Hear Ye

AUGUST 2004 Weekly Firesides

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 01 August 2004

NOTE: If you do not wish to receive the Weekly Fireside, PLEASE send email to [email protected] saying "UNSUBSCRIBE" and they will remove you from the distribution. On the other hand, if you know someone who would like to receive the newsletter, please have them send Jayne or Bill email with subscribe in the subject line.

NOTE from Jayne: We're getting more subscribers all the time, and I'd like to welcome all the new subscribers we've had recently. I hope you enjoy our little newsletter.

Please be assured your email addresses are not shared with, nor sold to, anyone else.

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NOTES FROM THE HOSTS OF THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CHATS
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I just want to be sure you all remember that we've rescheduled our "Women of the Border War" to this Thursday and Friday. Join us!!!!

I'm going to let our Host RL Magnolia/Kristin introduce herself to you all

Hi my name is Kristin a.k.a HOST RL Magnolia. Why magnolia, some may ask...well it is my favorite flower. I have many of them near my home also they are associated with the South and I am from the South. I'm the baby of the team around here in my very early 20's. I've been happily married for a little over 4 years now. We have 2 little beauties that I stay at home with. My husband got me into genealogy and research when we got married. He's done amazing things when it comes to his family tree... I'm slowly getting there. I do have 3 Civil War ancestors, 2 gg grandfathers and 1 ggg grandfather. That's just on my grandmother's side. I have yet to research my grandfather's line. Two of my ancestors were with the Confederacy for 5 days then they were captured and signed on to the Union and fought out the war. Their unit was Co G, 10th TN Infantry. The other ancestor was with the Confederacy, his unit was Co B, 19 TN Cav CSA. I hope to find more ancestors that fought. When our children are a few years older, my husband and I would love to do reenactments at local spots. I'm glad to be a part of this wonderful learning team (thanks Jayne) and I hope to learn all I can so I can help others! I look foward to the fun!! Thanks ya'll!!!

(((((Kristin))))) Glad to have you on board!!!! We've got the best "teachers" there are anywhere in our chats.

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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).

Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL Magnolia ... Thursday 11 PM ET
Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL WillM...   Friday 10 PM ET
in the Ancestral Digs Room (on AOL only)

The "program" will not necessarily be the same both nights. Let us help you find your soldier. Tell us their stories. We will still have our Songs, Letters and poems nights the 2nd Thursday of the month and the Friday following. Watch the schedule below to see what we're up to.

JOIN HOST RL IrshRose.... Saturday Midnight ET for help tracing your heritage to the American Civil time period in the Ancestral Digs Room

You can visit the Genealogy Schedule by going to Keyword: Genealogy Chat   which includes our Civil War chats and you can also see them at Keyword: Civil War Chat   On the Civil War chat schedule page, you will see a link to "Civil War Libraries", There are many files that my ol' partner GFS Jim had posted over the years.

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"THE BOOK SHELF"
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--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
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From the ggrandson of William Curtis Morgan, Mr. Don Coatney

Clifton Tennessee

May the 14th 1864

Dear Mary,

I address you again from this point I thought when I last rote to you that I would be in the front before I rote again. But we are still here in Clinton we have been waiting for the fleet to arrive from Paducah with the balance of the troops for this expedition they arrived this morning 12 boats loaded with troops and I suppose we will start for Pulasky or Huntsville soon. We have no news here there was no boat come up the river since we came till this fleet came and we have had no news from Biloxi.

PAGE 2

The 23rd IND came up with the fleet this morning. I saw Thomas and he told me you was going to stay in Washington county. I have rote 3 leters to you and directed them to Botley Hamilton County. The wether is getting extremely warm here we are in the Iron country. Here there is iron works all around here and the iron piled up along the pike like cord wood. We are camped on the pike leading from Clifton to Pulasky we will have a good pike road to march on to Pulasky. I think we will start as soon

PAGE 3

AS THE TROOPS GET OFF THE FLEET. Thomas came through on the cars to Cairo. It did not cost him a cent to come I am glad. You are going to stay in Washington County I expected to get a leter from you when the fleet came but no leter came for me. I want you to write soon and let me know how you are getting along and tell me if you sent that money to your father or not. Your Afectionate husband.

W.C.Morgan

Letter to Wife Mary E. (Townsend) Morgan

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THE HELP DESK
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Do you have a question that you didn't get to ask in the chatroom??
Send us and email and we'll post it here to see if
some of our readers can help you. If you get an answer to your
queston, please let us know.

This week there was an email in the Bits of Blue and Gray website mailbox and I forwarded it to IllinoisCW who gave me his answer.   Does anyone else have any ideas here??

Subject: Reference Source
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2004 19:19:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: <[email protected]>

In your opinion, what is the best non-fictional accounts of Confederate and Union Spies during the Civil War?

Thanks!

William

IllinoisCW's answer:

With little doubt;

#1   Secret Missions of the Civil War by Philip Van Dorn Stern (1959 - 1990)

#2   Spies of the Confederacy by John Bakeless (1970)

There are a couple of "newer" but references and sources are more "oral history" and he said -- she said stuff.

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DID YOU KNOW?
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If you have something we could use here, PLEASE send it along. Thanks!!!!

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

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Weekly Web Sites we've received
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If you have a favorite Civil War site, please send them to [email protected]

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From An Madra Rua

http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=6110187425
Half Plate- Poker Players & Beer Drinkers- Ambrotype
The bidding is over today, August 1st, but is quite interesting to look at. Hopefully you'll still be able to see it by the time you read the newsletter.

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From Bitsobluengray

http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/summer_1995_navy_records_1861_1924.html
Civil War and Later Navy Personnel Records at the National Archives, 1861-1924
By Lee D. Bacon

http://www2.sos.state.il.us/departments/archives/datcivil.html
Database of Illinois Civil War Veterans

http://www2.sos.state.il.us/departments/archives/ilnavy.html
Database of Illinois Civil War Veterans Serving in the U.S. Navy

http://www2.sos.state.il.us/departments/archives/missouri.html
Database of Illinois Civil War Veterans of Missouri Units

http://www.oz.net/~cyndihow/pensions.htm
How To Order Military & Pension Records for Union Civil War Veterans from the National Archives

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From Cyndi's list of new websites

URL:    http://www.militaryindexes.com/civilwar/
TITLE:    Online Civil War Records, Indexes & Rosters
DESCRIPTION:    Genealogy directory of searchable databases for finding
Civil War records.

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Thanks to all of you who are sharing Civil War URLs with all of us!!!    PLEASE continue to send them!!!

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FROM OUR READERS
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If your ancestor has or you have a story to tell, please send it to us.
     HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL Bill and HOSt RL Magnolia at [email protected]

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NOTE:   If anyone has some great Civil War Music you'd like to recommend, please send it to us.

Last week I put in the URL http://battleofchampionhill.org/killed.htm   and I received the following email from IllinoisCW

I am reviewing the book "CHAMPION'S HILL - The Decisive Battle for Vicksburg" by Dr. Timothy B. Smith which should be released this fall for purchase. I am about half way through and I believe it will create a possible "New" turning point of the Civil War for many. The web sites you included concerning Raymond and Champion's Hill should be of great value to those interested in this, the important aspect of the war rather than those minor meaningless skirmishes east of the Alleghenies :-)

Thanks,

Frank

NOTE from Jayne.....   I don't want any "debate" regarding IllinoisCW's last remark. He has always had a great interest in the western campaigns and likes to give me a "hard time"

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The following was received from Ed Harding who thought you all might be interested.

Hi Jayne

I saw in the past newsletter the link to Broadfoot Publishing Company regarding research books. CD's, etc. that was posted. Although Broadfoot puts out very good resource materials, the list members might want to know these can be very expensive, depending on what they want. I've personally done business with Broadfoot and have found some very good books in their store located in Wendell, NC, just east of Raleigh. They do an excellent job printing and the books are first rate quality, so if anyone should purchase any of them (new condition), they'll have a great addition to their home library.

