January 2000 Weekly Firesides

January 2000 Weekly Firesides

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 02 January 2000

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Mission Statement: To serve all genealogists by providing an enjoyable
online environment with as many helpful and reliable resources as possible.
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Editor's Announcement: Ahhhh, a long awaited answer has arrived for you folk
who aren't AOL members and some of you who are. The Genealogy Forum now
how a WEB SITE that is accessible to everyone (member or not). The site URL is -

I wrote a bit of a story for the January 2000 GFNEWS which is posted on the site,
which you might enjoy. It's not Civil War History related but it's a story about an event
while reading census records. :-) GFS Jayne is also listed here with her new
column....
Thursday night was another to remember :-) GFS TEG (Tom) wrote just an
incredible account of "Perryville" for us which GFS Jayne read to all of us. Tom had
the cider nice and hot and Amy did hot chocolate :D The air was a bit brisk but fire
kept the chill down. Heh Heh I get a just a little fanciful at times, but you know how I
am :-)
It was a grand New Year's Eve here at "Walker's Roost". We just sat with the fire
going and watched New Year's happen all around the world. I thought that was an
excellent idea by the media, although I suspect their real purpose was to watch the
lights go out and the water to quit pumping, etc. Heh Heh - they were indeed
disappointed in that aspect and I was tickled to death to hear about NO Y2K
incidents. Expect of course the light bulb went out in a policeman's flashlight and I
suspect that wasn't Y2K because normal flashlights don't keep time. LOL To my
complete surprise I even fired up my "neolithic" Desktop PC and lo and behold it
booted up and ran.
I was just running through my mind what to say to all of you on this first edition of the
Weekly Fireside for the new millenium. That really sounds rather "high-fallutin"
doesnt' it? If you're like me, this just seems like another day of life. Anyhow, back to
my thought; I was just thinking that the most important thing I would have to say to all
of you is "Please Don't Forget How to Laugh". Laughter is the healing ointment
to pain, to disappointment, to dispair, and to loneliness. Me and the family were all
sitting here on the holiday break just jabberin about "stuff". You know how you do.
And all of a sudden my oldest daughter, Wendy (you know Peter Pan's buddy)
popped up and said "Dad", "Did you really crawl in the crib with me when I was little
and wouldn't go to sleep?" The whole place just erupted! Oh Lord, we laughed until
we were sick. And we continued to laugh for days. It was one of the best
Christmas's we've had. So here's our New Year's Wish to all of you. We Wish on
You Spontaneous, and Repeated Spells of Uncontrollable Laughter!. Heh Heh
I'm already starting and the minute Jayne, Tom and Amy read this lunacy from their
partner, they're gonna start too. ROTFLOL <----- that's chat room language for
Rollin On The Floor Laughin Out Loud!

The Music: I've been flooding you with Celtic material 'cause I'm a complete fan of
that music style, so I thought this week, I'd give a two set series (thus far) from the
Windham Hill folk. I really enjoy good twelve string guitar music done by good artists
of the instrument and these two CDs are indeed exceptional. They are titled
"Sounds of Wood & Steel 1" and "Sounds of Wood & Steel 2". A sampling of some
of the artists represented are "Jars of Clay", Nanci Griffith, Clint Black, Jim Messina
and Led Kaapana with Kenny Loggins sitting it. Those along ought to entice you
guitar music lovers to give these two a "listen". Enjoy..........
*******************
Editor's Note: for those of you who are AOL members, I want to encourage you to
feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, or Stories or articles that you have in
our Civil War History Files. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you
would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. Use
"keyword=roots" to get to the Genealogy Main Screen. Then select Files, followed
by selecting History and Culture and there you will find the two upload areas I
mentioned; Civil War Files, and Civil War Photos. I would also note that the New
Genealogy Forum Web Site is being constructed. On that Web Site, the Civil War
History SIG will have an area to link to our Civil War Library (Lectures, Letters,
Songs, Poems, Files, Firesides, and Photo's). When this is complete then anyone
(not just AOL Members) will have access to all our material. We'll be sure to let you
know when you can access it.

This coming Thursday we're going to leave as OPEN CHAT so you can bring your
Civil War Questions and Answers and We'll "Collectively" Try to Answer them...........
We'll keep a light on for you ....*<>*
"************************************************************************
FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO
OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND
COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN
OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

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

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

Editor's Note: Regimental Histories and Letters, etc. Postings: keyword "roots,"
after which will bring you to the main screen of the Genealogy Forum. Select the
"Files Library Center," then "History Files". At that point select "Civil War Files."
Lectures and the Letters, Songs and Poems evenings are also posted in the "Files
Library Center" under "History Lectures" as the Lecture Subject. The "Firesides"
when they eventually get there after their 30 days in the New Files section are
posted in the "Files Library Center" under "Meeting Logs and Newsletters".
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Andersonville lookupsFrom: [email protected] (FRYE FAMILY)
Kevin Frye has offered his services for looking up Andersonville ancestors
http://www.corinthian.net/mccc/plookup.htm
Kevin is now building a website around Andersonville that informs about the prison
as well as his "lookup" offer above. The address is:
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/index.html>

ED. NOTE: Please visit this website.. it is awesome..
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Weekly Web Sites we've received

From: JohnR238 (John Rigdon)
I have begun work on a Civil War in Mississippi site which I anticipate will grow to
be comparable to my Civil War in Georgia and Civil War in South Carolina sites. If
you have any ties to Mississippi in the war, either because of ancestors who lived or
fought there, drop by and visit.
The Civil War in Mississippi
http://www.researchonline.net/mscw
The Civil War in Georgia
http://www.reseearchonline.net/gacw
The Civil War in South Carolina
http://www.researchonline.net/sccw
John - thanks for your update and congratulations on excellent sites.

from Jowhara7
Happy New Year
http://members.aol.com/cc2bunny/page19/newyear.html

from GFS Jayne as passed on by GFS Gary:
Interesting CW Bibliography
http://www.ionet.net/~cousin/dale31.html

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An Announcement from Bulldogtjr:
Happy New Year to all of you folks, I have been off the air for three days due to a
modem failure but now back and ready to go. The forwarded mail herewith just
might be of interest to you, particularly you, Jim. I hope they make a videotape of this
unusual event. Best to all, Ted
And The Band Played On

July 2000 National Civil War Band Festival
The American Civil War Institute of Campbellsville University and the Campbellsville
University School of Music announced today the launching of the "greatest and most
significant gathering of Civil War bands in the nation since 1865" with the
University's sponsorship of The National Civil War Band Festival, July 28-30, 2000.
The three-day music festival will be held on the campus of Campbellsville University,
which is located in south central Kentucky (82 miles southwest of Lexington; 90
miles southeast of Louisville; and 150 miles northeast of Nashville).

Organizers of the event said that they are estimating The National Civil War Band
Festival to attract between 10,000 to 25,000 people to the City of Campbellsville.

Host bands for the festival are the Saxton's Cornet Band, based in Lexington,
Kentucky, and the Old Towne Brass, based in Huntsville, Alabama. Bands wishing
to participate or seeking further information may contact either Nicky Hughes at
[email protected] or Bob Baccus at [email protected].

For more information concerning the festival, contact Marc C. Whitt at 270-789-
5211--office or at [email protected], or Dr. David McCullough, director of
bands at Campbellsville University, at 270-789-5058--office or at
[email protected].

Marc C. Whitt
Vice President for Advancement
Campbellsville University
1 University Drive
Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718-2799
(270) 789-5211-office phone
(270) 789-5095-office fax

"Ted" thanks for this neat tip. It sounds like a "once in a lifetime" event..... If
any of you Readers are interested in this, Ted has provided all the "contact"
information to get "your dibs" in early. I would suspect this will fill up in a
hurry and this is a "first time" gathering of this nature.... :-)

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MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!..

Here's how it works.. If you are trying to get photographs of a gravesite or
battlefield, to collect for your Civil War ancestor research and records, then
send us a request and we will post it here... Other members seeing your
request and being in the near vicinity, and are willing to assist can email you
direct (this protects your privacy) and work out the details. We HIGHLY
recommend the "Requester" pay for all film costs and any postage involved
for a helping member. This is intended to be a "Free" assistance between
members (with the exception of defraying film and postage costs). Do unto
others as.... you know :-) Keep us posted on how this is working, so we can
share them in the "Fireside"!!
GFS Jim
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANSWER(S) TO YOUR QUESTIONS, PLEASE BE
SURE TO LET US KNOW!!!!!
Thanks!! - The Editors

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

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From: CW1865
My gr gr grandfather, Pvt. Adam Schneider, 183rd Ohio Infantry, died on the Sultana
on April 17, 1865, while coming home from Confederate prison with over 2,000
other parolees. Shortly after, his family in Cincinnati was visited by a survivor of this
disaster who was also his friend, Pvt. Michael Conrad, and Conrad told my gr gr
grandmother what happened to her husband. I am looking for descendants of
Conrad in the hopes that they can tell us Michael's version so what happened the
night the Sultana went down.
Thanks so much!
Pam Newhouse

{{{Pam}}} - check out the websites for this week.
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IllinoisCW is looking for someone living in or near Livingston County, NY. He's trying
to locate a possible gravesite. If you think you might be able to help, e-mail
[email protected] for further details

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From: [email protected] (Jan Hood) and passed to us from SusiCP
SIMON POLK enlisted in the Confederate Army on 16 April 1862 at Rudes Hill, New
Market, VA. He went in as a Private. He was assigned to the 2nd VA Infantry,
Company F, Winchester Rifles. This Company and Infantry rode with Stonewall
Jackson throughout the war and was part of "Stonewall's Brigade." SIMON POLK
was listed as 'sick' in September 1862, and in a hospital at Bunker Hill, West
Va. He was later moved to a hospital in Martinsburg, W. Va., where he died on
11 October 1862. The hospital is not named.
I would appreciate anyone who may be able to help me, with any lookup or
advice.
Thank you VERY much.
Jan in Shenandoah Co., Va.

