July 2003 Weekly Newsletters


NOTE:  If you do not wish to receive the Weekly Fireside, PLEASE send email to HOST GFS Jayne  AND  HOST GFS Jim saying "UNSUBSCRIBE" and we will remove you from the distribution.  On the other hand, if you know someone who would like to receive the newsletter, please have them send us email with subscribe in the subject line. 

Hear Ye ....       Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
 of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending  July 06, 2003
11 PM ET

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

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Sorry this is so late this week.  I'm having problems with my AOL mail at this address.  I had it almost ready to go and then lost everything.

      THIS THURSDAY July 10th, 2003 is our Special Songs, letters and poems night.   We'll have some chilled apple cider and some snacks for ya.   Join us around the fireside for some good reading and chat.

PLEASE be sure to check the schedule at the end of the newsletter, for our schedule.  We've combined some of the parts and hope to be able to finish the series by the end of July.   Then we'll get some other stories lined up for you. 

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

 

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

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

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

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July 11-12-13, 2003 Sixteenth Annual Civil War Encampment Days Malta - McConnelsville,  OH

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July 18-20, 2003     South Shaftsbury, VT, Civil War Days at Scarecrow Farm
South Shaftbury.Vt. On going skirmishes, battle re-enactment both days. Union and Civilian Troops, Civilian camps and activites along with contests, awards given ourt Sunday at conclusion of battle. Registration packets available upon request. Contact 1st Sgt. Patrick Pulver or Miss Karen at [email protected] or 518-781-4165 any evening. www.geocities.com/~livinghistory/eventsched.html

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July 19-20, 2003     Boston Harbor, MA  Ft Warren Living History
Ft warren will be a small living history with the hopes of becoming bigger each year. Rooms in the fort that are usable for barracks and also a civilain dorm. Want reenactors interested in doing a living history and not a battle encampment. Planned activities include a military luncheon with the officers, drill competition, artillery demos and civilian activities. Registration is $5:00 and is due the first week of July. No Walk ons Period please.   [email protected]

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On July 19 and 20, 2003, Landis Valley Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Road - Lancaster, PA 17601  will be transformed into a Civil War era village and will welcome the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, along with many of his Civil War generals, U.S. Grant, and Pennsylvanians George Meade, Winfield Hancock, John Reynolds, John Parke, Samuel Zook, John Hartranft and more. The event will feature a Council of War between President Lincoln and his generals.
Read more about it here:
http://www.landisvalleymuseum.org/press_040803b.htm

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July 25-27, 2003     Campbellsville, KY  - The National Civil War Band Festival
The NCWBF is a triennial event dedicated solely to the authentic recreation of band music of the Civil War. Festival events include perfomances by 14 of the nation's best Civil War bands in indoor and outdoor concerts, a parade, and a Grand Review culminating in a massed band performance conducted by internationally renowned conductor Frederick Fennell www.campbellsville.edu/civilwar/bandfestival.htm

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

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

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


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

The review this week comes from:
http://www.ehistory.com/uscw/library/reviews/parade/parade1.cfm#Private 

Private Soldiers & Public Heroes:
An American Album of the Common Man's Civil War
edited by: Milton Bagby

Milton Bagby has provided us with a treasure of rarely seen inner glimpses of the common soldier of the American Civil War with his book Private Soldiers & Public Heroes. Though some images are hauntingly familiar, the stories of the men captured by the camera are what makes this book unique. You won't find many generals or well known officers in this book, but rather, as the title promises, heroes of the common man's war. The book is divided into chapters: "Volunteers," "Common Soldiers," "Uncommon Men," "Sacrifices" and "Veterans." In each man's story, it's not the enemy they fought that garners much of their saga; rather, some of the reasons why three million men chose to find their destiny on the battlefields.

Read the rest of the review at the website listed above.



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Civil War History & Genealogy Forum
Related Activities and Sites
Available for your Enjoyment and Research
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Genealogy Forum's Military Resources" Website
devoted to Civil War History and the material presented in
the American Civil War History Special Interest Group
in the Genealogy Forum of America On-line. 
The address is:
http://www.genealogyforum.rootsweb.com/gfaol/resource/Military/ 
Editor's Note:  The Military Resources Webpage has a myriad of options for you.  Here are some the choices:  US Military Records, Conscription/Draft Records, Civil War Battle Names, Secession of the Confederate States, Your Civil War Ancestors - Where to Begin, Military Resources on the Internet, links to the Stories, Files and Talks of the American Civil War History Chat on AOL, message boards and many, many others.  Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.  

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

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

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

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


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DID YOU KNOW?
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MORGAN'S FIRST RAID, KY, July '62

As Buell moved toward Chattanooga with the mission of capturing that place (following his participation at Shiloh and Corinth), his operations were thrown into confusion by the raids of Forrest and Morgan.  On 4 July Morgan led two regiments (800 men) from Knoxville and on the 9th attacked and captured a cavalry post of four companies at Tomkinsville, KY.  He captured a depot at Glasgow on the 10th and one a Lebanon on the 11th.  Moving via Harrodsburg, Lawrenceburg, Versailles, and Georgetown, he had a sharp engagement with militia at Cynthiana on the 17th.  He then withdrew through Paris, Richmond, Crab Orchard (where he destroyed a depot of the line of supply to Cumberland Gap), and Somerset.  On the 22d he reached Monticello and was back in Tenn. on 1 Aug.  In 24 days he had covered over 1,000 miles, had captured and paroled 1,200 prisoners, and had lost fewer than 100 men.  The raid did much damage to Federal morale and led to criticism of Buell.