One other place I've been able to find very good books is through eBay. Buying on eBay is always a risk, but so far, I've had nothing but positive experiences, as I've purchased books from people with a high rating. One example of how I saved a lot of money was purchasing the entire set of the Confederate Veteran. Broadfoot lists them in brand new condition for $2000 and I was lucky to find a complete set with indexes on eBay for only $600 that were in almost like new condition. Listmembers might also want to check the website for the Civil War Mall for books. There are may out of print books, new books, and it's a very good place to find books someone might want. The link to this site can be found at http://www.civilwarmall.com/bookseller/main.htm I have on suggestion for those who have a pretty extensive home library, and that is to get plastic covers for dustjackets to help protect them. I ordered a lot of them and every book I have that has a dustjacket is now covered. This not only helps protect the books, but also helps keep their value up. I ordered my covers from Brodart Library Supplies at http://www.shopbrodart.com/ This might be a short term expense, but down the road, people will be glad they have protected the justjackets, thus helping protect the books and their value in the long run. If anyone wanted to get these types of plastic covers, I would suggest purchasing them in different sizes as one size won't fit every book.

There is a website of a giant project going on here in North Carolina that might be of interest to some list members and it's very rare something like this is even done. A group was formed and slowly but surely, a full scale replica of the Ironclad Neuse is being built in Kinston, NC, where the hull of the original C.S.S. Neuse is on display. The Neuse II is being built exactly like the original and is taking a lot of time to do, especially considering the expenses and the labor involved. I've personally been over to see it as it's only about 35 miles from me, and it's a sight to behold. If any list members might be interested in keeping up with the construction and learn more about the project, they can find a website at http://www.cssneuseii.com/

Hoping things are going well for you and all the list members. I'm just sorry I don't have AOL so I can join in the online chats. I hope some of what I've written about might be of interest and some help to some list members.

Best regards,

Edward Harding
[email protected]
Washington, NC

Ed--- I'm sorry you don't have AOL too ;)   Thank you for the email. This is what keeps our newsletter going.

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A BIT OF COMMUNITY... MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
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If you have a resource from which you would be willing to do look-ups for folks, please let us know and we'll add it here

[email protected] has offered to do free Civil War research from veterans from Wisconsin. He is the author of "Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin"

[email protected] has offered to do lookups for folks with ancestors from the Confederacy, focusing mainly on North Carolina, but has other sources also.

[email protected] has told us if anyone wants info the the 85th NY Inf. Regt. (Plymouth Pilgrims) you may email her. She has a book about them.    Her one request is that you put 85th Regt. in the subject line so she doesn't delete it by mistake

[email protected] has access to Pension Records for Civil War Soldiers in Louisiana. If you need help, send JL an email.

[email protected] Has a book Annals of Alexander Hamilton Post, No 182, Department of New York, Grand Army of the Republic, during the years 1184 to 1900, Compiled and Aranged by Past Commanders F. S. Bartram and T. W. Smith, New York, Bartram Press, 126 William Street --- 1900

The list of Names from the book has been in the Newsletter the past two weeks, There are many pictures in the book. If you think your ancestor was a member of Hamilton Post No. 182 Please email [email protected]

[email protected] said she has a book on the men of the 9th OHIO if anyone needs information.

[email protected] has a book on the 85th NY Infantry which spent most of their time in Andersonville.

[email protected] Has a book with the Rosters of the 1st through the 20th Ohio Soldiers.

[email protected] has Delaware Civil War Union Rosters from two different sources and a book "They Died at Fort Delaware"

If anyone is doing Illinois Civil War research, you may email [email protected]   Tell him HOST RL Jayne sent you. He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.

If YOU have a Civil War Ancestor, Kevin/[email protected] does Volunteer research 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 32,000 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

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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"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
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If your group is sponsoring any events or you know of a great event, please send it to [email protected] and we will be glad to include it here in our calendar.

You might want to check out this site if you're looking for an event in your area:
http://www.civilwar-va.com/events/events0104.html

Aug 3, 2004, Harrison's Landing, VA   Living history, "General McClellan's 1862 Civil War Headquarters at Harrison's Landing," special tour at Berkeley Plantation recreates the Union army's James River encampment following the Seven Days Battles. Tour includes plantation house. Located just off Route 10 between Richmond and Williamsburg. 9 am-11 am. Fee charged. Reservations needed. 888-466-6018.

Aug 7, 2004 Frederick, MD   Living history, "Camp Life of Union Soldiers," at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick. 11 am-3 pm. Free with admission. 301-695-1864 or www.civilwarmed.org

Aug 7 & 8, 2004, Gettysburg, PA   Living history encampment and demonstrations by a Virginia unit at Pitzer Woods and New York soldiers at the    Pennsylvania Memorial in the Gettysburg National Military Park. www.nps.gov/gett    or 717-334-1124 extension 422.

Aug 7 & 8, 2004, Hopewell, VA   Living history weekend at City Point in Hopewell, part of the Petersburg National Battlefield and Grant's headquarters during the siege. Demonstrations, ranger programs and more. Free. 804-732-6092 or www.nps.gov/pete .

Aug 14-15, Gettysburg, PA   Living history encampment and demonstrations by Pennsylvania soldiers at the Pennsylvania Memorial and a Virginia unit at Spangler Spring in the Gettysburg National Military Park. www.nps.gov/gett or 717-334-1124 extension 422

Aug 21, Gettysburg, PA Civil War Music Muster, brass bands and other period music on the Cyclorama lawn at the Gettysburg National Military Park, followed by concert at the Pennsylvania Monument. Free. More info, 717-334-1124 extension 422 or www.nps.gov/gett

Aug 21, Bentonville, NC    Living history and artillery demonstrations at the Bentonville Battlefield near Four Oaks. Encampment, military drills and more. 10 am-4 pm. Free. 910-594-0789.

Aug 21 - 22 Richmond, VA Civil War Show, annual show with hundreds of tables of Civil War items for show and sale at the Showplace on Mechanicsville Turnpike (US 360 near I-64) in Richmond. 9 am-5 pm Saturday, 9 am-3 pm Sunday. Fee charged. 540-672-4845.

Aug 21 - 22 near White Sulphur Springs, WV,    Reenactment, Battle of Dry Creek at the Greenbrier State Forest near White Sulphur Springs. Living history demonstrations, encampment. Battle reenactment 2 pm Sunday. Camps open 10 am both days. Free. 304-536-1944.

Aug 27 - 29 Manassas, VA Living history, Second Battle of Manassas Anniversary activities at the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Special demonstrations and tours. Park fees apply. Click for schedule Details: www.nps.gov/mana or 703-361-1339.

Aug 28 - Frederick, MD Living history, "Soldiers's Aid Society, at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick. 11 am-3 pm. Free with admission. 301-695-1864 or www.civilwarmed.org

September 3 - 5, 2004 New Jersey..... Battle of Cedar Bridge, Lake Manahawkin, NJ     Last Battle of the American War of Independence
http://www.telecottage.com/staffordhist/cedarbridge.html

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Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events
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Time:
Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
Every Friday Night at 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with hosts HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL Magnolia, HOST RL WillM and their many faithful friends :)

Aug 5 & 6 - "Women of the Border War KS/MO"    Rescheduled.....

Aug 12 & 13 - Our Special Songs, Letters and Poems night. If you have something you would like us to read, send it to HOST RL WillM, HOST RL Jayne or HOST RL Magnolia.

Aug 19 & 20 - OPEN CHAT

We'll See You Thursday and/or Friday Night.

Jayne, Kristin & Will
Civil War Weekly Fireside Newsletter
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/weekly_fireside_newsletter_archive.htm

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 08 August 2004

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NOTES FROM THE HOSTS OF THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CHATS
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Since the Women of the Border War (KS/MO) had to be postponed again, we told a story about the Civil War in Missouri on Thursday night and then Friday we read one of the stories on the Bits of Blue and Gray website... A Distant Grave, a story I had received from Terry L. Coats who is the great-great Nephew of Sgt. William A Thomas of the 31st Tennessee Infantry... the note Terry sent accompanying the story was as follows: "To honor this son of the South, in 1994, I dressed in Confederate uniform and stood upon the grave of Sgt. Thomas in the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, in Franklin, Tn. My talk to the visitors to the cemetery that night went as follows:"

I'm going to take time here to wish my Thursday night co-host HOST RL Magnolia a VERY Happy Birthday!! ..... it's on Wednesday :D

This Thursday and Friday are our special Songs, letters and poems night. Due to another commitment I won't be able to be in the chat Thursday night (unless it rains or we get home early)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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).

Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL Magnolia ... Thursday 11 PM ET
Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL WillM...   Friday 10 PM ET
in the Ancestral Digs Room (on AOL only)

The "program" will not necessarily be the same both nights. Let us help you find your soldier. Tell us their stories. We will still have our Songs, Letters and poems nights the 2nd Thursday of the month and the Friday following. Watch the schedule below to see what we're up to.

JOIN HOST RL IrshRose.... Saturday Midnight ET for help tracing your heritige to the American Civil time period in the Ancestral Digs Room

You can visit the Genealogy Schedule by going to Keyword: Genealogy Chat   which includes our Civil War chats and you can also see them at Keyword: Civil War Chat   On the Civil War chat schedule page, you will see a link to "Civil War Libraries", There are many files that my ol' partner GFS Jim had posted over the years.

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"THE BOOK SHELF"
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Dr. Smith also provides a unique collection of maps of the area in Mississippi as well as the battlefield itself which further allows the reader to place formerly little known places such as the Shaiffer House, at Port Gibson, Fourteen Mile Creek and Utica Road at Raymond, Ratliff Road, Middle Road, Raymond Road and Jackson Road at Champion Hill in perspective. His effort to show, with his excellent maps of troop movements on the battlefield between Baker's Creek and Jackson Creek at Champion Hill make his effort of great value above and beyond his excellent narrative of the events leading up to the battle as well as the battle itself.

A detailed but brief synopsis of General Pemberton's six successful repulses of Grant's Federal Armies' attempt to take Vicksburg serve well to show the dilemma of the northern-born Southern general. He simply had to be perfect each time, and the seventh time, he was not. They likewise show the bull-dog tenacity of the Ohio born Federal general; one that served him well for the duration of the war.

Smith leads his reader from Port Gibson, through Raymond and Jackson and leaves us well informed as to what happened at these lesser but vital battles that preceded the early May, 1863 battle of Champion Hill. His seven chapters concerning the battle itself leave much of the "blame" for Confederate failure at Pemberton's doorstep, but Dr. Smith also points out well that the lack of support from Pemberton's department commander, General Joe Johnson, and the before mentioned tenacity of General Ulysses Grant must also share in the final affect of the campaign on the Confederate Gibraltar on the Mississippi River.

Also, the seemingly unimportance of Steele's foray to Greenwood, Mississippi and Grierson's more well known raid through central Mississippi is shown by Dr. Smith as having been far more important than many have previously felt. The eventual success of the entire Vicksburg Campaign, Smith seems to feel, was a result of much previous planning, several previous setbacks and the daily Herculean efforts of the common soldier of the United States.

This effort is a must read for Western Theater fans and should also be read by those, not as much interested in taking sides of importance to the entire war, wanting to know the war in its entirety. Perhaps we have yet another offering for the always elusive "turning point" of the Civil War.

Review by:      Frank R. Crawford

(((((((Frank))))))))) Thanks!!

NOTE:   If anyone else has a review... don't forget to send it.

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--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
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Phillip George
Wagoneer
Co. D - 64th Illinois

This is not the way I thought I'd be coming home.

I'd thought of flags waving in the street.
People cheering and bands playing
For all of their heroes.

Heroes of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Heroes of the Red River Campaign.

Heroes of Gettysburg or Fredericksburg.

Heroes of Chickamauga or Chattanooga.

Even Knoxville or Nashville.

I even, at times, had thought of flags lowered.
Mother and Father dressed in black.
Crying. Crying, but proud.

They had given their ultimate gift, their son.
Their son had give his ultimate gift, his life.
The lasting token of patriotic devotion.

But I never thought of returning home as such.

Buttons off my coat, head shaven,
On my way to Leavenworth.

Twenty years for desertion in the face of the enemy.

by IllinoisCW

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THE HELP DESK
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DID YOU KNOW?
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If you have something we could use here, PLEASE send it along. Thanks!!!!

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

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Weekly Web Sites we've received
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If you have a favorite Civil War site, please send them to [email protected]

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From Maryd

ObitsArchive.com - archive of obituaries and death notices fro...

http://oa.newsbank.com/oa-search/we/Archives/?p_action=keyword&s_search_ type=keyword&p_product=OBAR&p_theme=obar&s_sources=location&s_place=&f_ clearSearch=yes

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From Dae Powell

This isn't Civil War, but when researching ancestry, this site may eventually rival Ancestry.com
http://www.my-ged.com/

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From RWConant1

This site has good pictures of Gettysburg
http://www.memberbbb.com/gettysburgc.html

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From Cyndi's list of new websites

URL:    http://www.rootdig.com/pensions/jamesrampley/
TITLE:    Complete Union Civil War Pension File For James Rampley
DESCRIPTION:    This site contains a complete scanned set of Civil War
pension papers for veteran James Rampley.

=~=~=~=

URL:    http://www.hoosiersoldiers.com
TITLE:    54th REGIMENT of INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
DESCRIPTION:    Complete history of the 1 year regiment, including all
rosters (HOOVER, LOER, MANSFIELD, POPE, WAGSTAFF to name a few), dates and
places. Contains dates and places of birth, marriage, death and burial of
soldiers from the regiment. Has casualty lists, next of kin and pension
information.

=~=~=~=
URL:    http://aotw.org/
TITLE:    Antietam on the Web
DESCRIPTION:    A comprehensive information source on the 1862 battle at
Sharpsburg, Maryland. Features a searchable database of more than 1000 of
the military leaders and other individuals and 750 military units present,
all 280+ published official battle reports, detailed maps, and much more.

=~=~=~=

URL:    http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Senate/1861/
TITLE:    24TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY REGIMENT
DESCRIPTION:    Indexed company and staff rosters, counties supplying
companies, brief unit history, other links, existing battle flags, contact
information, descendants' reunions, photographs, and some soldier biographies.

=~=~=~=

Thanks to all of you who are sharing Civil War URLs with all of us!!!    PLEASE continue to send them!!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FROM OUR READERS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A BIT OF COMMUNITY... MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have a resource from which you would be willing to do look-ups for folks, please let us know and we'll add it here

NEW!!!!!    HOST RL Magnolia can be contacted if you have PA soldiers.

[email protected] has offered to do free Civil War research from veterans from Wisconsin. He is the author of "Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin"

[email protected] has offered to do lookups for folks with ancestors from the Confederacy, focusing mainly on North Carolina, but has other sources also.

[email protected] has told us if anyone wants info the the 85th NY Inf. Regt. (Plymouth Pilgrims) you may email her. She has a book about them.    Her one request is that you put 85th Regt. in the subject line so she doesn't delete it by mistake

[email protected] has access to Pension Records for Civil War Soldiers in Louisiana. If you need help, send JL an email.

[email protected]   Has a book Annals of Alexander Hamilton Post, No 182, Department of New York, Grand Army of the Republic, during the years 1184 to 1900, Compiled and Arranged by Past Commanders F. S. Bartram and T. W. Smith, New York, Bartram Press, 126 William Street --- 1900

The list of Names from the book has been in the Newsletter the past two weeks, There are many pictures in the book. If you think your ancestor was a member of Hamilton Post No. 182 Please email [email protected]

[email protected] said she has a book on the men of the 9th OHIO if anyone needs information.

[email protected] has a book on the 85th NY Infantry which spent most of their time in Andersonville.

[email protected] Has a book with the Rosters of the 1st through the 20th Ohio Soldiers.

[email protected] has Delaware Civil War Union Rosters from two different sources and a book "They Died at Fort Delaware"

If anyone is doing Illinois Civil War research, you may email [email protected]    Tell him HOST RL Jayne sent you. He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.

If YOU have a Civil War Ancestor, Kevin/[email protected]   does Volunteer research 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 32,000 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

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]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 15 August 2004

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTES FROM THE HOSTS OF THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CHATS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I had thought I wasn't going to be in the chat last Thursday night but I made it "just in time" Will had agreed to work with Magnolia, then HOST RL TrekOVO from the Civil War community join me Friday night to help out. Thanks Trek!!!! We hope to see you again!!

