January 2002 Weekly Firesides

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 06 January 2002

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

Last Thursday night was OPEN CHAT and we had a blast. Those that attended kept Jayne, Amy and I just hopping to answer all the questions and requests. That's what we like.

This week in the newsletter I've included a number of "queries" from individuals who are wanting information about various Regiments, and a note from the Webmaster of the "Washington Grays" site that I posted last week. Take a look at their feedback and help where you can.

This coming Thursday is Letters, Songs and Poems night and we'll be looking for you... If you have anything you wish to share from your family treasures, email them to HOST GFS Jayne or HOST GFS Jim and we'll be sure to get them in.

Editor's Note: I sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's). 

FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

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

Did you know...............

The Civil War spared Danville, Virginia, any real grief until the very end -- past the end, if you count Appomattox and ultimate moment of all.

To be sure, the war took the lives of some Danville boys. But the community was spared, for there was little fighting here on the Dan River at the borderline of Virginia and North Carolina. Danville was a part of the overall picture; in the Confederate government's last days, it stopped here in its flight from Richmond and made a third capital out of Danville -- but only for a week. Richmond fell on April 3, 1865, and Lee surrendered at Appomattox, not seventy miles from Danville, on April 9. On April 10 Jefferson Davis and his government, what was left of it, took to the rail lines again and headed further south and into history (after one more stop at decidedly unwelcoming Greensboro, North Carolina).

All of this left Danville alone again, shaken and still agog at what had passed so suddenly. The small city was totally unsuspecting that the wartime tragedies that had struck so many communities over the past four years, especially in the South, were about to leave scars on Danville as well.

It may have been children, small boys at play.

The arsenal was located at the low end of Craighead Street, against the river and below the Richmond and Danville railroad station. Here, carefully stored away and usually well guarded, were gun-powder, cartridges, and various other munitions and explosives. Not the sort of thing, normally, to concern two local women who left home that morning fully expecting to return to hearth and family.

"No one knows how the powder was ignited," said L. Beatrice W. Hairston in here 1955 book, A Brief History of Danville, Virginia: 1728-1954, "but suddenly a tongue of flame gushed up and a tremendous explosion shook the town. Crash followed crash as one after another the explosives went off, and the building itself leaped into the air, to fall to pieces."

The shame was that at least fourteen persons were killed, including the two local women -- "drowned when they flung themselves into the river to extinguish the flames in their clothing." Fourteen bodies, "terribly mangled," were recovered on the site and nearby, and still others injured in the explosion died later.

Just one day earlier Danville had heard of the war's probable end with Lee's surrender to Grant on April 9 -- now this.

Few outside of Danville heard or spoke of the city's terrible loss, so intent was the nation on the larger events that were quickly unfolding. In Mobile, Confederates were leaving their fortresses. In North Carolina, Sherman was still advancing northward, but he and Confederate General Joseph Johnston soon would come to terms. In Washington, Abraham Lincoln made a speech at a White House window stressing reconciliation -- his last public speech, it so happens.

There were many in Danville, Virginia, the night of April 11 who didn't care for a moment what was going on elsewhere. While it seemed that everywhere else the war was ending or had ended, in Danville, Virginia, its sting had just been felt.

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

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

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

Additional Note from the Webmaster: Although we are thrilled to provide this area for you now, we want you to know that we are still building it and MORE files, Regimental Histories, etc., will be available in the near future. Stay Tuned!

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From: [email protected]

Unit History and Soldiers' Biographies of Company H, 120th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Civil War
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~holder/
companyh/companyh120coverpage.html

Granite State Camp # 5 SUVCW
http://www.geocities.com/rochnh/rochnh.html

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From: [email protected] 

Elmira Prison Camp OnLine Library
http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/elmiraprison/index.html
A note from Brian Scott "My name is Brian Scott and I am the creator and webmaster for the Elmira Prison Camp OnLine Library. It is the largest online source for information about the prison and those who spent time there. It is made up mostly by submissions of descendents of prisoners. I am submitting it for possible inclusion in your page.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Brian Scott - Webmaster

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 see your request, some being in the near vicinity, are willing to assist, and can email you directly (This protects your privacy) to 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"!!
HOST 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....

* * * * * 

I truly enjoy reading the Weekly Fireside for it's educational matter as well as it's humor. I want to thank all who are involved in creating it.

I have recently perused the Burnet Co TX message boards and have located the obit on a distant ancestor of my children. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get farther back in his ancestry line. His obituary, written by a granddaughter (name unknown), states he was James Madison Livingston b 11 Sept 1839 on a plantation in SC then moved to Americus GA. early in life, one of 16 children. He died in Nov 1935 in Burnet TX.

An email from Brad Coker in a RAOK sent an email stating "he enlisted as a private on 15 June 1861 into the "Muckalee Guards" from Sumter Co, Co A, 12th GA Infantry. He was wounded at Gaines Mill June 27, 1862 and again at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863." The obit states that brothers William and George also served in the CW with him.

The obit further states that he came to TX in 1866 to Cameron TX, then came to Burnet TX in 1869 and in 1871 married Josephine Catharine Chamberlain, d/o James and Sarah Chamberlain. The Chamberlain family has been well researched and placed online but I find nothing farther back on James Madison Livingston. Nor on his descendants online.

Is there anyone reading this who might be descended from his siblings who could tell me more about this line? Family rumor is that there is a connection to Philip Livingston, a signer of the Declaration of Independence but I don't know where this connection is and it may be indirect.

I want to thank in advance anyone who can help me fill in my blanks.

{{Betty}} I found this in my "Done" file and then I couldn't remember posting it, so I'm doing it again on the "off-chance" I slipped up. :-)

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From: [email protected]
I'm interested in corresponding with descendants of any of the men in Cobb's Georgia Legion, CSA. I have been working on a book about these men for a couple of years and may have information to share with you, and would like to hear from you in return.
Carol Purdy

Carol and readers - I took this from the Genealogy Forum Message Board as it was in the Civil War History area and Carol gave permission to distribute this with her return email If any of you are researching Cobb's Georgia Legion, CSA, drop Carol a line and trade information. Having a compiled set of information on the regiment definitely benefits us all and helps Carol in her quest.....

