August 2003 Weekly Firesides

Hear Ye ....       Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending  August 03, 2003
11 PM ET

Our Mission: To serve all genealogists by providing an enjoyable online environment with as many helpful and reliable resources as possible

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     Last Thursday night we completed the Confederate Campaign series.  We hope you were able to join us and we want to thank Ted Fisher for all his research in preparing this for us.  This week, August 7th, will be OPEN CHAT. Bring those questions or stories to share with all of us.  Tell us about your Civil War ancestor, your favorite battle...  how about a favorite book, or feel free to just come and listen.   In any case, join us around the fireside, chilled apple cider and snacks will be available.

     After the Confederate Campaign story was over, we, somehow got into some ghost stories...  what fun!!!    Do you have and unexplained feeling you've had while visiting a Civil War battlefield???   Come share it with us.  We promise, no one will laugh...  at least not at you, with you maybe.

If anyone has a suggestion for a subject you might like to have covered in the chatroom, please send those suggestions to HOSTGFS [email protected], HOSTGFS [email protected], HOST GFS [email protected]

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"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
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For more Calendar of events you might want to check out these websites

USCWC - Index of Civil War Information available on the Internet
http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/events.htm

The Civil War Reenactor's Headquarters for Civil War Reenactment Battle Schedules, Sutlers, and Information
http://www.sutler.net/eventlist.asp

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GETTYSBURG   August 8, 9 and 10th  140th Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary Reenactment. Gettysburg, PA.

Read about the postponement from the July dates herehttp://www.gettysburgreenactment.com/

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August 8-10  Hardin County Heritage Fest Civil War Reenactment. Hardin K-12 School Elizabethtown, IL 62931. Near the banks of the beautiful Ohio River. For more information: (618) 287-3474 voice/message P.O.Box 348 Elizabethtown, IL 62931 [email protected] http://www.geocities.com/heritagefest/2002

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August 16   Second Battle of Kernstown and Cool Springs: A Military Staff Ride will take place in Kernstown, VA. For years these two battlefields have been totally inaccessible to the general public. Now we will not only bring them to you with the historians who know them better than anyone else, you will get to walk on areas still not open without special permission. Our facilitators, Gary Ecelbarger and Joe Whitehorne have exceptional reputations and an encyclopedic knowledge of these fields. This too is a new and unique program." For more information, contact the Blue and Gray Education Society at 1-888-741-2437 or email [email protected].

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August 16 - 17  141st Anniversary of the Battle of Lone Jack, Missouri will be held at the Lone Jack Civil War Battlefield Park in Lone Jack, Jackson County, Missouri. There will be a re-enactment, living history demonstrations, which will include a blacksmith, spinning, broom making, pottery, period music, and more. We will also be holding a Cotillian for the re-enactors on Saturday evening. For more information, reenactors contact John at [email protected] (816) 697-2747 and general information contact Alinda at [email protected]  (816) 697-3358. Also, visit the websitehttp://www.friendsofhistoriclonejack.org.

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August 16...    Second Battle of Kernstown and Cool Springs: A Military Staff Ride will take place in Kernstown, VA. For years these two battlefields have been totally inaccessible to the general public. Now we will not only bring them to you with the historians who know them better than anyone else, you will get to walk on areas still not open without special permission. Our facilitators, Gary Ecelbarger and Joe Whitehorne have exceptional reputations and an encyclopedic knowledge of these fields. This too is a new and unique program." For more information, contact the Blue and Gray Education Society at 1-888-741-2437 or email [email protected].    

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August 16 - 17...  141st Anniversary of the Battle of Lone Jack, Missouri will be held at the Lone Jack Civil War Battlefield Park in Lone Jack, Jackson County, Missouri. There will be a re-enactment, living history demonstrations, which will include a blacksmith, spinning, broom making, pottery, period music, and more. We will also be holding a Cotillian for the re-enactors on Saturday evening. For more information, reenactors contact John at [email protected](816) 697-2747 and general information contact Alinda at [email protected](816) 697-3358. Also, visit the websitehttp://www.friendsofhistoriclonejack.org.    

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August 23 - 1 PM   You can learn about Women Spies of the Civil War at the Mansfield State Historic Site in Mansfield, LA. Women did more than nurse and roll bandages during the Civil War. Learn about females who risked their lives for strategic knowledge of upcoming battles. For more information, call 1-888-677-6267 toll free or 318-872-1474 locally.    

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August 23 - 24...  6th Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Saltville,Virginia can be experienced at The Well Fields in Saltville,Virginia. For more information, contact Major Ben Collins at 423-943-2707.    