We had some really great poems, letters and songs Thursday and Friday night. I hope you were there to hear them. We had some new faces and we're looking forward to seeing you again!.

These week will be open chat, so bring your questions with you and I'm sure someone will be able to help.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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).

Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL Magnolia ... Thursday 11 PM ET
Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL WillM... Friday 10 PM ET
in the Ancestral Digs Room (on AOL only)

The "program" will not necessarily be the same both nights. Let us help you find your soldier. Tell us their stories. We will still have our Songs, Letters and poems nights the 2nd Thursday of the month and the Friday following. Watch the schedule below to see what we're up to.

JOIN HOST RL IrshRose.... Saturday Midnight ET for help tracing your heritage to the American Civil time period in the Ancestral Digs Room

You can visit the Genealogy Schedule by going to Keyword: Genealogy Chat which includes our Civil War chats and you can also see them at Keyword: Civil War Chat Schedule On the Civil War chat schedule page, you will see a link to "Civil War Libraries", There are many files that my ol' partner GFS Jim had posted over the years.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"THE BOOK SHELF"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

This effort is a must read for Western Theater fans and should also be read by those, not as much interested in taking sides of importance to the entire war, wanting to know the war in its entirety. Perhaps we have yet another offering for the always elusive "turning point" of the Civil War.

Review by: Frank R. Crawford

(((((((Frank))))))))) Thanks!!

NOTE: If anyone else has a review... don't forget to send it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This was sent by [email protected]

Henry Albert Potter, still in good health himself, sees one of his friends die. His command sets up an ambush. He awaits the publishing of a letter he wrote to the local newspaper.

Headquarters Co "H" Camp 'Park',
Murfreesboro
Thursday May 14, 1863

Dear Sister

I must write you a line today. We have moved our camp farther from town in
a nice piece of woods, cool and shady. We call it 'Park' Camp and like the name it is appropriate, it is a park and we like to Honor our Col that soon will be [Josiah B Park, Ovid, mustered as Lt Col May 23, 1863].

I am telling you the same old story. My continued good health, but you don't get sick of it do you? It is a good story. I hope I may always hear the same from home and be able to write it every time…. But with my health I must tell you of death. Hiram Knowles is gone! He died Tuesday morning …. So we pass along! Consumption was his disease as near as I could judge. I visited him last week. He looked very bad. Coughed a good deal and was weak. His discharge papers were made out some time ago and forwarded, but nothing has been heard of them since. He won't need them Now. He was anxious about them when I saw him. Spoke of home and did not seem to think he was going to die. I could not bear to tell him. He was worried. I told him not to worry. worried I shook hands with him and said Good Bye … I knew it would be the last time. But He did not. Father, we spoke about buying his lot. I wrote to you about it. You can use your own judgment. I hardly believe we want it. Do as you think best…..

I will see that his business is arranged as much as I can. I will speak to Lieut. Carter [Julius M Carter, Ovid] about it. He has not drawn much pay. I don't know how much is due him - quite an amount. I have to borrow all the money I use. I have not been mustered. I have Pay due me from Dec 31 and Lieut's pay from Apr 6th. I have bought me a new sash, $10.00 and a new Dress Coat and Straps. I have not got a Bill of that yet about $35, I expect. I was out on Picket last Sunday and had quite a little adventure. Captured 3 Rebels and their Horses and Saddles and arms complete. Quite a feather in MY cap…. Several of the rebs had been seen for 2 or 3 days back, on the road in front and they nearly all stopped at a home about a mile beyond my videttes. I thought perhaps I could nab them, so I took a Relief, mounted, and went to our outpost a little before Daylight. I then dismounted tied my horse and had seven of my men do the same, ordering the remainder to come to our support if they heard firing. We went down cautiously to the house. I sent a man to the left and right of the road, for you know, we were outside of our lines and did not know what we would come across. We got to the house about daylight, surrounded it. No one there, but , the owners, strong old sesesh, Alexander by name. Presently we saw 3 horsemen come up the road. We secreted ourselves so that if they came to the house we could surround them. They came on, my men ran out in the road in the rear of them - cried surrender. One of them, who had had his gun in his hand all the time, raised it as if to shoot. When quicker than thought my boys fired. One ball struck his hip and came out just below his belt in abdomen. Another on struck his wrist another one struck his horse. I hollered at the men to stop firing or they would have killed him. I felt sorry for him, smart good looking, if he had not raised his gun the boys would not have fired. He died in a day or two. I expected the firing would draw more of them upon us and when the ambulance came, I took 20 men with me and went down. But no one came in sight. Since then they have kept a hot fire there all the time. I must close if my letter is published in the Clinton Rep., send me a copy. My box has not come. I am asking for it.

Write soon.
Albert

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE HELP DESK
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Do you have a question that you didn't get to ask in the chatroom??
Send us and email and we'll post it here to see if
some of our readers can help you. If you get an answer to your
queston, please let us know.

HOST RL Dae sent this to us

http://www.scioto.org/Scioto/Military/CivilWar/8-infantry.html

8TH INDEPENDENT COMPANY OHIO VOLUNTEER SHARP SHOOTERS

Nashville, Tenn., July 16, 1865:
The following is a list of Names, and Post Office address of the members of the 8th Independent Company Ohio Volunteer Sharp-Shooters, who volunteered at Camp Portsmouth, Ohio under the Presidents call of 1862, was mustered into the United States volunteer service on the 9th day of March 1863, at Camp Dennison, Ohio, has been attached to the army of the Cumberland since November 1863, during which time they have participated in all the principle campaigns and marches of that noble Army, during the last year of their service they have been performing the duty as Head Quarter Guards, for Maj.. General Geo. H. Thomas.

Mustered out of the United States service at Nashville, Tenn., to date from July 19, 1865 under provisions of General. Order No. 94, War Department, 1865, in accordance with Special Order No 17, Military Division Tennessee, 1865.