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From: [email protected]
Mark T. Alexander, son of the Honorable Mark Alexander Jr., U.S. Congress 1819-1833, son of Mark Alexander Sr., who fought at Brandywine, Germantown and Mommouth in the Rev. War, born in Mecklenburg County, near Boydton, in 1842, enlisted at age 19, in Co. A, 3rd Virginia Cavalry, "Rosser's Cav." on May 14, 1861, at Boydton, VA. He was captured by Union troops or surrenderd at Appomattox, and was paroled on May 29, 1865. He later lived in Baltimore MD. around 1900 and had five grandaughters, four of them were married about 1900. He died on October 30,1927 at Norfolk, VA. and was buried near his father in Scotland Neck, N.C. I am interested in talking to some of his descendents.
Lloyd Smith.

Kvet and readers - I took this from the Genealogy Forum Message Board as it was in the Civil War History area and Kvet gave permission to distribute this with her return email. If any of you are researching Company A, 3rd VA Cavalry, drop Kvet a line and trade information.

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From: [email protected]
Jim - can you put in your newsletter.
Susi

I just got this from an old friend of mine, along with this poem. Her gggrandfather, Capt. Thomas Bible kept a diary the whole time he was in the service. This diary can be found at http://www.tngenweb.org/greene/biblediary.htm

Tree of Liberty -- 1865

O! hail the bright, the fires light,
That to the east appear.
You're welcome here my heart's delight,
Another glorious year.
Although the last was spent at war,
Sweet fortune crown the just,
Columbia breathes the purest air,
And feels the sweetest rest.
Although a youth of sixteen years,
I saw these wars begin.
Sweet order banishing every feat,
I longed to be a man.
I feel a gleam of liberty,
A glowing in my breast.
My residence is Tennessee,
A native of the west.
Brave Washington, he led the way,
To victory and renown.
He planted a tree of liberty,
JEFF DAVIS can't pull down.
The roots, the spread from shore to shore,
The branches reach the skies,
The cause of freedom we adore,
We'll conquer boys, or die.
Long may the holy temple stand,
And all our sons live free.
Long life to the boys who guard our shores,
And fight for liberty.
Loud cannons thundering around our shores,
We'll travel land and sea,
And when we hear Yankey rifles roar
We'll shout for liberty.
There's Ohio and Kentucky,
Unite in heart and hand.
There's several to the north will fight,
Our Union to defend.
Success to General Sherman,
And all his gallant crew,
Likewise to our Anderson
Who to our cause proved true.
Brave Tennessee has sent a band,
To fight on Kentucky's plain,
With Rebel's blood, they've washed the land
History records the scenes.
Then with a shout, our eagle roared,
And fluttered as she flew.
Columbias' like a giant grown,
Her arms are ever true.

By Capt. Thomas Bible, 8th Regiment, Tenn. Volunteer
Poem reprinted with permission from Donahue Bible from his booklet
"THEIR EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY. . . EAST TENNESSEE UNIONISTS IN THE CIVIL WAR . . 1861-1865"

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: [email protected]
Thanks Jim for sharing with the rest of the CW chat that Tom is helping at the World Trade Center. He let me know as well as you what he was doing. I am very proud of my dear cousin Tom and I know that both his dad and mine would be proud of him too. Please keep Tom and all of the other men and women that have taken on this grueling task in your prayers. We need to pray for safety, stamina, endurance, protection of mind, body and soul and an extra measure of Grace to see this incredible task through. May the Lord Bless those men and women that are working at the WTC and the Pentagon and their families and those prayer warriors all around this world that are lifting them up in prayer.

"Cousin" thanks for the note.....

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From: [email protected]
What a wonderful newsletter. Thank you so much. It was needed!!!!!!
Norma

{{{Norma}}} Thanks for the nice feedback.

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From: [email protected] (Edward Harding)
Hello Jimmy,
Thank you for signing the guestbook on my site for the Washington Grays. I have also done two other websites on companies I had ancestors in. I'll list these two sites below along with one good one for the Civil War Homepage. It contains a LOT of information on the War. Be sure to check under Regimental Histories, etc on this site.

Beaufort Ploughboys
http://cob61stregncst.homestead.com/index.html

Clark Skirmishers
http://cok41stnct.homestead.com/index.html

Civil War Homepage
http://sunsite.utk.edu/civil-war/

I hope these might be of some help to your group. I also do lookups on soldiers as I have quite a few databases. Most times I am able to find something on a soldier if given a name and the state he served from. To date, I've probably done about 1,500 lookups for people to help get them started with their research.
Thanks again for the kind remarks you made about my website.
Best regards,
Edward Harding
Washington, North Carolina
[email protected]

{{Edward}} Thanks a ton for the feedback and the websites. You take care and we'll be certain to keep your posting current.

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From: [email protected]
Hello Jim-
Yes, you did post this several weeks ago and I thank you for forgetting and reposting it <grin>. Perhaps I will receive a response from someone this time as no one contacted me before :-(. I haven't worked on this line for awhile either as I'm collecting data on my Reedley (CA) High School Class of 1945 classmates for an archives and I'm finding that it is much more time consuming than I had anticipated. But I do enjoy learning more about them.
Thank you again. [email protected]

{{{Betty}}}} Heh Heh Well, as you say, maybe we'll strike paydirt this round.

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From: [email protected]
Jim,
Thank you for your mail. It's amazing how the country is pitching in to help everyone affected by the terrorist attacks. I'm really pleased to see that monies are being sent to organizations that assist military and federal employee families. With so many dead in NYC, I often thought that those who died at the Pentagon would be forgotten.
It's rather surreal in NY. We have lost many from our community. An overwhelming amount of those who died at the WTC were Irish and Italian American Catholics. In my neighborhood alone --all Irish and Italian Americans (of which there are many) are/were either firefighters, police officers, or brokers. And, of course, many of those died. 23 alumni from my son's HS alone. The memorials and burials have been unending.
But --the fires are finally out and the overbearing smoke and smell are dissipating. We have had Halloween and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. We will not be moved.
Thanks again for your note and the prayers of the membership. Godspeed to all of you.
Very best regards,
Madeleine

{{Madeleine}} Thanks for the update. We love ya!