"Jan" - we're glad your "plea" was passed on to us. We'll put this to the
membership who many dedicated and expert researchers in all aspects of
the Civil War and see what we can find..... :-) Hey Faithful!.... What say Ye??
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A BIT OF COMMUNITY...

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

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More Updates from the Morris Island S.C Project
Editor's Note: it goes to a vote on 11 January 2000

from AJWRJW
The information on the Battleground Preservation projects on the website may help lead to
someone connected to Morris Island. If I find a site leading directly to Morris Island I will
forward that as well. Also try the Civil War at Charleston Layout Page which may lead to some
of your Morris Island connections.
http://www.awod.com/gallery/probono/cwchas/cwlayout.html
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These are the names of the council folks who will vote on Jan 11th to allow development on
Morris Island - please if you can, write to these folks to tell them how important this area is the
our nation's history. I have also included the Folly Beach Council address, along with the Morris
Island Web Site.
Happy New Year!
Paula

Morris Island Preservation: http://www.coax.net/people/lwf/pres_mi.htm

.....and another article: http://charleston.net/pub/news/local/civ0102.htm

Mayor Vernon Knox
Council member Jane Theiling
Council member C. Wallace Benson, Jr.
Council member Gered Lennon
Council member Caroline Palmer Rhodes
Council member Bill Klauber
Council member Harvey Wittschen

Folly Beach Council
City of Folly Beach
21 Center Street
P.O. Box 48
Folly Beach, S. C. 29439-0048
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From Alysabeth:

A Complicated Order
A resident in a seaside hotel breakfast room called over the head waiter
one morning and said, "I want two boiled eggs, one of them so undercooked
it's runny, and the other so over cooked it's tough and hard to eat. Also,
grilled bacon that has been left on the plate to get cold; burnt toast
that crumbles away as soon as you touch it with a knife; butter straight
from the deep freeze so that it's impossible to spread; and a pot of very
weak coffee, luke-warm."
"That's a complicated order sir," said the bewildered waiter. "It might be
quite difficult to prepare."
The guest replied, "Oh? That's strange, because that's what I got yesterday!"

{{Beth}} - I love that one. :D
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From: Dvgagel
A little New Years gift for those with Ohio Civil War Ancestors: There is a great deal
available in various sites around Ohio on CW veterans. The Ohio Historical Society
in Columbus (check their website at www.ohiohistory.org); The Center for Archival
Collections at Bowling Green State University has an excellent CW collection for
NW Ohio. Also in Northwest Ohio check out the Hayes Presidential Library in
Fremont. They have a good CW collection since Hayes served in the CW from
Ohio. For other parts of the state, check out the regional archives and local
university archives. Also many of the Ohio regiments have websites.
Happy New Year.
Diane

{{{Diane}}} - thanks for the New Years treat !

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From: [email protected]
Would you please forward the Weekly Fireside to my friend,,,Pat,,, at
[email protected]??? and her sister, Phyllis at [email protected]
Thank you very much...

{{Betty}} I did that :-) Pat and Phyllis, welcome aboard :D It may surprise a lot of you
that our distribution is about 20 to 30 % outside AOL membership. Check the Editor's
note at the front of the newsletter for the AOL Genealogy Forum's Web Site which is
accessible by all. :D
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From: FI WATROUS
Can anyone help this fellow?

"Subj: Re: [NYALBANY] Civil War/34th NY Infantry Regt.
From: [email protected]
Anyone familiar with the 34th NY, sometimes called the Herkimer Regt., but
had many from Albany including my great-great-grandfather and brother? Lt.
Louis Chapin of Albany wrote the regimental history in 1903.

"Ike" - we'll put this in the newsletter and see what hits.....
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From: [email protected] (Pat Vaseska)
I received your e-mail and I am very happy to be on your list. Thank you,
very much for all the good things you do.
Happy Holidays
Pat

{{{Pat}}} Bless your heart! Thanks for the kind words.
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From: GFS Jayne
Peruque Fort
During Sterling Price's 1864 raid into Missouri, he sent a detachment of 100
men under Capt. Anderson, alias "Bloody Bill" Anderson to take this bridge out. Price didn't
want reinforcements to arrive from St. Louis while he captured Jefferson City. Anderson failed
at his mission, probably because it was so well protected. Gen. Marmaduke commanded a
portion of the troops that were part of this raid.
Gen. Price reported, "Captain Anderson, who that day reported to me with
about 100 men, was sent to destroy the North Missouri railroad; at the same
time Quantrell, with the men under his command, was sent to destroy the
Hannibal and Saint Joseph railroad, to prevent, if possible, the enemy from
throwing their forces from Saint Louis in my front. These officers, I was
afterwards informed, did some damage to the roads, but none of advantage,
and totally failed in the main object proposed, which was to destroy the
large railroad bridge in the edge of Saint Charles county."
St. Louis actually was another target for this raid, but Union Gen.
Rosencrans was able to put together a "Citizens Guard" of five regiments and
three battalions (one of these black), combined with whatever few Federal
units that were in the vicinity. This brought the defending force in St.
Louis to around 6,000-7,000.
While Price had a superior force of 8,000-9,000 Confederate (as well as
2,000 unarmed), he failed to have a 2:1 numeric advantage which would have been necessary
to insure victory against the Federals who had heavy artillery and fortifications at St. Louis. So
the attack here was aborted. Some Confederate Cavalry did make it into the county, such as at
the Cheltenham Post office (building still standing at 6437 Manchester Rd in the City of St.
Louis), which was temporarily captured.

In Gen. Price's report he gives a summary of some of his area activities:
"Whilst at Ironton, receiving information that the Federal forces
exceeded my own two to one, and knowing the city to be strongly fortified, I
determined to move as fast as possible on Jefferson City, destroying, the
railroad as I went, with a hope to capture that city with its troops and
munitions of war. I arrived at Richwoods on the 30th, having passed through
Potosi. Lieutenant Christian, whom I had sent to the Mississippi river
before I left Camden for the purpose of obtaining gun-caps, joined me at
this place, bringing 150,000. Lieutenant Christian is a most energetic and
efficient officer, and deserves especial notice. Major-General Fagan sent
300 men to De Soto to destroy the depot, which was effected, and the
militia, who had gathered there in some numbers, at the same time was
scattered. At the same time, General Cabell was sent with his brigade to cut
the Pacific railroad, east of Franklin, which he did effectually, also
burning the depot in that town."

Scott Williams
http://www.usgennet.org/~ahmostlu/grantcamp.htm
U.S. Grant Camp, No. 68 Sons of Union Veterans
Sterling Price Camp, No. 145 Sons of Confed. Veterans
http://www.sterlingprice145.org/
St. Louis, Missouri

Kelly (Meyer?) came up with the following history on Peruque Fort. This is out of the book
"History of St. Charles Mo. 1765-1885
During the War of the Rebellion, the long trestle work over Peruque creek, on the Wabash, St.
Louis & Pacific Railway, a few miles west of O'Fallon station, was
menaced by Marmaduke's army of Confederates, and a block house or fort was
erected for the accomodation of Union soldiers, placed there to guard the trestle.
The old log fort still stands near the track. It is built in a particularly strange and attractive style,
the upper story consisting of logs, laid in the shape of a diamond
across the square story arising from the ground. On bothside of the points of the diamond were
cut small windows and loop holes, and from this elevated position
a full view of the trestle could be had, and the entire property was within range of the guns of the
soldiers quartered there. Small detachments of Union troops garrisoned
the fort until after the close of hostilities, and Peruque Fort became quite a noted and historical
point.
Kelly

{{Jayne}} - this is really neat material. :-)
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From: GFS Jayne
I just found this!! Some of our room members have asked about placing memorial markers for
Civil War Soldiers.... this might help explain.
Civil War Ear Headstones and Markers
http://www.cem.va.gov/hmcivil.htm
There are specific style.s of upright headstones and flat markers to mark the graves of Union
and Confederate Civil War and Spanish-American War dead.
Proof of military service prior to World War I requires detailed documentation, such as muster
rolls, extracts from State files, pension documents or land warrants, to be considered for a
Government-provided headstone or marker.
Memorial markers are not usually provided for Civil War soldiers. The mere fact that the
whereabouts of the grave is not known is not reason enough for issuing a government headstone
or marker. The circumstances surrounding the soldiers' death should be such that it is assumed
the remains were unrecoverable or unidentifiable due to burning, drowning or burial in a mass
grave. If, however, there is documentation the soldier was buried in a mass grave, but the actual
location of the body is unknown, VA will provide a memorial marker for placement in a
national, state veteran or private cemetery.

{{Jayne}} - thanks Pard!
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WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War".

