chapter members, the audience was asked to participate in saluting flags, including the American Flag, the Christian Flag, the Flag of Tennessee, and the Confederate Flag. A wreath presentation came next, followed by music performed by the 52nd Regimental Band, who entertain at many local Civil War events.

Donald Harrison, past Commander of the Robert E. Lee SCV camp in Shelby County, gave a wonderful speech discussing why Confederate soldiers fought, why they should not be considered traitors, and why we should honor them by not questioning their motives, as things were quite different 150 years ago, just as ideals will be very different 150 years from now. After a special presentation to a local author, the Children of the Confederacy decorated the Confederate Monument with a bouquet of red roses. Morton’s Battery and the 51st Tennessee Infantry Regiment gave a musket salute, firing off three rounds to the spectators’ enthrallment.

It is events like this that keep the memory of our ancestors alive. Without them, fallen heroes and departed veterans will be lost to history. Although the Civil War is becoming more distant with each passing year, it is still relevant, and extremely important that we pay homage, or it will be forgotten forever. This is what could become of our blessed veterans to future generations: WWI and WWII vets could become extinct to memory, as well as Korean, Vietnam, and more recent battle-scarred soldiers. It has happened with the Revolutionary War, and it is happening with the War Between the States, because assumptions and simplifications have been made about the war’s motives. Let us always pay honor, lest we forget.

If He Was Still Alive, He'd be 202 Today!

2010-06-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the birthday of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. He was born in Christian County, Kentucky, not far from where Abraham Lincoln was born one year later. The tenth youngest child of a plantation owner, Davis rose to become one of the most celebrated, and yet controversial, American statesmen.

His illustrious career began with the military, where he served as an officer. He was elected to the House of Representatives and later to Congress, married twice, and had six children, but only one survived to adulthood. He saw much pain and sadness in his lifetime, but still maintained his firm belief in the Confederate cause. Following the War Between the States, he became somewhat of a recluse, penning his memoirs at Beauvoir in Biloxi, Mississippi. After his death at age 81, his wife, Varina, had his body moved to Richmond, where it remains today.

Bertram Hayes-Davis, who is the great-great grandson of Jefferson Davis, frequently tours the country speaking on behalf of his infamous ancestor. Sadly, he has encountered obstacles in regard to having Jefferson Davis receive the honor he so greatly deserves. In fact, there is talk about removing his statue from the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building. Instead of dismissing Jefferson Davis as being politically incorrect, we should honor him for the sacrifices he made for his country and what he believed to be right. Let us celebrate him as a true patriot and the American icon that he was.

CWPT Obtains More Hallowed Ground

2010-05-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow afternoon, June 1, at 1:30 p.m., a land transfer ceremony will take place at the Perryville Battlefield in Perryville, Kentucky. The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) recently obtained 54 acres to be included with the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Those slated to attend include the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow, as well as other Commonwealth officials and preservation leaders. A tour of the battlefield and a reception will follow.

This is a great achievement for the CWPT and for anyone who is interested in preserving hallowed Civil War battlefields. Please check out the following link for further information and directions.

http://www.civilwar.org/aboutus/news/news-events/land-transfer-ceremony.html

Honor Veterans on Memorial Day

2010-05-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day is once again near, and most of us think of it as an extra-long weekend to kick off summer. I know I will be spending the weekend swimming, eating barbecue, and enjoying the sunny South. But please keep in mind what the holiday is really all about, and give honor to those veterans around you. WWII vets are fast disappearing, so give them an especially heartfelt thank you if you have the opportunity.

Below are a couple of articles that discuss the importance of this national holiday. The first is at:
http://www.dailyemerald.com/mobile/opinion/memorial-day-memories-humbling-1.1484467
and is especially poignant coming from a veteran himself (although he gets his facts wrong about the origin of Memorial Day, which actually started in the South following the Civil War.

The second is at:
http://www.dallasblog.com/201005241006566/guest-viewpoint/memorial-day-matters.html

Please have a safe holiday, and remember to thank your veterans!

More Rebel Flag Controversy

2010-05-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, the Boston Globe ran a story about a local school known as the Walpole High School "Rebels." A neighbor has taken it upon himself to display the Confederate flag overlooking the football field, since the flag was done away with in 1994 because it was viewed as an "inappropriate symbol." The chairman of the school board expressed his regret, stating, "We wish this proud Rebel would take it down. It’s unfortunate it was ever used."