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From: [email protected]
Dear Genealogy Friends: My husband Al, joins me in wishing you all a very Healthy, Happy New year. Thank you for all you do to keep the Fireside Letter so interesting and informative and for all the help in the genealogy site rooms.
Most sincerely
Eleanor

{{Eleanor}} Thanks for the note. Happy New Year to you and Al.

"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 Hey! 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 "post-haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Chat Room (On AOL Only) with hosts HOST GFS Amy, HOST GFS Jayne, HOST GFS TEG and HOST GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

1/3/02 - OPEN CHAT

1/10/02 - Letters, Songs and Poems night. Send in any material you want read in the room to HOST GFS Jim, HOST GFS Jayne, HOST GFS TEG or HOST GFS Amy and we'll be more than happy to do the reading for you :D

1/17/02 - "Amistead - Part II" - from HOST GFS TEG and entered by HOST GFS Jayne

1/24/02 - OPEN CHAT

1/31/02 - "Amistead - Part III" - from HOST GFS TEG and entered by HOST GFS Jayne

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

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 13 January 2002

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

Well Thursday as usual when we do Letters, Songs and Poems was fabulous. We had a few newcomers who hadn't yet experienced one of those evenings and they liked it alot!! :-)

Now I have a bit of discussion that I would like to have with you readers.... I'm thinking on collecting all the website URL's that I can get on the followings topics:

Regimental History sites (Federal and Confederate)

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Editor's Note: I sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's).

FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

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

Did you know...............

The 13th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was organized in Boston shortly after the attack on Fort Sumter and, after brief training at Fort Independence, left for New York in July 1861. The following is an excerpt from the diaries of the regimental historian Charles E. Davis.- collected under the title "Three Years in the Army."

Tuesday, July 22, 1862 (somewhere in Virginia): In passing through towns and villages, and even on the high-roads, we naturally attracted a good deal of attention. We frequently noticed among the crowds so gathered, the scowling faces of women, who, upon learning we were from Massachusetts, saluted us as "Niggerlovers," and other opprobrious epithets, while it occassionally happened that by grimaces only could they express the intensity of their feelings.....

The remarks we heard from the bystanders as we marched along often became by-words in the regiment. We were no exception to the generality of mankind, of liking to see a pretty face, even if it did belong to a woman of "secesh" sentiments. When the boys at the head of the column discovered a pretty girl, if she was on the right side of the road, "guide right" would be passed along the line; and "guide left" if on the left side of the road. By this ingenious device we were enabled to direct our eyes where we would receive the largest return for our admiration...

Various were the devices adopted by the boys to relieve the monotony of weary marches. On these occasions, as conversation was allowed, stories were told, gossip repeated, discussions carried on, and criticisms made on the acts of public men, as well as on the merits of our commanders. An occasional silence would be broken by the starting of a familiar song, and very soon the whole regiment would join in the singing. Sometimes it would be a whistling chorus, when all would be whistling. Toward the end of a day, however, so tired we were all, that it was difficult to muster courage for these diversions, then our only reliance for music would be the band. When a tempory halt was granted, it was curious to see how quickly the boys would dump themselves over on their backs at the side of the road as soon as the word was given, looking like so many dead men. There was one thing we were thankful to the colonel for, and that was his freedom from nonsense on such occasions. Not "right facing," no "stacking arms," to waste valuable minutes, but "get all the rest you can, boys," and when the order was given to "forward," each man took his place in line without confusion or delay...

It would often occur, when we were tired and dusty from a long day's march, "Old Festive" would ride by, when suddenly you would hear sung:

Saw my leg off,
Saw my leg off,
Saw my leg off--
SHORT!!!

There was another man in the regiment who contributed a large share of fun for the amusement of others, and that was the "Medicine Man" -- the man who honored the doctor's sight-drafts for salts, castor-oil, etc., delicacies intended for the sick, but greatly in demand by those who wished to rid themselves of unpleasant duties. He was the basso profundo of the glee club, and could gaze without a tremor at the misery of a man struggling with castor-oil, while at the same time encouraging him to show his gratitude at the generosity of the government by drinking the last drop. "Down with it, my boy, the more you take the less I carry."

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

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

Additional Note from the Webmaster: Although we are thrilled to provide this area for you now, we want you to know that we are still building it and MORE files, Regimental Histories, etc., will be available in the near future. Stay Tuned!

From: [email protected] (as passed by her friend Denisa...)

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From: [email protected]
Civil War Site Photos, Maps, and Official Records Reports
http://www.civilwaralbum.com/pop1.htm

6th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery - 212th PA (rosters, unit and soldiers history)
http://www.allfortheunion.com

History of Camp Ford (Tyler,Texas), the largest Confederate POW Camp west of the Mississippi
http://www.48ovvi.org/oh48cf.html

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 see your request, some being in the near vicinity, are willing to assist, and can email you directly (This protects your privacy) to 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"!!
HOST 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: [email protected]
I truly enjoy reading the Weekly Fireside for it's educational matter as well as it's humor. I want to thank all who are involved in creating it.

I have recently perused the Burnet Co TX message boards and have located the obit on a distant ancestor of my children. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get farther back in his ancestry line. His obituary, written by a granddaughter (name unknown), states he was James Madison Livingston b 11 Sept 1839 on a plantation in SC then moved to Americus GA. early in life, one of 16 children. He died in Nov 1935 in Burnet TX.

An email from Brad Coker in a RAOK sent an email stating "he enlisted as a private on 15 June 1861 into the "Muckalee Guards" from Sumter Co, Co A, 12th GA Infantry. He was wounded at Gaines Mill June 27, 1862 and again at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863." The obit states that brothers William and George also served in the CW with him.

