October 2001 Weekly Firesides

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 7 October 2001

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

From your Editors:
We want to thank all of you who joined us last week for Open Chat. Be sure to check out our calendar at the end of the newsletter for upcoming events.

While I have a chance here, I just want to wish our partner HOST GFS TEG a very happy birthday for Wednesday the 10th. <G>

This coming Thursday will mark one month since the terrible tragedies in New York, PA and Washington, D.C. That's really not so long ago, yet it seems like forever. Please continue prayers for those families who lost loved ones on that awful day. Also send prayers for all the families of our young men and women involved in this effort to erradicate the terrorists.

Please join us!! Thursday night, we'll be having Our Special Letters, songs and Poems nite 11 PM ET Thursday, October 11 in the Golden Gates Chat Room. Bring all your Civil War questions and maybe we can get them answered for you.

Amy sent the following website. I think you will find it a very moving story by Brian Pohanka, Civil War Historian and Captain, Co A, 5th NY Vol Inf. (re-enacted) and you'll be glad you read it.

http://www.thewildgeese.com/pages/5thny.html
The Wild Geese Today -- The Civil War

I'm going to leave this in at least another week:

While it been three weeks now since the terrible tragedies in NY and Wash, DC, it hardly seems possible it's not been so long ago, but yet it seems like it's been an eternity. My heart and prayers go out to all involved, however that may be. We received a note from DASHJUST, wondering if we thought any of the "Faithful" would like to contribute to the fund for the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. We asked her to send us the info and we'd put it up for all to see so here it is.

New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund
PO Box 3713
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163

I'm going to make a suggestion here. It isn't Civil War, but most of you are also involved in Genealogy. Take time to sit down and write what you were doing when you heard or saw what happened, how you felt, your thoughts and fears about what happened September 11, 2001. Have your children or your grandchildren do the same thing or have them draw those things in pictures, then put them all in your family genealogy file. Many generations from now, descendants won't have to wonder what their ancestors were doing at the time, as many of us wonder what our families did, or how they felt when their men folk were in the Civil War.

Civil War History & Genealogy Forum Related Announcements
War Between the States (Tracing your Civil War Ancestors)
With HOST GFS Amy and HOST GFS Wolford on
Friday evenings at 9:00 PM EDT in the Golden Gates Chat Room
of the Genealogy Forum (ONLY ON AOL) at KEYWORD: ROOTS

* * * * * 

Military Families Chat
With HOST GFS Beri, and HOST GFS Wolford
Wed, 8 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Conference Room
of the Genealogy Forum (ONLY ON AOL) at KEYWORD: ROOTS

* * * * *  

"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/

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

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

A Special Sharing This Week.............
I received this from a relative of our good friends, Nancy and Ike Watrous and thought I'd share it with you all.

Subj: 21 Gun Salute & Flag Folding
From: [email protected]

In the coming weeks, we will visit through TV and news reports the funerals of many people. In those clips, we will see the folding of our flag over the caskets of many victims of last week. When you see this, I want you to remember something very special. Those whose bodies are laid to earthly rest will be honored by a tradition of folding the American Flag. This is not just a nice gesture, but has great meaning from our history--a history which even terror cannot overcome. And so, as you get the lumps in your throats, tears in your eyes, and struggle with bitterness, anger, and frustration, here is something to remember how special these people were:

WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES

Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?

I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran. Here it is:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran separating our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you will know why."

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 Web Sites We've Received

From: [email protected]:
Civil War Burials In Montgomery County PA
http://www.thefinalwaltz.com/ 

* * * * * 

From: [email protected]:
GREAT RESOURCE FOR CIVIL WAR GENEALOGY

Originally published by the U.S. Quartermaster's Department in the 1860s, the ROLL OF HONOR: CIVIL WAR UNION SOLDIERS was released a volume at a time as Civil War battlefield sites were surveyed, Union soldier graves were exhumed, and bodies were identified and reburied. When the project was completed, twenty-seven volumes referencing the names of over 200,000 Union soldiers buried in national cemeteries, soldiers' lots, and garrison cemeteries had been published. All twenty-seven volumes, as well as a supplementary volume published by the Genealogical Publishing Company in 1996, are now available on a fully searchable CD at a fraction of the cost of the books themselves.
http://www.genealogical.com//item_detail.cfm?ID=7351 