Source:  "The Civil War Dictionary" by Mark M. Boatner III


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



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

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



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Weekly Web Sites we've received -
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From Bitsobluengray

Ohio in the Civil War
http://www.ohiocivilwar.com/ 

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The following two items are from the us-civil-war group at Yahoo
CIVIL WAR FORT FOUND

Read the story at:
http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/xml/story.ssf/html_standard.xsl?/base/news/1056964516114210.xml 


OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH UNCOVERS HISTORY OF CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE

Read the story at:
http://www.theday.com/eng/web/newstand/re.aspx?reIDx=DD5E520C-0FFE-4BC3-AE81-3D775C49E90F 

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From the PA-CIVIL-WAR  maillist

New Civil War Veteran photos
http://www.familyoldphotos.com/civil 


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From the CW-POW rootsweb maillist

Civil War Prisons in Illinois:
http://www.illinoiscivilwar.org/cwprisons.html 

Partial List of Civil War Prison Camps: 
http://www.rootsweb.com/~tntipton/confpris.html 

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From John Fuller

http://www.rootsweb.com/~jfuller/gen_mail.html 
Many maillists...  military, surname, etc

 

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--------Our Weekly Reading--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs, and Poems evenings)
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First Massachusetts
James River, Berkly Landing,
July 5, 1862.
        I received your letter yesterday, and was right glad to hear from home once more. I most always have written that there was nothing of any interest going on here, but I can't write so at present. I suppose you have heard of our falling back from the front of Richmond to James River, before this time. We had a had time of it-fighting every day for three days. Our Division had the rear guard duty to perform. The right wing of the army had fallen back two days before we had, so on Saturday night we had orders to get ready to march at a moment's notice. We did not know what was coming. We started on Sunday morning for the trenches to hold the rebels in check till everything had got away. About noon we had orders to fall back to our second line of entrenchments; then the fighting commenced-the bullets flew like hail-stones. We lost but few- but if we did not everlastingly slay them fellows with grape and cannister, than I am mistaken. They laid in furrows. We held them there till night, when we fell back to Poplar Hill. We planted cannon there to hold them in check till the trains of wagons had passed, then we fell back and waited for them to come up. We did not have to wait long, when they came with a rush, but we were ready for them. Then commenced the slaughter-rebels on all sides. It was here we loss most of our regiment. We were ordered to charge on a brigade in the woods; at them we went and drove them for a half mile under a heavy fire of musketry, our boys falling all around us, and no time to stop and pick them up. We had to leave them where they were and fall back to our original position or lose more, they came so thick and fast. When we got to our position, the batteries opened on them from the woods, and such havoc as they made in their ranks, at not over two hundred yards from them, piling them up three and four deep. Imagine three batteries, 18 pieces, loaded with cannister to the mouth, concealed in the woods, and opened at once on a solid body of men, besides what infantry we had! They could not stand that, so they left (what could). double quick. We had orders not to follow them, so stayed where we were till 2 o'clock in the morning, then we fell back four miles to a hill where the rest of the army were. We remained here all that day. The artillery had a fight, but we were not engaged. That night we reached James River, pretty much used up, you must think. Our Regiment has but 300 men for duty. We are now encamped in a splendid place by the water, which we need very much at this time and are improving it to the best of our ability. I have but one shirt and one pair of stockings, and they are drying; we shall get some from Government before long. We are in good spirits, have whipped the rebels every time we have been at them, and can again, but they do fight desperate and no mistake. Something will be done soon, I hope. I for one want to see this fighting through and shall if I live. You must not believe all you read in the papers, for we find they tell a good many big stories. I can't write half I wish to, but tell the folks to keep up a good heart, for we shall whip them bad before long; that we are certain of. We have not troops enough. They outnumbered us in every fight so far. We are now under cover of the gunboats. The little Monitor is here; you ought to see the shells she throws four or five miles over us into the woods. It is " stand from under, Jonny Rebel" when they come. The boys are all feeling first rate. They fired a salute on the Fourth from all the batteries and gunboats,-those nearest the rebels put in a shell or a shot for a chance. I wish I could be with you a little while; I could say then what I wanted to, but I would not come home if I could, unless I come honorably discharged. I know a number that have run away, but I don't want the same said of me that is said of them in the regiment. We shall stay here to recruit the health of the men-what there is left of them. It seems as though our brigade should be in some kind of a muss all the time. There is one thing I can say; we have been in the thickest of five different fights since we left Maryland, and have not been whipped yet. The 16th Massachusetts was put into our brigade at Fair Oaks, and they are a splendid regiment-right up to the mark. Time has come for me to close this, so Au Revoir.
(Boston Post, July 14, 1862, Pg. 1, Col. 6.)
source:  http://www.letterscivilwar.com/7-5-62a.html 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

07/10/03 - Songs, Letters and Poems night

07/17/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 5

07/24/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 6 and 7

07/31/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 8 and 9

08/07/03 - To be announced 

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

08/21/03 - OPEN CHAT

08/28/03 - To be announced 

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

 

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
 of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 13 July 2003
11 PM ET

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

If you know someone who would like to receive the newsletter by email, please have them send an email to HOST GFS Jim and HOST GFS Jayne with subscribe in the subject line.