The obit further states that he came to TX in 1866 to Cameron TX, then came to Burnet TX in 1869 and in 1871 married Josephine Catharine Chamberlain, d/o James and Sarah Chamberlain. The Chamberlain family has been well researched and placed online but I find nothing farther back on James Madison Livingston. Nor on his descendants online.

Is there anyone reading this who might be descended from his siblings who could tell me more about this line? Family rumor is that there is a connection to Philip Livingston, a signer of the Declaration of Independence but I don't know where this connection is and it may be indirect.

I want to thank in advance anyone who can help me fill in my blanks.

{{Betty}} I found this in my "Done" file and then I couldn't remember posting it, so I'm doing it again on the "off-chance" I slipped up. :-)

Response From: [email protected]
Jim- Received a hyperlink from a fellow in a RAOK on this name this time. And he's not even related! Very interesting one I hadn't seen before. So, thanks again for republishing my request.

{{Betty}} I love good endings... :D We did good..

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From: [email protected]
I'm interested in corresponding with descendants of any of the men in Cobb's Georgia Legion, CSA. I have been working on a book about these men for a couple of years and may have information to share with you, and would like to hear from you in return.
Carol Purdy

Carol and readers - I took this from the Genealogy Forum Message Board as it was in the Civil War History area and Carol gave permission to distribute this with her return email If any of you are researching Cobb's Georgia Legion, CSA, drop Carol a line and trade information. Having a compiled set of information on the regiment definitely benefits us all and helps Carol in her quest.....

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From: [email protected]
Mark T. Alexander, son of the Honorable Mark Alexander Jr., U.S. Congress 1819-1833, son of Mark Alexander Sr., who fought at Brandywine, Germantown and Mommouth in the Rev. War, born in Mecklenburg County, near Boydton, in 1842, enlisted at age 19, in Co. A, 3rd Virginia Cavalry, "Rosser's Cav." on May 14, 1861, at Boydton, VA. He was captured by Union troops or surrendered at Appomattox, and was paroled on May 29, 1865. He later lived in Baltimore MD. around 1900 and had five grandaughters, four of them were married about 1900. He died on October 30,1927 at Norfolk, VA. and was buried near his father in Scotland Neck, N.C. I am interested in talking to some of his descendents.
Lloyd Smith.

Kvet and readers - I took this from the Genealogy Forum Message Board as it was in the Civil War History area and Kvet gave permission to distribute this with her return email. If any of you are researching Company A, 3rd VA Cavalry, drop Kvet a line and trade information.

* * * * *

From: [email protected]
Jim - can you put in your newsletter.
Susi

"From: [email protected] (dlheller)
Need assistance in finding this gentleman and or his family. His name is Gilbert Stephan/Stephen. He was born in or approx. 1923. He was in the US Army 58th Quartermaster and stationed in Belgium. He is of African-American descent. When in Belgium he assisted a family thru the very rough times and they wish to thank he and or his survivors. They do not know much more of this gentleman but did send a picture and their home address. If anyone can help in this, please contact me. My father-in-law was contacted by this Belgium family and he asked me to assist.
Can anyone help?? I am sending this to each county that has this surname in the phonebook in hopes of someone recognizing the name. Thanks.
David Heller
Cincinnati, Ohio
[email protected]"

This request was passed on by SusiCP to aid a family search. If anyone has any information regarding this WWII Vet please pass to "David Heller".....

Letter To Malinda Jared, From M. J. Nichols, Soldier
In Civil War
Property Of Mrs. Effie Boyd Young, Cookeville,
Tennessee

Camp Trousdale,
July, 1, 1861

Dear Grandmother,
I seat myself beneath the clamors of the drums and bugles to drop you a epistle full of confabulation it is with gratitiude that I am granted the great privilege of addressing one by dexterity whose integrity glitters before my imagination as bright as the most precious jewels, you havve treated me with great respect and I will ever feel grateful towards you for so excellent works.

Oh, but that I had mental ability sufficient to paraphrase my sincere thanks to one so great and kind I perhaps would have been reckless character if it had not been for the expostulations of my belived friends who have been instruments in keeping me from negarious acts.

When I look back on my past life and meditate my opportunities of culture it makes tears run down from my glimmering eyes as they did from Nebuchandnezzer in his sorrows but then I have one consolation, that is I am permitted the glorious privilege of enjoying a bountiful share of good helth. John is in good helth and is now on drill today is my time to staneguard and I write your letter during my time to rest there are fifty eight sick in the Hospital with the measles and many other contageous diseases one man died last Saturday in Numans reiment, and they buried him yesterday in honor of war. I happened to be over there when they started with him I went to the burying (dis, 4 Ms) when we got there we found a camp ground surrounded with tombs. The Funeral was preached by a very able minister, who is the Chaplain of that regiment, the harbor under which the sermon was preached was about 50 yds from the grave of the warrior and during the sermon I, (being tired) layed down to sleep and when I awoke I found myself alone, but ran up to the graveyard and they were just putting him in the grave, they covered the body slightly with dirt and then fired twenty four guns over the grave, which seemed to carry up honor to the God of battle. I would not like to be berried here if I were to die but would want to be brought home. I am peculiary anxious to see you all and miss you to visit us When Father & Mother come to see us, we are all allowed 40 day during the year, and I will spend mine at home Mrs. West and her daughter are here on a visit they say rain is needed at Cookeville. I want you all to write soon and tell me all about the Farm and stock and helth of your community. I received your kind letter on Saturday morning which gave me much satisfaction.

With Love Yours Truly
M.J. Nichols
To
Malinda Jared
.
P. S.
Father I will respond to your add soon, Write me soon
And with accuracy,
Yours Truly,
M. J. Nichols
(Moses Joseph Nichols)

Note: letter spelling has not been corrected. "as written"

From: [email protected]
01/03/2002
The Wall Street Journal
Copyright (c) 2002, Dow Jones & Company, Inc.)

