December 2003 Weekly Firesides

December 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 07 December 2003

NOTE: If you do not wish to receive the Weekly Fireside, PLEASE send email to [email protected] AND [email protected] saying "UNSUBSCRIBE" and we 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 us email with subscribe in the subject line.

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NOTES FROM THE HOSTS
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We told the story of the Battle of Franklin this week. About 20 of you were present for the reading. From the immediate reaction, it was definitely enjoyed by all.

This Thursday and Friday, Dec. 11th & 12th, are our special Songs, Letters and Poems nights. Come join us around the fireside and sing along with the songs or hear the words of our ancestors in their letters, and the rhythm of the poems written during and about the Civil War.

Bring your friends, there's plenty of room around the fire and there'll be mulled cider for everyone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 FMLY Jayne and HOST FMLY Bill... Thursday 11 PM ET AND Friday 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room We will have the same schedule for each night, so if you miss the stories or songs letters and poems on Thurs. night, you can catch then on FRIDAY night!!

Also on Thursday 8-9PM ET: Trace Your Civil War Ancestors in Ancestral Digs. Join HOST FMLY Wolfrd and HOST FMLY Heathr to discuss ancestral searches from the Civil War period

You can visit the other Genealogy chats by going to KEYWORD: Parenting Chats > scroll down to Genealogy and click. Be sure to read the Genealogy and History (scroll down to War Between the States) message boards at Genealogy Community (post your questions on them too!!!)

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

If you have read a great Civil War book you think others should read, send the title, author and a Review of it to either HOST FMLY Jayne and/or HOST FMLY Bill.

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

Since it is getting close to Christmas, I'm going to share a poem in the memory of, and written by the late, and dear friend to the American Civil War History Chats, Frank Benway or as we called him "Ben"

Christmas Joy

I stood and saw the shabby house
I'd say more like a shack
It was bleak and Oh forlorn
But music from it came
Clear sweet voices so light
Carols rang from its walls

I crept up to peek in
I saw them standing there
Smiling faces holding hands
Their voices loudly rang
Cloths with many patches
Draped their bodies oh so frail
A tree stood there like the house
So small So bleak and bare
A paper star was on the top
Strings of popcorn dangling there
No lights No bulbs no Pretty things
But happiness abound

A work worn mother shoved them off
Oh merrily they went said their prayers
Then into bed shaggy covers over them
She kissed them each then shut the door
From a closet took a bag
In each much mended socks she put
An orange and an Apple then a plastic toy
Some candy now to top them off
With tear filled eyes she took out gifts
One for each of them under the tree
She rose and went softly to bed

They woke so early with childish chatter
They ran out in the room but stopped
There stood the biggest tree
Its blinking lights do abound
Oh there atop the tree
An angel stood with out streched arms
The pretty bulbs did sparkle bright
Underneath were stuffed such toys
As they had ever dreamed

The table filled fruit ,with nuts
Candies there for all to eat
They rushed to mother come and see
She rose and followed them
Her eyes did fill with happy tears
She called them around
To kneel in prayerful thanks
She then looked in the larder
Gasped from her surprise
The shelves were full
With a plump turkey sitting there
Oh what a Christmas this will be
she shouted with glee
Slowly I walked away
My Christmas now complete

(((((Ben))))) I still miss you my friend.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DID YOU KNOW?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A list of items that President Lincoln was carrying in his pocket
at the time of his death

a pocket knife
a linen handkerchief
a sleeve button
a fancy watch fob
two pairs of spectacles
a tiny pencil
a leather wallet
a Confederate five-dollar bill
nine old newspaper clippings

source: The Civil War Book of Lists by Donal Cartmell

.............and there you have 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 quesiton, please let us know.

Folks, this is YOUR place to ask questions... please feel free to use it...
send them to [email protected] or [email protected]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weekly Web Sites we've received
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm sorry for any inconvenience, but I'm no longer able to put non AOL sites in the newsletters.

I have received several websites containing Civil War Photographs, if you are interested in them, please email [email protected]

[email protected] sent us website for Martial Deeds of Pennsylvania by Samuel P. Bates.. if interested, email Bits

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

[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 FMLY Jayne sent you. He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.