NOTE:  If you belong to an organization that will be having an "event" or know of a special living history, a talk to be given, a reenactment or any other Civil War related event, please feel freee to send it to HOST GFS Jayne and HOST GFS Jim for inclusion in the Weekly Fireside. 

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"THE BOOK SHELF"
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The Civil War History team has decided we should do some book reviews so you all can see what's available and what others thing about them.  We want you all to participate, so....  if you've read a Civil War book that you want to tell others about...  send it to us. 

This week's book review comes from HOST GFS Jim

A Country of Our Own
by David Poyer

This historical novel is a great read on the activities of the Confederate Navy from May of 1861 through January of 1862.  It roams from the backwaters of southeast Virginia and North Carolina with the Mosquito Fleet, across the ocean to England to the Caribbean Sea.  A great read by an author who has been called the modern day C.S. Forester of Naval Warfare.  Great insight into the Confederate raiders and their activities. 

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Civil War History & Genealogy Forum
Related Activities and Sites
Available for your Enjoyment and Research
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"Genealogy Forum's Military Resources" Website
devoted to Civil War History and the material presented in
the American Civil War History Special Interest Group
in the Genealogy Forum of America On-line. 
The address is:
http://www.genealogyforum.rootsweb.com/gfaol/resource/Military/

Editor's Note:  The Military Resources Webpage has a myriad of options for you.  Here are some the choices:  US Military Records, Conscription/Draft Records, Civil War Battle Names, Secession of the Confederate States, Your Civil War Ancestors - Where to Begin, Military Resources on the Internet, links to the Stories, Files and Talks of the American Civil War History Chat on AOL, message boards and many, many others.  Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.  

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The Weekly Fireside Archives 
http://www.genealogyforum.rootsweb.com/gfaol/resource/Military/Fireside.htm

The Genealogy Forum Newsletter Signup
You may subscribe by sending an email to:
[email protected]
Title the subject of the email SUBSCRIPTION and type "Subscribe"
in the body of the email message.

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Editor's Note: We sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website.  We are trying to "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate.  There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community.  On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's). 
 
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FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO OUR MERRY BAND"  WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)...  COME AGAIN OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY. 

Every first-timer to the American Civil War History SIG gets put on the newsletter (Weekly Fireside) distribution automatically, because we like to send you a "Thank You Card" for coming to visit and this is our way of doing so.  We hope to give you an opportunity to jump right in with us.  If you desire NOT to receive the newsletter, then just drop us an email saying UNSUBSCRIBE and we will quickly remove your screen name from distribution.  We certainly don't want to clog your mailbox with unwanted material.  Also many of you pass on the newsletter to others that don't subscribe to AOL.  We really want to thank you for spreading the word.  I would also like to let you know that we would be happy to add them to our list if they have email of any sort.  We distribute everywhere to those that have requested it.  AOL membership is not a requirement although we'd love to see you in the Chat Room :D

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DID YOU KNOW?
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From "The Civil War, Book of Lists" by Donald Cartmell

        The name "Civil War" is not really an accurate description of the American conflict of 1861-1865.  First, the United States of America never officially recognized the existence of the Confederate State of America.  To do so would have paved the way for European intervention in the conflict.  Lincoln always maintained that secession was illegal, and he even disavowed the "presidency" of Jefferson Davis.  On the other hand, the Confederate States passed an act "recognizing the existence of a war between the United States and the Confederate States" on May 6, 1861.  More importantly, it was never the goal fo the Confederacy to displace or supplant the Federal government in Washington.  Legally speaking, secession entailed only the right to withdraw from the United States.  With all this confusion, it is no wonder that the war has been given numerous titles throughout the years.  The following is a list of some of the other names used to describe this great conflict:

28 Alternate Names for the Civil War

1.   The War for Constitutional Liberty
2.   The War for Nationality
3.   The War for Southern Nationality
4.   The Second American Revolution
5.   The War for Southern Independence
6.   The War for States' Rights
7.   Mr. Lincoln's Warr
8.   The Southern Rebellion
9.   The War for Southern Rights
10. The War Against Norther Aggression
11. The Yankee Invasion
12. The War for Separation
13. The War for Southern Freedom
14. The Lost Cause
15. The Late Unpleasantness
16. The War to Suppress Yankee Arrogance
17. The War of the Southern Planters
18. America's Civil War
19. The War Between the States
20. The Civil War Between the States
21. The War for Abolition
22. The War for the Union
23. The Confederate War
24. The War of the Southerners
25. The War of the North and South
26. The War Against Slavery
27. The War of the Rebellion
28. The Brothers' War