"Assault on Valley Forge"
"Is history going to get steamrollered again?
It certainly seems so. On Christmas Day, the Associated Press reported on plans for a residential development in a 62-acre site in the Valley Forge (Pa.) National Historic Park. The enclave would have a commanding view of the place where Washington's army camped for seven months between 1777 and 1778 in weather so harsh some 2,000 soldiers died. Shades of Disney's crude plan -- subsequently abandoned - to build a Civil War theme park in Manassas, Va., site of an early engagement between the Union and Confederate armies. And it resonates with particular force after Rudolph Giuliani's farewell speech calling for New York not to erect another commercial skyscraper on the site of the World Trade Center, but rather to dedicate it exclusively as a permanent memorial to the victims of Sept. 11.
The developer of the proposed 'Valley Forge Overlook' residential property (Toll Bros.) my italics... has offered to sell the land to the National Park Service and has even accepted design modifications that would screen it from such park areas as Washington's Headquarters and the Washington Memorial Chapel.
But the problem isn't so much one of crass opportunism as congressional bumbling. In the course of designating the park a national historic site in 1976, Congress added extra land but failed to appropriate sufficient money to acquire all the privately held plots within the new boundaries so as to preserve the park's integrity. One of them is the 62-acre future Spielbergian subdivision.
Though it is at a distance from what is now the park's tourist center, this land might easily be turned into a worthy addition to the park's existing historical sites. Deputy Park Superintendent Bob Krumenaker told AP that the Continental commissary was nearby and that archaeological digs had turned up significant 18th-and 19th-century use. 'We believe Washington was there, but we never had the opportunity to find out for sure,' Mr. Krumenaker said. 'Now we may never know.' "

The foregoing is from the WSJ. Since this was published, Robert Toll, Pres./CEO of Toll Bros. has "offered" to sell the land to the National Park Service for TEN MILLION DOLLARS . (That comes to $161,290 per acre.) The houses he would erect on such expensive land would cost at least a million each. Since Toll operated on a basis of 100% profit in his other local development you can figure his take on the Valley Forge venture would be in the millions. Another point...The sheer obscenity of this development coming to pass is obvious when you consider that the simple log huts occupied by the Revolutionary War soldiers are within walking distance of the "residences" proposed. Anybody feel a little sick about this? Write to your congressional representative and speak up for the memory of those veterans that died at Valley Forge. - Ted Ryan

"Ted" Thanks for keeping us informed. Saddle up gang and speak out.....

* * * * *

From: HOST GFS TEG

As you all know I have been working at Ground Zero at the World Trade Center. I am the foreman of a ten man crew from the NYC Transit Emergency response team. We are all volunteers, and we've been working 12 to 16 hours a day doing what we can to bring them all home. Our job has been to work through what is left of the subway tunnels under the site to the main area. We reached HELL Hill last week where the remains of the men of Ladder Company 118 were found. I and my boys are all very proud that we helped bring these brave men home. It is also a great honor for me to answer my country's call a second time. I miss you all and will be back soon.
TOM

{{Tom}} Bless your heart. There's nothing I can add....

* * * * *

From: Kashathree
In response to CousinTubes note last week;
Those who died, those who lived, their families, loved ones, and friends are in my prayers every night. How can we ever find a way to thank people like Tubes and so many others from NYPD, NYFD, EMS and volunteers who continue looking for bodies? They are truly heroes; we must never forget what they have done, and what they continue to do.
Kashathree

{{Kashathree}} Bingo!

* * * * *

From: [email protected]
Jim thank you for emailing the newsletter haven't been on line much, I have been pretty ill. Tell everyone hello and please keep sending newsletter. Hope to be back on line soon.
Patti

{{Patti}} You take care of yourself and we'll be looking for you.

OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War", with byproducts of laughter, and camaraderie!

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

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

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

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

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

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 Hey! 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 "post-haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Chat Room (On AOL Only) with hosts HOST GFS Amy, HOST GFS Jayne, HOST GFS TEG and HOST GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

1/17/02 - "Amistead - Part II" - from HOST GFS TEG and entered by HOST GFS Jayne

1/24/02 - OPEN CHAT

1/31/02 - "Amistead - Part III" - from HOST GFS TEG and entered by HOST GFS Jayne

2/7/02 - OPEN CHAT

2/14/02 - Letters, Songs and Poems Night.

2/21/02 - OPEN CHAT

2/28/02 - William Barker Cushing and the North Carolina Sounds - Part I by HOST GFS Jim

3/7/02 - OPEN CHAT

3/14/02 - Letters, Songs and Poems Night.

3/21/02 - OPEN CHAT

3/28/02 - William Barker Cushing and the North Carolina Sound - Part II by HOST GFS Jim

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

Well Thursday was "Amistead - Part II" - written by HOST GFS TEG and entered by HOST GFS Jayne. Tom has completely outdone himself in the development of this story. What a treasure. Don't forget now, that Part III of Armistead will be done on 31 January 2002.

Regimental History Website collection:

I really want to indicate that I appreciate the response to the "Call for Regimental Histories" last week in the Fireside. It was a small trickle that started but it's a good beginning. I'll be on the road (Fort Walton Beach, Florida area) for about 4 weeks on my paying job (even though I'll still be dialing in to the SIGs) so after that we'll work out some method of informing you of what is recorded and where to go find it for both AOL and non AOL Members. So keep the information coming in and we'll collect it up. We are also getting notes from folks that have "lookup" capability to certain regimental histories and we'll figure out a way to compile an experts list. Wish us well :D

This coming Thursday is OPEN CHAT.... Come on out and jabber with us. You never know we might hit paydirt on your Civil War Ancestor....

* * * * *

Editor's Note: I sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's). 

FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

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

Did you know...............

This is a bit different this week, however I've been entrenched in some books authored by Owen Parry which as I begin, I find incredibly interesting. He has taken "not well known" historical incidents that occurred during the Civil War period and added a suspenseful and excellent fiction to surround them. It's off the beaten track of normal Civil War novels and that is refreshing. The books I refer to are: Faded Coat of Blue, Shadows of Glory, and the one I'm currently reading, Call Each River Jordan. Let me know what you think if you choose to give them a shot or have already done so.