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"THE TOWN CRIER"
Civil War Calendar!!
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Dec 12 - Dec 13 Newport News, Virginia
Living History
“A Lee Family Christmas” at Lee Hall Mansion, Newport News. Scenarios of the Lee family and friends celebrating 1861 Christmas. Caroling, tree trimming.
For more information, contact:
(757) 888-3371; www.leehall.org

December 13 11 am & 2 pm Come and view Weapons of the Civil War at the Mansfield State Historic Site in Mansfield, LA. Visitors are invited to a lecture and display featuring the various small arms weapons used during the Civil War, including the bayonet, sword, pistol, and musket. For more information, call 1-888-677-6267 toll free or 318-872-1474 locally.

Dec 13 - Dec 14 Fredericksburg, Virginia
141st Anniversary
141st Battle of Fredericksburg Anniversary. Reenactment, living history, guided walk tracing steps of Irish Brigade. Sponsored by City of Fredericksburg, George Washington’s Fredericksburg Foundation, 47th Virginia, 28th Massachusetts, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Historic Fredericksburg Foundation Inc.
For more information, contact:
(800) 678-4748

Dec 27 & 28 10am - 4 pm Come and witness the Confederate Commando & Fleet Surgeon at the Fort Pike State Historic Site in New Orleans, LA. A park ranger will portray Commander D.B. Conrad, surgeon on the CSS Tennessee, and discuss the Confederate States Navy's medical role during the Civil War. For more information, call 1-888-662-5703 toll free or 504-662-5703 locally for more information.

Dec 31 - Dec 31 Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Meade Birthday
Annual Meade 188th Birthday Party, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, noon. Sponsored by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia. Champagne toasts, reception, tours.
For more information, contact:
(215) 228-8200

January 12-13 Reconstruction: The Second Civil War airing on PBS's American Experience. This two-part documentary that tells the little-known story of the post-Civil War years will air on public television stations nationwide; check local listings! For press inquiries only, contact Daphne B. Noyes at 617-300-5344.

January 17 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Witness Civil War Encampment at the Mansfield State Historic Site in Mansfield, LA. Authentically uniformed volunteers will portray a typical Civil War encampment in the field. Learn about the daily life of a Civil War soldier including diet, uniforms, equipment and weapons used. For more information, call 1-888-677-6267 toll free or 318-872-1474 locally.

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

Time:
Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Genealogy Room
Every Friday Night at 10 PM ET in the Genealogy Room
with hosts HOST FMLY Jayne, HOST FMLY Bill and our many faithful friends :)

December 11 & 12, 2003 - The Special Songs, letters and poems night. If you have any one of the three things you'd like to share with the room, feel free to send them to HOST FMLY [email protected] or HOST FMLY [email protected]

December 18 & 19, 2003 - OPEN CHAT

December 25 & 26, 2003 - The hosts of the Civil War History chats will be spending Christmas with their families. Please feel free to stop in if all your family activities are done. You never know who you might find in the room.

January 1 & 2, 2004 - Again, the hosts of the Civil War History chats will be spending the holiday with their families. Please feel free to stop in if all your family activities are done. You never know who you might find in the room.

January 8 & 9, 2004 - The Special Songs, letters and poems night. If you have any one of the three things you'd like to share with the room, feel free to send them to HOST FMLY [email protected] or HOST FMLY [email protected]

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

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 14 December 2003

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTES FROM THE HOSTS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We had great times this Thursday and Friday and had quite a few of you come and enjoy our songs, letters and poems. One of the chatters had a great success to share with us. Another chatter was discussing her CSA connection.

Since we've had complaints about not being able to put URLs in the newsletter, I am checking into being able to send the Weekly Fireside to our readers from another name so we aren't so limited. IF the arrangements can be made, the next issue will come from [email protected]
Otherwise it'll continue from here and we'll make some other arrangements for the URL's.

If you have any Civil War URL's you would like to share with the other readers, please send it to the immediately above screen name.

This week, both Thurs and Fri, will be OPEN CHAT... a chance for you to bring your Civil War questions to the room.

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

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

If you have read a great Civil War book you think others should read, send the title, author and a Review of it to either HOST FMLY Jayne and/or HOST FMLY Bill.