The flag is once again being associated with racism, at least to a few who are more concerned with political correctness than they are with team spirit. By disallowing the Confederate flag, members of the school are denying people their unalienable rights.

Also on Tuesday, USA Today published a story, written by DeWayne Wickham, about how the Civil War's root cause was slavery. Wickham concedes that slavery was the primary reason eleven Southern states seceded, and that states' rights really meant the right to keep slaves. "Sectional conflict," according to Wickham, "is a veiled way of describing Southern discontent with the North over whether slavery would be permitted in new states." He also cites several passages in the Confederate Constitution protecting slavery, but what he fails to mention is that the U.S. Senate had already established this in the infamous "Dred Scott" case of 1857.

In my opinion, these two articles merely represent the ongoing limited information that is now ever-present in what is being taught and relayed to us in regard to the War Between the States. However, I leave it up to you to decide. Please visit:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/05/25/in_walpole_rebels_pride_still_sparks_a_fight/

and
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-05-25-column25_ST1_N.htm

Rebel Flag and Racism (Again)

2010-05-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here is yet one more example of how the Confederate flag is being associated with racism. Yesterday, a post written by "nabnyc" relayed his thoughts on how Rand Paul has embarrassed himself by making a statement on national television about how he questions the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The writer had the audacity of associating Paul's statement with the Confederate flag. "It’s kind of like the people who keep waving the Confederate Flag," the writer says. "It’s over Rebs, you lost. Go on back to the farm."

I am not overly concerned with the sentiments of Rand Paul, who I believe was referring to the immigration issue. What I am concerned about is the injustice served by associating a racial slur with the Confederate flag. This seems to be an all too common occurrence, as many people today are clueless about the origins of the Confederacy. I suppose the views became slanted after 150 years, due to Jim Crow laws and such, but the initial ideals of the Confederacy must remain intact if we are to accurately retain history.

Stating that Rand Paul is a racist who waves the Confederate flag is offensive, to say the least. Just because he is from Kentucky doesn't make him "southern." In fact, Kentucky was a divided state during the Civil War, with equal numbers fighting for both sides. Confederate soldiers were no more racist than Union soldiers were, but that seems to have been forgotten with time. The Rebel army fought for state's rights and protection of their homeland; the Yankees for Union preservation. Slavery was nothing more than a side issue, used as economic leverage by Lincoln. The writer winds up his article with a derogatory reference to Southern ignorance and stereotypes, which makes me think he is no better than the people he is referring to. Check the post out for yourself. Go to:

http://seminal.firedoglake.com/diary/50566

Another Rebel Flag Bites the Dust

2010-05-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, a conflict arose when a mural painted outside the Muvico Theater in Fredericksburg, Virginia received complaints. The painting depicts the United States flag, the Confederate flag, and an eagle. It was intended to symbolize the joining of the two flags into one, but certain individuals expressed their disgruntlement to the manager, who has agreed to paint over the mural with the Virginia state flag.

This is just one more example of ignorant people convincing others to go along with their misdirected angst. Personally, I think the mural's ideal is very noble, but the manager apparently doesn't have the incentive to stand up to these misinformed individuals. Once again, the Confederate flag has been associated with racism, which just isn't the case.

It saddens me deeply to think that the misdirected aggressions of a few can influence the majority, and that those who try to defend the Confederate flag are considered racists. You can't change history, people! Those of us who know the true story behind the War Between the States need to take the initiative to defend the Southern Cause, because we know it was about far more than just slavery.

For more information, check out the following link:

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Flag-Idea-Doesnt-Fly-94258074.html?__source=Facebook_Property

Hernando A-Fair

2010-05-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was the annual A-Fair (A Fair in the Square) in Hernando, Mississippi. This quaint little town is near my home. It was the third A-Fair I have attended since moving from Colorado. The fair consists of local talent performing in front of the Courthouse, and artisans displaying their handmade wares. This year I participated as a reenactor, and greeted visitors while dressed out in period attire. The local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp, as well as the local United Daughters of the Confederacy chapter, occupied adjacent tents. We had a great day conversing, recruiting, and selling our handmade items. A cannon was on display, and the vice president of the UDC chapter, Dorothy Herron, sang "Dixie" on the Courthouse lawn. Despite the heat, humidity, and stagnant economy, we had a very entertaining day!