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

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

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

Additional Note from the Webmaster: Although we are thrilled to provide this area for you now, we want you to know that we are still building it and MORE files, Regimental Histories, etc., will be available in the near future. Stay Tuned!

From: [email protected]
OHIO. Company H 120th OVI. Unit History & Bios of Company H
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~holder/companyh/
companyh120coverpage.html

* * * * *

From: [email protected] and [email protected]
American Civil War, Footsteps of History, War Between States
http://www.usacitiesonline.com/footstepsofhistory/civilwar/
footstepsofhistorycivilwar.htm

* * * * *

From: [email protected]
The War of the Rebellion in Cornell University's Making of America
http://moa.cit.cornell.edu/moa/browse.monographs/waro.html 

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 see your request, some being in the near vicinity, are willing to assist, and can email you directly (This protects your privacy) to 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"!!
HOST 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: [email protected]
I have a history of the 148th Volunteer Regiment of Pennsylvania. This lists all companies with pages of pictures of the leaders of each company. It is a two inch thick volumn with numerous letters from participants of each company. It was compiled at the beginning of the 1900's by members who did not want to lose the history of the conflict from their prospective.
Very good and I would be glad to research and share any information about this regiment.
Dave

"Dave" What a great gesture! Thank you Sir!

* * * * *

From: [email protected]
I'm interested in corresponding with descendants of any of the men in Cobb's Georgia Legion, CSA. I have been working on a book about these men for a couple of years and may have information to share with you, and would like to hear from you in return.
Carol Purdy

Carol and readers - I took this from the Genealogy Forum Message Board as it was in the Civil War History area and Carol gave permission to distribute this with her return emaill If any of you are researching Cobb's Georgia Legion, CSA, drop Carol a line and trade information. Having a compiled set of information on the regiment definitely benefits us all and helps Carol in her quest.....

* * * * *

From: [email protected]
Mark T. Alexander, son of the Honorable Mark Alexander Jr., U.S. Congress 1819-1833, son of Mark Alexander Sr., who fought at Brandywine, Germantown and Mommouth in the Rev. War, born in Mecklenburg County, near Boydton, in 1842, enlisted at age 19, in Co. A, 3rd Virginia Cavalry, "Rosser's Cav." on May 14, 1861, at Boydton, VA. He was captured by Union troops or surrenderd at Appomattox, and was paroled on May 29, 1865. He later lived in Baltimore MD. around 1900 and had five grandaughters, four of them were married about 1900. He died on October 30,1927 at Norfolk, VA. and was buried near his father in Scotland Neck, N.C. I am interested in talking to some of his descendents.
Lloyd Smith.

Kvet and readers - I took this from the Genealogy Forum Message Board as it was in the Civil War History area and Kvet gave permission to distribute this with her return email. If any of you are researching Company A, 3rd VA Cavalry, drop Kvet a line and trade information.

* * * * *

From: [email protected]
Jim - can you put in your newsletter.
Susi

"From: [email protected] (dlheller)
Need assistance in finding this gentleman and or his family. His name is Gilbert Stephan/Stephen. He was born in or approx. 1923. He was in the US Army 58th Quartermaster and stationed in Belgium. He is of African-American descent. When in Belgium he assisted a family thru the very rough times and they wish to thank he and or his survivors. They do not know much more of this gentleman but did send a picture and their home address. If anyone can help in this, please contact me. My father-in-law was contacted by this Belgium family and he asked me to assist.
Can anyone help?? I am sending this to each county that has this surname in the phonebook in hopes of someone recognizing the name. Thanks.
David Heller
Cincinnati, Ohio
[email protected]"

This request was passed on by SusiCP to aid a family search. If anyone has any information regarding this WWII Vet please pass to "David Heller".....

This letter was provided by American Civil War History SIG member "Jilleeno". She says: It is from my great grandfather, Sergeant Robert Gibbons, 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment (Iron Brigade), Company B, and written to his bride-to-be in Detroit. He wrote it from Camp Butler near Springfield, IL on April 15, 1865. It reads:

"A deep gloom pervades our camp on account of the reception of the news of President Lincoln's and Secretary Seward's assassination. Nothing but vengeance is talked of and fearful threats are made against anyone who may, by word or deed, appear to feel elated over the occurrence. One man was shot in Springfield this morning for saying he was 'glad Lincoln had been killed, and only wished that it had been done some time before'. He had hardly finished speaking before he was shot, and instantly killed. Poor Lincoln--after a tedious struggle for over four years, and when the first signs of real peace appeared to be shot down by a murderous assassin while surrounded by his family, and in sight of his friends. I know of no one whom our country could so illy spare at this time. His memory should be kept forever sacred by every American and every friend of Liberty. No one man since the time of Washington has ever shown such an example of heroism and true patriotism as Abraham Lincoln--or has worked so faithfully and steadfastly for his country's welfare, although reviled by his enemies as no one of our Presidents has ever been, and more than once deserted by those he considered his warmest friends. Let us hope that since he has not been able to reap the fruits of his labors in this world that his reward in the next will be all the greater. Well I suppose you will think I have written quite enough on this dreary subject, but I feel so depressed at this unlooked for calamity that I can hardly think of anything else. It is a great mercy that this calamity did not befall us before the last campaign, as it might have nerved the Rebels to greater desperation and so continued the struggle for a longer period."

signed Robert Gibbons

From: MM3C11259
The following pay of non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Union Army was approved by act of congress on June 30, 1864: 

Cavalry, Infantry and Artillery
Sergeant Majors- $26.00/ mo.
Quartermaster and Commissary Sergeant- $22.00/ mo.
First Sergeant- $24.00/ mo.
Chief Bugler- $23.00/ mo.
Sergeants-$20.00/mo.
Corporals- 18.00/ mo.
Farriers, Blacksmiths and Artificers- $18.00/ mo.
Musicians and buglers- $16.00/ mo.
Privates- $16.00/mo.

{{{Ted}}} Thanks for the "tidbit". Interesting!