AMERICA'S QUILTING HISTORY
by Barbara Brackman

This book contains Letters, diary entries and news items as well as facts and myths, all telling the story of quilt making around the Civil War era. There are even patterns for varying quilts.. patriotic quilts, Sanitary Commission quilts and an easy nine patch quilt like a Civil War soldier may have used to keep warm, to name just a few. It tells you how to go about looking for reproduction fabrics and patterns.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
--------OUR WEEKLY READING--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs,
and Poems evenings)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A poem by our good friend IllinosCW

JOHN HORAN
Co. B - 95th Illinois

I truly don’t know which was worse
For my sensibilities.
Feeling the rip of the flesh
On my shattered leg.
Tasting the blood in my mouth
As I bit through my lower lip.
Sensing the pressure of hands
Grabbing at my person.
Smelling the putrid odor
Of my burned lower limb.
Hearing the harsh rasp of the surgeon’s saw
Cutting through my bone.
Tasting the sweat, tears and black powder
When my parched tongue licked my mouth.
Smelling the foulings of the wounded
With me under the tent fly.
Feeling the forceps as they pulled
At my destroyed arteries.
Or simply knowing that there was no way
I would survive the amputation.

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

Buck and gag was a form of punishment where the soldier was gagged, then seated with his hands and feet tied. He then would draw his knees up and put his arms around his legs and a rod was placed, horizontal with the ground, between the backs of the legs and the arms. He remained that way for periods of time, depending on the seriousness of his offense

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

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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
quesiton, please let us know.

Folks, this is YOUR place to ask questions...
please feel free to use it... send them to
HOST FMLY Bill or HOST FMLY Jayne

I received the following from [email protected] If you can help, please do so. You can send your reply to [email protected], and if you would copy us on it so we can put the answer here in the newsletter.

Hello friends: Does anyone here know anything about a Pre-Civil War Regiment (2nd Missouri Regiment Cavalry Volunteers)? My relative was in this regiment from 1858-1860. He then quit and moved to Illinois were he later join another unit after the war started. Was the 2nd Missouri a Rebel unit? Thanks for any history and help with my mystery.

* * * * *

This was received from Shirley, Me in [email protected] If you can help, please do!!!

I'm compiling the biography of Captain Sally L. Tompkins and am interested in locating any and all information about her, her brothers &sisters, and other family members. My FamilyTree chart on the families is about 5 feet long. I have queried the Library of Virginia, Museum of the Confederacy, university library archives, etc. Some places may be tired of my e-mails since I have queried them so many times. I have found many interesting items by or about Sally. Recently received a copy of a letter written in 1837 by her mother. She had not been to visit a family member because the children had measles. The other day received 3 letter written by Sally and am in the process of reading them. They are negatives (black background with white writing) and therefore difficult to read. I'll get it done though.

If anyone has anything pertaining to Captain Sally and is willing to share with me, they can contact me at my address or by e-mail address [email protected]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weekly Web Sites we've received
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System
http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/

NARA/US National Archive & Records Administration
http://www.nara.gov

[email protected] has a website where you can search many Cemetery databases for you Civil War Soldier. You may send email

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

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

Dec 27 & 28 10am - 4 pm Come and witness the Confederate Commando & Fleet Surgeon at the Fort Pike State Historic Site in New Orleans, LA. A park ranger will portray Commander D.B. Conrad, surgeon on the CSS Tennessee, and discuss the Confederate States Navy's medical role during the Civil War. For more information, call 1-888-662-5703 toll free or 504-662-5703 locally for more information.

Dec 31 - Dec 31 The Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA, Meade Birthday
Annual Meade 188th Birthday Party, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, noon. Sponsored by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia. Champagne toasts, reception, tours.
For more information, contact:
(215) 228-8200

January 12-13 Reconstruction: The Second Civil War airing on PBS's American Experience. This two-part documentary that tells the little-known story of the post-Civil War years will air on public television stations nationwide; check local listings! For press inquiries only, contact Daphne B. Noyes at 617-300-5344.

January 17 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Witness Civil War Encampment at the Mansfield State Historic Site in Mansfield, LA. Authentically uniformed volunteers will portray a typical Civil War encampment in the field. Learn about the daily life of a Civil War soldier including diet, uniforms, equipment and weapons used. For more information, call 1-888-677-6267 toll free or 318-872-1474 locally.