THURSDAY nite July 17th, 2003 we will be reading PART 5 of our Confederate Campaigns in the Southwest series. Join us around the fireside for a fine story and chat. Chilled apple cider and snacks available.

It was good to have Jim back in the room again, even if he couldn't seem to stay connected. I think maybe his computer must forget what it's supposed to do ;)

PLEASE be sure to check the schedule at the end of the newsletter, for our schedule. We've combined some of the parts and hope to be able to finish the series by the end of July. Then we'll get some other stories lined up for you.

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


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"COMING EVENTS"
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"THE TOWN CRIER" Civil War Calendar!!

For a Calendar of events you might want to check out these websites:

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

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

July 18-20, 2003 South Shaftsbury, VT, Civil War Days at Scarecrow Farm
South Shaftbury.Vt. On going skirmishes, battle re-enactment both days. Union and Civilian Troops, Civilian camps and activites along with contests,awards given ourt Sunday at conclusion of battle. Registration packets available upon request. Contact 1st Sgt. Patrick Pulver or Miss Karen at [email protected] or 518-781-4165 any evening.
http://www.geocities.com/~livinghistory/eventsched.html

On July 19 and 20, 2003, Landis Valley Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Road - Lancaster, PA 17601 will be transformed into a Civil War era village and will welcome the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, along with many of his Civil War generals, U.S. Grant, and Pennsylvanians George Meade, Winfield Hancock, John Reynolds, John Parke, Samuel Zook, John Hartranft and more. The event will feature a Council of War between President Lincoln and his generals.
Read more about it here:
http://www.landisvalleymuseum.org/press_040803b.htm

July 19-20, 2003 Boston Harbor, MA Ft Warren Living History
Ft Warren will be a small living history with the hopes of becoming bigger each year. Rooms in the fort that are usable for barracks and also a civilain dorm. Want reenactors interested in doing a living history and not a battle encampment. Planned activities include a military luncheon with the officers, drill competition, artillry demos and civilian activities. Registration is $5:00 and is due the first week of July. No Walk ons Period please.
[email protected]

July 25-27, 2003 Campbellsville, KY - The National Civil War Band Festival
The NCWBF is a triennial event dedicated solely to the authentic recreation of band music of the Civil War. Festival events include perfomances by 14 of the nation's best Civil War bands in indoor and outdoor concerts, a parade, and a Grand Review culminating in a massed band performance conducted by internationally renowned conductor Frederick Fennell
http://www.campbellsville.edu/civilwar/bandfestival.htm

GETTYSBURG August 8, 9 and 10th 140th Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary Reenactment.
Gettysburg, PA.
Read about the postponement here
http://www.gettysburgreenactment.com/

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

 

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THE BOOK SHELF
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The Civil War History team has decided we should do some book reviews so you all can see what's available and what others think about them. We want you all to participate, so.... if you've read a Civil War book that you want to tell others about... send it to us. The review this week comes from http://www.americancivilwar.org.uk/books/burning2.htm:


"The Burning: Sheridan's Devastation of the Shenandoah Valley"
By John L. Heatwole (Rockbridge Publishing 1998
Review by: Stan May

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of Sheridan's 1864 Shenandoah Campaign was its deliberate and planned nature. Unlike the haphazard devastation caused by Sherman's march through Georgia, the Burning was committed systematically and by order. This was total war carried out by a new brand of Union leadership, aimed not merely at denying the military use of the valley, but with the objective of teaching the non-combatant population the price of rebellion. Everything of military or economic value to the South was to be destroyed or carried off.

However, planned as the Burning was, its execution was in practice, uneven. Farms of pro-Union pacifist Dunkards and Mennonites were put to the torch, whilst bold actions by feisty Confederate women deflected the Federals from their purpose on more than one occasion.

To not violate copyright laws, please read the entire review at: http://www.americancivilwar.org.uk/books/burning2.htm

NOTE FROM HOST GFS Jayne

Many of you know Frank Crawford, our own IllinoisCW. We have read several of his stories and many of his poems in the Chatroom. I was talking to Frank today and he has self-published a book called MY DEAR WIFE, which is a set of over 180 letters written by Samuel Pepper to his wife and family. They include many mentions of Albert D. J. Cashier, the woman soldier named "Jenny Hodgers." Both were in the 95th Illinois. She is also mentioned in THEY FOUGHT LIKE DEMONS by DeAnne Blanton. While MY DEAR WIFE isn't the last letters home book Frank is working on, you just know it has to be interesting with that many letters in it. IF you'd be interested in a copy, you can contact him at [email protected] for further details. Put MY DEAR WIFE in the subject line and he'll get back to you immediately. MY check is in the mail!!! :D

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Civil War History & Genealogy Forum
 Related Activities and Sites
Available for your Enjoyment and Research


"Genealogy Forum's Military Resources" Website
devoted to Civil War History and the material presented in
the American Civil War History Special Interest Group
in the Genealogy Forum of America On-Line.
The address is:
http://www.genealogyforum.rootsweb.com/gfaol/resource/Military/

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

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

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
EDITOR'S NOTE
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We sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "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?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

LAND MINES AND BOOBY TRAPS were first used by American troops in the Civil War. Confederate Gen. G. J. Rains is credited with the innovation, which made its first appearance at Yorktown in May '62. Ordinary 8- or 10-inch Columbiad shells were buried a few inches below ground level and so arranged with fulminate, or with the ordinary artillery friction primer, that they exploded when stepped on or moved. McClellan mentions that the entry into Yorktown "was much delayed by the caution made necessary by the presence of these torpedoes. I at once ordered that they should be discovered and removed by the Confederate prisoners" (Own Story, 326) Both sides considered the innovation unporting, and Longstreet ordered Rains to cease his mining activities. These land mines ("torpedoes"), however, were subsequently used by both sides.