Recovering Civil War Flags

2010-05-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

It is common knowledge that many flags were captured during the War Between the States, with Union soldiers capturing Confederate flags during certain battles and vice versa. Most would assume that after the war ended, the flags were returned to their rightful owners. This was the intention at the turn of the twentieth century, and laws were enacted to ensure that captured flags would be returned. However, over the years, certain flags fell between the cracks and were never returned, even though the states in possession of them were required to do so.

One such example is a flag that resides in the basement of the State Capitol Building in Des Moines, Iowa. After participating in a reenactment in Mason City last year, we were told by the Confederate camp that the state had a Rebel flag in its possession. After researching and contacting local historians, we found the rumor to be true. However, Iowa refuses to return the flag because it is a tourist attraction for the state.

The flag was captured at Gettysburg, and rightfully belongs to the Mississippi 17th. It is in dire need of repair, so it sits boxed up in the dark cellar of the Capitol Building, waiting for attention. Estimated repair costs range from $5-10,000. The Sons of Confederate Veterans are willing to save up for repairs, but they are having difficulty obtaining the flag.

There are other such cases as well. In the process of investigating the Iowa flag, we learned that there are two in Ohio that belong to the Confederacy. Southern states are reluctant to pursue the issue, as it will undoubtedly be a costly venture, and political ambition always seems to prevail. One can only hope that, perhaps someday, the flags will be returned to their rightful places.

Restoring Civil War Flags

2010-05-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

With the sesquicentennial anniversary of the War Between the States close at hand, many historians, parks, and other related entities are preparing for the event. However, old battle flags that have lasted through the years are being pushed by the wayside. The problem is that state budgets don't allow for restoration of the flags due to current economic hard times. New York houses the country's largest state-owned flag collection, but has been forced to scale back its $100,000 annual flag funding this year. Indiana has incorporated its state flag-conservation fund with its general fund, and Ohio hasn't received funding for its 400 battle flags in almost ten years.

States don't realize that it is the wrong time to cut back, as preservation will ultimately result in increased tourism. Regardless, a few southern states have managed to set aside funds to restore their battle flags, one of which is North Carolina. During the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble charge at Gettysburg, the 11th N.C. carried several flags, but only one survived, avoiding capture by Union troops. The flag, although badly worn on the edges, has recently been restored by the state. It is now part of the Confederate flag collection at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, and will soon be on public display.

It goes without saying that many other flags are in desperate need of restoration. Perhaps as the 150th anniversary nears, states will reassess their funding and allot monies toward this worthy cause. There are several thousand state-owned battle flags in the U.S., but only a few have been preserved. Unfortunately, many have deteriorated to the point where they are beyond repair, mostly due to neglect.

May Anniversaries in Relation to the War Between the States

2010-05-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

Although April is considered an important month in regard to the Civil War because it essentially started and ended in that month, Lincoln was assassinated, and April is now considered "Confederate History Month," I feel that May is a significant month as well. Many events took place during May that changed the course of the war. First came the Battle of Chancellorsville, which took place on May 1-3, 1863. My book, A Beckoning Hellfire, discusses this battle in depth. The Confederates won the fight, which set the stage for Lee to advance into Pennsylvania. Also during the battle, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was accidentally killed by his own men. It will always remain a mystery as to whether the Confederacy would have come out victorious had Jackson survived.

The Battle of the Wilderness began on May 5, 1864. This battle took place almost on the same exact location where the Battle of Chancellorsville was fought a year prior. In fact, men testified to seeing old bones exposed after being hastily buried. Sadly, many soldiers were buried where they fell, and the sacred ground today is riddled with makeshift grave sites. Even more appalling is that the area has been sold to investors and made into subdivisions.

May marks the anniversaries of several other battles as well: the Battle of McDowell, Virginia on May 8, 1862, the Battle of "Bloody Angle" at Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864, the Battle of New Market, Virginia on the 15th, 1864, the Battle of Champion's Hill on the 16th of 1863, the Battle of Fair Oaks on May 24, 1862 and the First Battle of Winchester on May 25, 1862. With Memorial Day only a few weeks away, let us remember all these terrible battles that took place on our own country's soil, and the honorable lives that were lost there.