January 17-18 “Defending the Bay,” 20th Annual “Surrender of Fort Gaines,” Dauphin Island, AL. 9 a.m. re-creation of 1861 surrender of Federals to Alabama Volunteer Corps, living history activities, guided candlelight tour 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Sloppy Beagle Mess.
For more information, contact:
Fort Gaines Historic Site, 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528, (251) 861-6992; www.dauphinisland.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 FMLY Jayne, HOST FMLY Bill and our many faithful friends :)

December 18 & 19, 2003 - OPEN CHAT

December 25 & 26, 2003 - The hosts of the Civil War History chats will be spending Christmas with their families. Please feel free to stop in if all your family activities are done. You never know who you might find in the room. There will be OPEN CHAT

January 1 & 2, 2004 - Again, the hosts of the Civil War History chats will be spending the holiday with their families. Please feel free to stop in if all your family activities are done. You never know who you might find in the room. There will be OPEN CHAT

January 8 & 9, 2004 - The Special Songs, letters and poems night. If you have any one of the three things you'd like to share with the room, feel free to send them to HOST FMLY [email protected] or HOST FMLY [email protected]

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

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 21 December 2003

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.

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

Bill and Jayne want to wish you the happiest of holidays. We wish for you and yours a Blessed Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year full of love, happiness and peace in your soul. To quote my former partner Jim: "We wish you a warm cozy fire and the gathering of your family together."

We had a great group of chatters this last week. Jayne read a "December" letter she had received on her website, plus Bill held a True or False pop quiz. I think we must have the smartest chatters anywhere. :D

As you've noticed, this week's newsletter is coming from [email protected] and has a bunch of URL's in it and a couple of added Member to Member helpers. We're glad to able to do that again. I know you missed them and I'm sorry if it was an inconvenience. I want to thank those of you who wrote letters expressing your opinions re the lack of websites.

If you have any Civil War URL's you would like to share with the other readers, please send them to [email protected]

Thursday is Christmas. If everything quiets down here, I will try to be in the room, both Thursday and Friday nights. There won't be anything specific planned for the two nights... but you never know when Jayne will find a letter or Bill with spring another quiz on us.

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

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 FMLY Jayne and HOST FMLY Bill... Thursday 11 PM ET AND Friday 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room We will have the same schedule for each night, so if you miss the stories or songs letters and poems on Thurs. night, you can catch then on FRIDAY night!!

Also on Thursday 8-9PM ET: Trace Your Civil War Ancestors in Ancestral Digs. Join HOST FMLY Wolfrd and HOST FMLY Heathr to discuss ancestral searches from the Civil War period

You can visit the other Genealogy chats by going to KEYWORD: Parenting Chats > scroll down to Genealogy, Genealogy 101 or Genealogy, Mugs & Hugs and click. Be sure to read the Genealogy and History message boards at Genealogy Community > Genealogy:Boards > Historial People, Places & Times (scroll down to War Between the States) (post your questions on them too!!!)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"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]

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

This has been sent by several folks and since this is the time of the year, I thought I'd include it even though it doesn't pertain particularly to the Civil War