* * * * * 

From: [email protected]:
Hargrett Library Rare Map Collection - American Civil War
http://www.libs.uga.edu/darchive/hargrett/maps/civil.html

The Historical New York Times Project: Chapter 2, The Civil War Years 1860-1866
http://www.nyt.ulib.org/index.cgi

The Historical New York Times Project recently debuted the first in a series of Web offerings undertaken by the Universal Library at Carnegie Mellon University and sponsored by Seagate Technology. This chapter of the project is divided into Overview (by year), Topics (Battles, Military, Politics, Relations Among the States, and Social Issues), and Articles of Note. Each section contains selected articles drawn from the pages of the New York Times. As the site exists, it offers easy access to contemporary Civil War journalism albeit from a Northern, Union perspective. Perhaps the remaining project chapters (no information on the timeline or exact scope of the project is offered) will expand this view of American history as recorded by one of America's foremost newspapers. Future enhancements are noted to include higher-fidelity access with more detailed topic search, class-oriented access, and licenses to exploit the enhanced digital data for modest subscriptions (although the archive will provide this free-to-read access). [DJS]

National Archives and Records Administration
Civil War Records
http://www.nara.gov/genealogy/civilwar.html

* * * * * 

From: [email protected]:
http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/PhotoDB.html
MHI Photograph Database
You type in a name or regiment, etc. and it will search the photos and list what is available. You can then order them from MHI: US Army Military History Institute
22 Ashburn Drive, Carlisle Barracks
Carlisle, PA 17013-5008
Tel: 717-245-3611

http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/
US Army Military History Institute

http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/projects/cemindex.htm
U.S. Civil War Center Cemetery Listings
Each of the cemeteries listed has a searchable database

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

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....

OUR WEEKLY READING...

This one came from [email protected] and will most certainly touch your heart.

ONE
As the soot and dirt and ash rained down, we became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building,
we became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope, we became one generation.
As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno,
we became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength, we became one faith.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement,
we spoke one language.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long, we became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss, we became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss, we became one soul.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes,
we become one people.
We are:
One color
One class
One generation
One gender
One faith
One language
One body
One family
One soul
One people
We are The Power of One.
We are United.
We are America.
~ Unknown

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

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]

Hello Folks,

I'm putting out this call for help to fulfill my goal of locating the final resting place of every 38th Alabama Infantry soldier possible.

So far, I have located approx. 120 gravesites. I am basing my search on a list of over 850 38th'ers from the 1862 Muster Rolls. (This list does not include men who joined after 1862 nor men who may have come from other units.) So, as you see, I have a long way to go, and I need the help of anyone who may have info.

I have set up a website listing all the men from the 1862 Muster Rolls (Companies C, E, G, H, and I not listed yet). Please go to this site and see if you know where any of these men are buried. The site address is:

http://hometown.aol.com/ala38thcoa/myhomepage/index.html

I have previously collected a database of over 3000 gravesites of Confederate soldiers, but I am putting that project on hold while I search for 38th'ers only. (If you are seeking any Confederate soldier's grave location, I'll gladly check my database for you.)

If you have any info, any suggestions, any questions, etc..., please don't hesitate contacting me. To prevent bogging up the "List's" emails, please email me directly at: [email protected]

Your Obedient Servant,

William C Garrick, III
GGGrandson of William Lewis Garrick
38th Alabama Infantry, Co A

(((((William)))) Well, here's the posting I asked you about.... now we'll see if any of the "faithful" can help you out.

NOTE: the above came on the CIVIL WAR list and I wrote to William and asked if I could put his note here in the Weekly Fireside to see if any of you would be able to help him out on his project.

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.

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 :)

10/11/01 - 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

10/18/01 - OPEN CHAT

10/25/01 - An American Civil War Trivia Quiz!! Come join us and test your Civil War knowledge. <G>

11/01/01 - OPEN CHAT

11/08/01 - 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

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 14 October 2001

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

From your Editors:
We had a great time Thursday night. Some great letters were read and Amy was in "voice" with her songs. It was good to have "our Jim" back with us after his weeks in Florida.

I'm going to make a suggestion here. It isn't Civil War, but most of you are also involved in Genealogy. Take time to sit down and write what you were doing when you heard or saw what happened, how you felt, your thoughts and fears about what happened September 11, 2001. Have your children or your grandchildren do the same thing or have them draw those things in pictures, then put them all in your family genealogy file. Many generations from now, descendants won't have to wonder what their ancestors were doing at the time, as many of us wonder what our families did, or how they felt when their men folk were in the Civil War.