Confederate Memorial Day - Oxford

2010-05-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was the exact date that the Mississippi Grays marched off to war in 1861. The regiment consisted of enlistees from Ole Miss (University of Mississippi), the only college in the country to recruit soldiers. Sadly, no one returned. In honor of the fallen, a memorial service was performed on campus. All that remains in the cemetery is a large monument, since the individual wooden grave markers were removed, and rumor has it, placed in a local garage. Needless to say, the location of each grave and the soldiers buried in them is lost. Regardless of the harrowing weather, many ventured out to pay their respects and enjoy a wonderful fried catfish/BBQ dinner afterward. This is the first ceremony to take place in a few years due to the weather, which is predictably stormy in May.

Hernando Memorial Service

2010-04-29T21:15:00.001-07:00

One of the annual events to take place here in Mississippi is the Confederate Memorial Day ceremony at the old cemetery in Hernando. The town was home to Nathan Bedford Forrest, and many Confederate veterans are buried there. The local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp, as well as the local United Daughters of the Confederacy chapter, participate in this event, and follow it up with a picnic in which the public is invited. This year, approximately 125 people attended, despite the stormy weather.

Slave Haven

2010-04-27T09:28:00.001-07:00

A fascinating relic from the War Between the States still exists in downtown Memphis. Known as Slave Haven, or the Burkle Estate, the small white clapboard house (built between 1849 and 1856) on 826 N. 2nd Street is believed to have been a way station of the Underground Railroad. The house was built by Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant, who also assisted slaves to their freedom by hiding them in a cellar until they could escape north through tunnels leading to the Mississippi River. Slaves then obtained passage on boats traveling up to the Ohio River.

There are four underground tunnels in Memphis that were major arteries of the Underground Railroad. The house is marked by two large magnolia trees that were a signal to slaves because of their evergreen leaves. The house is furnished with Victorian furniture, and one room displays quilts that were used by slaves as maps to their freedom. In 1978, the family revealed that the Burkle Estate had been part of Underground Railroad, and the house was opened as museum in 1997.

More of Holly Springs Pilgrimage

2010-04-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

These are a few pictures of the Confederate memorial ceremony that took place last Saturday at Hillcrest Cemetery (est. 1851) in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

Holly Springs Pilgrimage (Continued)

2010-04-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here are more photos of last weekend's pilgrimage in Holly Springs ...

Holly Springs Pilgrimage

2010-04-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

The annual 72nd Holly Springs Pilgrimage took place last weekend in Holly Springs, Mississippi. This event happens every spring, and highlights a tour of antebellum homes. This year, I assisted as a tour guide at one of the homes known as Montrose. The pilgrimage is one of several in the state, and people from all over the country attend.

Confederate Heritage Month and Hernando Museum Day

2010-04-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was designated "Museum Day" for the historic town of Hernando, Mississippi. In honor of the event, local bluegrass musicians, artisans, and members of the SCV and UDC showed up to pay homage to the museum. As these photos attest, everyone had a great time! Personalities in period attire attended, including weavers, spinners, butter churners, and a colorful woman with wonderful stories about her fictitious family.

Confederate Terrorists

2010-04-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, a CNN political analyst by the name of Roland S. Martin, who is black, publicly denounced the Confederacy, conveniently airing his views during Confederate Heritage Month. In his statement, Martin claims that all Confederate soldiers should be considered terrorists, and compares them to, of all things, the jihad and Taliban.

First and foremost, Mr. Martin, these are two separate issues and should by no means be blurred into similarities of any kind. Perhaps you are overlooking the fact that slavery might not have even played a part in the Civil War if Lincoln and his cronies had mimicked the actions of Europe by purchasing slaves from slaveowners, and subsequently allowed their freedom. Lincoln was not in favor of freeing slaves, but in fact, preferred the continuation of slavery to exist in Southern, as well as Northern states, and in western territories. "Terrorist" acts were actually committed by extremists such as the Border Ruffians and John Brown.

If you insist on claiming that Southern soldiers were terrorists, then perhaps you should reacquaint yourself with Northern soldiers' behavior at the time. Their actions were far more terrorist-like than the South in that they indiscriminately invaded, destroyed, raped, and stole everything in their path. To say, Mr. Martin, that Confederates were willing to take up arms against their brethren as an act of terrorism is a malicious attempt to justify what actually took place 150 years ago. The North is just as much to blame for the cause of the Civil War, and slavery could have been abolished far sooner and with a more pleasant outcome than it did because the North refused to compensate the South.