Christmas Poem
.
Twas The Night Before Christmas,
He Lived All Alone,
In A One Bedroom House
Made Of Plaster And Stone.
.
I Had Come Down The Chimney
With Presents To Give,
And To See Just Who
In This Home Did Live.
.
I Looked All About,
A Strange Sight I Did See,
No Tinsel, No Presents,
Not Even A Tree.
.
No Stocking By Mantle,
Just Boots Filled With Sand,
On The Wall Hung Pictures
Of Far Distant Lands.
.
With Medals And Badges,
Awards Of All Kinds,
A Sober Thought
Came Through My Mind.
.
For This House Was Different,
It Was Dark And Dreary,
I Found The Home Of A Soldier,
Once I Could See Clearly.
.
The Soldier Lay Sleeping,
Silent, Alone,
Curled Up On The Floor
In This One Bedroom Home.
.
The Face Was So Gentle,
The Room In Such Disorder,
Not How I Pictured
A United States Soldier.
.
Was This The Hero
Of Whom I'd Just Read?
Curled Up On A Poncho,
The Floor For A Bed?
.
I Realized The Families
That I Saw This Night,
Owed Their Lives To These Soldiers
Who Were Willing To Fight.
.
Soon Round The World,
The Children Would Play,
And Grownups Would Celebrate
A Bright Christmas Day.
.
They All Enjoyed Freedom
Each Month Of The Year
Because Of The Soldiers,
Like The One Lying Here.
.
I Couldn't Help Wonder
How Many Lay Alone,
On A Cold Christmas Eve
In A Land Far From Home.
.
The Very Thought
Brought A Tear To My Eye,
I Dropped To My Knees
And Started To Cry.
.
The Soldier Awakened
And I Heard A Rough Voice,
"Santa Don't Cry,
This Life Is My Choice;
.
I Fight For Freedom,
I Don't Ask For More,
My Life Is My God,
My Country, My Corps."
.
The Soldier Rolled Over
And Drifted To Sleep,
I Couldn't Control It,
I Continued To Weep.
.
I Kept Watch For Hours,
So Silent And Still
And We Both Shivered
From The Cold Night's Chill.
.
I Did not Want To Leave
On That Cold, Dark, Night,
This Guardian Of Honor
So Willing To Fight.
.
Then The Soldier Rolled Over,
With A Voice Soft And Pure,
Whispered, "Carry On Santa,
It's Christmas Day, All Is Secure."
.
One Look At My Watch,
And I Knew He Was Right.
"Merry Christmas My Friend,
And To All A Good Night."
.
Navy * Army * Air Force * Marines * Coast Guard

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

The Chattanooga National Cemetery was created in 1863 after th battles in the Campaign for Chattanooga, due to the enormous number of casualties at the Battle of Chickamauga, by 1865, more than 12,000 Union Soldiers had been buried, about 5,000 unknown. The cemetery was officially designated as the first national cemetery in 1867 when Congress passed "An Act to Establish and Protect National Cemeteries"

Source: The News Journal, Wilmington, DE, December 20, 2003 www.delawareonline.com

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

Since we are so close to the Holidays and folks are busy, I'm going to leave both of the queries in at least one more week.

I received the following from [email protected] If you can help, please do so. You can send your reply to [email protected], and if you would copy us on it so we can put the answer here in the newsletter.

Hello friends: Does anyone here know anything about a Pre-Civil War Regiment (2nd Missouri Regiment Cavalry Volunteers)? My relative was in this regiment from 1858-1860. He then quit and moved to Illinois were he later join another unit after the war started. Was the 2nd Missouri a Rebel unit? Thanks for any history and help with my mystery.

* * * * *

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weekly Web Sites we've received -
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From:   [email protected]
the first URLs came Cyndi's List of new websites

=~=~=~=
URL:     http://civilwartraveler.bravepages.com/SCVCWRT.html
TITLE:     St. Croix Valley Civil War Round Table
DESCRIPTION:     The site is the webpage of the SCVCWRT in western
Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota.

=~=~=~=
URL:     http://civilwartraveler.bravepages.com/index.htm
TITLE:     Civil War Traveler
DESCRIPTION:     Photos of American Civil War Battlefields, Monuments, and
Cemeteries.

=~=~=~=
http://www.letterscivilwar.com/index.html
A Compilation of Letters, stories, diaries from the Soldiers, Sailors, Nurses, Politicians, Ministers, Journalists and Citizens during the War of the Rebellion. From the newspapers of Massachusetts

* * * * *

From one of the CW lists
Christmas in the Civil War
http://www.thepastwhispers.com/Christmas_Civil_War

* * * * *

From: [email protected]

A Website for Civil War Photographs

Photography was invented before the American Civil War, but the drama of that struggle provided early photgraphers with their first great opportunity to visually capture the people and places involved during the course of a world event.

Because of that historical confluence, the Civil War photographs that have survived occupy a valued alcove in the American memory. Several websites have been devoted to preserving and displaying digital copies of photographs from that era. One of the newer ones is the Civil War Photography Center.

Headquartered in Gettysburg, the Civil War Photography Center is building a growing collection of photogaphs, along with a history of photography during the war and links to related websites.