Please join us!! Thursday night, It will be OPEN CHAT 11 PM ET Thursday, October 18 in the Golden Gates Chat Room. Bring all your Civil War questions and maybe we can get them answered for you.

Amy sent the following website. I think you will find it a very moving story by Brian Pohanka, Civil War Historian and Captain, Co A, 5th NY Vol Inf. (re-enacted) and you'll be glad you read it.

http://www.thewildgeese.com/pages/5thny.html
The Wild Geese Today -- The Civil War

I'm going to leave this in at least another week:

While it been three weeks now since the terrible tragedies in NY and Wash, DC, it hardly seems possible it's not been so long ago, but yet it seems like it's been an eternity. My heart and prayers go out to all involved, however that may be. We received a note from DASHJUST, wondering if we thought any of the "Faithful" would like to contribute to the fund for the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. We asked her to send us the info and we'd put it up for all to see so here it is.

New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund
PO Box 3713
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163

Civil War History & Genealogy Forum Related Announcements
War Between the States (Tracing your Civil War Ancestors)
With HOST GFS Amy and HOST GFS Wolford on
Friday evenings at 9:00 PM EDT in the Golden Gates Chat Room
of the Genealogy Forum (ONLY ON AOL) at KEYWORD: ROOTS

* * * * *

Military Families Chat
With HOST GFS Beri, and HOST GFS Wolford
Wed, 8 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Conference Room
of the Genealogy Forum (ONLY ON AOL) at KEYWORD: ROOTS

* * * * * 

"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/

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

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

A Special Sharing This Week.............
 from our partner [email protected]

William Corby: The Pride of the Irish Brigade

During the Civil War, thousands of young men eagerly joined in the four-year fight for various reasons. Some believed in preserving the Union, others were for secession, some fought for or against slavery. Many, however, thought they were embarking on a glorious adventure, thrilled to be away from home to escape the watchful eyes of their parents. Clergymen in the army filled that void left by mothers and fathers, a constant reminder of duty and guilt when times were dull and grim reminders of death during battles. Few were appreciated, many were ignored, some were even despised. Father William Corby was one of the handful of religious men whose influence can still be felt, whose life was truly useful and appreciated on and off the Battlefield.

William Corby was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 2, 1833. His father, Daniel, was an Irish immigrant, his mother, Elizabeth, was Canadian. Not much is known about William's childhood, except that his father was a devoted Catholic, often donating large sums of money anonymously to the church and poor of the community. Daniel Corby was a wealthy man, a real estate dealer, and for a time William worked with his father in the business. Then, in 1853, William attended Notre Dame, a fledgling university in nearby South Bend, Indiana. There he became the protege of Father Sorin, Notre Dame's founder and president. It was perhaps Sorin's influence that caused the young Corby to make the church his profession. William, under Sorin's tutelage prepared for the priesthood, taking his vows in 1860.

Other events were transpiring in 1860 that would forever alter Corby's life. Secession carried the end of the year after the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency. Father Sorin, though a staunch Unionist, insisted that Notre Dame remain neutral. But, when the war commenced in 1861, priests from Sorin's diocese were sent to serve the Union as chaplains. Father Corby headed east in the fall of 1861 to serve as chaplain for the 88th New York.

It is not known if Father Corby was immediately accepted by the regiment, but before long he had the respect of the men he served. Corby was benevolent with a lighthearted sense of humor and he endured the hardships of army life side by side with the enlisted men. The 88th New York Volunteers were mostly Irish immigrants from New York City, part of the Irish Brigade. They were rapidly earning a reputation for fighting, and were almost always thrown into the hottest part of the contest. Father Corby, unlike other Chaplains, willingly braved the front lines in order to minister to the wounded and dying of the 88th New York, often helping out in other regiments as well. Many letters survive that attest to his calm presence in the whirlwind of battle. He stood near the Bloody Lane at Sharpsburg, at Mayre's Heights in Fredericksburg, and witnessed the panicked rout of the Union 11th Corps at Chancellorsville. "A panic has a strange effect on men," he later wrote, "precisely as when it enters a herd of cattle."