* * * * *

From: Bulldogtjr
Jim: This sounds more promising than it may really be... the developer, Toll Bros., in an apparent "magnanimous" gesture, is offering to sell the VF land to the National Park Service. The other side of the coin is that the feds have to come up with ten million big ones. What else is new?

Valley Forge Update: Developer Rethinks Project on Historic Land
After hundreds of people turned out Sunday afternoon to protest plans to build houses in Valley Forge National Historical Park, the developer reportedly is now rethinking the project. Toll Brothers of Huntingdon Valley has wanted to build 62 luxury homes called "Valley Forge Overlook," but now is apparently considering a deal to sell the land to the National Park Service for fair market value, approximately $10 million.

{{Ted}} Thanks for the update. This is getting good!

* * * * * 

From: MMeadPond
Hi, I found this on the late-breaking APNews and thought of you all.
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAKWTEOMWC.html

"Former Museum Director Convicted of Stealing Civil War Uniform
By Maryclaire Dale Associated Press Writer
Published: Jan 18, 2002"
How low can you go, eh?

{{Mosey}} Thanks for info.... :-) Some folks never learn, do they?

* * * * *

From: DHBevardI

 would love to find sites for all of them and then eventually find rosters for each. This is all a bit aggressive, I'll agree, however my thought was to make this an ongoing project. The results will be posted in AOLs Genealogy Forum Library and also on the Genealogy Forum Website 

Great idea,, and besides you will be ":) retired", and have all that time...
Haven't told you all lately that Thursday CW is special.
Thanks all the time
Dottie

{{Dottie}} Thank you Ma'am......

OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War", with byproducts of laughter, and camaraderie!

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

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

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

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

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

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 Hey! 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 "post-haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Chat Room (On AOL Only) with hosts HOST GFS Amy, HOST GFS Jayne, HOST GFS TEG and HOST GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

1/24/02 - OPEN CHAT

1/31/02 - "Amistead - Part III" - from HOST GFS TEG and entered by HOST GFS Jayne

2/7/02 - OPEN CHAT

2/14/02 - Letters, Songs and Poems Night.

2/21/02 - OPEN CHAT

2/28/02 - William Barker Cushing and the North Carolina Sounds - Part I by HOST GFS Jim

3/7/02 - OPEN CHAT

3/14/02 - Letters, Songs and Poems Night.

3/21/02 - OPEN CHAT

3/28/02 - William Barker Cushing and the North Carolina Sound - Part II by HOST GFS Jim

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

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 27 January 2002

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

Thursday was OPEN CHAT with some great conversation. Hope you were a part of it.

Regimental History Website collection:

I really want to indicate that I appreciate the response to the "Call for Regimental Histories" last week in the Fireside. It was a small trickle that started but it's a good beginning. I'll be on the road (Fort Walton Beach, Florida area) for about 4 weeks on my paying job (even though I'll still be dialing in to the SIGs) so after that we'll work out some method of informing you of what is recorded and where to go find it for both AOL and non AOL Members. So keep the information coming in and we'll collect it up. We are also getting notes from folks that have "lookup" capability to certain regimental histories and we'll figure out a way to compile an experts list. Wish us well :D

This coming Thursday is THE 3RD and FINAL PART OF THE ARMISTEAD STORY .... Come on out and give a listen.. YOU DON"T WANT TO MISS IT!!

You might also want to check out the February issue of the Smithsonian magazine. There is a story in it regarding the movie Mr. Ted Turner is producing - Gods and Generals.

Also, we just received our National Geographic Expeditions Travel Catalog 2002. They have a couple of tours that really sound wonderful... A little pricey, but wonderful just the same. One of the tours, The Road to Gettysburg, goes from Wash., DC to Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, Antietam and finally to Gettysburg. The other one follows in the footsteps of Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine. It goes from Alexandria, VA to Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Spotsylvania, Petersburg and Appomattox Court House. You can read about them at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngexpeditions
I am in no way endorsing them, I just found them interesting.

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

Editor's Note: I sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's). 

FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

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

Did you know...............

Sherman lost three horses in the battle of Shiloh, two being killed while held by an orderly. Of his other war horses, he favored two, Lexington and Sam. He rode Lexington, a KY thoroughbred, when he entered Atlanta, and in the Grand Review. Sam was a large, half-thoroughbred bay with great speed, strength, and endurance, who was wounded several times during the war.

From The Civil War Dictionary, by Mark M. Boatner III

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Here's a little tid-bit I found in the December/January, VFW, First State News newsletter:

Displaying Military Service flags, insignias, etc. should be displayed in the following order (L-R), Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

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

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

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

Additional Note from the Webmaster: Although we are thrilled to provide this area for you now, we want you to know that we are still building it and MORE files, Regimental Histories, etc., will be available in the near future. Stay Tuned!

From:  [email protected] 

Civil War Research Database
http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/military/cwrd/main.htm
Full of hard-to-find records for more than 2.1 million soldiers (out of 4 million who served), with searchable fields for soldiers, regiments, and officers. Containing thousands of regimental chronicles, officer profiles, battle synopses, and solider photographs, this database is just one of the 3,000+ unique and valuable databases available through an Ancestry.com subscription.

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From: [email protected] 

Article about book Eye of the Storm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29453-2000Dec19.html
Article about book Eye of the Storm from diaries, scrapbooks, sketchbooks of Robert Knox Sneden.

Diary of Sgt. George Christopher Hamman, Co. F, 10th VA Vol. Regt.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~vashenan/diary.html

Cemetery Records Onlline - Cemeteries & Genealogy
http://www.interment.net/us/nat/veterans.htm
lists each state and the National Cemeteries and War Veterans Burials

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 see your request, some being in the near vicinity, are willing to assist, and can email you directly (This protects your privacy) to 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"!!
HOST 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....

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From: [email protected]
Would you happen to have any info on the Union Civil War Navy? In particular the ships the USS Housatonic & the USS Harvest Moon? The Housatonic was sunk by the USS Hunley, an early submarine. I'm interested in a person who served on both these ships & interested in knowing how he survived after being sunk. Were survivors taken as Confederate Prisoners etc? His name was Louis A. CORNTHWAIT{E}
Thank you for any help or direction you can give.