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

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

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

OUR PROMISE: to provide an "online" environment that is NOT judgmental and to
address ALL aspects of this "Pivotal Period" in our History, with honesty and truth
(as we know it).

We do "Fireside Stories" about the battles, the people and the social happenings. In addition we
dedicate one Thursday a month to the sharing of Songs, Poems and Letters from that era. So
come back and visit; we'll save you a seat at the Fireside, and keep the Cider warm..... For a
full listing of upcoming events, either look on the Schedule at the end of this Notice or in the
Upcoming Events of the Genealogy Forum.

As we review the logs, and we find new visitors who show an interest or have entered into
discussions on this topic in our Thursday sessions, we automatically add you to the distribution
for this "Weekly Fireside."

AND AGAIN TO YOU "FIRST-TIMERS" THIS WEEK, "Welcome"... :)

We heartily enjoyed your visit and participation. We really "fire up" with what members bring to
the discussions, and we hope to see more of you.... Note that for any reason, should you desire
to be removed from distribution of this "Weekly Missif," just drop us a line and we will comply
with your wishes "poste- haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Room with Hosts GFH Amy,
GFS Jayne, GFS TEG and GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

01/06/2000 - Can you believe it's 2000? Well, we're going to leave this OPEN CHAT so you
can bring your Questions and Answers and We'll "Collectively" Try to Answer them...........

01/13/2000 - It's our Monthly Special again; Letters, Songs and Poems night.

01/20/2000 - OPEN CHAT

01/27/2000 - "Matson Slave Trial or How Lincoln Got His Outhouse" - provided by
IllinoisCW. Frank has provided a great story which GFS Jayne will "read" to us .... Don't miss
this one.

02/03/2000 - OPEN CHAT

02/10/2000 - It's our Monthly Special again; Letters, Songs and Poems night.

02/17/2000 - Wilson's Creek - A Treatise by Joan Rose

02/24/2000 - OPEN CHAT

We'll See You Thursday Night..!
Your Joyful, Intelligent and Fun-lovin' Host's/Hostess's :-)
GFS Jim, GFS Jayne, GFS TEG and GFH Amy

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 09 January 2000

Thursday night was great time of OPEN CHAT :-) I received numerous reminders
that I was now a full-fledged member of the "Senior Moments" Club, having "miss-
layed
" the Web Site URL for the Genealogy Forum's new web site. Heh Heh Oh well, I
suppose this is the advanced class for "Character Building". I want to THANK ALL
OF YOU who sent in chuckles - LOL.... There is NO WAY I could fit all of those into
this week's Fireside :-)

The Music: This week is a simple John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High". Being as
that is my current home state, you just can't get any better. :-)
*******************
Editor's Note: for those of you who are AOL members, I want to encourage you to
feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, or Stories or articles that you have in
our Civil War History Files. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you
would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. Use
"keyword=roots" to get to the Genealogy Main Screen. Then select Files, followed
by selecting History and Culture and there you will find the two upload areas I
mentioned; Civil War Files, and Civil War Photos. I would also note that the New
Genealogy Forum Web Site is being constructed. On that Web Site, the Civil War
History SIG will have an area to link to our Civil War Library (Lectures, Letters,
Songs, Poems, Files, Firesides, and Photo's). When this is complete then anyone
(not just AOL Members) will have access to all our material. We'll be sure to let you
know when you can access it.

This coming Thursday we're going to leave as OPEN CHAT so you can bring your
Civil War Questions and Answers and We'll "Collectively" Try to Answer them...........
We'll keep a light on for you ....*<>*
"************************************************************************
FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO
OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND
COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN
OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

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

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

Editor's Note: Regimental Histories and Letters, etc. Postings: keyword "roots,"
after which will bring you to the main screen of the Genealogy Forum. Select the
"Files Library Center," then "History Files". At that point select "Civil War Files."
Lectures and the Letters, Songs and Poems evenings are also posted in the "Files
Library Center" under "History Lectures" as the Lecture Subject. The "Firesides"
when they eventually get there after their 30 days in the New Files section are
posted in the "Files Library Center" under "Meeting Logs and Newsletters".
***********************************************************************
Andersonville lookupsFrom: [email protected] (FRYE FAMILY)
Kevin Frye has offered his services for looking up Andersonville ancestors
http://www.corinthian.net/mccc/plookup.htm
Kevin is now building a website around Andersonville that informs about the prison
as well as his "lookup" offer above. The address is:
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/index.html>

ED. NOTE: Please visit this website.. it is awesome..
************************************************************************

Weekly Web Sites we've received

from AJWRJW
Civil War Book News Home Page
http://www.cw-book-news.com/TOC.html

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
An Announcement from Bulldogtjr:
Happy New Year to all of you folks, I have been off the air for three days due to a
modem failure but now back and ready to go. The forwarded mail herewith just
might be of interest to you, particularly you, Jim. I hope they make a videotape of this
unusual event. Best to all, Ted
And The Band Played On

July 2000 National Civil War Band Festival
The American Civil War Institute of Campbellsville University and the Campbellsville
University School of Music announced today the launching of the "greatest and most
significant gathering of Civil War bands in the nation since 1865" with the
University's sponsorship of The National Civil War Band Festival, July 28-30, 2000.
The three-day music festival will be held on the campus of Campbellsville University,
which is located in south central Kentucky (82 miles southwest of Lexington; 90
miles southeast of Louisville; and 150 miles northeast of Nashville).

Organizers of the event said that they are estimating The National Civil War Band
Festival to attract between 10,000 to 25,000 people to the City of Campbellsville.

Host bands for the festival are the Saxton's Cornet Band, based in Lexington,
Kentucky, and the Old Towne Brass, based in Huntsville, Alabama. Bands wishing
to participate or seeking further information may contact either Nicky Hughes at
[email protected] or Bob Baccus at [email protected].

For more information concerning the festival, contact Marc C. Whitt at 270-789-
5211--office or at [email protected], or Dr. David McCullough, director of
bands at Campbellsville University, at 270-789-5058--office or at
[email protected].

Marc C. Whitt
Vice President for Advancement
Campbellsville University
1 University Drive
Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718-2799
(270) 789-5211-office phone
(270) 789-5095-office fax

"Ted" thanks for this neat tip. It sounds like a "once in a lifetime" event..... If
any of you Readers are interested in this, Ted has provided all the "contact"
information to get "your dibs" in early. I would suspect this will fill up in a
hurry and this is a "first time" gathering of this nature.... :-)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!..

Here's how it works.. If you are trying to get photographs of a gravesite or
battlefield, to collect for your Civil War ancestor research and records, then
send us a request and we will post it here... Other members seeing your
request and being in the near vicinity, and are willing to assist can email you
direct (this protects your privacy) and work out the details. We HIGHLY
recommend the "Requester" pay for all film costs and any postage involved
for a helping member. This is intended to be a "Free" assistance between
members (with the exception of defraying film and postage costs). Do unto
others as.... you know :-) Keep us posted on how this is working, so we can
share them in the "Fireside"!!
GFS Jim
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANSWER(S) TO YOUR QUESTIONS, PLEASE BE
SURE TO LET US KNOW!!!!!
Thanks!! - The Editors

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: CW1865
My gr gr grandfather, Pvt. Adam Schneider, 183rd Ohio Infantry, died on the Sultana
on April 17, 1865, while coming home from Confederate prison with over 2,000
other parolees. Shortly after, his family in Cincinnati was visited by a survivor of this
disaster who was also his friend, Pvt. Michael Conrad, and Conrad told my gr gr
grandmother what happened to her husband. I am looking for descendants of
Conrad in the hopes that they can tell us Michael's version so what happened the
night the Sultana went down.
Thanks so much!
Pam Newhouse

{{{Pam}}} - check out the websites for this week.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
IllinoisCW is looking for someone living in or near Livingston County, NY. He's trying
to locate a possible gravesite. If you think you might be able to help, e-mail
[email protected] for further details

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: [email protected] (Jan Hood) and passed to us from SusiCP
SIMON POLK enlisted in the Confederate Army on 16 April 1862 at Rudes Hill, New
Market, VA. He went in as a Private. He was assigned to the 2nd VA Infantry,
Company F, Winchester Rifles. This Company and Infantry rode with Stonewall
Jackson throughout the war and was part of "Stonewall's Brigade." SIMON POLK
was listed as 'sick' in September 1862, and in a hospital at Bunker Hill, West
Va. He was later moved to a hospital in Martinsburg, W. Va., where he died on
11 October 1862. The hospital is not named.
I would appreciate anyone who may be able to help me, with any lookup or
advice.
Thank you VERY much.
Jan in Shenandoah Co., Va.

"Jan" - we're glad your "plea" was passed on to us. We'll put this to the
membership who many dedicated and expert researchers in all aspects of
the Civil War and see what we can find..... :-) Hey Faithful!.... What say Ye??
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A BIT OF COMMUNITY...

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: MDelPa Old Man & Little Boy
An old man was walking down the street when he saw a small boy sitting on the curb
crying. He stopped and asked, "Little boy, why are you crying?"
The little boy lifted his tear-stained face to the man and mumbled, "I'm crying
because I can't do what the big boys do."
So the old man sat beside him and cried, too.

{{Dottie}} that's good one. :D
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: Phreyor
Hello friends! I would like to know about the Veterans Reserve Corps (VRC),
stationed at Saint Louis in 1864. What is it and what was its purpose? I had a ggg-
Grandfather in it. Thanks for the great newsletter. I look forward to it every week.
RFS.