It was during the Battle of Gettysburg, though, where Father Corby's mark became indelible upon the page of history. In the early afternoon of July 2, 1863, men of the Union Third Corps suddenly vacated their position to the left of the Union Second Corps on Cemetery Ridge. The Irishmen watched in amazement as the troops left the Union lines for a wheat field and a peach orchard far ahead, the peril they were entering obvious to the men from Erin.

As the battle commenced that afternoon, the men of the Third Corps under General Dan Sickles, were overrun by the Confederate forces. General Hancock, who commanded the Union Second corps, ordered Caldwell's Division which included the Irish Brigade, into the fray to hold the line and keep Sickles men from being annihilated.

Father Corby was concerned about his men. "They had had absolutely no chance to practice their religious duties during the past two or three weeks, being constantly on the march," he said. He knew many of the Brigade would not come back alive. In his memoirs, Father Corby states that he asked the commanding officer (which most historians agree was Colonel Patrick Kelly of the Irish Brigade, not Hancock) if he could briefly address the men. Permission granted. Corby then stood on a large rock and urged the men to do their duty, reminding them of the sacred nature of their trust as soldiers. He then gave a general absolution, promising all that were within the sound of his voice that if they were contrite and made their country, and their God proud, their sins would be forgiven.

"My eye covered thousands of officers and men... That general absolution was intended for all... not only for our brigade, but for all, North and South, who were susceptible of it and who were about to appear before their Judge." Corby's speech impressed all who heard it, from the lowest private to General Hancock, who reverently removed his hat during the benediction. One officer of the Irish Brigade later remarked that "The scene was more than impressive; it was awe inspiring."

Today a memorial to Father Corby stands near the spot where he gave Absolution at Gettysburg, the only monument to a chaplain on the battlefield, dedicated in 1910. An identical statue of the beloved priest graces the University of Notre Dame, where Father Corby attended as a youth, and where he served as president after the war.

William Corby died on December 28, 1897, of pneumonia. A man of service all his life, his memory is etched in modern minds as the priest who crossed religious barriers and lines of loyalty on a hot July afternoon in 1863, near a field of wheat in a small Pennsylvania town called Gettysburg.

* * * * * 

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 Web Sites We've Received

 From: [email protected]:
Tombstone Pictures and Inscription Meanings!
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~treasures/tombstone/

* * * * * 

From: [email protected]:
United States Medal of Honor Citations

Some researchers are fortunate enough to have been descended from United States Medal of Honor recipients. Since its creation in 1861, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to U.S. service personnel. The U.S. Army Military History Web site has created an online version of the U.S. Congress' compilation of Medal of Honor citations at http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/moh1.htm. These are organized by conflict, alphabetically by name, and contain details of each individual's organization, rank, and the cause for the award. A separate listing of World War II Black Medal of Honor recipients is also provided. If you are researching an ancestor who received this award, you will find more pointers to their specific military records.

- George G. Morgan

* * * * * 

From: [email protected]:
Bits of Blue and Gray - An American Civil War Notebook
http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com

Cassie & Tom's Gettysburg Trips (this is not OUR Tom)
http://users.snip.net/~hart/ 

* * * * * 

From: [email protected]:
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/cwphome.html
Selected Civil War Photographs Home Page
From the Library of Congress

http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/PhotoDB.html
MHI Photograph Database
You type in a name or regiment, etc. and it will search the photos and list what is available.

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

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....

In the room Thursday night [email protected] told us about getting replacement flag holder type markers for the Civil War soldiers graves and we asked her to send the information so we could share it with all of you.

Just a note to thank the hosts and members of the chat room for helping to make honoring our Civil War Veterans easier! I spent over a year trying to find a source for replacement flagholder markers and thought maybe others could use this information.

Our cemetery commission was interested in finding replacements for the damaged Grand Army of the Republic star shaped gun-barrel cast iron flagholder markers on the graves of our town's Civil War Veterans. It is very diffficult to repair old cast iron, and I was not able to find a company that made replacement cast iron markers.

As suggested by the chat room hosts, I contacted the Sons of Union Vets. One of the suggestions given me was to contact:

Mr. Henry A. Rathjen
Foundry Instructor
Lincoln Hills School
W4380 Copper Lake Road
Irma, WI 54442-9720
Tel. (715) 536-8386, ext. 1142
FAX (715) 539-3039.
Mr. Henry Rathjen's e-mail: [email protected]

I contacted Mr. Rathjen, who sent us a sample of the markers that are made by the boys at the Lincoln Hills School. We compared that replacement marker with our originals and discovered the "legs" were a slightly different shape. Mr. Rathjen then suggested I send one of our original cast iron markers to him to be reproduced in the same shape as the originals, but in a cast aluminum with baked-on black paint. Our commission ordered 35 markers in cast aluminum and they were delivered in time for Memorial Day. They look wonderful!