As far as your accusation goes that Confederate soldiers were all terrorists, they were no more terrorists than the Northern soldiers were. (General Sherman comes to mind.)If you take time to read some of these soldiers' letters, Mr. Martin, you will see what their true intentions were, which was in fact to defend their homes. You must also take into account the climate of that era, the predominant Christian faith, which is far different than Muslim beliefs, and the fact that white male supremacy reined in every corner of the world, not just in America. The definition of a terrorist is any unconventional fighter who is unaffiliated with a major military force and attacks civilians for political purposes. To consider Confederate soldiers as terrorists is very narrow-minded indeed. To relate it to the current state of affairs in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Afghanistan is nothing less than laughably ridiculous.

Mississippi Governor Criticized for Proclaiming April as Confederate Heritage Month

2010-04-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi received criticism from one of his constituents for recently proclaiming April as Confederate Heritage Month. He is the second governor to be attacked for such an act. Representative Robert Johnson, a Democratic Mississippi lawmaker from Natchez who is black, criticized Governor Barbour for failing to mention slavery in his proclamation. According to Rep. Johnson, people need to learn about the "abhorrent, violent, depraved actions of slavery." Saying he often hears white people say that blacks should forgive what happened in the past, he replied, "If they want us to forget and forgive, why don't they stop reminding us of what the Confederacy was?"

Really, Mr. Johnson? I have to wonder why an intelligent man of your stature displays such ignorance when it comes to the history of his own state. According to the Reverend Cecil Fayard, chaplain-in-chief for the Sons of Confederate Veterans,who lives in Mississippi, "the War Between the States was fought for the same reasons that the tea party movement today is voicing their opinion. And that is that you have large government that's not listening to the people ... there's going to be heavy taxation. And the primary cause of the war was not slavery, although slavery was interwoven into the cause, but it was not the cause for the War Between the States." Nine out of ten soldiers, both North and South, were not fighting for slavery. And the war was not brought on by the issue of slavery, but because of economic reasons. It goes back to the same thing I've been saying all along: the Confederacy, as well as the flags that represent it, should not automatically be associated with slavery or the KKK. Governor Barbour supports honoring Confederates because it publicizes the "rich heritage" of the South. This is the seventh consecutive year that he has made such a proclamation, and hadn't received any criticism until now.

Last week, Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia changed his proclamation to include mentioning slavery as "evil and inhumane" after coming under national criticism. However, Governor Barbour stated on CNN over the weekend that slavery was bad, but the fuss caused by Governor McDonnell's proclamation "doesn't amount to diddly."

"The Northern onslaught upon slavery was no more than a piece of specious humbug designed to conceal its desire for economic control of the Southern states." - Charles Dickens, 1862

Keep America (And Its Battlefields) Beautiful

2010-04-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Great American Cleanup is now in progress, taking place nationwide from March 1 through May 31, and Civil War battlefields are no exception. The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) is sponsoring a similar event to take place this Saturday at battlefields across the nation. Volunteers will be marching in, attacking weeds and trash while armed with paintbrushes and trash bags.

Not only will battlefields be cleaned up, but shrines and cemeteries will be targeted as well. The event is being called "Park Day," and has received a grant from History (formerly the History Channel). Around 100 historic sites in 23 states are slated for cleanup.

This marks the fourteenth year that the CWPT has held such an event. Participants will receive T-shirts and a tour of the battlefield they help to clean up. Some of the battlefields participating in this event include Antietam, Wilson's Creek, and the Wilderness. CWPT President James Lighthizer explains the organization's efforts most succinctly: "These are the hallowed fields where our ancestors gave their lives. We cannot allow them to fall into disrepair."

The Battle of Shiloh

2010-04-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

The next two days, April 6 and 7, mark the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh. The battle took place on the banks of the Tennessee River, and near a small country church named Shiloh, which means “place of peace” in Hebrew.