Phreyor - got your request! We'll see what the reader's come up with. In the
mean time I'll take a look. I haven't had any experience with them to date.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: TNWOM
Just wnated to thank you , Jayne & Tom for doing such a great job. Really love
getting the "Fireside". Wanted to tell you that I finally found one of my Civil War
ancestors - have been looking for him for 2 years. Was looking in the wrong place.
Finally located the right cemetery Thursday after rechecking some records at the
library. Saturday afternoon my 14 yr old son & I set out to find the cemetery. I was
determined to find the grave site this time. WE FOUND IT!!!!! Unfortunately most of
the family stones are gone including his but the family plot is there & part of the
stones are still standing.

Peter Black
12th TN Bat Cav Co D CSA
Peter is my gr gr grandfather (my mother's father's grandfather) Also on the other
side of town, I found my other gr gr grandfather (my mother's mother's grandfather)
Alexander Hux. I was so excited to finally find Peter that I had to share!
Barbara

{{Barbara}} CONGRATULATIONS :D Perserverance does pay off.... :D

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: Possum654
Thanks for another Weekly Fireside

"Possum" - Thank you :D
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: FI WATROUS
Can anyone help this fellow?

"Subj: Re: [NYALBANY] Civil War/34th NY Infantry Regt.
From: [email protected]
Anyone familiar with the 34th NY, sometimes called the Herkimer Regt., but
had many from Albany including my great-great-grandfather and brother? Lt.
Louis Chapin of Albany wrote the regimental history in 1903.

"Ike" - we'll put this in the newsletter and see what hits.....
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: AslanJ

Company F, 26th Regiment
Charlton County
"Okefenokee Rifles"
This company was successively designated as Old Company I, and New Company F, 13th
Regiment Georgia Infantry and Company F, (which became Company G, May 8, 1862 ), 26th
Regiment Georgia Infantry.
This company was organized August 14, 1861, in Charlton County, Georgia for twelve months.
Was ordered to Brunswick, Georgia August 24, 1861. Mustered into C.S. service by Colonel
Charles S. Rockwell August 28, 1861. Was ordered to St. Simon Island, Georgia October 6,
1861, and went into camp there October 7, 1861.

Engaged in battle at Wilderness, Virginia May 6, 1864; thence it marched to Spotsylvania,
Virginia, where it was engaged in battle on the 10, 12, and 19 of May 1864. It was also
engaged in battles around Richmond, Virginia Was in the rout and pursuit of "Hunter," and all
battles in which General Early's Infantry was engaged.
http://members.xoom.com/cmeadows/gvi/26regt/26gvicof.html
Judy Canant

{{Judy}} Thanks for the regimental information. I didn't have this one in my notes.
* * * * * *
Indians at Pea Ridge, Civil War event
From: Kernodleskid
This is an extract of a news page picked up off of ARIZARD
.........."While I know there were contemporary allegations in print about scalping
having been done at Pea Ridge by the Indian troops there, I'm not convinced
that those reports were necessarily true. The reports may well have been
Federal propaganda or sensationalist reporting by some reporter or editor of
the time.
As I understand the history of the practice, scalping was supposed to have
been introduced to North America by the British in the Northwest Territories
(present day western New York, western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, et cetera) during the French and Indian War. The British paid a
bounty to their Indian allies for each scalp they turned in. The Indians
involved were mostly tribes of that Region: Mohawk, Iroquois, Alquonquin,
and so forth.
I'm not prepared to state that the Cherokee, Choctaw, and other southern
tribes didn't take scalps then or later. However, I've never read that they
did and it's my sense of the matter that it was not part of their tribal
customs to do so.
So -- while I can't say no scalps were taken at Pea Ridge, I doubt the
veracity of the contemporary reports. However, as I said before, barring the
finding of a self-incriminating admission recorded by some Indian
participant at Pea Ridge, I believe the truth about the matter probably lies
beyond proof.

........Not following any orders. They supposedly robbed, raped and
burned every thing in sight. I believe after Pea Ridge my gramps did not stay with a german, as
such, unit. He got out and planted or harvested a crop then re
enlisted. Always a different Co. # but several was under Phelps company. Really tedious trying
to keep up..
I like this little family story......after the war....my gramps married and within a few years moved
to Arkansas to aid his father in law run a store at Wild Cherry, Ar. In Fulton Co. Only about 15
or 20 miles apart at Mitchell, Ar. The husband of my other side (moms) grand pa's sister. Ran a
store..post office.that fought with Prices army up in the area around Vera Cruz. They did not
have time to be friends
but were not enemies.......

..........The Indians that fought at Pea Ridge were given permission by General
Pike to "fight in their own fashion." The act of scalping an enemy was done
by numerous participants, on both sides of the conflict, but there is no
doubt that at Pea Ridge, the Indians did mutilate & scalp en mass. Van Dorn
did not acknowledge the incident in any official report until news of the
atrocities leaked out.
The March 27th 1862 edition of the New York Tribune slams Pike for all
kinds of things leading up to this incident.
The Cherokee National Council issued a statement afterward condemning
the acts & strongly urged it's people fighting on the Confederate side to
avoid any acts of this nature on fallen foes or prisoners in the future.........
Was Marmaduke Indian? No. John Sappington Marmaduke (1833-1887) The son of a
Missouri Governor.
Graduated West Point in 1857.
Achieved the rank of Major General.
Was captured in October 1864.
Became a St. Louis businessman & journal editor.
Was Governor of Missouri (1884-1887)
Source: Who Was Who In The Civil War.

Did he just lead the group of Indians ? At Pea Ridge, Major General Earl Van Dorn's command
consisted of regular Confederate troops commanded by Brigadier General Benjamin
McCulloch, and Missouri State Guard Forces commanded by Major General Sterling Price.
The Confederate force also included some 800 Cherokee Indians fighting for
the Confederacy.
Source: Pea Ridge National Military Park Service.

Four Regiments at Pea Ridge:
The First Regiment Choctaw & Chickasaw Mounted Rifles.-Colonel Douglas
H. Cooper.
The First Creek Regiment.-Colonel D. N. McIntosh.
The First Regiment Cherokee Mounted Rifles.-Colonel John Drew.
The Second Regiment Cherokee Mounted Rifles.-Colonel Stand Watie.
The battalions were:
The Choctaw & Chickasaw & the Creek & Seminole, the latter under
Lieutenant-Colonel Chilly McIntosh & Major John Jumper.

source: The American Indian In The Civil War, 1862-1865.
Desoto Joe/The Record Man
In "Ride with The Devil" (the "Devil" reputedly Quantrill) there is
a scene of the guerrillas playing cards (Poker?) in which one player is
out of money. He offers two scalps (of Blacks) instead, and is met on
his bet with a bet of the scalp of "Dutch" (German). A third player ( at
tad slow, maybe? ) says "I've only got money left!" The first player
grins and says, "We'll take it."
In the theatre I wondered to myself who would realize this was a
touch of reality, not a touch of melodrama. Ironic that the film and the
list thread would hit that same chord.
William "Bloody Bill" Anderson, Confederate guerilla and outlaw, was
born in Missouri. he became a guerilla leader notorious for leading raids along
the Kansas-Missouri border and infamous for scalping his victims.

AR Civil War Pg: http://www.insolwwb.net/~egerdes/
Memorial Pg: http://members.tripod.com/~egerdes/index.html
Lawrence Co. AR: http://www.couchgenweb.com/lawrence/
Izard Co. AR: http://idt.net/~jfultz19/izardco1.htm
Original AR Gen PG: http://www.CouchGenWeb.com/arkansas/
Helms Research PG: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~helmsnc/

"Kernodleskid" this was really an interesting capture.... Thanks!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TN Confederate Pension Index on-line
From: SusiCP
The Tennessee State Library & Archives is pleased to announce that
the index to Tennessee Confederate Pension Applications is now available on
our web site.
Tennessee Confederate Pensions were first offered to soldiers in
1891. In 1905 Confederate widows became eligible. The files created by the
Pension Board include original applications with data about the soldier's
life and service. Many files also contain correspondence and other paperwork
related to the claim.
The index is found at:
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/statelib/pubsvs/pension.htm

Librarian Ronald Lee was, as usual, the driving force behind getting
this information converted to a computerized format. Charise Artis, a
student intern from Tenn. State University, was also instrumental in helping
complete the project. We plan to post additional lists sorted by military
unit and by county of residence. Ron is leaving for a much-deserved vacation
and will work on those when he returns.

{{Susi}} Really good find... Thanks

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War".

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.

OUR PROMISE: to provide an "online" environment that is NOT judgmental and to
address ALL aspects of this "Pivotal Period" in our History, with honesty and truth
(as we know it).

We do "Fireside Stories" about the battles, the people and the social happenings. In addition we
dedicate one Thursday a month to the sharing of Songs, Poems and Letters from that era. So
come back and visit; we'll save you a seat at the Fireside, and keep the Cider warm..... For a
full listing of upcoming events, either look on the Schedule at the end of this Notice or in the
Upcoming Events of the Genealogy Forum.

As we review the logs, and we find new visitors who show an interest or have entered into
discussions on this topic in our Thursday sessions, we automatically add you to the distribution
for this "Weekly Fireside."