Capt. Charles A. Barton, Portsmouth, Ohio
Augustus C. Hanley, McDaniels, Gallia Co. Ohio 1st Lieut. Cyrus B. Moore, Sardinia, Brown Co. Ohio
John J. Hall, Greenupsburg, Greenup Co. Kentucky
2nd. Lieut. David N. Long, Portsmouth, Ohio
Levi Holland, Simmes Run, Lawrence Co. Ohio
Orderly, Andrew J. Finney, Lilly P.O. Scioto Co. Ohio
James M. Jordon, Brownsville, Allen Co. Tenn.
Cisero S. Cadot, Lyra P. O. Scioto Co. Ohio
William H. Jordon, Galipolis, Gallia Co. Ohio
Silas M. Boyer, Wales P. O. Gallia Co. Ohio
Theodore Johnson, Portsmouth, Ohio
Leonard Rockwell, Jackson C. H. Jackson Co. Ohio
William S. Johnson, Aurora, Indiana
James A. Starky, Jasper, Pike Co. Ohio
Charles Kingsley, Buffalo, N.Y.
Anderson Chapman, Sciotoville, Scioto Co. Ohio
George Lahomadieu, Laport, Laport Co. Indiana
Johnathan R. Wright, Winchester, Indiana
Wilhelm Louderhn, Columbus, Ohio
John S. Beatty, Jackson C. H. Jackson Co. Ohio
William H. McKinney, Friendship P.O.Scioto Co. Oh.
Isaac H. Croly, Shelbyville, Indiana
Jacob Moodespaw, Patriot P.O. Gallia Co. Ohio
Aaron Carter, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
George D. Marshall, Sicily P.O. Highland Co. Ohio
John H. Mackley, Jackson C. H. Jackson Co. Ohio
Joseph Miller, Banen P.O. Clermont Co. Ohio
Benjamin N. Anderson, Portsmouth, Ohio
Allen D. Merrit, Jasper, Pike Co. Ohio
Charles G. Pearson, Reeseville, Clinton Co. Ohio
David D. McJunkins, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
Calvin Anderson, Flat P.O. Pike Co. Ohio
John M. McMillan, Cedarville, Green Co. Ohio
Hiram G. Anderson, Farmerstation, Clinton Co. Ohio
Joseph F. Morgan, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
John Antis, Greenupsburg, Greenup Co. Ky.
Harrison, Minago, Portsmouth, Ohio
Wm. Alexander, Greenupsburg, Greenup Co. Ky.
William N. Needham, Qwensville, Clermont Co. Ohio
David C. Bozman, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
Samuel Prior, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
George M. Brown, Jackson C. H. Jackson Co. Ohio
Lafayette Perry, Powelsville, Scioto Co. Ohio
John G. Bennet, Flat P. O. Pike Co. Ohio
John Rutherford, Therman P. O. Gallia Co. Ohio
Michael D. Boyer, Wales P. O. Gallia Co. Ohio
Henry Reese, Webster, Scioto Co. Ohio
Eleazer Bennett, Lancaster, Ohio
Enoch P. Rudrow, Painterville, Green Co. Ohio
Henry Buchanan, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
James Ransbottom, Simmes Run, Lawrence Co.Ohio
John Brattin, Greenupsburg, Greenup Co. Ky.
Elijah Stewart, Springville, Green Co. Kentucky
John Barker, Greenupsburg, Greenup Co. Ky.
Joseph Shabboudy, Portsmouth, Ohio
John W. Campbell, McDaniels P. O. Gallia Co. Ohio
Samuel Spencer, Greenupsburg, Greenup Co. Ky.
William J. Cole, Friendship P. O. Scioto Co. Ohio
Joseph Smith, Otway, P. O. Scioto Co. Ohio
Slyvanus Conklin, Portsmouth, Scioto Co. Ohio
Samuel Stephenson, Iron Furnace, Scioto Co. Ohio
Charles C. Cush, Flat P. O. Pike Co. Ohio
William Sturgeon, Naron P. O. Scioto Co. Ohio
Elias Cochran, Sardinia, Brown Co. Ohio
Amos II. Secrist, Iron Furnace, Scioto Co. Ohio
Marian Chapman, Sciotoville, Scioto Co. Ohio
Rufus Scurlock, Keystone Furnace, Jackson Co.Ohio
Simeon Canary, McDaniels, Gallia Co. Ohio
Milton Watts, Friendship P. O. Scioto Co. Ohio
John Cromwell, Xenia, Green Co. Ohio
Nathaniel J. Windell, Portsmouth, Ohio
John L. Dunbeck, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
John Wilgus, Newzams Mills, Marian Co. W. Virginia
Daniel Davis, Wales P. O. Gallia Co. Ohio
Josiah A. West, Reeseville, Clinton Co. Ohio
William J. Double, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
Jackson Walls, Jasper, Pike Co. Ohio
Henry Duvendeck, Webster,Iron Furnace,Scioto Co Ohio
William Wilson, Simmes Run, Lawrence Co. Ohio
Charles P. Ferguson, Cincinnati, Ohio
William W. Williams, Portsmouth, Ohio
James B. Grannell, Xenia, Green Co. Ohio
Jeremiah Webb, Greenupsburg, Greenup Co. Ky.
Aaron Gee, Lucasville, Scioto Co. Ohio
John Whitley, Greenupsburg, Greenup Co. Ky.
Derias Gilmore, Simmes Run, Lawrence Co. Ohio
Gilbert P. Warfield, Blanford, Mass.
John A. Hunter, Rareden, P. O., Scioto Co. Ohio
Peter M. Wordlow, Mt. Orab, Brown Co.Ohio

by ROBERT G. SLEATER, Printer, Cumberland U.S.A. General Hospital Job Office

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DID YOU KNOW?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have something we could use here, PLEASE send it along. Thanks!!!!

February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Weekly Web Sites we've received
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have a favorite Civil War site, please send them to [email protected]

* * * * *

From An Madra Rua

New Jersey's Ladies
http://49njrvs.tripod.com/id3.html

Great Fair of Philadelphia (involved NJ San Com)
http://home.att.net/~cwts/oldart/oct99.htm

NJ government archives
http://www.jerseyhistory.org/arch_government1.html

Rutgers univ......site has a graphic of a NJ SC brochure.
http://www.scc.rutgers.edu/njh/CivWar/Nursing/sanitarycommission.htm

United States SC roster of modern reenacting units portraying SC by state
http://www.netwalk.com/~jpr/state.htm

more from rutgers........chronological
http://www.scc.rutgers.edu/njwomenshistory/Period_3/1844-1879.htm

* * * * *

From Dae Powell

This isn't Civil War, but when researching ancestry, this site may eventually rival Ancestry.com
http://www.my-ged.com/

* * * * *

From Violetptter

http://www.rootsweb.com/%7Emiisabel/CWMilitary.htm

MILITARY RECORD Extracted from Past and Present of Isabella County, Michigan By the Hon. Isaac A. Fancher

* * * * *

Thanks to all of you who are sharing Civil War URLs with all of us!!! PLEASE continue to send them!!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FROM OUR READERS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If your ancestor has or you have a story to tell, please send it to us.
HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL Bill and HOSt RL Magnolia at [email protected]

* * * * * *

NOTE: If anyone has some great Civil War Music you'd like to recommend, please send it to us.

From MBrown 2205

David Lineweber who teaches at Oxford College in Newton County, GA does a program on Civil War music. I don't know if he has an e-mail address. He will come to the Rockdale County Genealogical Society's September meeting the second Sunday in September. If any of you are near, drop by - 3:00 p.m. Nancy Guinn Library Meeting Room.

Rockdale County Genealogical Society,
954 Green Street,
Conyers, GA 30012
[email protected]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A BIT OF COMMUNITY... MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have a resource from which you would be willing to do look-ups for folks, please let us know and we'll add it here

HOST RL Magnolia can be contacted if you have PA soldiers.

[email protected] has offered to do free Civil War research from veterans from Wisconsin. He is the author of "Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin"

[email protected] has offered to do lookups for folks with ancestors from the Confederacy, focusing mainly on North Carolina, but has other sources also.

[email protected] has told us if anyone wants info the the 85th NY Inf. Regt. (Plymouth Pilgrims) you may email her. She has a book about them. Her one request is that you put 85th Regt. in the subject line so she doesn't delete it by mistake

[email protected] has access to Pension Records for Civil War Soldiers in Louisiana. If you need help, send JL an email.

[email protected] Has a book Annals of Alexander Hamilton Post, No 182, Department of New York, Grand Army of the Republic, during the years 1184 to 1900, Compiled and Aranged by Past Commanders F. S. Bartram and T. W. Smith, New York, Bartram Press, 126 William Street --- 1900

The list of Names from the book has been in the Newsletter the past two weeks, There are many pictures in the book. If you think your ancestor was a member of Hamilton Post No. 182 Please email [email protected]

[email protected] said she has a book on the men of the 9th OHIO if anyone needs information.

[email protected] has a book on the 85th NY Infantry which spent most of their time in Andersonville.

[email protected] Has a book with the Rosters of the 1st through the 20th Ohio Soldiers.

[email protected] has Delaware Civil War Union Rosters from two different sources and a book "They Died at Fort Delaware"

If anyone is doing Illinois Civil War research, you may email [email protected] Tell him HOST RL Jayne sent you. He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.

If YOU have a Civil War Ancestor, Kevin/[email protected] does Volunteer research 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 32,000 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

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]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Time:
Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
Every Friday Night at 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with hosts HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL Magnolia, HOST RL WillM and their many faithful friends :)

Aug 12 & 13 - Our Special Songs, Letters and Poems night. If you have something you would like us to read, send it to HOST RL WillM, HOST RL Jayne or HOST RL Magnolia.

Aug 19 & 20 - OPEN CHAT

Aug 26 & 27 - OPEN CHAT

Sep 2 & 3 - SECESSIONVILLE originally presented by Kathy Dhalle

Sep 9 & 10 - Our special Songs, Letters and Poems nights. If you have something you would like us to read, send it to HOST RL WillM, HOST RL Jayne or HOST RL Magnolia.

Sep 16 & 17 - OPEN CHAT

Sep 23 & 24 - to be announced

Sep 30 & Oct 1 - OPEN CHAT

We'll See You Thursday and/or Friday Night.