In two days of battle, the Confederate army sustained more than 10,500 casualties, while Union casualties exceeded 13,000. At that point in time, it was the bloodiest battle of the war. The first Confederate general to die in the War Between the States, General Albert Sidney Johnston, did so during the first day of battle when he bled out from a wound to his femoral artery while retaining command on his horse. General Grant was driven back to Pittsburg Landing, but General Beauregard, who took command after Johnston’s demise, failed to attack him, so the Union general managed to join forces with General Buell. The increased size of the Union army gave them the advantage to pursue the Rebels further south into Mississippi.

Over the years, the battlefield has gone through renovations, such as new peach trees being planted where the original peach orchard stood. An original cabin (although not one that was there during the actual battle) is near the orchard, and a reproduction of Shiloh Church stands on the site of the original church. Up until fairly recently, treasure hunters were allowed into the park to dig for artifacts. The battlefield is a fascinating, albeit eerie reminder of what occurred 148 years ago. My only complaint is the outdated movie shown in the museum, which depicts the battle. (This filmstrip is at least 50 years old!) It will truly accentuate the park and its visitors’ experience if the movie is brought up-to-date, just as Fredericksburg National Park has done.

April is Confederate History Month!

2010-04-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

The governor of Mississippi officially declared April as Confederate History Month, and in honor of this, I gave a presentation at my local library yesterday, April 1. Although the crowd was small due to short notice, we had a rousing discussion on all things Civil War! Thanks to everyone for coming out to support this memorable event. A special thanks to Carson Culver, director of the Horn Lake Library, and Dorothy Herron, who assisted with my presentation and represented the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Palm Sunday and Easter

2010-03-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Christianity played a tremendous role in soldiers' lives during the Civil War. Although men of other faiths were represented, Christians were by far the majority. Revivals were frequently held until the burden of war weighed so heavily on the soldiers that, by 1863, religious services were generally pushed by the wayside. Still, men carried Testaments, and prayed fervently before battle. Even the Confederate battle cross is representative of St. Andrew, who was Jesus' disciple, and the patron saint of Scotland; the red on the Southern Cross representing Jesus' blood, and the white border representing God's protection.

General Robert E. Lee was arguably the most passionate about his religious convictions, believing that God's divine will would determine the outcome of the war. He prayed regularly, and must have continuously fought his inner demons to justify all the pain and suffering the Confederate army inflicted under his command. What is most profound, though, is that he surrendered his army to General Grant on Palm Sunday. I wonder what must have been going through his mind at that time.

Easter to Christians represents rebirth, rejuvenation, and, of course, the resurrection. In a way, it is ironic that, in 1865, the country started out anew right around Easter, becoming "The United States of America" instead of individual states. Sadly, President Lincoln was shot on Good Friday, expiring the next morning. Although Easter should be a day of celebration for all Christians, in 1865, it was a day of mourning for both the North and the South, and a premonition of the heartache that was yet to come.

A Woman’s Place is On the Front Lines with Her Man

2010-03-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

There are many interesting characters who participated in the War Between the States, some of which, of course, were women. Most everyone has heard of Clara Barton, the field nurse who nearly lost her life on the battlefield at Antietam, only to go on after the war and found the American Red Cross. Annie Etheridge also served as a battlefield nurse for the Michigan Volunteers. She was presented the Kearney Cross, a decoration given to enlisted men, for her bravery. Dr. Mary Walker received the Medal of Honor, only to have it revoked later on. It was finally restored to her during Jimmy Carter's administration. Louisa May Alcott was so moved by what she saw in field hospitals that she wrote "Hospital Sketches," and went on to write "Little Women" after the war.

A number of female spies for both sides did their part, including Belle Boyd, who served as a Confederate spy. She began her illustrious career at age 17, when she shot and killed a Yankee who invaded her home. Other Confederate female spies included Antonia Forc, Rose O'Neal Greenhow, Nancy Hart, Laura Ratcliffe, Lottie and Ginnie Moon, and Loreta Janeta Velazquez. On the Union side, there was, of course, Harriet Tubman, who was the chief engineer of the Underground Railroad. Sarah Emma Edmonds disguised herself as a male soldier, calling herself Frank Thompson. She was a master of disguise, and used her creativity to her advantage when she entered into enemy territory to obtain information. Her spying days came to an end when she contracted malaria, and had to admit her true identity. Other spies included Pauline Cushman, Elizabeth Van Lew, Mary Edwards Walker, and Mary Elizabeth Bowser.