AND AGAIN TO YOU "FIRST-TIMERS" THIS WEEK, "Welcome"... :)

We heartily enjoyed your visit and participation. We really "fire up" with what members bring to
the discussions, and we hope to see more of you.... Note that for any reason, should you desire
to be removed from distribution of this "Weekly Missif," just drop us a line and we will comply
with your wishes "poste- haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Room with Hosts GFH Amy,
GFS Jayne, GFS TEG and GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

01/13/2000 - It's our Monthly Special again; Letters, Songs and Poems night.

01/20/2000 - It's OPEN CHAT, so you can bring your Questions and Answers and We'll
"Collectively" Try to Answer them...........

01/27/2000 - "Matson Slave Trial or How Lincoln Got His Outhouse" - provided by
IllinoisCW. Frank has provided a great story which GFS Jayne will "read" to us .... Don't miss
this one.

02/03/2000 - OPEN CHAT

02/10/2000 - It's our Monthly Special again; Letters, Songs and Poems night.

02/17/2000 - Wilson's Creek - A Treatise by Joan Rose

02/24/2000 - OPEN CHAT

We'll See You Thursday Night..!
Your Joyful, Intelligent and Fun-lovin' Host's/Hostess's :-)
GFS Jim, GFS Jayne, GFS TEG and GFH Amy

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 16 January 2000

Our special evening for "Letters, Songs and Poems" is always special. We did
enjoy you attendance and participation greatly. There was a Poem about the
"Cumberland" that went awry during transmission and I promised that I would put
that into the Fireside for you reading. I will have to put that one in next week's as I've
run out of time this week.

*******************
Editor's Note: for those of you who are AOL members, I want to encourage you to
feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, or Stories or articles that you have in
our Civil War History Files. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you
would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. Use
"keyword=roots" to get to the Genealogy Main Screen. Then select Files, followed
by selecting History and Culture and there you will find the two upload areas I
mentioned; Civil War Files, and Civil War Photos. I would also note that the New
Genealogy Forum Web Site is being constructed. On that Web Site, the Civil War
History SIG will have an area to link to our Civil War Library (Lectures, Letters,
Songs, Poems, Files, Firesides, and Photo's). When this is complete then anyone
(not just AOL Members) will have access to all our material. We'll be sure to let you
know when you can access it.

This coming Thursday we're going to leave as OPEN CHAT so you can bring your
Civil War Questions and Answers and We'll "Collectively" Try to Answer them...........
We'll keep a light on for you ....*<>*
"************************************************************************
FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO
OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND
COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN
OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

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

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

Editor's Note: Regimental Histories and Letters, etc. Postings: keyword "roots,"
after which will bring you to the main screen of the Genealogy Forum. Select the
"Files Library Center," then "History Files". At that point select "Civil War Files."
Lectures and the Letters, Songs and Poems evenings are also posted in the "Files
Library Center" under "History Lectures" as the Lecture Subject. The "Firesides"
when they eventually get there after their 30 days in the New Files section are
posted in the "Files Library Center" under "Meeting Logs and Newsletters".
***********************************************************************
Andersonville lookupsFrom: [email protected] (FRYE FAMILY)
Kevin Frye has offered his services for looking up Andersonville ancestors
http://www.corinthian.net/mccc/plookup.htm
Kevin is now building a website around Andersonville that informs about the prison
as well as his "lookup" offer above. The address is:
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/index.html>

ED. NOTE: Please visit this website.. it is awesome..
************************************************************************

Weekly Web Sites we've received

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
An Announcement from Bulldogtjr:
Happy New Year to all of you folks, I have been off the air for three days due to a
modem failure but now back and ready to go. The forwarded mail herewith just
might be of interest to you, particularly you, Jim. I hope they make a videotape of this
unusual event. Best to all, Ted
And The Band Played On

July 2000 National Civil War Band Festival
The American Civil War Institute of Campbellsville University and the Campbellsville
University School of Music announced today the launching of the "greatest and most
significant gathering of Civil War bands in the nation since 1865" with the
University's sponsorship of The National Civil War Band Festival, July 28-30, 2000.
The three-day music festival will be held on the campus of Campbellsville University,
which is located in south central Kentucky (82 miles southwest of Lexington; 90
miles southeast of Louisville; and 150 miles northeast of Nashville).

Organizers of the event said that they are estimating The National Civil War Band
Festival to attract between 10,000 to 25,000 people to the City of Campbellsville.

Host bands for the festival are the Saxton's Cornet Band, based in Lexington,
Kentucky, and the Old Towne Brass, based in Huntsville, Alabama. Bands wishing
to participate or seeking further information may contact either Nicky Hughes at
[email protected] or Bob Baccus at [email protected].

For more information concerning the festival, contact Marc C. Whitt at 270-789-
5211--office or at [email protected], or Dr. David McCullough, director of
bands at Campbellsville University, at 270-789-5058--office or at
[email protected].

Marc C. Whitt
Vice President for Advancement
Campbellsville University
1 University Drive
Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718-2799
(270) 789-5211-office phone
(270) 789-5095-office fax

"Ted" thanks for this neat tip. It sounds like a "once in a lifetime" event..... If
any of you Readers are interested in this, Ted has provided all the "contact"
information to get "your dibs" in early. I would suspect this will fill up in a
hurry and this is a "first time" gathering of this nature.... :-) I'm also going to
leave this notice in for a few weeks.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
An Announcement from Robin............
From: QNavyWife
Thanks as usual for the Fireside....I love getting it!
I have a request to make of you....I am currently the acting Secretary of the very
newly formed Madison County (NY) Civil War Round Table. We are trying to get the
word out about our group to as many as possible. Our next meeting is January 21,
2000 at 7:30 pm at the Morrisville (NY) Public Library on Rte 20 in Morrisville, NY.
We will be having a business meeting and electing our officers and our constitution
and by laws. We may have a short program if time permits. Normally we do have a
program. Would you please put a short bit in the Fireside about this? I would really
appreciate it as would the other members of the round table. Meetings are open to
anyone who is interested, you don't have to become a member to enjoy time with
us! Anyone who is interested in more info can contact me at [email protected]. I
am the secretary-elect so unless we elect someone else from the floor, I would be
the to contact. I can let you know about our future meetings and such if that would be
okay..... thanks!
Keep up the good work on the Fireside!
Robin Moore

{{Robin}} thank you for sending the notice. We're happy to post it and will
post any others you would like to send us. :-) There many great "Round
Tables" around the country and we're certainly happy to promote them
when we know about events.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Morris Island - NO DEVELOPMENT
From: AJWRJW

I am very happy to forward this information on to you! It seems that the collective voice was
heard around Morris Island!
Amy

www.charleston.net/pub/news/local/folly0112.htm

"Here is the results of the Morris Island development - a BIG NO!
Thanks for those who wrote letters - BTW, the middle school in Pa that they mentioned - that
was ME!!! I had my students write letters as part of a civics project!!!!!!!!!!!"
Paula

{{{Amy}}} this is good news.. :-) Sooooo one can make a difference!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!..

Here's how it works.. If you are trying to get photographs of a gravesite or battlefield,
to collect for your Civil War ancestor research and records, then send us a request and
we will post it here... Other members seeing your request and being in the near
vicinity, and are willing to assist can email you direct (this protects your privacy) and
work out the details. We HIGHLY recommend the "Requester" pay for all film costs
and any postage involved for a helping member. This is intended to be a "Free"
assistance between members (with the exception of defraying film and postage costs).
Do unto others as.... you know :-) Keep us posted on how this is working, so we can
share them in the "Fireside"!!
GFS Jim
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANSWER(S) TO YOUR QUESTIONS, PLEASE BE SURE TO
LET US KNOW!!!!!
Thanks!! - The Editors

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: CW1865
My gr gr grandfather, Pvt. Adam Schneider, 183rd Ohio Infantry, died on the Sultana on April
17, 1865, while coming home from Confederate prison with over 2,000 other parolees. Shortly
after, his family in Cincinnati was visited by a survivor of this disaster who was also his friend,
Pvt. Michael Conrad, and Conrad told my gr gr grandmother what happened to her husband. I
am looking for descendants of Conrad in the hopes that they can tell us Michael's version so
what happened the night the Sultana went down.
Thanks so much!
Pam Newhouse

{{{Pam}}} - check out the websites for this week.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
IllinoisCW is looking for someone living in or near Livingston County, NY. He's trying to locate
a possible gravesite. If you think you might be able to help, e-mail [email protected] for
further details

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: [email protected] (Jan Hood) and passed to us from SusiCP
SIMON POLK enlisted in the Confederate Army on 16 April 1862 at Rudes Hill, New
Market, VA. He went in as a Private. He was assigned to the 2nd VA Infantry,
Company F, Winchester Rifles. This Company and Infantry rode with Stonewall
Jackson throughout the war and was part of "Stonewall's Brigade." SIMON POLK
was listed as 'sick' in September 1862, and in a hospital at Bunker Hill, West
Va. He was later moved to a hospital in Martinsburg, W. Va., where he died on
11 October 1862. The hospital is not named.
I would appreciate anyone who may be able to help me, with any lookup or
advice.
Thank you VERY much.
Jan in Shenandoah Co., Va.

"Jan" - we're glad your "plea" was passed on to us. We'll put this to the membership
who many dedicated and expert researchers in all aspects of the Civil War and see
what we can find..... :-) Hey Faithful!.... What say Ye??
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A BIT OF COMMUNITY...