Thought some of you might like to know a source for markers, in case you have a Civil War ancestor who you want to remember.

And thanks to you and GFS Jim, GFS Tom, and GFS Amy for all the wonderful helpful information you so generously share!

Sally

((((((((Sally))))))))) We thank you so very much for sharing the information with everyone. Perhaps we can get markers on all of our Civil War Ancestors' graves

OUR WEEKLY READING...

THE BLUE AND THE GRAY
by Francis Miles Finch (1827-1907)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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...

NOTE: This is a note is response to the "Why the American Flag is Folded 13 times" story we had in the last newsletter.

From: [email protected]

I am so happy to know this. My father had a military funeral, and I have never been so moved by the solemnity and respect and tradition. Through tears, I watched two members of the Honor Guard meticulously fold the flag, and with the deepest regard and unspoken sympathy, present it to my mother. And then the gun salute, and then Taps. I remember my brother picking up a shell casing for each of us and handing it to us along with a carnation from a floral arrangement. I relive that service many times. The dried flower and gun casing are beside one of the last pictures I have of him in uniform. To this day, hearing Taps brings tears to my eyes. Again, thank you for the enlightening explanation of the folding of our flag.

Kasha

* * * * * 

From: [email protected]

Hello Folks,

I'm putting out this call for help to fulfill my goal of locating the final resting place of every 38th Alabama Infantry soldier possible.

So far, I have located approx. 120 gravesites. I am basing my search on a list of over 850 38th'ers from the 1862 Muster Rolls. (This list does not include men who joined after 1862 nor men who may have come from other units.) So, as you see, I have a long way to go, and I need the help of anyone who may have info.

I have set up a website listing all the men from the 1862 Muster Rolls (Companies C, E, G, H, and I not listed yet). Please go to this site and see if you know where any of these men are buried. The site address is:

http://hometown.aol.com/ala38thcoa/myhomepage/index.html

I have previously collected a database of over 3000 gravesites of Confederate soldiers, but I am putting that project on hold while I search for 38th'ers only. (If you are seeking any Confederate soldier's grave location, I'll gladly check my database for you.)

If you have any info, any suggestions, any questions, etc..., please don't hesitate contacting me. To prevent bogging up the "List's" emails, please email me directly at: [email protected]

Your Obedient Servant,

William C Garrick, III
GGGrandson of William Lewis Garrick
38th Alabama Infantry, Co A

NOTE: I received the following note from William not long after the last Weekly Fireside went out. He's changed his site a little and below explains it.

Hello Jayne,

I received your Weekly Fireside newsletter and found it very interesting.

I also saw that you put my call for 38th Alabama graves in it... One exception, I have now changed my website. Instead of listing all the 38th Alabama infantrymen, I now have a list of the men from the 38th of which I have not located their gravesites...

Thanks again. I look forward to joining you in the chat....

William C Garrick, III

GGGrandson of
William Lewis Garrick
38th Alabama Infantry, Co A, CSA
"Deo Vindice"

((((((( William ))))))) We were happy to put your projects, so happy as a matter of fact, that we decided to leave it in another week. <GRIN>

* * * * * 

From: [email protected] ( A reply in regard to the above)

Hi Jayne,
Now I know why you were up so late last night. :-) I always enjoy these newsletters.
I have contacted the gentleman looking for burial sites of the Ala38th. Since I walk the cemeteries down here and just found a new one about 2 months ago. Have a feeling all the burial sites are north of AL though.
Do hope someone can help him.
Lately I just go to pick the spanish moss off the stones. Some of them are so old you cannot read them anymore.
So it was nice of you to include his request.
Smiles to you all for your hard work :) :)
Betsey

((((((((Betsey)))))))) Thank you so much for the nice words and thank you for being in touch with William. Gosh, it's things like this that make it all worthwhile!!! <VBG>

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.

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 :)

10/18/01 - OPEN CHAT

10/25/01 - An American Civil War Trivia Quiz!! Come join us and test your Civil War knowledge. <G>

11/01/01 - OPEN CHAT

11/08/01 - 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

11/15/01 - OPEN CHAT

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 21 October 2001

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

.