Civil War Photography Center
http://www.civilwarphotography.com

* * * * *

Other Selected Civil War Photography Websites

Civil War Family Photos
http://members.tripod.com/~cwphotos/

Civil War Photographs
http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/links/photo.htm

Civil War Photographs
http://7-12educators.about.com/education/7-12educators/blcwphmenu.htm

Library of Congress: Civil War Photographs
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphome.html

Photographs and Images of Georgia in the Civil War
http://www.cviog.uga.edu/Projects/gainfo/cwphotos.htm

U.S. Army Military History Institute Photograph Database
http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/PhotoDB.html

* * * * *

From: [email protected]

Samuel P. Bates - Martial Deeds of Pennsylvania - USGenWeb Pennsylvania Archives
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/1pa/1picts/bates/mdeedspa.htm

* * * * *

From: [email protected]

http://www.rootsweb.com/~nychemun/prison.htm
Tri-Counties Genealogy & History Sites by Joyce M. Tice
Civil War Prison Camp, Elmira, Chemung County, New York

* * * * *

From: IrishInCal @aol.com

http://www.njarchives.org/links/guides/sdea4010.html#l
NJDARM: Archives Images: Department of Defense, Adjutant General's Office (Civil War), Photographs of Soldiers
Photographs of some NJ Soldiers [Carte de Visites], ca. 1861-1890s

* * * * *

From: Ohio [email protected]

Here is a great pictures site of Harper's Ferry,
http://users.ev1.net/~rhuseth/civilwar/harpersferry.htm

Here is a great website on the Raid of Harpers Ferry by Charles Whites who was a eyewitness. http://www.village.virginia.edu/jbrown/vmhb.html

Another great website on John Brown and his men (The Raiders), also on his opponents as well.
http://www.johnbrownsbody.net/Raiders.htm

* * * * *

From: [email protected]

Western NY in the Civil War
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/33dny/index.htm

Soldiers in the Attic
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/33dny/soldiersintheattic.htm

Delaware in the Civil War
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/33dny/torbert.htm

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

[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.

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

HOST FMLY [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 FMLY Jayne sent you. He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.

And I am so glad to be able to include the next two "helpers" once again

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 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!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *

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.

Dec 27 & 28 10am - 4 pm Come and witness the Confederate Commando & Fleet Surgeon at the Fort Pike State Historic Site in New Orleans, LA. A park ranger will portray Commander D.B. Conrad, surgeon on the CSS Tennessee, and discuss the Confederate States Navy's medical role during the Civil War. For more information, call 1-888-662-5703 toll free or 504-662-5703 locally for more information.

Dec 31 - Dec 31 The Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA, Meade Birthday
Annual Meade 188th Birthday Party, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, noon. Sponsored by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia. Champagne toasts, reception, tours.
For more information, contact:
(215) 228-8200

January 12-13 Reconstruction: The Second Civil War airing on PBS's American Experience. This two-part documentary that tells the little-known story of the post-Civil War years will air on public television stations nationwide; check local listings! For press inquiries only, contact Daphne B. Noyes at 617-300-5344.

January 17 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Witness Civil War Encampment at the Mansfield State Historic Site in Mansfield, LA. Authentically uniformed volunteers will portray a typical Civil War encampment in the field. Learn about the daily life of a Civil War soldier including diet, uniforms, equipment and weapons used. For more information, call 1-888-677-6267 toll free or 318-872-1474 locally.

January 17-18 “Defending the Bay,” 20th Annual “Surrender of Fort Gaines,” Dauphin Island, AL. 9 a.m. re-creation of 1861 surrender of Federals to Alabama Volunteer Corps, living history activities, guided candlelight tour 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Sloppy Beagle Mess.
For more information, contact:
Fort Gaines Historic Site, 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528, (251) 861-6992; www.dauphinisland.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 FMLY Jayne, HOST FMLY Bill and their many faithful friends :)

December 25 & 26, 2003 - The hosts of the Civil War History chats will be spending Christmas with their families. Please feel free to stop in if all your family activities are done. You never know who you might find in the room. There will be OPEN CHAT

January 1 & 2, 2004 - Again, the hosts of the Civil War History chats will be spending the holiday with their families. Please feel free to stop in if all your family activities are done. You never know who you might find in the room. There will be OPEN CHAT

January 8 & 9, 2004 - The Special Songs, letters and poems night. If you have any one of the three things you'd like to share with the room, feel free to send them to HOST FMLY [email protected] or HOST FMLY [email protected]

January 15 & 16, 2004 - OPEN CHAT with some Civil War Trivia questions added

January 22 & 23, 2004 - Vicksburg and Chattanooga by James L. Walker

January 29 & 30, 2004 - OPEN CHAT with more Civil War Trivia :D

We'll See You Thursday and/or Friday Night.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT

Bill and Jayne :-)

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 28 December 2003

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.