Source: "The Civil War Dictionary" by Mark M. Boatner III

.............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!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
WEEKLY WEBSITES WE'VE RECEIVED
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

 From: [email protected]

URL: http://www.loc.gov/rr/main/gar/
TITLE: The Grand Army of the Republic and Kindred Societies
DESCRIPTION: Guide to holdings in the Library of Congress general collections related to the Grand Army of the Republic and other organizations of Union Army Civil War veterans.

* * * * * 

Sent to me by Hugh [email protected]

Cleaning Up Cemeteries
By John Cunningham
Here in Prince William County, Virginia, Boy Scouts have cleaned up the 21st Georgia Vol, Infantry cemetery located in Manassas Park (unit cemetery used when the unit was garrisoned here) and many cleanup projects at the Quantico National Cemetery. Typical projects include:
-- scrubbing moss from stones that are placed in shady areas
-- restoring unit memorials and memorial trail (mulch-covered trail)
-- cleaning and staining/sealing benches

My son wanted to do an Eagle project of cleaning up and fencing a small family cemetery located in an overgrown area in our development. When we actually crawled the grounds, we found more than 100 graves (last identifiable grave from 1905), a far bigger project than he could undertake. There were only a few headstones with legible writing and a few foot stones. Many of the coffins had apparently collapsed because we found ground depressions of 6"-12". There were many small trees growing out of graves. The bad news, however, is that there are few mechanisms for obtaining official help for something this big, since it isn't county property and the exact ownership is murky.

Our troop in Harbor City California used to put American flags on veterans' graves before Memorial and Veterans' Days.

The good news about all this is the Scouts actually read the stones as they are working on and around them and notice family connections, wars, and awards -- all things that they might learn in school but that really don't register. Finding a kid who was 18 when KIA (killed in action) really registers on them.

Previously published in RootsWeb
Review: Vol. 6, No. 28, 09 July 2003.

* * * * * 

From: John Fuller

http://www.rootsweb.com/~jfuller/gen_mail.html
Many maillists... military, surname, etc

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
OUR WEEKLY READING
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs, and Poems evenings)

Come up from the Fields, Father
 Walt Whitman

Come up from the fields, father, here's a letter from our Pete,
And come to the front door, mother, here's a letter from thy dear son.

Lo, 'tis autumn,
Lo, where the trees, deeper green, yellower and redder,
Cool and sweeten Ohio's villages with leaves fluttering in the moderate wind,
Where apples ripe in the orchards hang and grapes on the trellis'd vines,
(Smell you the smell of the grapes on the vines?
Smell you the buckwheat where the bees were lately buzzing?)
Above all, lo, the sky so calm, so transparent after the rain, and with wondrous clouds,
Below too, all calm, all vital and beautiful, and the farm prospers well.

Down in the fields all prospers well,
But now from the fields come, father, come at the daughter's call,
And come to the entry, mother, to the front door come right away.
Fast as she can she hurries, something ominous, her steps trembling,
She does not tarry to smooth her hair nor adjust her cap.

Open the envelope quickly,
0 this is not our son's writing, yet his name is sign'd,
0 a strange hand writes for our dear son, 0 stricken mother's soul!
All swims before her eyes, flashes with black, she catches the main words only,
Sentences broken, gunshot wound in the breast, cavalry skirmish, taken to hospital,
At present low, but will soon be better.

Ah, now the single figure to me,
Amid all teeming and wealthy Ohio with all its cities and farms,
Sickly white in the face and dull in the head, very faint,
By the jamb of a door leans.

Grieve not so, dear mother (the just-grown daughter speaks through her sobs,
The little sisters huddle around speechless and dismay'd),
See, dearest mother, the letter says Pete will soon be better.

Alas, poor boy, he will never be better
(nor maybe needs to be better, that brave and simple soul),
While they stand at home at the door he is dead already,
The only son is dead.

But the mother needs to be better,
She with thin form presently drest in black,
By day her meals untouch'd, then at night fitfully sleeping, often waking,
In the midnight waking, weeping, longing with one deep longing,
0 that she might withdraw unnoticed, silent from life escape and withdraw,
To follow, to seek, to be with her dear dead son.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
A BIT OF COMMUNITY ...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 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

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

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

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

* * * * *

If YOU have a Civil War Ancestor, Kevin ([email protected] ) does Volunteer reseach at Andersonville Civil War Prison in Andersonville, GA. Any research he does is absolutely at NO cost and he is willing to do all he can. There are more than 32,000 prisoners on record from the Union, and quite a few who were held prisoner there as Union regiments from Confederate states. There are also nearly 13,000 marked graves of those who died there. Kevin's focus is dedicated to ALL of those held prisoner during the war, on both sides, as well as all Americans who gave their freedoms for those that we enjoy today.. He just happens to be near Andersonville, so that is where he does his work.