Jayne, Kristin & Will
Civil War Weekly Fireside Newsletter
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/weekly_fireside_newsletter_archive.htm

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 22 August 2004

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTES FROM THE HOSTS OF THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CHATS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

had something happen this morning that I just had to tell you about. First a little "background" Many of you will remember Frank Benway, who wrote many poems us. And many of you knew Frank passed away back in 2001. I had kept in touch with his wife Flo. They had become dear friends. After Frank's death, Flo went to live with her daughter. I had talked to her several times on the phone and then I lost the phone number. I didn't know her daughters last name so I couldn't get it again. Not a week passes that I don't wonder what happened to her... whether she doing ok or whether she had passed away too.

I check my website mail about once a month. This morning there was an email with subject "Civil War Poem by Frank Benway???" Boy, did I ever *perk* Anyway, as it turns out, the person writing the email is the grandson of Frank and Flo. In Nick's mail, I learned Flo passed away in 2002. :'( What special people they were! There are some people who really seem to *touch* our hearts and they certainly did mine. While I was saddened to hear Flo had also passed away, I was relieved to finally *know* I will miss them.

These week will be open chat once again, so bring your questions with you and I'm sure someone will be able to help.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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).

Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL Magnolia ... Thursday 11 PM ET
Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL WillM... Friday 10 PM ET
in the Ancestral Digs Room (on AOL only)

The "program" will not necessarily be the same both nights. Let us help you find your soldier. Tell us their stories. We will still have our Songs, Letters and poems nights the 2nd Thursday of the month and the Friday following. Watch the schedule below to see what we're up to.

JOIN HOST RL IrshRose.... Saturday Midnight ET for help tracing your heritage to the American Civil time period in the Ancestral Digs Room

You can visit the Genealogy Schedule by going to Keyword: Genealogy Chat which includes our Civil War chats and you can also see them, and other Civil War chats also, at Keyword: Civil War Chat Schedule On the Civil War chat schedule page, you will see a link to "Civil War Libraries", There are many files that my ol' partner GFS Jim had posted over the years.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"THE BOOK SHELF"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have read a great Civil War book you think others should read, I invite all of you (you don't have to be an AOL member to share here in the Weekly Fireside) to send the title, author and a Review of it to [email protected].

Civil War Book Review
http://www.cwbr.com/

From LaddofOhio

"If the South Won the Civil War" (USA)
Lawrance M. Bernabo, The Zenith City: Duluth, MN United States, 16 Dec 2003
The first "alternative history" of the American Civil War

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/gofuton.cgi?action=showatch&id=if_the_south_won_the_civil_war

The scoop of this project status: currently in development (midseason 2005 and beyond)

What's it about? a six-hour limited series based on a fictitious modern world in which the south has won the civil war

Who's in it? no casting information is available

Who's making it?

Bruce nash ("Dor Love or Money")
John Leekley ("The Blue and the Gray")
based on the book by mackinlay kantor
[born in Webster City, Iowa, on 04 Feb 1904, d. 1977]
[also authored: Andersonville]

Amazon.co.uk Books: If the South Had Won the Civil War
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312869495/026-2369066-2692452

Note from LaddofOhio
Years ago I read a similar book [don't recall the title] in which either one or several persons went back in time to the CW era to observe and was warned not to alter history in any way. Seems the main character [I remember it was a girl] got in a bind and did alter history and the remainder of the book expounded on that theory. It was fun reading for this teenager!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Now, I know I've shared this poem by Frank Benway before, but after receiving the letter from his grandson, I thought I'd share it once again to show you how much Frank loved our chat room. It was written before Amy joined us as a host, so she is not mentioned.

My CW Room
by Frank Benway

In my computer there is a room
I go there once a week
Should be more I think
The Civil War is our topic
We Fight the Battles
But no Blood is shed
For here we get along
Some times we sit and learn

Airborne Jim is our Leader
But he finds the time for us
His two aides are there to help
Teg or Tom tho a Guide
At Gettysburg Great Field
Still finds the time to write and share
Lovely Jayne takes up the slack
Work horse of the room

Now if you have a question
Or maybe need some help
They’re there to help you
If they can't answer your query
They will dig it up for you

Once a month we have a night
With Stories, Letters and Poems
Some are sent by we members
Others from the Pro's
A short two hours there we spend
With some Laughter and some Sadness
When we have to go away
We miss it so very much
But the Fireside helps us fill the gap

I've searched so many other rooms
To find another like it
To no avail there is not one
That can match the friendship here
So Keep my room as it is
To meet with friends, chat awhile
And meet new friends as they come in
It's a Great place for me to go

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE HELP DESK
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Do you have a question that you didn't get to ask in the chatroom??
Send us and email and we'll post it here to see if
some of our readers can help you. If you get an answer to your
question, please let us know.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DID YOU KNOW?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have something we could use here, PLEASE send it along. Thanks!!!!

Slave hire badges were worn by slaves who were hired out by their owners. Badge laws were first passed in order to identify slaves, tax the practice, and to limit this type of labor from competing with white tradesmen in urban areas. The tags are about 3” in diameter, made of thin copper and etched with a number, city, occupation, and year. Of the many thousands that were issued, only about 100 still exist, and therefore are extremely valuable. They evoke the heartbreak of slavery in America, from which a profit is still made. Today slave badges are valued at over $30,000.

Source: Civil War Trivia http://civilwarstudies.org/trivia.htm

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

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Weekly Web Sites we've received
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If you have a favorite Civil War site, please send them to [email protected]

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From Glojet

Coles County in the Civil War
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~ktohair/Documents/CharlestonRiot.pdf

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From GrumpEEEEEETexan

Women in the Civil War
http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/femvets2.html

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From "Nancy" via the Civil-War maillist

Photo Gallery, CSA Flags:
http://www.sehdb.net/pa-conf-flags-1.htm

Photo Gallery, Union Flags:
http://www.sehdb.net/pa-union-flags-1.htm

Military History Online; Civil War:
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/civilwar/default.aspx

Military History Online: Civil War Genealogy:
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/genealogy/default.asp

Civil War Archive:
http://www.civilwararchive.com/files.htm

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From JAXTAG

Robert Watson Civil War Diary
http://fpc.dos.state.fl.us/learning/civilwar/documents/Watson_1863.html

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From RWConant1

The Battle of Gettysburg north of Town on July 1st
http://www.memberbbb.com/gettysburgc.html

Thanks to all of you who are sharing Civil War URLs with all of us!!! PLEASE continue to send them!!!

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FROM OUR READERS
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A BIT OF COMMUNITY... MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have a resource from which you would be willing to do look-ups for folks, please let us know and we'll add it here

HOST RL [email protected] can be contacted if you have PA soldiers.

[email protected] has offered to do free Civil War research from veterans from Wisconsin. He is the author of "Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin"

[email protected] has offered to do lookups for folks with ancestors from the Confederacy, focusing mainly on North Carolina, but has other sources also.

[email protected] has told us if anyone wants info the the 85th NY Inf. Regt. (Plymouth Pilgrims) you may email her. She has a book about them. Her one request is that you put 85th Regt. in the subject line so she doesn't delete it by mistake

[email protected] has access to Pension Records for Civil War Soldiers in Louisiana. If you need help, send JL an email.

[email protected] Has a book Annals of Alexander Hamilton Post, No 182, Department of New York, Grand Army of the Republic, during the years 1184 to 1900, Compiled and Aranged by Past Commanders F. S. Bartram and T. W. Smith, New York, Bartram Press, 126 William Street --- 1900

The list of Names from the book has been in the Newsletter the past two weeks, There are many pictures in the book. If you think your ancestor was a member of Hamilton Post No. 182 Please email [email protected]

[email protected] said she has a book on the men of the 9th OHIO if anyone needs information.

[email protected] has a book on the 85th NY Infantry which spent most of their time in Andersonville.

[email protected] Has a book with the Rosters of the 1st through the 20th Ohio Soldiers.

[email protected] has Delaware Civil War Union Rosters from two different sources and a book "They Died at Fort Delaware"

If anyone is doing Illinois Civil War research, you may email [email protected] Tell him HOST RL Jayne sent you. He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.

If YOU have a Civil War Ancestor, Kevin/[email protected] does Volunteer research 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 32,000 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

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]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Time:
Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
Every Friday Night at 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with hosts HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL Magnolia, HOST RL WillM and their many faithful friends :)

Aug 12 & 13 - Our Special Songs, Letters and Poems night. If you have something you would like us to read, send it to HOST RL WillM, HOST RL Jayne or HOST RL Magnolia.