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

Bill and Jayne want to wish you the happiest of holidays. We wish for you and yours a healthy Happy New Year full of love, happiness and peace in your soul. To quote my former partner Jim: "We wish you a warm cozy fire and the gathering of your family together."

Would you believe we had about 11 chatters Christmas night and the night after. I think everyone was ready to relax with good friends. Since this Thurs and Friday is another holiday, there may or may not be HOSTS in the room, but stop in and see, you just never know.

Be sure to check out the Members helping Members section of the newsletter and also the Help Desk. Maybe you can help someone or maybe you have a question of your own you need help with, just send the info to [email protected] and we'll be sure to get your question in.

We're glad to able to get the URL's in again. I know you missed them and I'm sorry if it was an inconvenience. I want to thank those of you who wrote letters expressing your opinions re the lack of websites.

We're looking for reviews of the Civil War Books you've read and if you have any Civil War URL's you would like to share with the other readers, please send them to [email protected]

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

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 FMLY Jayne and HOST FMLY Bill... Thursday 11 PM ET AND Friday 10 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Room We will have the same schedule for each night, so if you miss the stories or songs letters and poems on Thurs. night, you can catch then on FRIDAY night!!

Also on Thursday 8-9PM ET: Trace Your Civil War Ancestors in Ancestral Digs. Join HOST FMLY Wolfrd and HOST FMLY Heathr to discuss ancestral searches from the Civil War period

You can visit the other Genealogy chats by going to KEYWORD: Parenting Chats > scroll down to Genealogy, Genealogy 101 or Genealogy, Mugs & Hugs and click. Be sure to read the Genealogy and History message boards at Genealogy Community > Genealogy:Boards > Historial People, Places & Times (scroll down to War Between the States) (post your questions on them too!!!)

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

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

The Blue And The Gray
Francis Miles Finch (1827-1907)

By the flow of the inland river,
    Whence the fleets of iron have fled,
Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver,
    Asleep are the ranks of the dead:
        Under the sod and the dew,
            Waiting the judgment-day;
        Under the one, the Blue,
            Under the other, the Gray

These in the robings of glory,
    Those in the gloom of defeat,
All with the battle-blood gory,
    In the dusk of eternity meet:
        Under the sod and the dew,
            Waiting the judgement-day
        Under the laurel, the Blue,
            Under the willow, the Gray.

From the silence of sorrowful hours
    The desolate mourners go,
Lovingly laden with flowers
    Alike for the friend and the foe;
        Under the sod and the dew,
            Waiting the judgement-day;
        Under the roses, the Blue,
            Under the lilies, the Gray.

So with an equal splendor,
    The morning sun-rays fall,
With a touch impartially tender,
    On the blossoms blooming for all:
        Under the sod and the dew,
            Waiting the judgment-day;
        Broidered with gold, the Blue,
            Mellowed with gold, the Gray.

So, when the summer calleth,
    On forest and field of grain,
With an equal murmur falleth
    The cooling drip of the rain:
        Under the sod and the dew,
            Waiting the judgment -day,
        Wet with the rain, the Blue
            Wet with the rain, the Gray.

Sadly, but not with upbraiding,
    The generous deed was done,
In the storm of the years that are fading
    No braver battle was won:
        Under the sod adn the dew,
            Waiting the judgment-day;
        Under the blossoms, the Blue,
            Under the garlands, the Gray

No more shall the war cry sever,
    Or the winding rivers be red;
They banish our anger forever
    When they laurel the graves of our dead!
        Under the sod and the dew,
            Waiting the judgment-day,
        Love and tears for the Blue,
            Tears and love for the Gray.