From your Editors:
We hope you were one of the folk able to join us in open chat last Thursday night for some good exchanges. I'm sure we'll have a great time this week with our TRIVIA QUIZ so please join us for an evening of fun.. No grades will be given <GRIN>

I'm going to leave this suggestion in here again this week. It isn't Civil War, but most of you are also involved in Genealogy. Take time to sit down and write what you were doing when you heard or saw what happened, how you felt, your thoughts and fears about what happened September 11, 2001. Have your children or your grandchildren do the same thing or have them draw those things in pictures, then put them all in your family genealogy file. Many generations from now, descendants won't have to wonder what their ancestors were doing at the time, as many of us wonder what our families did, or how they felt when their men folk were in the Civil War.

Please join us!! Thursday night, there will be a TRIVIA QUIZ!!!!!! 11 PM ET Thursday, October 25 in the Golden Gates Chat Room. Put your thinking cap on and join us to see just how much you know (or don't know) <Grin>

Amy sent the following website. I think you will find it a very moving story by Brian Pohanka, Civil War Historian and Captain, Co A, 5th NY Vol Inf. (re-enacted) and you'll be glad you read it.

http://www.thewildgeese.com/pages/5thny.html
The Wild Geese Today -- The Civil War

I'm going to leave this in at least another week:

While it been three weeks now since the terrible tragedies in NY and Wash, DC, it hardly seems possible it's not been so long ago, but yet it seems like it's been an eternity. My heart and prayers go out to all involved, however that may be. We received a note from DASHJUST, wondering if we thought any of the "Faithful" would like to contribute to the fund for the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. We asked her to send us the info and we'd put it up for all to see so here it is.

New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund
PO Box 3713
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163

Civil War History & Genealogy Forum Related Announcements
War Between the States (Tracing your Civil War Ancestors)
With HOST GFS Amy and HOST GFS Wolford on
Friday evenings at 9:00 PM EDT in the Golden Gates Chat Room
of the Genealogy Forum (ONLY ON AOL) at KEYWORD: ROOTS

* * * * * 

Military Families Chat
With HOST GFS Beri, and HOST GFS Wolford
Wed, 8 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Conference Room
of the Genealogy Forum (ONLY ON AOL) at KEYWORD: ROOTS

* * * * * 

"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/

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

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

A Special Sharing This Week.............

The Civil War in Nicholas County, (West) Virginia
from HOST GFS WillM

The American Civil War was the most destructive of life and property as its ravages came to the homes of Nicholas County. In the contest for the territory that is now in West Virginia, two battles were fought by the regular armies.

The Battle of Cross Lanes.
Location: Keslers Cross Lanes, WV

This battle was fought on Monday, August 26, 1861, between the Federals under Colonel E. B. Tyler in command of the 7th Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Brigadier General John B. Floyd in command of the Confederates, consisting of an estimated force of at least three regiments of infantry, a company of Cavalry and three pieces of artillery. The battle lasted about one hour and the forces of Colonel Tyler were completely routed. The Federal loss was 15 killed and 20 wounded and 38 soldiers were taken as prisoner. The Confederate loss was 5 killed and 6 wounded.

Captain Dyer of Company D was mortally wounded while heading his company. He fell in the Hamilton Meadow opposite the Vaughn residence, and was taken by Major Thornburg to the porch of Vaughn's house where he died. (This house was the home of Ms. Gladys Vaughn who was the columnist for Nicholas County for many years and a pianist for the Zoar Baptist Church).

The Confederate officer and Captain Dyer had served together in the Mexican War. Captain Shurtleff was taken prisoner. Colonel Tyler and about 200 of his men escaped to Gauley Bridge, and Major Casement with 404 of his men returned through the mountains to Elk River and then to Charleston and Gauley Bridge.

The dead were buried by General Floyd's troops, and the wounded cared for, and in his report to General Robert E. Lee, he wrote: "Tyler's command is said to be of their best troops. They were centainly brave men."

The Battle of Carnefix Ferry
Location: Henry Patterson Farm near Keslers Cross Lanes, WV. Now a part of Carnefix Ferry Battlefield State Park.

This battle was fought on Tuesday, September 10, 1861, on the Henry Patterson farm, two and a half miles from Keslers Cross Lane and one and a half miles from Carnefix Ferry.