Visit Kevin's site at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ga3/ANDERSONVILLE/PRISON.html

* * * * *

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

 

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

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

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.

********PLEASE NOTE CHANGES********

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

07/17/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 5

07/24/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 6 and 7

07/31/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 8 and 9

08/07/03 - To be announced

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

08/21/03 - OPEN CHAT

08/28/03 - To be announced

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

 

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
 of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 20 July 2003
11 PM ET

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

If you know someone who would like to receive the newsletter by email, please have them send an email to HOST GFS Jim and HOST GFS Jayne with subscribe in the subject line.

THURSDAY nite July 24th, 2003 we will be reading PARTS 6 and 7 of our Confederate Campaigns in the Southwest series. Join us around the fireside for a fine story and chat. Chilled apple cider and snacks available.

Following the story, you are free to ask any questions you might have about the American Civil War. If we don't know the answer, we'll find it for you.

PLEASE be sure to check the schedule at the end of the newsletter, for our schedule. We've combined some of the parts and hope to be able to finish the series by the end of July. Then we'll get some other stories lined up for you.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
"COMING EVENTS"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 



"THE TOWN CRIER" Civil War Calendar!!

For a Calendar of events you might want to check out these websites:

* * * * * 

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

* * * * * 

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

July 25-27, 2003 Campbellsville, KY - The National Civil War Band Festival
The NCWBF is a triennial event dedicated solely to the authentic recreation of band music of the Civil War. Festival events include perfomances by 14 of the nation's best Civil War bands in indoor and outdoor concerts, a parade, and a Grand Review culminating in a massed band performance conducted by internationally renowned conductor Frederick Fennell
http://www.campbellsville.edu/civilwar/bandfestival.ht

Georgetown, DE July 26-27, 2003, Civil War Encampment,
At the Nutter Marvel Museum
[email protected]  

July 25-27, 2003 The Grove, Glenview, IL
Living history, 2 battles, medical. No resurrection. Meal ticket for 1 meal. Artillery, horse cavalry & sutlers by invitation only. Contact. Stressing living history scenarios of all types. Lt. Richard Hargreaves
[email protected] 

August 3, 2003 The Battle of Baton Rouge Living History will take place at the Port Hudson State Historic Site in Zachary, LA. Join the park in commemorating the Battle of Baton Rouge. Confederate and Federal reenactors will depict the fighting in and around Magnolia Cemetary. For more information, call 1-888-677-3400 toll free or 225-654-3775.

GETTYSBURG August 8, 9 and 10th 140th Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary Reenactment.
Gettysburg, PA.
Read about the postponement here
http://www.gettysburgreenactment.com/

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

 

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

The Civil War History team has decided we should do some book reviews so you all can see what's available and what others think about them. We want you all to participate, so.... if you've read a Civil War book that you want to tell others about... send it to us. The review this week comes from http://www.ehistory.com/uscw/library/reviews/cozzens.cfm:


"This Terrible Sound: The Battle of Chickamauga"
 by Peter Cozzens

This book is painstakingly researched and appears very accurate, with differences and discrepancies between the combatants as to time and place usually noted. Given the lack of precision with which 19th Century commanders kept time, any seemingly precise reference to that measure must be viewed skeptically, and Cozzens does. The same is true of geography, since naturally the topography of an area, especially a battlefield, changes as trees grow, fields become covered and streams meander. Interestingly, one of the obscure references which Cozzens cites is surely an attempt by Indiana veterans to redress inaccuracies in the accounts of the battle.

To not violate copyright laws, please read the entire review at: http://www.ehistory.com/uscw/library/reviews/cozzens.cfm

* * * * * 

NOTE FROM HOST GFS Jayne

Many of you know Frank Crawford, our own IllinoisCW. We have read several of his stories and many of his poems in the Chatroom. I was talking to Frank today and he has self-published a book called MY DEAR WIFE, which is a set of over 180 letters written by Samuel Pepper to his wife and family. They include many mentions of Albert D. J. Cashier, the woman soldier named "Jenny Hodgers." Both were in the 95th Illinois. She is also mentioned in THEY FOUGHT LIKE DEMONS by DeAnne Blanton. While MY DEAR WIFE isn't the last letters home book Frank is working on, you just know it has to be interesting with that many letters in it. IF you'd be interested in a copy, you can contact him at [email protected] for further details. Put MY DEAR WIFE in the subject line and he'll get back to you immediately. MY check is in the mail!!! :D

NOTE: My Check made it to IL and Frank has told me my book is in the mail!!!! I can't wait to receive it!! Get your own copy by contacting him..... [email protected]

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

Civil War History & Genealogy Forum
 Related Activities and Sites
Available for your Enjoyment and Research

"Genealogy Forum's Military Resources" Website
devoted to Civil War History and the material presented in
the American Civil War History Special Interest Group
in the Genealogy Forum of America On-Line.
The address is:
http://www.genealogyforum.rootsweb.com/gfaol/resource/Military/

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

* * * * * 

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

* * * * *

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
EDITOR'S NOTE
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

We sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "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?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

A DRAGOON is a mounted infantry-man, that is, a soldier who uses the horse for transportation to the battle field, or for mobility on the battlefield, but who dismounts to fight. Although a cavalry-man theoretically fights from the saddle, the "cavalry" of the American Civil War was used as a mounted infantry with a few rare exceptions, such as the battle of Brandy Station.