Many women disguised themselves as soldiers so that they could remain with their husbands. It seems bizarre today, but back then, modesty ruled the day, so no one questioned a person's true gender. Some managed to keep their identities a secret until their deaths, when their military service was revealed in their obituaries. Amy Clark, Rebecca Peterman, Frances Clalin, Mary and Molly Bell, Jennie Hodgers, and Frances Hook are some, to name a few. It is fascinating to think that many women were so bold as to disregard Victorian culture, lose their hoop skirts, and march off to war!

Biloxi and Beauvoir Rebuilding

2010-03-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

Four and a half years after Hurricane Katrina, the city of Biloxi, Mississippi is finally recovering. The beaches are being re-sanded, the casinos are being remodeled, and demolished residences are being rebuilt. Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis’ home, is also in the process of being restored.

Progress is taking place on the grounds, especially on the site of the new library. Fortunately, books that were in the old library were stored safely before the hurricane hit, so none of them were lost or damaged. Beauvior has retained its regal beauty, and will eventually be restored to its original splendor, including a rose garden replicating the one Varina Howell Davis planted on the grounds.

Luck O the Irish

2010-03-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Because I am Irish, we always make a big deal out of St. Paddy's Day by going to the parade, playing Irish music, and of course, cooking corned beef and cabbage. During the Civil War, the Irish played an enormous role in both armies, and many famous soldiers were Irish. Everyone no doubt has heard of the infamous Irish Brigade, which still exists today. The Irish Brigade, led my Thomas Francis Meagher, played a significant role in many major battles, and there have been documented accounts of the Confederates hearing the approaching Irish Brigade chant "Erin Go Braugh!" as the marched toward them with the Union army. The 2,500 Irish soldiers stuck green sprigs in their caps to remind them of the "old sod."

On the Confederate side, six of the 425 generals were Irish. Patrick Cleburne saw the South's plight as that of Ireland's in that the Union refused to allow secession, just as Britain disallowed Irish independence. General Cleburne, who would be celebrating his birthday today if he were alive, distinguished himself as a brave and innovative leader. Other notable Irish commanders included General Philip Sheridan, General George Armstrong Custer, and John Barry, father of the American Navy.

During the course of the War Between the States, approximately 2.2 million men fought for the Union, 150,000 of which were Irish. In comparison, around 900,000 enlisted for the Confederacy, with 20,000 to 40,000 of these men being of Irish decent. The Irish played an important part in music as well. A popular song of the time, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," was written by Patrick Gilmore, an Irishman.

The Battle Hymn of Hatred

2010-03-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Music played a significant role in the War Between the States. The South had a battle song, “Dixie,” so the North wanted its own as well. In 1862, a year into the war, Julia Ward Howe came up with new lyrics to a melody that was already familiar, “John Brown’s Body.” Ironically, her husband, Dr. Samuel Howe, was a financial supporter of the raid at Harper’s Ferry, where John Brown was captured and hung for treason. Both he and his wife were staunch abolitionists.

Mrs. Howe was inspired to write “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” after visiting Washington D.C. and witnessing Union soldiers’ campfires flickering on the outskirts of town. At the time, the song was considered inspirational in its religious references. Mrs. Howe, a member of the Unitarian Church, is said to be more of an atheist in her own person beliefs. The strong sentiment and symbolic overtones in the lyrics she wrote are indicative of the hatred she apparently felt for Southerners in general; not just toward Confederates.

This song is commonly sung in churches and at patriotic events today. However, the problem arises when one considers the lyrics. They will find that “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” is hate-filled rhetoric consisting of derogatory implications. It is no wonder that people realize the negative aspects and refuse to sing the anthem. It is interesting to note that the song is performed frequently at Southern churches within the Bible Belt. “He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored” is one example of a symbolic reference - vintage representing the blood of Southern people. When a song becomes controversial, it is generally avoided, and many in the South feel this sentiment. Just as African-Americans have for centuries fought to acquire respect and equality, it seems only fair that any song deemed offensive by any group such as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” should be discontinued as well.

Song of the South

2010-03-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

No one knows for sure where the word "dixie" originated. Some believe that it was a shortened nickname referring to the Mason-Dixon Line, while others think it came from ten-dollar notes that were widely used and issued from Louisiana ("dix" is French for "ten). By the 1850's, the term "dixie" was directly associated with the South.