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
An interesting comment on the Civil War
From: MRB1330
This was sent to me and I don't know why .....but it is an interesting commentary on the
Civil War. Peggy

The Free Congress Commentary
What If the South Had Won the Civil
War?
By: William S. Lind
From the "Next Revolution" Television Program

If the South had won the Civil War, where might our two countries be today? It is of course
impossible to know, and as someone who proudly wears his great-grandfather's G.A.R. ring-he
served in the 88th and 177th Ohio Volunteers, and his diary records the monitors bombarding
Fort Fisher as he watched from a Union transport-I'm not entirely comfortable asking the
question. But given how bad things have gotten in the old U.S.A., it's not hard to believe that
history might have taken a better turn.
Slavery of course would be long gone, for economic reasons. Race relations today in the Old
South, in rural areas and cities such as Charleston, South Carolina, are generally better than they
are in northern cities, so we might have done all right on that score. When southerners say they
have a special relationship with blacks based on many generations of living together at close
quarters, they have a point. The real damage to race relations in the south came not from
slavery, but from Reconstruction, which would not have occurred if the South had won. And
since the North would have been a separate nation, the vast black migration to northern cities
that took place during World War II might not have happened. Certainly Southerners would not
be living under the iron rule of an all-powerful federal government, as we all do now.
Northerners might not be, either; a Union defeat would have given states' rights a boost in both
countries. The Tenth Amendment might still have the force of law even up north.
It is possible that both countries might still be republics, instead of a single empire. That
transformation traces to America's entry into World War I, which might not have happened.
Southern sympathy would probably have been with Britain and France, but the North, with a
large German population, might well have lined up with the Kaiser (the Irish would have liked
that, too). No American entry into the war would have meant no Communism in Russia and no
Hitler in Germany. That's not a bad bargain.
It is highly unlikely that the Confederacy would have embraced the cultural Marxism of Political
Correctness that is fast becoming the official American state ideology. So at least part of North
America would still stand for Western culture, Christianity and an appreciation of the differences
between ladies and gentlemen. Decency might have taken its stand in Dixie, along with some
other good things such as an appreciation for the merits of rural life.
Perhaps most important, Americans north and south might have a choice.
If the North had turned left, as the United States has during this century, Northerners who didn't
care for that development could cross the Mason Dixon line and become Southerners. That's an
option more than a few of us Yankees would appreciate having, even if it did mean having to eat
grits.
What would my great-grandfather, Union Army sergeant Alfred G. Sturgiss, say to all of this? If
he could see the sorry mess the country he fought for has become, I think he might sadly say
that he'd fought for the wrong side.
Bill Lind is director of the Free Congress Foundation's Center for Cultural Conservatism, and is
the co-host of the television program "Next Revolution".
Contact: Bill Lind at Free Congress Foundation 202.546.3000

{{Peggy}} This is indeed interesting. I'm sure we'll get some feedback on this one.
Thanks :-)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: Phreyor
Hello friends! I would like to know about the Veterans Reserve Corps (VRC), stationed at
Saint Louis in 1864. What is it and what was its purpose? I had a ggg-Grandfather in it. Thanks
for the great newsletter. I look forward to it every week.
RFS.

Phreyor - got your request! We'll see what the reader's come up with. In the
mean time I'll take a look. I haven't had any experience with them to date.
*********
From: GFS TEG
The Veteran Reserve Corps (VRC) was made up of members who still had time left
on their enlistments when their Regiments went home. Example - all the men who
joined the 14th Brooklyn in 62 and 63 became members of the 5th VETERANS
RESERVE CORPS. After the men of 61 went back to Brooklyn.
Tom

Thanks Tom for the feedback to Phreyor......
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

From: FI WATROUS
Can anyone help this fellow?

"Subj: Re: [NYALBANY] Civil War/34th NY Infantry Regt.
From: [email protected]
Anyone familiar with the 34th NY, sometimes called the Herkimer Regt., but
had many from Albany including my great-great-grandfather and brother? Lt.
Louis Chapin of Albany wrote the regimental history in 1903.

"Ike" - we'll put this in the newsletter and see what hits.....
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War".

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.

OUR PROMISE: to provide an "online" environment that is NOT judgmental and to
address ALL aspects of this "Pivotal Period" in our History, with honesty and truth
(as we know it).

We do "Fireside Stories" about the battles, the people and the social happenings. In addition we
dedicate one Thursday a month to the sharing of Songs, Poems and Letters from that era. So
come back and visit; we'll save you a seat at the Fireside, and keep the Cider warm..... For a
full listing of upcoming events, either look on the Schedule at the end of this Notice or in the
Upcoming Events of the Genealogy Forum.

As we review the logs, and we find new visitors who show an interest or have entered into
discussions on this topic in our Thursday sessions, we automatically add you to the distribution
for this "Weekly Fireside."

AND AGAIN TO YOU "FIRST-TIMERS" THIS WEEK, "Welcome"... :)

We heartily enjoyed your visit and participation. We really "fire up" with what members bring to
the discussions, and we hope to see more of you.... Note that for any reason, should you desire
to be removed from distribution of this "Weekly Missif," just drop us a line and we will comply
with your wishes "poste- haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Room with Hosts GFH Amy,
GFS Jayne, GFS TEG and GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

01/20/2000 - It's OPEN CHAT, so you can bring your Questions and Answers and We'll
"Collectively" Try to Answer them...........

01/27/2000 - "Matson Slave Trial or How Lincoln Got His Outhouse" - provided by
IllinoisCW. Frank has provided a great story which GFS Jayne will "read" to us .... Don't miss
this one.

02/03/2000 - OPEN CHAT - In addition we will have a very special story. GFS TEG has
gathered the story of "The Angel of Mayre's Heights" for you. This is indeed incredible. A must
see!!!!

02/10/2000 - It's our Monthly Special again; Letters, Songs and Poems night.

02/17/2000 - Wilson's Creek - A Treatise by Joan Rose

02/24/2000 - OPEN CHAT

We'll See You Thursday Night..!
Your Joyful, Intelligent and Fun-lovin' Host's/Hostess's :-)
GFS Jim, GFS Jayne, GFS TEG and GFH Amy

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 23 January 2000

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

Due to an extemely busy work schedule, I will, once again, be filling in for GFS
Jim as editor for 2 or 3 weeks. There just aren't enough hours in the day or days in the
week for him right now.
We certainly did have an interesting evening Thurs. Although not about the Civil
War, one of the major "observations" of the night was the absolutely awesome total
eclipse of the full moon.
One of the room members mentioned her Civil War ancestors' surnames were
Hogg and Bacon.... another mentioned hers was Potty. Can you see where this
headed!!!! To a discussion of "Historic artifacts" of course <Grin>... Were they latrines,
privies, outhouses, johns, sinks, necessary houses, wash houses or washrooms... also
mentiond were chamber pots (could that be where 'potty' came from?), thunder jugs and
mugs. I guess you had to be there to "appreciate" it. LOL It was a great lead-in
however to this coming Thursday night's story "Matson Slave Trial or How Lincoln Got
His Outhouse" - provided to us by IllinoisCW. You won't want to miss it!!!!!!

*******************
Editor's Note: for those of you who are AOL members, I want to encourage you
to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, or Stories or articles that you have in
our Civil War History Files. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would
desire to share those with the Civil War History community. Use "keyword=roots" to get
to the Genealogy Main Screen. Then select Files, followed by selecting History and
Culture and there you will find the two upload areas I mentioned; Civil War Files, and
Civil War Photos. I would also note that the New Genealogy Forum Web Site is being
constructed. On that Web Site, the Civil War History SIG will have an area to link to our
Civil War Library (Lectures, Letters, Songs, Poems, Files, Firesides, and Photo's). When
this is complete then anyone (not just AOL Members) will have access to all our material.
We'll be sure to let you know when you can access it.

This coming Thursday we're going to be reading "Matson Slave Trial or How
Lincoln Got His Outhouse" - provided to us by Frank Crawfore/IllinoisCW. You won't
want to miss it!!!!

We'll keep a light on for you ....*<>*
"***********************************************************************
*
FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU
TO OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS
AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME
AGAIN OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

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

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

Editor's Note: Regimental Histories and Letters, etc. Postings: keyword "roots," after
which will bring you to the main screen of the Genealogy Forum. Select the "Files
Library Center," then "History Files". At that point select "Civil War Files." Lectures
and the Letters, Songs and Poems evenings are also posted in the "Files Library Center"
under "History Lectures" as the Lecture Subject. The "Firesides" when they eventually
get there after their 30 days in the New Files section are posted in the "Files Library
Center" under "Meeting Logs and Newsletters".
***********************************************************************
Andersonville lookupsFrom: [email protected] (FRYE FAMILY)
Kevin Frye has offered his services for looking up Andersonville ancestors
http://www.corinthian.net/mccc/plookup.htm
Kevin is now building a website around Andersonville that informs about the prison as
well as his "lookup" offer above. The address is:
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/index.html>

Editor's Note: I received the following on the Civil War Mail list I subscribe to and I
received permission from Kevin to put this is our newsletter for a couple of weeks.