.............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!

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
WEEKLY WEBSITE WE'VE RECEIVED
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

From: [email protected]

URL: http://www.lindapages.com/45/cw-45us.htm
TITLE: 45th U.S. Colored Infantry - West Virginia Troops
DESCRIPTION: This site is for information about the 45th U.S. Colored Infantry troops that were assigned to WV during the Civil War. Little is known about the soldiers and many of their WV Civil War medals remain unclaimed in the WV State Archives.

URL: http://www.americancivilwar.info
TITLE: American Civil War Portal
DESCRIPTION: American Civil War Portal providing access to thousands of links, photos, letters & diaries and more.

* * * * *

from the CW-POW maillist
http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/
This site has soldiers and sailors(Yanks&Rebs), battlefields, and cemeteries.
NOTE: This is by no means complete, but may help someone in their research.

* * * * * 

From [email protected]

Have you seen this story?
Thanks for all the good work you do! I don't get to join the group but enjoy the newsletter.
Sally

Mission at Gettysburg
Back From Iraq, a Marine Lays a Civil War Mystery to Rest

By Wil Haygood
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, July 14, 2003; Page A01

GETTYSBURG, Pa., July 13 -- The dead soldier, to be sure, remains quite dead.

But Chuck Ikins, the living and breathing soldier, kept trying to prove that the dead soldier was his dead soldier, his great-great-uncle Simeon Ikins.

The people at Gettysburg National Cemetery told Ikins that his Uncle Simeon was, indeed, buried there. They pleasantly pointed him over to a grave site.

The stone at Grave No. 119, however, read "J.C. Kent."

Who was J.C. Kent?

Read the rest of this story at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51705-2003Jul13.html?nav=hptop_tb

* * * * * 

From [email protected]

Clinton Cemetery, Irvington, NJ - critical report

This cemetery which has been in existence since the 1830's contains numerous headstones for veterans dating back to the Mexican war. It is in a neighborhood that had racially changed and that fact was reflected in numerous alcohol bottles strewn about and many headstones that have been overturned. It is administered by the Clinton Cemetery Association which provides a skeleton crew of 3 for minimal maintenance on Saturday mornings. After 3 weeks of calls without any response and several visits looking for the graves of relatives, I stumbled upon the above skeleton crew and was able to get the locations of my families graves. In discussing the cemetery with the Association Administrator (one of the 3 maintenance crew) I mentioned the numerous civil war, Spanish American War, etc., headstones as well as the lack of flags on the gravesites. I was told that the cemetery contains the graves of over 500 veterans, but that Irvington no longer has any veteran groups to decorate them, hence they remain undecorated on Memorial Day. A real shame since in my boyhood I remember Irvington American Legion Post 10 which was organized in Paris at the end of WW1. This cemetery is surrounded by an Iron fence, but the gate seems to be left open around the clock. Perhaps this is so that members of the surrounding neighborhood will not crash the fence (previously done) for access.

Ted Fisher

Jayne- I am attempting to contact the county Legion and VFW offices about this.

Ted, unfortunately this seems to be happening in a lot of places. I'm not sure what is in the minds of folks who cause destruction, but I know what's in mine when I see it. (I'm not going to say, it wouldn't be very ladylike)

As far as the flags being put on the graves of our military, here in DE The VFW and American Legion are both very active.

* * * * * 

From [email protected]
Dd received the following email and thought maybe some of you might be able to help answer the question.

I have a couple of books that I am interested in knowing their value. One is a handbook for the 48th Calvary printed in 1841. I also have The Battle of Seven Pines written by Gustavus W. Smith in 1891. I also have History of the Unites States by A H Stephens which has no publishing date but the last President in the book is Johnson. If you could give me any information which might be helpful in finding out their value - I would be grateful.
Dwyane Britton
[email protected]

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
OUR WEEKLY READING
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs, and Poems evenings)

Listen to the music at:
http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/parton/2/allquiet.html

"All Quiet Along the Potomac"
By Lamar Fontaine/John Hill Hewitt 1861

"All quiet along the Potomac," they say,
Except now and then a stray picket
Is shot as he walks on his beat to and fro,
By a rifleman hid in the thicket.
'Tis nothing. A private or two now and then
Will not count in the news of the battle;
Not an officer lost. Only one of the men
Moaning out all alone the death rattle.

All quiet along the Potomac tonight,
Where the soldiers lie peacefully dreaming,
Their tents in the rays of the clear autumn moon,
O'er the light of the watch fires, are gleaming;
There's only the sound of the lone sentry's tread
As he tramps from the rock to the fountain,
And thinks of the two in the low trundle bed,
Far away in the cot on the mountain.

His musket falls slack, and his face, dark and grim,
Grows gentle with memories tender,
As he mutters a prayer for the children asleep,
For their mother, may Heaven defend her.
The moon seems to shine just as brightly as then
That night when the love yet unspoken
Leaped up to his lips when low-murmured vows
Were pledged to be ever unbroken.

Then drawing his sleeve roughly over his eyes,
He dashes off tears that are welling,
And gathers his gun closer up to its place
As if to keep down the heart-swelling.
He passes the fountain, the blasted pine tree,
The footstep is lagging and weary;
Yet onward he goes, through the broad belt of light,
Toward the shades of the forest so dreary.