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

I was the son of a farmer with a famous Civil War past. I graduated from West Point with Grant, Halleck, McDowell, Sherman and others made famous by the war but I went my way - to the Confederate side. They said I often delayed orders when I could not agree but I cared about my men and their slaughter. I did not consider myself a visionary but it was easy to fortell disaster simply because of the way things were developing. Some say Gettysburg was lost because of me. I spent the rest of my life trying to defend that position. Who am I?

For the answer, scroll down to just above "The Town Crier"

.............and there you have 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
quesiton, please let us know.

Folks, this is YOUR place to ask questions...
please feel free to use it... send them to
[email protected]

Since we are still in the Holidays and folks are busy, I'm going to leave both of the queries in this week.

I received the following from [email protected] If you can help, please do so. You can send your reply to [email protected], and if you would copy us on it so we can put the answer here in the newsletter.

Hello friends: Does anyone here know anything about a Pre-Civil War Regiment (2nd Missouri Regiment Cavalry Volunteers)? My relative was in this regiment from 1858-1860. He then quit and moved to Illinois were he later join another unit after the war started. Was the 2nd Missouri a Rebel unit? Thanks for any history and help with my mystery.

* * * * *

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weekly Web Sites we've received -
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

From: [email protected]

Dyer's Compendium
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mruddy

Civil-War Links
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mruddy/clayton2.htm

The American Civil War - Diaries, Letters, and Poetry
http://homepages.dsu.edu/jankej/civilwar/civilwar.htm

Pennsylvania Dutch Genealogy - Civil War Websites
http://midatlantic.rootsweb.com/padutch/civilwar.html

* * * * *
From: [email protected]

Civil War Fashion Bibliography
http://world.std.com/~ata/drbiblo.htm
A nice site that is a bibliography of some research articles

Treasure Net Historical Image Collection
http://www.treasurenet.com/images/
A marvelous page with dozens of links, for all kinds of images

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

[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 FMLY Jayne sent you. He will give it priority and see what he can find for you.

And I am so glad to be able to include the next two "helpers" once again

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 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]

Answer to Did you know....    James Longstreet, Lee's "Old Warhorse."

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

Dec 31 - Dec 31 The Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA, Meade Birthday
Annual Meade 188th Birthday Party, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, noon. Sponsored by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia. Champagne toasts, reception, tours.
For more information, contact:
(215) 228-8200

January 12-13 Reconstruction: The Second Civil War airing on PBS's American Experience. This two-part documentary that tells the little-known story of the post-Civil War years will air on public television stations nationwide; check local listings! For press inquiries only, contact Daphne B. Noyes at 617-300-5344.

January 17 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Witness Civil War Encampment at the Mansfield State Historic Site in Mansfield, LA. Authentically uniformed volunteers will portray a typical Civil War encampment in the field. Learn about the daily life of a Civil War soldier including diet, uniforms, equipment and weapons used. For more information, call 1-888-677-6267 toll free or 318-872-1474 locally.

January 17-18 “Defending the Bay,” 20th Annual “Surrender of Fort Gaines,” Dauphin Island, AL. 9 a.m. re-creation of 1861 surrender of Federals to Alabama Volunteer Corps, living history activities, guided candlelight tour 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Sloppy Beagle Mess.
For more information, contact:
Fort Gaines Historic Site, 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528, (251) 861-6992; www.dauphinisland.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 FMLY Jayne, HOST FMLY Bill and their many faithful friends :)

January 1 & 2, 2004 - Again, the hosts of the Civil War History chats will be spending the holiday with their families. Please feel free to stop in if all your family activities are done. You never know who you might find in the room. There will be OPEN CHAT

January 8 & 9, 2004 - The Special Songs, letters and poems night. If you have any one of the three things you'd like to share with the room, feel free to send them to HOST FMLY [email protected] or HOST FMLY [email protected]

January 15 & 16, 2004 - OPEN CHAT with some Civil War Trivia questions added

January 22 & 23, 2004 - Vicksburg and Chattanooga by James L. Walker

January 29 & 30, 2004 - OPEN CHAT with more Civil War Trivia :D

We'll See You Thursday and/or Friday Night.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT

Bill and Jayne :-)

Back to the Weekly Fireside index

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