Aug 26 & 27 - OPEN CHAT

Sep 2 & 3 - SECESSIONVILLE originally presented by Kathy Dhalle

Sep 9 & 10 - Our special Songs, Letters and Poems nights. If you have something you would like us to read, send it to HOST RL WillM, HOST RL Jayne or HOST RL Magnolia.

Sep 16 & 17 - OPEN CHAT

Sep 23 & 24 - to be announced

Sep 30 & Oct 1 - OPEN CHAT

We'll See You Thursday and/or Friday Night.

Jayne, Kristin & Will
Civil War Weekly Fireside Newsletter
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/weekly_fireside_newsletter_archive.htm

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 29 August 2004

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NOTES FROM THE HOSTS OF THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CHATS
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What a great week this has been!!! We had great open chats last week, both Thursday and Friday. Attendance seems to be picking up some and we'd like to see even more of you. If you have a friend who is interested in the Civil War.... invite them to join us!!

Saturday my hubby and I went to a Civil War event at Hibernia County Park in Chester Co., PA. The skirmishes are always fun to watch. The sutlers were there and there was a Soldiers Faire. About 12 ladies participated in the fashion show. We visited the SUVCW tent. DH's ggrandfather was in the war and we talked awhile with the men there. They had him put his name on the paper of potential new members and asked for an email address. Turns out they knew my Bits of Blue and Gray website!! <vbg> While chatting further, one of the men and I "knew" one another. He use to come into the Thursday night chat several years ago, when Jim and I were the hosts. What a great time we had chatting. It was like we had known each other for a long time, and I guess in away, we did. Just goes to show you how small this world really is.

Be sure to check out the schedule..... there has been a change!!!! This Thurs and Friday we will have a Trivia Quiz. One of our chatters has consented to present it for us. The theme of the quiz is "Women in the Civil War" So, now you can get to studying. <grin> Hope to see you all Thurs and/or Friday night!!!!!!

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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).

Join HOST RL WillM & HOST RL Magnolia (you'll probably find HOST RL Jayne there too, since it's the one she's been in since she began hosting over 6 years ago... <grin> ) Thursday 11 PM ET
Join HOST RL Jayne & HOST RL DsRoots... Friday 10 PM ET
in the Ancestral Digs Room (on AOL only)

The "program" will not necessarily be the same both nights. Let us help you find your soldier. Tell us their stories. We will still have our Songs, Letters and poems nights the 2nd Thursday of the month and the Friday following. Watch the schedule below to see what we're up to.

JOIN HOST RL IrshRose.... Saturday Midnight ET for help tracing your heritage to the American Civil time period in the Ancestral Digs Room

You can visit the Genealogy Schedule by going to Keyword: Genealogy Chat which includes our Civil War chats and you can also see them, and other Civil War chats also, at Keyword: Civil War Chat Schedule On the Civil War chat schedule page, you will see a link to "Civil War Libraries", There are many files that my ol' partner GFS Jim had posted over the years.

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"THE BOOK SHELF"
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
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Folks always enjoyed our Ghost stories and this was one Tubes14 shared

UNLUCKY PENNY
Shared with us by Tubes14

Gettysburg has, over the years, had many occasions with superstition playing a major roll in the irrational, or perhaps unexplainable, beliefs associated with the battlefield. One such conviction had its origins beginning decades ago.

Tony, when a young boy, would gather up his neighborhood friends and all would hike across the battlefield, ultimately ending at Devil's Den. Tony and his companions all lived in the area, having the opportunity to regularly play on the battlefield. One day Tony came across something, nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary mind you, just an every day coin, but this small object would forever change his beliefs in mysticism.

It so happened that on that particular day, Tony was atop Devil's Den on a large boulder. It was about the highest point in the Den, situated above Smith's Battery in front of the 99th Pennsylvania monument. While playing ''Yanks and Rebs," Tony selected that boulder for its advantageous height, allowing him an excellent view of the area. It was then, as he stood on the boulder, that he glanced down at his feet and something caught his eye. Laying in a depression of the boulder, partially covered by a small stone, he found a coin, A Lincoln head penny. No sooner did he spot the penny, when his friend Peter joined him atop the boulder. Tony showed him his new discovery and Peter began discussing the possible different types of candy they could purchase with the find. As Peter moved the tiny stone and picked up the penny, he jokingly told Tony, "Look, Lincoln is facing in the direction he gave his Gettysburg Address."

Happy with the find, the two boys decided to leave the battlefield and spend the penny, after whetting their appetite with visions of sweet candy. Peter tucked the penny in his pocket and they started to leave when, after just moments, he lost his footing on one of the rocks, falling onto the hard surface breaking his arm. Fortunately, help was not far away and the poor boy was soon at the doctor's office mending his wound.

After a few weeks, Tony and his friends returned to the battlefield, This time, their parents who learned of the mishap, sternly warned the boys to be careful on the rocks. Tony's favorite spot was atop the boulder at Devil's Den, so he made his way to it and continued to play. To his complete surprise, he found another penny in the same depression, covered by a small stone, again, Lincoln facing the same direction! Thinking his pals were playing a joke on him, he called them over and pointed out the penny asking who placed it there. The boys were bewildered and none claimed to have put it there. Besides, these particular children did not have money to be throwing around, especially considering a penny could buy something in those times. Still not believing his friends, Tony said "Oh well, guess I got me a penny then." With that, he picked up the coin and the boys continued with their play. Then something unexpected happened that made young Tony think perhaps his friends did not put the penny there. As they were playing, Tony was pretending he was a General, charging at a full speed run. Usually surefooted, he tripped, falling face first onto one of the flat rocks. His nose began to bleed and his eye swelled shut. Tony in tears and pain made his way home, somehow thinking that penny had something to do with it, after all, Peter previously took the penny and got hurt.

The boys stayed away from Devil's Den for quite some time. After several months, for the most part, forgetting the two injuries suffered by them, they ventured back onto the battlefield and ultimately to Devil's Den. Tony, with Peter and another friend Jim, stepped on top of their favorite boulder. To their astonishment there it was, just like the others, and covered by a small stone. A penny with Lincoln facing the same direction! This time though, Tony and Peter having previous ominous circumstances linked to the penny, refused to pick it up. However, Jim telling them how silly they were acting, did not hesitate to take the penny, even as Tony pleaded with him not to do it. As they continued with their play, Tony kept insisting Jim return the penny to the spot he found it. Then it happened, Jim, almost identical to Tony's mishap, lost his footing and tumbled down, breaking his index finger. In excruciating pain, Jim beseeched Tony's forgiveness for not believing him, as he now, too, became a victim of the mysterious appearing pennies.

Time went on and as the boys grew older, they did on occasion venture back to Devil's Den. At times reporting that they indeed did see the mysterious penny in the same spot, however, refusing ever to take it, for they now knew the consequences. As they aged and reflected back on their most unfortunate experiences, they firmly believed that, while unsure of how the penny was placed there, it was meant to ward off the evil spirits from Devil's Den. Not only was it considered bad luck to remove the penny, but as they could attest to, chances of something bad happening to them were quite high.

It should noted, that over the years, those boys and unrelated parties, have come across a penny on that boulder and, after picking it up, received various degrees of misfortune. We have also heard that from time to time, pennies have been left there for good luck. Although we have not come across the penny ourselves, others in the recent years have. We can only say that if we do have the opportunity to see the penny, it will definitely remain where it is. If you see it. Do what you may, but remember the dire consequences that could be awaiting you if you choose to take it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE HELP DESK
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Do you have a question that you didn't get to ask in the chatroom??
Send us and email and we'll post it here to see if
some of our readers can help you. If you get an answer to your
queston, please let us know.

* * * * * * * * * *

HOST RL DsRoots received this from someone and is hoping maybe some of you might be able to help out here. You can send your answer here to [email protected] or you can send it to HOST RL [email protected] directly.

I'm researching gr gr grandfather. He was in the TN Union 9th Cavalry.
Name John Huckaby. If you have time could you send me any information or ideas to find photos and if the 9th and 11th was very important .
Seems like theres not much on the subject.

Curious if there any photos around too.