The Federal army consisted of six and one half Ohio regiments under General W. S. Rosecrans, and General John B. Floyd commanded the Confederate force of 1800 Virginia and Kanawa County volunteers.

General Rosecrans had marched the troops from Clarksburg over the Gauley Bridge and Weston Turnpike and had encamped the night before the battle on the Anderson Herold farm near Muddlety. On the day of the battle he had dispensed a small Confederate force at Summersville, and in going over Samsons Creek and McKees Creek Road, his troops encountered Confederate pickets at Keslers Cross Lanes. The Confederates were massed behind a log barricade across the road leading to Gauley River. Ignorant of the entrenched position of the Confederates, the Federal troops in irregular formation came in contact with the Confederates about three o'clock in the afternoon. Fighting in dense woods, they could not see the enemy, and their disorganized attack was repulsed. By the time General Rosecrans had organized a storming party, night brought an end to the fighting.

During the night General Floyd abandoned his fortification, crossed the river and retreated over the Sundy Road to Sewell Mountain. Pursuit by General Rosecrans was prevented by Floyd's destruction of his temporary bridge and all boats and by a flood in the river. Ten days after the battle, the Federal army joined the forces of General Jacob D. Cox at Gauley Bridge.

The Federal army had seventeen killed and one hundred forty-one wounded. Colonel J. W. Lowe of the 12th Ohio regiment was killed and Coloney W. H. Lytle wounded. The Confederates reported none killed and twenty wounded. General Floyd had a slight wound in his right forearm.

Two future presidents of the United States, Rutherford B. Hays and William McKinley were privates in the 23rd Ohio Regiment in this battle. Others who became notable in our history were:
Stanley Matthews, who became a justice of the Supreme Court.
Six Colonels: Robert L. McCook, W.H. Lytle, W.S. Smith, Jacob Scammon, Augustus Moore and Hugh Ewing became generals in the Civil War. General Floyd, the Confederate commander, had been a governor of Virginia and served as Secretay of War in the cabinet of President Buchanan.

The Battle of Carnefix Ferry was of the longest duration, closest combat and heaviest firing of any battle in this part of the State. Historians generally regard it as the most important battle of the Civil War in the State. It virtually decided the separate statehood of West Virginia.

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 Web Sites We've Received

From: [email protected]:
I invite you all to take a look at my new Bits of Blue and Gray website. It includes includes all of my previous Bits of Blue and Gray columns from the old StateGenSites website, plus new columns, letters, poems, some suggested reading and some of my favorite CW Websites. You can go visit some good genealogy websites belonging to some of my friends too. If you have a story, poem or letter you'd like to share, please feel free to email me [email protected]
http://bitsofblueandgray.com/

from daily new sites from Cyndi's list

URL: http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi//1findingaidssubheaders.html
TITLE: US Army Military History Insitute - Finding Aids and Digital Archives
DESCRIPTION: Online databases, finding aids, electronic catalog, photographs online and an excellent collection of reference bibliographies, including unit history bibliographies, Civil War unit history bibliographies, Civil War biographical bibliographies and fort/post/installation bibliographies.

URL: http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/elmiraprison/index.html
TITLE: Elmira Prison Camp OnLine Library
DESCRIPTION: The most compresenhive site dealing with the Civil War prison camp located at Elmira, NY.

URL: http://www.texas-brigade.com/frameset4tex.htm
TITLE: Fourth Texas Vol Infantry Regt.
DESCRIPTION: History of the regiment, regimental staff, company commanders, muster rolls of all companies & list of engagements of regiment.

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

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....

* * * * * 

In the room a couple of weeks ago [email protected] told us about getting replacement flag holder type markers for the Civil War soldiers graves and we asked her to send the information so we could share it with all of you.

I contacted the Sons of Union Vets. One of the suggestions given me was to contact:

Mr. Henry A. Rathjen
Foundry Instructor
Lincoln Hills School
W4380 Copper Lake Road
Irma, WI 54442-9720
Tel. (715) 536-8386, ext. 1142
FAX (715) 539-3039.
Mr. Henry Rathjen's e-mail: [email protected]

((((((((Sally))))))))) We thank you so very much for sharing the information with everyone. Perhaps we can get markers on all of our Civil War Ancestors' graves.

* * * * * 

HOST GFS Amy sent us the following address for ordering markers and flags. You can check them out at their website.