Hark! Was it the night wind that rustled the leaves?
Was it moonlight so wondrously flashing?
It looks like a rifle -- "Ah! Mary, good-bye!"
And the lifeblood is ebbing and splashing.
All quiet along the Potomac tonight,
No sound save the rush of the river;
While soft falls the dew on the face of the dead --
The picket's off duty forever.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
A BIT OF COMMUNITY ...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 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

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

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

* * * * * 

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

* * * * *

If YOU have a Civil War Ancestor, Kevin ([email protected] ) does Volunteer reseach at Andersonville Civil War Prison in Andersonville, GA. Any research he does is absolutely at NO cost and he is willing to do all he can. There are more than 32,000 prisoners on record from the Union, and quite a few who were held prisoner there as Union regiments from Confederate states. There are also nearly 13,000 marked graves of those who died there. Kevin's focus is dedicated to ALL of those held prisoner during the war, on both sides, as well as all Americans who gave their freedoms for those that we enjoy today.. He just happens to be near Andersonville, so that is where he does his work.

Visit Kevin's site at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ga3/ANDERSONVILLE/PRISON.html

* * * * * 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****
 ********PLEASE NOTE CHANGES********

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

07/24/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 6 and 7

07/31/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 8 and 9

08/07/03 - To be announced

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

08/21/03 - OPEN CHAT

08/28/03 - To be announced

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

 

Hear Ye ....       Hear Ye

"The Weekly Fireside"
 of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending  July 27, 2003
11 PM ET

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

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


THURSDAY  nite July 31st, 2003 we will be wrapping up our Confederate Campaigns in the Southwest series with  PARTS 8 and 9, as well as the sources used for the story.   Join us around the fireside for a fine story and chat.  Chilled apple cider and snacks available.

Following the story, you are free to ask and question/s you might have about the American Civil War.  If we don't know the answer, we'll find it for you or tell you where you might be able to find it.

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



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

For more Calendar of events you might want to check out these websites

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

* * * * *

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

August 02-03, 2003, Linden, IN,  Linden Civil War Days
Hosted by the 18th South Carolina
Light Siege Artillery

1st Sgt Rick Hyde
[email protected]

For more info, go to:
http://lindencwdays2003.homestead.com/

* * * * *

August 3, 2003  The Battle of Baton Rouge Living History will take place at the Port Hudson State Historic Site in Zachary, LA. Join the park in commemorating the Battle of Baton Rouge. Confederate and Federal reenactors will depict the fighting in and around Magnolia Cemetary. For more information, call 1-888-677-3400 toll free or 225-654-3775.

* * * * *

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

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

* * * * * 

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

* * * * *

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

* * * * *

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

* * * * *

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

 

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

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

The review this week comes from:  An Madra Rua

Women in the Civil War
 by Mary Elizabeth Massey
ISBN 0-8032-8213-3
             The Civil War brought catastrophic changes to the lives of Americian women on both sides of the struggle. Massey's book, Women in the Civil War, brings a fresh perspective to their  trials, illuminating their ingenuity, strength and heroism. The responsibilities that women shouldered, the jobs they accepted, the losses and privations they suffered changed their understanding of themselves for all time to come, transforming them much as their country was being transformed. Massey's careful and thorough research illustrates this progression by focussing attention on  many famous women, including nurses Dorthea Dix, Clara Barton, and Mother Bickerdyke, writers Mary Chestnut, Julia Ward Howe and Louisa May Alcott, spies Belle Boyd and Pauline Cushman, abolitionists Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman as well as the First Ladies of each government, Mary Todd Lincoln and Varina Davis. The author does not stop with merely discussing the famous, but also focusses on the average, everyday woman, the farm wife, the shopkeeper, the wives and mothers in both North and South.
                  In Massey's own words this is "an account of the impact of the War on women, not of women on the War." The social changes brought by this great conflict continue to surface in today's society. Many women ventured outside their homes for employment, a first for many of them. The author examines the opportunities available to white and black women on both sides of the Mason Dixon line, what pitfalls lay in their path and what rewards, if any were reaped. She points out that Southern women had very different experiences from their Northern counterparts. They were in the eye of the storm, watching as the armies passed their doorsteps.
                   Society's reaction to women who stepped out of their traditional roles is examined as well. They expected to always be treated with the deference due to a Lady, and were often shocked at the treatment they received by the authorities. They found that new rights brought new responsiblities, When they acted in direct opposition to occupying forces, they were treated as enemies, and suffered the consequences thereof. There were certainly many women who 'gave their all' to their respective Nations, losing sons, fathers, brothers and husbands and in many cases their own health and lives.
                     Born in 1915 in Morrilton, Arkansas, Massey persued education with a single-minded devotion. She graduated from  Hendrix College, taught high school from 1937-39, then began her graduate studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In 1940, she earned her M.A. and her PhD in 1947. Her career as a college instructor began at Flora MacDonald College in North Carolina, continued at Washington College in Maryland and then moved on to Winthrop College in South Carolina. She was a member of the Advisory Council to National Civil War Centennial Commission from 1961 to 1965 and a prominant member of the Southern Historical Association, in which she held several important posts.
               Her first book. Erzatz in the Confederacy, was published in 1952, and explored the inventiveness of the women of the CivilWar period when faced by chronic and devastating  shortages in food and other supplies and goods. The politics and government policies that led to these shortages were examined and explained.
               Refugee Life in the Confederacy, published in 1964, gave a bird's eye view of the lives of southern civilians whose homes and lives were disrupted and swept away by the tides of War. The result of exhaustive research, this volume clearly shows the pain, fear and suffering of those caught in the "epicenterof total war".
                Massey was the only woman, as well as the only Southerner asked to contribute to "The Impact of the War" series. This collection of work, published by Alfred A. Knopf, included the volume which would be come Women in the Civil War. 