The song "Dixie's Land" is commonly believed to have been written by Daniel Emmett, although others emerged who contested this. The melody became popular in black face minstrel shows, and after the start of the War Between the States, became the Southern anthem. (The North felt as though it needed an anthem as well, so it adopted the "Battle Hymn of the Republic, which I will discuss further next week.) Many variations in the lyrics appeared at this time, as was common practice back then. The song was played at both Presidents Lincoln and Davis' inaugurations. It was a favorite of Lincoln's, who also requested that the song be played during the Grand Review after the war was over. And, of course, it was played at Emmett's funeral.

Unfortunately, during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's, "Dixieland" became associated with negative, racist implications, rather than having been considered as an important piece of history, ancestry, and Southern heritage. Recently, it was banned from being played at Ole Miss sporting events. When local school children in Mississippi were asked if they knew the song, none of them recognized it. Personally, I think that's a shame.

Gettysburg Gets Good News

2010-03-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

The National Park Service at Gettysburg received some good news recently. First, they are acquiring a parcel of land that has recently come up for sale. The farmland is in a significant area of the battlefield where General Longstreet's Confederate forces marched west of the Emmitsburg Road. The land came up for sale at the end of last year, but the asking price was far more than the Park Service could afford. So the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) came to the rescue, holding fundraisers to acquire the requested amount. The CWPT has put a bid on the property, and intends to donate the land to the NPS.

The second piece of good news is that it looks like gambling won't be coming into Gettysburg. After several years of battles, a coalition of state and national preservation groups turned down a proposal by businessman David LeVan, opposing his request to open a casino only one-half mile from the National Park. The reason cited was "longstanding commitment to ensuring that singular and significant historic sites like the Gettysburg Battlefield are treated with the respect and consideration they deserve."

Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said, "Some places are just too important to be treated with anything less than the greatest respect, and Gettysburg is one of those places. Anyone who has visited the battlefield in recent years can attest to the fact that commercial development is threatening the visitor experience at Gettysburg, and this proposed casino would greatly exacerbate the problem. A new casino located so close to this sacred soil is simply unacceptable." Amen to that!

Old Soldier Retires

2010-03-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote about an old Civil War statue that was being retired in Muscantine, Iowa. The statue was taken down on Monday, and sadly, the legs and musket of the old soldier crumbled. Lee Miller, a local historian, was glad to see that the rest of the statue stayed intact. The marble statue will be kept in storage, and a new statue will take the place of the old one, along with updated plaques listing soldiers who were omitted before.
http://www.muscatinejournal.com/news/local/article_8d697b70-2616-11df-82af-001cc4c002e0.html

On this date in 1861 and in 1865, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated. Before the first ceremony took place, Lincoln was sneaked into Washington for his own protection, but strangely enough, attended the inauguration in an open horse-drawn carriage. At the second inauguration, heavy rains made the roads so muddy that traffic was nearly at a standstill. Sadly, the president would be assassinated only a month later. At the second inaugural, it is said that the crowd had a difficult time understanding Vice President Johnson's speech. This is because he was taking whiskey prescribed by a physician for an ailment. He reportedly drank so much that his speech was rambling and incoherent! One of the spectators in the crowd was none other than John Wilkes Booth, who would later become Lincoln's assassin.

Freedom Isn't All It's Cracked Up To Be

2010-03-01T11:18:00.000-08:00

Many slaves who found their freedom soon discovered that the promised land really didn't exist. They were shunned in the north by other minorities, who feared that blacks would take away their jobs. The freedmen were discriminated against at every turn, including those who enlisted in the Union army.

Typical pay for a white soldier was $13 a month, while blacks only received $11 a month, and had $3 a month taken out of their wages for uniforms. Most black soldiers were put to work digging ditches, cooking, or tending to livestock. In other words, they were the grunt labor. Black soldiers received one ration a day, whereas white soldiers received full rations.

White soldiers commonly razed and tormented their black counterparts. They were encouraged to join black regiments in order to achieve self-promotion. Many white soldiers received rapid advancement while enlisted as officers of black regiments. Although the 54th Massachusetts is a famous example of a black regiment, most did not serve combat duty. By 1865, of the one million soldiers serving in the Union army, 15% were black.