............and there you have it

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THE HELP DESK
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This segment is to address specific questions that hit our plate on Thursday night that we didn't have a chance to answer or needed a bit of time to check it out.  Hope these answer the mail  :D 

Editor's Note:  The new Military Resources Website (Website is listed above in the Fireside) has a myriad of options for you.  Here are some the choices:  US Military Records, Conscription/Draft Records, Civil War Battle Names, Secession of the Confederate States, Your Civil War Ancestors - Where to Begin, Military Resources on the Internet, links to the Stories, Files and Talks of the American Civil War History Chat on AOL, message boards and many, many others.  Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.  

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Weekly Web Sites we've received -
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From Bitsobluengray

Rock Island Prison, Illinois
by James L. Walker
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/august2003.htm


Civil War Soldiers Museum
http://www.cwmuseum.org/main.asp

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From An Madra Rua

Reenacting as a Civil War  Correspondent
http://www.bivouacbooks.com/bbv2i2s1a.htm

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--------Our Weekly Reading--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs, and Poems evenings)
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Letter from Harvey Black in Brandy Station, VA.

Black, descended from the founding family of Blacksburg, VA, served as a surgeon to the Army of Northern VA.  In this letter to his wife Mary (whom he affectionately nicknamed Mollie) he recounts their courtship and expresses the great love he has for her.

Brandy Station,Sunday night, Nov. 1 [1863]

My dear Mollie
I rcd a letter today from a very handsome lady to play cupid. Although not accompanied  by her likeness yet her image was so indelibly impressed upon my mind that the likeness itself could not recall the features more vividly than they are impressed. I first met her in a village in Western Va when I was about
17 years old and she 8. I afterwards saw her frequently and occasionally was in her company, and nonwithstanding the disparity of our ages, I became so favorably impressed with her fair face and gentle manners that I frequently said to myself that I wished she was older or I younger.

In 3 to 4 years she had grown so much that the disparity in age seemed to grow less. Never did a lady witness the budding of a lower with more requisite pleasure than did I the budding of that pretty little girl into womanhood. She made much of my thoughts while in Mexico and more upon my return home.
While at the University of Va., I not infrequently found my thoughts wandering from the dry textbook to contemplate by the aid of memory the features and form of this little girl.

After I completed my studies, I traveled in the west and expected to find a home in some western state, but not finding a place to suit me, together with the persuasions of that fair face, induced me to return.

I entered, as you know, actively into the pursuit of my profession with the determination to make at least a fair reputation and tried to withdraw my thought from everything else, but I found this little fairy constantly and pleasantly intruding into all my plans, whether of pleasure or interest. At this period she met me politely and respectfully but seemed to grow more distant, coy & reserved, so that I frequently thought that even the ordinary attentions of common politeness & courtesy were no special source of pleasure to her.

In a few instances when she has arrived at about the age of 15 this shyness and reserve seemed to be forgotten, and I would pass an hour or two in the enjoyment of her company with great pleasure to myself and I imagined with at least satisfaction, if not enjoyment, to her. I began to think that my happiness was identified with hers. I began to pay her special visits or at least seek opportunities by which I might be in her company. I sought her society on pleasure rides and thought it not a hardship to ride 65 miles in 24 hours if part of the time might be spent with her. She always exhibited or observed the decorum of modest reserve which might be construed into neither encouragement nor discouragement.

After the delibertation & reflection which I thought due to a matter which involved my happiness for life, I felt that her destiny and mine were probably intended to be united, and that all the adverse counsel which I could give myself could bring no objections. I felt that I ought both as a matter of duty and happiness give my whole life to her, who for 9 years had my attention and devotion, though concealed love.

After a few little billets and interviews, and with a full declaration of the love I desired to bestow, I received a measured and loving response and was made most happy in the anticipation of the celebration of the nuptials fixed at some 6 months hence. This time glided nicely & happily, though not too rapidly, away from me. The hours of leisure were spent with her and my visits were always welcomed with that cordial welcome, that maiden modesty, so much to be admired. Tis true that on one occasion she did rest her elbow upon my knee and look with confidential pleasure in my face and made me realize that indeed I had her whole heart.

Suffice it to say, the happy day of our marriage arrived and since then, hours, days, and years of time, confidence & happiness passed rapidly away, and only to make us feel that happy as were the hours of youthful days, they compare not with those of later years and perhaps even these may not be equal to that which is in reserve for us.