* * * * * * * * * *
NOTE FROM  HOST GFS Jayne
Many of you know Frank Crawford, our own IllinoisCW.  We have read several of his stories and many of his poems n the Chatroom (one of them is included in the Weekly Reading section here in the newsletter.) I was talking to Frank today and he has self-published a book called  MY DEAR WIFE, which is a set of over 180 letters written by Samuel Pepper to his wife and family.  They include many mentions of Albert D. J. Cashier, the woman soldier named "Jenny Hodgers."  Both were in the 95th Illinois.  She is also mentioned in THEY FOUGHT LIKE DEMONS by DeAnne Blanton.  While MY DEAR WIFE isn't the last letters home book Frank is working on, you just know it has to be interesting with that many letters in it.  IF you'd be interested in a copy, you can contact him at [email protected] for further details.  Put MY DEAR WIFE in the subject line and he'll get back to you immediately. 

NOTE FROM Jayne:  I received my copy of "MY DEAR WIFE"  I haven't had a chance to read much of it, but the letters I have read are mighty powerful  You can get your own copy by contacting him at:   [email protected]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
CIVIL WAR HISTORY & GENEALOGY FORUM
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
Related Activities and Sites
Available for your Enjoyment and Research

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

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

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

* * * * *

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

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

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

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

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

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

An abandoned cotton factory was turned into a Confederate Prison in Nov. 1861 and was at first designed for spies  Confederate soldiers being court-martialed and deserters as well as prisoners of war.  The first Federals came in Dec. '61 and by Mar '62 there were around 1,500.  Food was abundant, quarters were spacious, the weather was salubrious, and in Mar. only one inmate died. These conditions lasted until early 1864, when the prison's capacity was reached, and by Oct. '64 around 10,000 were being held there.  When shelter became inadequate, the prisoners lived in tents, burrowed into the earth, or built mud huts partly above and partly below the ground.  From Oct. '64 to Feb. '65, 3,419 prisoners died.

Source:  The Civil War Dictionary by Mark M. Boatner III

.............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 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.  

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
WEBSITES WE'VE RECEIVED
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

From Bitsobluengray

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/33dny/friends.htm
Friends of the African Union Church Cemetery (Delaware)
(The page is information-intense so be patient while it loads.)

* * * * *
From DdHober

Dd received the following email and thought maybe some of you might be able to help answer the question.
------------
I have a couple of books that I am interested in knowing their value.  One is a handbook for the 48th Calvary printed in 1841. I also have The Battle of Seven Pines written by Gustavus W. Smith in 1891. I also have History of the Unites States by A H Stephens which has no publishing date but the last President in the book is Johnson.
If you could give me any information which might be helpful in finding out their value - I would be grateful.
Dwyane Britton
[email protected]

NOTE:   We received the following answer to the above from IllinoisCW  

The Battle of Seven Pines is worth, considering condition, somewhere between $350 and $400 in used book stores.

Thanks Frank...   I knew someone would have the answer!! 


* * * * *
From Jenna JLR

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

* * * * *

From [email protected]

NOTE:  In answer to the story about the unkempt cemetery I received the following:

I just read the note about the cemetary that has little maintenance and no Flags.  Please tell the person who wrote about it to contact his local Boy Scout office.  Many times, a local Troop will be looking for a service project to benefit the community and not know anything aobut something like this until told.  Maybe a local troop can adopt the cemetery to be sure Flags are placed when they should be.  I don't know the Council it would be located in, but it has to be listed under boy Scouts of America int he phone book.  then, form there, there will be a District ExecutIve and District committee that can help if no one else can.  At the very least, someone in the Council office should be able to provide a Scoutmaster name and number in the immediate area.  Good luck! Bonnie Fedchak   (Scout mom and volunteer for over 12 years)

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
--------Our Weekly Reading--------
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs, and Poems evenings)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

GEORGE TUTTLE
Black Hostler for General S. A. Hurlbut
by Frank Crawford

Don say what you wants 'bout dat kin' ol man.
I took good care
ob de ol man's hoss - Dick
He took good care on me.

Don't be tellin me
Dat he was a drunk
I neber saw him such
And dat am a fack

He took me in when I was without
And gaved me a good job to do.
Showed me how to make my mark
And eben taught me a word er two.

No, suh!
Don't you go speakin harsh
'Bout Genral Steben
He was sure 'nuff okay by me.



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
A BIT OF COMMUNITY...  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"!!  

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

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

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

* * * * * * * * * * 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

07/31/03 - CONFEDERATE CAMPAIGNS OF THE SOUTHWEST - PART 8 and 9 as well as the sources used to research this series.

08/07/03 - To be announced 

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

08/21/03 - OPEN CHAT

08/28/03 - To be announced 

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

Return to the Weekly Fireside Newsletter Index

Return to the Main Page