(((((Helen))))) As I told you in an email, I would post your need for help in here to see if some of the faithful out there may be able to help. Ok, folks, let's try to give Helen a hand.

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From: [email protected]
I have a history of the 148th Volunteer Regiment of Pennsylvania. This lists all companies with pages of pictures of the leaders of each company. It is a two inch thick volumn with numerous letters from participants of each company. It was compiled at the beginning of the 1900's by members who did not want to lose the history of the conflict from their prospective.
Very good and I would be glad to research and share any information about this regiment.
Dave

"Dave" We're going to leave you generous offer in for another week

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From: [email protected]
I'm interested in corresponding with descendants of any of the men in Cobb's Georgia Legion, CSA. I have been working on a book about these men for a couple of years and may have information to share with you, and would like to hear from you in return.
Carol Purdy

Carol and readers - I took this from the Genealogy Forum Message Board as it was in the Civil War History area and Carol gave permission to distribute this with her return emaill If any of you are researching Cobb's Georgia Legion, CSA, drop Carol a line and trade information. Having a compiled set of information on the regiment definitely benefits us all and helps Carol in her quest.....

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From: [email protected]
Mark T. Alexander, son of the Honorable Mark Alexander Jr., U.S. Congress 1819-1833, son of Mark Alexander Sr., who fought at Brandywine, Germantown and Mommouth in the Rev. War, born in Mecklenburg County, near Boydton, in 1842, enlisted at age 19, in Co. A, 3rd Virginia Cavalry, "Rosser's Cav." on May 14, 1861, at Boydton, VA. He was captured by Union troops or surrenderd at Appomattox, and was paroled on May 29, 1865. He later lived in Baltimore MD. around 1900 and had five grandaughters, four of them were married about 1900. He died on October 30,1927 at Norfolk, VA. and was buried near his father in Scotland Neck, N.C. I am interested in talking to some of his descendents.
Lloyd Smith.

Kvet and readers - I took this from the Genealogy Forum Message Board as it was in the Civil War History area and Kvet gave permission to distribute this with her return email. If any of you are researching Company A, 3rd VA Cavalry, drop Kvet a line and trade information.

From: [email protected]
Jim - can you put in your newsletter.
Susi

"From: [email protected] (dlheller)
Need assistance in finding this gentleman and or his family. His name is Gilbert Stephan/Stephen. He was born in or approx. 1923. He was in the US Army 58th Quartermaster and stationed in Belgium. He is of African-American descent. When in Belgium he assisted a family thru the very rough times and they wish to thank he and or his survivors. They do not know much more of this gentleman but did send a picture and their home address. If anyone can help in this, please contact me. My father-in-law was contacted by this Belgium family and he asked me to assist.
Can anyone help?? I am sending this to each county that has this surname in the phonebook in hopes of someone recognizing the name. Thanks.
David Heller
Cincinnati, Ohio
[email protected]"

This request was passed on by SusiCP to aid a family search. If anyone has any information regarding this WWII Vet please pass to "David Heller".....

From: [email protected]
Hi Jim --
Thanks for the tip on the books - my father is always looking for something new to read and he is very interested in the Civil War era. (His Grandfather was in NY Battery M from Niagara County, fought at Gettysburg, Antedeim, Chancellorville and Sherman's March to the Sea.)
Also, what a reading! Amazing what some of us have from our Civil War ancestors!
Keep up the great work...Bonnie

((((Bonnie)))) Hope your Dad enjoys the books, and thanks for the nice words.

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From: [email protected]
The February Column "The Battle of Honey Hill," by Kathy Dhalle, is up live on the Bits of Blue and Gray website. There are a couple of short stories, "Mrs. Rawlin's Petticoats" and "Mary Lincoln's Hats" from SGSchenk, I think you'll find interesting. BrieSkate has shared a Civil War related "memory" about William Jared, from a collateral line of hers. And... if you're a regular visitor to the site, you will also notice there is a new "button" down along the side "Ghost Stories" Right now there is just one story there, hopefully there will be more in the near future. If you have anything Civil War related, letters, stories to share, send them to [email protected]

I might also add, the Bits of Blue and Gray column is now beginning its 3rd year already. I thank all who have visited and/or contributed to it, and made it the success that it is. 

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From: [email protected]
I understand that AOL has a genealogical section and a Civil War section. Is it possible to post a message? Gt grandfather wrote letters to his sister while he was in the war. I have 15 of these letters and am trying to locate descendents of his sister who might have an interest in them. Thank you very much for your help or any suggestions you may have.
Sincerely, Diane

(((((Diane)))))) I'm putting your note in the Weekly Fireside in hopes that we may find some descendents to go along with those letters.

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From: [email protected]
... I would like to receive your newletter. I have the pension records for John E Stewart, died of wounds at Fort Donnalson TN and am hoping to learn more about his family and life in the Civil War.

(((((Deanna))))) You're name has been added to our Weekly Fireside distribution. Maybe, too, we'll find someonne who know something about your John Stewart.

OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War", with byproducts of laughter, and camaraderie!

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

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

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

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

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

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 Hey! 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 "post-haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Chat Room (On AOL Only) with hosts HOST GFS Amy, HOST GFS Amy, HOST GFS Jayne, HOST GFS TEG and HOST GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

1/31/02 - "Armistead - Part 3" - from HOST GFS TEG and entered by HOST GFS Jayne

2/7/02 - OPEN CHAT

2/14/02 - Letters, Songs and Poems Night.

2/21/02 - OPEN CHAT

2/28/02 - William Barker Cushing and the North Carolina Sounds - Part 1 by HOST GFS Jim

3/7/02 - OPEN CHAT

3/14/02 - Letters, Songs and Poems Night.

3/21/02 - OPEN CHAT

3/28/02 - William Barker Cushing and the North Carolina Sound - Part 2 by HOST GFS Jim

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

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