I have received request from a few of you in the past, for information of Guards who
died at Andersonville. I had been told by the personnel at Andersonville that NO remains
were moved after the war. I have told at least 2 researchers of this and have recently
found information that there were 115 members of the prison guard detail who died, were
buried at Andersonville , and were disinterred and reburied in Oakgrove Cemetery in
Americus Georgia by the UDC. If you have asked me about this, please drop me a line
with the names and regiments you had asked me about as I will be looking into the
cemetery and its records in the next few weeks as I find time to get back to Andersonville
to take photos and do research.

ED. NOTE: Please visit his website.. it is awesome..
************************************************************************

Weekly Web Sites we've received

From GFS Amy:

Fascinating Trivia http://home.ptd.net/~nikki/cwtrivia.htm

Here are just a few samples from the site:

The youngest recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor was Willie Johnston,
drummer boy for the 3rd Vermont. He was 12 years old during the action at the Seven
Days' Battles for which he received his medal.

Almost 1/2 of Confederate soldiers were wounded, captured, killed, or died from
disease.

By war's end, over 2,000,000 volunteers had joined the Union army.

During the Civil War, gonorrhea was treated with injections of ink.

Also From GFS Amy
The following book was mentioned by Amy in the chat Thursday

"Everything Civil War"
by Spencer Kope
from Willow Creek Press of Washington 1996

Editor's Note: After doing a check with Amazon.com, I found that the title is unavailable
as publisher is out of stock, so you might want to keep an eye out for this book at yard
sales or second hand book stores.

* * * * * * * * *

From Moweq:

Illinois State Archives http://www.sos.state.il.us/depts/archives/arc_home.html
There is searchable Civil War database link from this site.

* * * * * * * * *
From IrishInCal
Civil War History/Military Records
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/9787/military.html

* * * * * * * * *
From GFS Jayne who received the MOH sites from the [email protected]
maillist.

U.S Army_ Civil War. Medal of Honor Recipients
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rle/armymenu.htm

Civil War-NAVY. Medal of Honor Recipients
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rle/navymenu.htm

Marines-Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients.
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rle/usmc1.htm

The Largest Civil War Cookbook on the Internet
http://www.almshouse.com/cookbook.htm

* * * * * * * * *
From NEVassau

This URL will take you to an article by George G. Morgan: "ALONG THOSE LINES..."
"How to Find Treasures at the National Archives" a very interesting and helpful article.
http://www.ancestry.com/learn/columns/dailynews.htm#3

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
An Announcement from Bulldogtjr:
Happy New Year to all of you folks, I have been off the air for three days due to a
modem failure but now back and ready to go. The forwarded mail herewith just might be
of interest to you, particularly you, Jim. I hope they make a videotape of this unusual
event. Best to all, Ted

And The Band Played On

July 2000 National Civil War Band Festival
The American Civil War Institute of Campbellsville University and the Campbellsville
University School of Music announced today the launching of the "greatest and most
significant gathering of Civil War bands in the nation since 1865" with the University's
sponsorship of The National Civil War Band Festival, July 28-30, 2000.
The three-day music festival will be held on the campus of Campbellsville University,
which is located in south central Kentucky (82 miles southwest of Lexington; 90 miles
southeast of Louisville; and 150 miles northeast of Nashville).

Organizers of the event said that they are estimating The National Civil War Band
Festival to attract between 10,000 to 25,000 people to the City of Campbellsville.

Host bands for the festival are the Saxton's Cornet Band, based in Lexington, Kentucky,
and the Old Towne Brass, based in Huntsville, Alabama. Bands wishing to participate or
seeking further information may contact either Nicky Hughes at [email protected] or
Bob Baccus at [email protected].

For more information concerning the festival, contact Marc C. Whitt at 270-789-5211--
office or at [email protected], or Dr. David McCullough, director of bands at
Campbellsville University, at 270-789-5058--office or at [email protected].

Marc C. Whitt
Vice President for Advancement
Campbellsville University
1 University Drive
Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718-2799
(270) 789-5211-office phone
(270) 789-5095-office fax

"Ted" thanks for this neat tip. It sounds like a "once in a lifetime" event..... If any of
you Readers are interested in this, Ted has provided all the "contact" information to get
"your dibs" in early. I would suspect this will fill up in a hurry and this is a "first time"
gathering of this nature.... :-) I'm also going to leave this notice in for a few weeks.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I'm going to leave this in... just in case you missed it, and yes people can make a
difference!!!

Morris Island - NO DEVELOPMENT
From: AJWRJW

I am very happy to forward this information on to you! It seems that the collective voice
was heard around Morris Island!
Amy

www.charleston.net/pub/news/local/folly0112.htm

"Here is the results of the Morris Island development - a BIG NO!
Thanks for those who wrote letters - BTW, the middle school in Pa that they
mentioned - that was ME!!! I had my students write letters as part of a civics
project!!!!!!!!!!!"
Paula

{{{Amy}}} this is good news.. :-) Sooooo one can make a difference!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SOMETHING SPECIAL!!...

As those of you who were at our last Songs, Letters and Poems night know, one of the
poems GFS Jim was reading "went awry" sooooo... for all you who requested that it be
in the Fireside...... Here it tis!!!!!

The Cumberland by
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1802-1887)

"The Cumberland was a wooden ship, a sloop with
twenty-four guns, rammed and sunk by the
Confederate ironclad Merrimac at Hampton
Roads, Virginia, on Saturday, March 8, 1862.
Union sailors on the Cumberland fought until
the last, enduring fearsome casualties. When
the ship sank, the main mast with the American
flag still flying remained above the water waving
in the breeze.

At anchor in Hampton Roads we lay,
On board of the Cumberland, sloop-of-war;
And at times from the fortress across the bay
The alarum of drums swept past,
Or a bugle-blast
From the camp on the shore.

Then far away to the south uprose
A little feather of snow-white smoke,
And we knew that the iron ship of our foes
Was steadily steering its course
To try the force
Of our ribs of oak

Down upon us heavily runs,
Silent and sullen, the floating fort;
Then comes a puff of smoke from her guns,
And leaps the terrible death,
With fiery breath,
From each open port.

We are not idle, but send her straight
Defiance back in a full broadside!
As hail rebounds from a roof of slate,
Rebounds our heavier hail
From each iron scale
Of the monster's hide.

"Strike your flag!" the rebel cries,
In his arrogant old plantation strain.
"Never!" our gallant Morris replies:
"It is better to sink than to yield!"
And the whole air pealed
With the cheers of our men.

Then like a kraken huge and black,
She crushed our ribs in her iron grasp!
Down went the Cumberland all awrack,
With a sudden shudder of death,
And the cannon's breath
For her dying gasp.

Next morn, as the sun rose over the bay,
Still floated our flag at the mainmast-head.
Lord, how beautifil was thy dat!
Every waft of the air
Was a whisper of prayer,
Or a dirge for the dead.

Ho! brave hearts that went down in the seas!
Ye are at peace in the troubled stream.
Ho! brave land! with hearts like these,
Thy flag, that is rent in twain,
Shall be one again,
And without a seam.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A SPECIAL STORY!!