I dont know how much pleasure it affords you to go over these days of the past, but to me they will ever be remembered as days of felicity. And how happy the thought that years increase the affection & esteem we have for each other to love & be loved. May it ever be so, and may I ever be a husband worthy of your warmest affections. May I make you happy and in so doing be made happy in return. A sweet kiss and embrace to your greeting.

But maybe you will say it looks ridiculous to see a man getting grayhaired to be writing love letters, so I will use the remnant of my paper otherwise...

Yours affectionately H Black
.
Source: http://spec.lib.vt.edu/cwlove/black.html

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A BIT OF COMMUNITY...  MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
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Here's how it works..  If you are trying to get photographs of a gravesite or battlefield, to collect for your Civil War ancestor research and records, then send us a request and we will post it here...  Other members seeing your request and being in the near vicinity, and are willing to assist can email you direct (this protects your privacy) and work out the details.  We HIGHLY recommend the "Requester" pay for all film costs and any postage involved for a helping member.  This is intended to be a "Free" assistance between members (with the exception of defraying film and postage costs).   Do unto others as....   you know :-)    Keep us posted on how this is working, so we can share them in the "Fireside"!!  

Check out the following member inputs for comments and requests for information, Feedback's, Items of Interest and Plea's for HELP...

We have had some gracious members offer their assistance in this area.  Their screen names and areas they have offered to help in are listed....   Please honor their "goodness" and don't abuse them :-)....   We ask that you do follow the guidelines indicated above....

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NOTE:  If anyone is doing Illinois Civil War research, you may email [email protected] and make sure that he knows HOST GFS Jayne sent you   He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.

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If YOU have a Civil War Ancestor, Kevin/[email protected]  does Volunteer reseach at Andersonville Civil War Prison in Andersonville, GA.  Any research he does is absolutely at NO cost and he is willing to do all he can. There are more than 32000 prisoners on record from the Union, and quite a few who were held prisoner there as Union regiments from Confederate states. There are also nearly 13000 marked graves of those who died there.  Kevin's focus is dedicated to ALL of those held prisoner during the war, on both sides, as well as all Americans who gave their freedoms for those that we enjoy today.. He just happens to be near Andersonville, so that is where he does his work.

Visit Kevin's site at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/index.html


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If YOU have a question regarding Confederate researching, visit Steve Teeft's website at http://www.dixieresearch.com   Tell him you saw his address in the Weekly Fireside.  [email protected] 

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NOTE:  This appeared in the CW-POW-L maillist  originally coming from a message board at  http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/XV.2ADI/681

The Arkansas American Civil War Association is seeking brief biographies of Arkansas men who were involved in the Civil War. Confederate, Union, or African-American men are welcome, along with copies of photographs where they are available.

These biographies will be published in a book by Walsworth Publishing Company, of Marceline, Missouri, and the submitter is not required to purchase a book to have an ancestor memorialized in this appropriate manner.

This publication will become a significant event in the history and heritage of our State and you are encouraged to participate. Further information can be obtained from Jim Lair at [email protected]

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WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
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OUR FOCUS:  the "History of the American (United States) Civil War," with by-products of laughter, and camaraderie!

OUR GOAL:  to enhance your Genealogy activity, knowledge, and "wisdom"  by talking about the history surrounding their lives and actions; specifically the "Civil War" that our ancestors lived through and died because of.

Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes of the 20th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, said it so well. 

"I think it is a noble and pious thing
To do whatever we may by written
Word or molded bronze and sculpted
Stone to keep our memories, our
Reverence and our love alive and
To hand them on to new generations
All too ready to forget."

OUR PROMISE: to provide an "online" environment that is NOT judgmental and to address ALL aspects of this "Pivotal Period" in our History, with honesty and truth (as we know it).
 
We do "Fireside Stories" about the battles, the people and the social happenings.  In addition we dedicate one Thursday a month to the sharing of Songs, Poems and Letters from that era.  So come back and visit; we'll save you a seat at the Fireside, and keep the Cider warm.....  For a full listing of upcoming events, either look on the Schedule at the end of this Notice or in the Upcoming Events of the Genealogy Forum.
 
Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****
(Subject to Change)  
  
Time:  Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Room with hosts HOST GFS Jayne, HOST GFS Jim, and HOST GFS TEG and our many faithful friends :) 

08/07/03 - OPEN CHAT

08/14/03 - Songs, Letters and Poems night

08/21/03 - OPEN CHAT

08/28/03 - To be announced 

We'll See You Thursday Night. 
Your Joyful, Intelligent and Fun-lovin' Host's/Hostess  :-)

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