Thanks
Jane Beaver
Tennessee

NOTE: I did a quick search using Google images by just typing in the name "John Huckaby" (with the quotes) and came up with this:
http://www.raveller.com/album/Huckabys/

Also using Google and typing in 9th Tennessee Cavalry, I found the following (along with many other sites).
The 9th Tennessee Cavalry
http://www.tennessee-scv.org/Camp1513/9th.htm

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DID YOU KNOW?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you have something we could use here, PLEASE send it along. Thanks!!!!

* * * * * * * * * *

Dear fellow newsletter readers
One thing that we as modern folks sometimes forget, is that we are rather spoiled when it comes to the availability of fresh produce. We can find fresh lettuce all year round. This was not true for our ancestors. They were not importing fruit from Isreal and Chile. They ate what was in season or what had been preserved through canning, drying, salting or smoking. Below is a listing of what is in season for September. I will try to update this every month :-)

slán
Rua

ok here is my source

http://www.judgeslodging.org.uk/education/Pages/in_season.html

and these were taken from Mrs Beeton's cookbook (1861)

SEPTEMBER

Fish - Brill, carp, cod, eels, flounders, lobsters, mullet, oysters, plaice, prawns, skate, sole, turbot, whiting, whitebait.
Meat - Beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal.
Poultry - Chickens, ducks, fowls, geese, larks, pigeons, pullets, rabbits, teal, turkeys.
Game - Blackcock, buck venison, grouse, hares, partridges, pheasants.
Vegetables - Artichokes, asparagus, beans, cabbages sprouts, carrots, celery, lettuces, mushrooms, onions, pease, potatoes, salading, sea-kale, sprouts, tomatoes, turnips, vegetable marrows,- various herbs.
Fruit - Bullaces, damsons, figs, filberts, grapes, melons, morella-cherries, mulberries, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, quinces, walnuts.

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

((((((Rua)))))))))) Thanks for sharing.... interesting information!!

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Weekly Web Sites we've received
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If you have a favorite Civil War site, please send them to [email protected]

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From: the Yahoo us-civil-war maillist via bitsobluengray

Civil War Group Threatens Gettysburg Boycott
http://www.thewgalchannel.com/travelgetaways/3687807/detail.html

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Thanks to all of you who are sharing Civil War URLs with all of us!!! PLEASE continue to send them!!!

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FROM OUR READERS
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If your ancestor has or you have a story to tell, please send it to us.
HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL WillM, HOST DsRoots and HOSt RL Magnolia at [email protected]

NOTE: If anyone has some great Civil War Music you'd like to recommend, please send it to us.

* * * * * *

This also came thru the [email protected] maillist posted by [email protected]

I thought you might be interested to know about the 150 Civil War Letters I
found. The following article is about my research into the letters of a Union
Private and his wife.

Found: Civil War Letters
by
Lisa Saunders
(PHOTO OF Charles and Nancy McDowell may be seen on
http://www.authorlisasaunders.com )

I carefully unfolded the stiff yellowed paper, incredulous that I was actually touching a letter written during the American Civil War. It was one of a 150 letters to and between my great great grandparents that I had just discovered stuffed in a small wooden box in my mother's attic in New York. The note I held in my hand, authored by Private Charles McDowell to his wife Nancy, was written on a small, plain piece of stationary--not at all fancy like some of the others in the batch which bore sketches of the White House and battle engagements. I gently smoothed it flat on the table, afraid I would tear it. The handwriting was strange, the ink somewhat faded, making it difficult to read. And then suddenly I came upon a word I recognized in an instant--Abe! It read, "We have [Secretary of State] Seward down here about every other day, and sometimes he fetches Old Abe with him and [he] looks about like any old farmer." I couldn't believe it. Charles met Lincoln!

I took the collection of letters back to my home in Maryland and began what
was to become an exciting ten-year adventure. First I arranged the letters from Charles by date and began to read. Once I grew accustomed to his old style handwriting and run on sentences, I felt myself leaving the present and entering his past. I traveled back over 130 years and joined Charles in heart and mind. I felt his loneliness, his boredom, his fear. I laughed when he found a reason to laugh. He and his brother had enlisted despite his Canadian father's pleas to stay out of the war. As the months of his service turned into years, I hurt over his deep longing for his wife and home and for the life and family he left behind in Canada.

During his time in Washington, Charles survived "camp fever" and actually enjoyed his service when Nancy, eighteen at the time, came to live with him. Together they ran a pie business-though it was forbidden for anyone but the sutler to sell pies to the soldiers.

Unfortunately for Charles and Nancy, the fun of sight-seeing and entertaining Seward and Lincoln came to an abrupt end when Nancy contracted Typhoid Fever and Charles's regiment was sent to the front, joining Grant's Army of the
Potomac at the North Anna River and proceeding on to the disaster at Cold Harbor. From then on, bullets and disease were his constant enemies. In his letters I was disturbed to read of desertions and hangings, amputations, the crying of Southern women while the Charles's regiment burned and stole their property, prostitution, and even theft and murder among Union troops. Charles wrote home of grueling marches as well as the battles of Cold Harbor, Jerusalem Plank Road, Monocacy, Opequon (Winchester), Cedar Creek, the Siege of Petersburg, an attack by Mosby's Men, and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

During the Siege of Petersburg, weary of war, Charles reminisced of his former life in Canada:
January the 1-1865

"It's a- getting so cold. I don't know but we shall heft to set up tonight and keep a fire. It is a-freezing fast. But we had the good luck to make a haul on a couple of blankets the other night when we was guarding baggage. I find a man has to look out for himself here. If he don't, nobody else will look out for him. My cousin was over to see us the other day. He is pretty sick of the war.

I think I must write a letter to Canada before long. I haven't wrote to them since you left. Don't you think it is too bad it has been so long since I wrote? I feel most ashamed to write now. I shall heft to apologize pretty well. As soon as my time is out I think I shall go and see them. Sometimes when I get to thinking about my native land and what good times I have had there it makes a feeling come over me that makes me feel sad. Little did I think when I left home that I would be gone for seven years. Oh how I long to see my sister Margaret and all the rest, and if I get out of this alive it won't be long before I can see her. She thought [my likeness] an awful sight. She feels pretty bad about us. She is afraid we will never come home alive but I live in hopes that we will come out all right."

Finished with Charles's letters, I began reading Nancy's, becoming completely immersed in her anxious thoughts about Charles's welfare. She hoped there hadn't been a "ball made to kill" him. She hoped he wouldn't get too close to the Southern women when he occupied their homes. She longed for him to return to her--even if it was just for a short furlough. She wrote that she would rather be dead than continue to live the way they were. And after Lee's surrender, she looked every day for Charles to come marching home to her.

It was said that Nancy spent the final years of her life rocking in her chair, looking out the living room window. One day she fell asleep in that chair before the window and never awoke. Perhaps she had been awaiting her death so Charles could come for her once more.

Heritage books has published the letters of Charles and Nancy and their families, along with background information, into my book EVER TRUE: A Union Private and His Wife.

To learn more about EVER TRUE, or researching your own genealogy, visit my website at http://www.authorlisasaunders.com .

"America's Civil War" magazine wrote "McDowell's case is unusual in that in addition to the letters he wrote, those to him from his wife and other relatives are all included. Saunders also provides editorial comment about current events and the history of the regiment." (America's Civil War, p. 58,September 2004)

EVER TRUE is available through www.amazon.com or the Publisher, Heritage Books: 800-876-6103 or http://www.heritagebooks.com

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A BIT OF COMMUNITY... MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Time:
Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
Every Friday Night at 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room
with hosts HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL Magnolia, HOST RL WillM and their many faithful friends :)

Sep 2 & 3 - "Women in the Civil War" Trivia Quiz

Sep 9 & 10 - Our special Songs, Letters and Poems nights. If you have something you would like us to read, send it to HOST RL WillM, HOST RL Jayne, HOST RL DsRoots or HOST RL Magnolia.

Sep 16 & 17 - OPEN CHAT

Sep 23 & 24 - SECESSIONVILLE originally presented by Kathy Dhalle

Sep 30 & Oct 1 - OPEN CHAT

We'll See You Thursday and/or Friday Night.

Jayne, Kristin, DsRoots & Will
Civil War Weekly Fireside Newsletter
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/weekly_fireside_newsletter_archive.htm