The Wreck of the Prisoners Train
sent by Tom Gladwell/GFS TEG

This little-known accident caused more casualties than many well-recorded
battles of the war. Many questions about its background and aftermath remain
unanswered.
Not all the tragic waste of human life in the Civil war was on the battlefields and
in the hospitals and prison camps. Far removed from the fighting front, in the northeast
corner of Pennsylvania near the little town of Shohola in Pike County, more soldiers died
in the early afternoon of Friday, July 15, 1864 than were killed in many of the small
battles that have received some notice in published Civil War history.
This is the story of that tragedy.
It has its beginning in the Point Lookout Federal military prison in Maryland. This
prison camp ( there were no barracks) served as a kind of distributing point for the
transfer of Confederate enlisted men to other prisons farther north. Set up in August
1863, it often had a tent dwelling population of close 20,000. Our story concerns 833 0f
these men, selected to be shipped to the Elmira ( N.Y.) Military prison when Grant's
decision in the spring of 64 to discontinue prisoner exchange led to overcrowding at Point
Lookout.
The first leg of the journey was by ship to Jersey City. Here in the early dawn of
July 15 the men were transferred to a train made up of a hodgepodge of over 20 "
emigrant" cars, box cars and the like. It carried a guard of about 125 soldiers stationed
generally four to each car, two at the front and two at the rear. Security measures up to
this point had been a bit leaky; the scheduled departure of the train at 4:30 a.m. was
delayed for more than an hour by a search for three prisoners who escaped somewhere
between the ship and the train.
The train finally got under way sometime after 5:30, and shortly before 1:30 in
the afternoon was moving northwest toward Shohola on the single-line track of the Erie
Railroad paralleling the Delaware River. At the same time, several miles up the line
beyond Shohola, tragedy was in the making. An eastbound 50-car coal train came onto
the main line off the Hawley branch four miles away at Lackawaxen. Conductor John
Martin swung off to ask Duff Kent, telegraph operator at the junction, if the track was
clear for him to proceed. Kent had been carousing the night before he was still suffering
from the " morning afters," and although the flag-carrying pilot train preceding the
prisoner-laden extra had passed his station giving warning, he unthinkingly gave Martin
the go-ahead. So the coal train turned east at 12 miles an hour toward the now westbound
prisoner train then approaching Shohola at twice that speed.
A mile west of Shohola lay a long, sharply curved cut called locally the King and
Fuller's Cut from the contractors who had dug it. Track visibility in the deep cut was little
better than 150 feet. There, without warning, the two engines met. A survivor described
that meeting as a tremendous, crashing roar, with the engines rearing up " high in the air,
face to face against each other, like giants grappling." The crash '' was followed by a
second or two of awful silence and then the air was filled by most appalling shrikes and
wails and cries of anguish."
The impact telescoped the leading prison car into a space of little more than six
feet; all four guards and all but one of 38 prisoners were killed, most of them horribly
mangled. The succeeding cars suffered proportionately less, but when survivors and the
townspeople who hurried to the scene had laid out the bodies, some of them hastily
pieced together from bloody fragments, the toll of the dead came to 51 prisoners and 19
of their blue-coated guards. In addition, of the civilian train crews, the fireman and
brakeman of the coal train and the engineer and fireman of the Prisoner train all perished.
This was not the final total; many of the 123 injured died within the next few hours.
The authorities acted promptly. A coroner's inquest was held at Shohola and
strangely though the criminal carelessness that had caused the slaughter was well known,
everyone connected with the disaster was exonerated. Duff Kent was not molested; in
fact, while the victims of his drunken stupidity lay dead or pain-wracked from their
injuries, he callously attended a dance that night at nearby Hawley. Next day, however,
he disappeared, never to be heard of again.
The railroad company took over the sad task of mass burial. A local undertaker
supplied individual pine boxes for the Union dead; the Confederates were buried four in a
box. A great trench 76 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 6 feet deep was dug the night of the
disaster between the railroad and the river200 yards away. In this were placed the 72
Confederates then dead. They were buried in their gray uniforms, their feet toward the
river.
For 47 years the last sleep of these Southerners in a alien soil was undisturbed
save by the river floods which periodically carried away some of the bones. Then in 1911
an act of Congress provided for reinterment of the remains in the Woodlawn National
Military Cemetery at Elmira. On Tuesday, June 8, 1911, after three days of labor, the
removal was completed. A number of relics-knives, pens, ink bottles, daguerreotypes,
uniform decorations, and the like were turned over to the local historical society.
Traces of the tragedy have long since been obliterated, but local historians still
seek the answers to two questions; What became of the author of the disaster, Duff Kent?
What happened to the five prisoners who escaped in the confusion of the wreck?
Somewhere in northeastern Pennsylvania or adjoining New York, it is believed. Are the
descendants of at least one who was known to have worked in a coal mine and later lived
at Matamoras. But what of the others ? Did they find their way back to fight in the
South's last battles, or did they begin a new life in a northern land?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!..

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

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANSWER(S) TO YOUR QUESTIONS, PLEASE BE
SURE TO LET US KNOW!!!!!
Thanks!! - The Editors

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: CW1865
My gr gr grandfather, Pvt. Adam Schneider, 183rd Ohio Infantry, died on the
Sultana on April 17, 1865, while coming home from Confederate prison with over 2,000
other parolees. Shortly after, his family in Cincinnati was visited by a survivor of this
disaster who was also his friend, Pvt. Michael Conrad, and Conrad told my gr gr
grandmother what happened to her husband. I am looking for descendants of Conrad in
the hopes that they can tell us Michael's version so what happened the night the Sultana
went down.
Thanks so much!
Pam Newhouse

{{{Pam}}} - check out the websites in last week's Fireside

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
GFS Jim is looking for the words to a traditional Irish tune "My Own Native Land".
While he has the song on a couple of CD's, there are a few lines where he just can't
understand the words

Any help out there for "our" Jim???????

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: JCHovermal

Could anyone help me with this one? My great grandfather James A. Furman Truett was
enlisted into the 14th SC Infantry in Aug.1861 in a town called Lightwood Knot Springs.
Does anyone know where that was?

Susan Truett Hovermale
Mt. Pleasant,SC

{{{{Susan}}}} Here's hoping some one of the Civil War History "Faithful" can help.
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From: [email protected] (Jan Hood) and passed to us from SusiCP
SIMON POLK enlisted in the Confederate Army on 16 April 1862 at Rudes Hill,
New
Market, VA. He went in as a Private. He was assigned to the 2nd VA Infantry,
Company F, Winchester Rifles. This Company and Infantry rode with Stonewall
Jackson throughout the war and was part of "Stonewall's Brigade." SIMON POLK
was listed as 'sick' in September 1862, and in a hospital at Bunker Hill, West
Va. He was later moved to a hospital in Martinsburg, W. Va., where he died on
11 October 1862. The hospital is not named.
I would appreciate anyone who may be able to help me, with any lookup or
advice.
Thank you VERY much.
Jan in Shenandoah Co., Va.

"Jan" - we're glad your "plea" was passed on to us. We'll put this to the membership who
many dedicated and expert researchers in all aspects of the Civil War and see what we
can find..... :-) Hey Faithful!.... What say Ye??
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A BIT OF COMMUNITY...

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
GFS TEG has a complete list of the Confederate and Union burials at the Woodlawn
Cemetery in Elmira, NY. If you would like a "look-up" send him an email at GFS
[email protected]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: GFS Gary

Confederate Research Sources
SKU: 9946
The Ancestry.com Price: ON SALE! $8.95
Regular Price: $15.95 Savings of 44%!!!

Confederate Research Sources: A Guide to Archive Collections by James C. Neagles
Finding and using Confederate records can be problematic at best. In his
book,Confederated Research Sources, James C. Neagles seeks to eliminate many of the
prolems that accompany searching for ancestors that participted actively in the
Confederacy. This book will save you from countless hours of searching by leading you
directly to the records you need. It is an invaluable resource for any one who has
Confederate ancestry.

{{{{{Gary}}}}} Thanks so much for the info. It is indeed a good one for those with
Confederate ancestry. Check out http://www.ancestry.com and look in their "Shop"
then type in the title of the book. Unknown how long it will be "on sale".

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: Phreyor
Hello friends! I would like to know about the Veterans Reserve Corps (VRC),
stationed at Saint Louis in 1864. What is it and what was its purpose? I had a ggg-
Grandfather in it. Thanks for the great newsletter. I look forward to it every week.
RFS.

Phreyor - got your request! We'll see what the reader's come up with. In the mean time
I'll take a look. I haven't had any experience with them to date.
*********
From: GFS TEG
The Veteran Reserve Corps (VRC) was made up of members who still had time left on
their enlistments when their Regiments went home. Example - all the men who joined the
14th Brooklyn in 62 and 63 became members of the 5th VETERANS RESERVE
CORPS. After the men of 61 went back to Brooklyn.
Tom

Thanks Tom for the feedback to Phreyor......
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I'm sharing the following note with all of you... Please keep Don and all our servicemen
in your prayers!

From: JETFLYR2

Unsubscribe :(

I'm moving off AOL after 5 years, new e-mail address is [email protected]
PLEASE keep sending the fireside newsletter to my new address. Unfortunately, I won't
be able to make the chats anymore, whenever I do happen to be in country. You folks
take care and keep pressing on in keeping our important heritage "alive"- Regards, Don
Long

{{{{{Don}}}}} We're leavin' "JETFLYR2" on the distribution till AOL tells us you
aren't here anymore, but we've also added your new address. "Iffen" you can "borrow"
AOL from a friend sometime, drop in to see us. You take care my friend and God Bless.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From: FI WATROUS
Can anyone help this fellow?

"Subj: Re: [NYALBANY] Civil War/34th NY Infantry Regt.
From: [email protected]
Anyone familiar with the 34th NY, sometimes called the Herkimer Regt., but
had many from Albany including my great-great-grandfather and brother? Lt.
Louis Chapin of Albany wrote the regimental history in 1903.

"Ike" - we'll put this in the newsletter and see what hits.....
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WHAT WE ARE ABOUT

OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War".

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.

OUR PROMISE: to provide an "online" environment that is NOT judgmental and to
address ALL aspects of this "Pivotal Period" in our History, with honesty and truth (as
we know it).

We do "Fireside Stories" about the battles, the people and the social happenings. In
addition we dedicate one Thursday a month to the sharing of Songs, Poems and Letters
from that era. So come back and visit; we'll save you a seat at the Fireside, and keep the
Cider warm..... For a full listing of upcoming events, either look on the Schedule at the
end of this Notice or in the Upcoming Events of the Genealogy Forum.

As we review the logs, and we find new visitors who show an interest or have entered
into discussions on this topic in our Thursday sessions, we automatically add you to the
distribution for this "Weekly Fireside."

AND AGAIN TO YOU "FIRST-TIMERS" THIS WEEK, "Welcome"... :)

We heartily enjoyed your visit and participation. We really "fire up" with what members
bring to the discussions, and we hope to see more of you.... Note that for any reason,
should you desire to be removed from distribution of this "Weekly Missif," just drop us a
line and we will comply with your wishes "poste- haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Room with Hosts GFH
Amy, GFS Jayne, GFS TEG and GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

01/27/2000 - "Matson Slave Trial or How Lincoln Got His Outhouse" - provided by
IllinoisCW. Frank has provided a great story which GFS Jayne will "read" to us ....
Don't miss this one.

02/03/2000 - "The Angel of Marye's Heights" by GFS TEG. This is indeed an incredible
story. A must see!!!! When the story is finished we will have OPEN CHAT

02/10/2000 - It's our Monthly Special again; Letters, Songs and Poems night.

02/17/2000

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