BALCH BROS. & WEST CO., INC.
http://www.balchflags.com/19.htm
PHONE: 315-437-3157
FAX: 315-437-3170
TOLL FREE ORDER LINE: 1-888-437-3157
EMAIL: [email protected]
MAIN OFFICE & PLANT: 2201 Teall Avenue
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 465, Syracuse, New York 13206

OUR WEEKLY READING...
"The Black Heroes,"
author unknown,
published in William Lloyd Garrison's "Liberator" February 5, 1864

"When shell and ball were falling fast
Upon the battle plain,
Brave heroes fought of sable caste
Amid that leaden rain
No flinching eye or faltering step
Was seen along that line
But firm and bold their muskets kept,
And to the fire kept time.
O, must they calmly die at last,
Those heroes black and brave,
With prejudice still clinging fast --
O, must they die as slaves?
Ah, let the siege at Wagner tell
Of each heroic deed,
When Shaw and others bleeding fell,
How black men took the lead!
Brave Carney, too, of sable blood,
By patriot pride impelled,
Though wading through th' opposing flood,
Our glorious flag upheld.
'Ah! boys, it never touched the ground.'
Were the brave words he said,
When quietly they laid him down
Among the other dead.
And must such noble deeds
Our fetters stronger bind,
Or shall they to fair Freedom lead,
And make us all mankind?"


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

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]

I'm putting out this call for help to fulfill my goal of locating the final resting place of every 38th Alabama Infantry soldier possible.

So far, I have located approx. 120 gravesites...

I have set up a website listing of the men from the 38th of which I have not located their gravesites...

http://hometown.aol.com/ala38thcoa/myhomepage/index.html

I have previously collected a database of over 3000 gravesites of Confederate soldiers, but I am putting that project on hold while I search for 38th'ers only. (If you are seeking any Confederate soldier's grave location, I'll gladly check my database for you.)

[email protected]

William C Garrick, III
GGGrandson of
William Lewis Garrick
38th Alabama Infantry, Co A, CSA
"Deo Vindice"

((((((( William ))))))) We were happy to put your projects in, so happy as a matter of fact, that we decided to leave it in another week. <GRIN>

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.

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 :)

10/25/01 - An American Civil War Trivia Quiz!! Come join us and test your Civil War knowledge. <G>

11/01/01 - OPEN CHAT

11/08/01 - 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

11/15/01 - OPEN CHAT

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 28 October 2001

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

From your Editors:
What a great time we had Thursday night with the Trivia Quiz!!!! We thank all those who came and participated, you all did very well! It was also good to see some of the "oldtimers" there. We hope you come back more often!! Since you all seemed to have such a good time, we're thinking we just might do that again sometime. If you want to send in some questions, please feel free to do so... all we ask is that you also send the answers!!

Civil War History & Genealogy Forum Related Announcements
War Between the States (Tracing your Civil War Ancestors)
With HOST GFS Amy and HOST GFS Wolford on
Friday evenings at 9:00 PM EDT in the Golden Gates Chat Room
of the Genealogy Forum (ONLY ON AOL) at KEYWORD: ROOTS

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Military Families Chat
With HOST GFS Beri, and HOST GFS Wolford
Wed, 8 PM ET in the Ancestral Digs Conference Room
of the Genealogy Forum (ONLY ON AOL) at KEYWORD: ROOTS

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"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/

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

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

A Special Sharing This Week.............
 The Peach Orchard
July 2, 1863
from HOST GFS TEG

If there was any spot on earth hotter than hell itself, The Peach Orchard at Gettysburg was the place. A salient of the Union army line, posted by Major General Dan Sickles, the spot was chosen because of its proximity to the Emmitsburg Road. Another name for Emmitsburg Road was "the road to Washington," and Sickles, a U. S. Senator, wished to protect the capital city which lay a mere 72 miles away. Over 6,000 Union soldiers attempted to hold the knoll of peach trees against Lafayette McLaw's men in gray on the afternoon of July 2, 1863.

The Peach Orchard was a prime location for artillery, and the Union guns did their work against the Confederates on Warfield Ridge. The Confederate battalions of Alexander and Cabell, though, were merely a few hundred yards away, and retaliated in kind, turning the Peach Orchard into a furnace; an exploding whirlwind of death and destruction. Union infantry clung nervously to their lines, many the unlucky recipients of shell and canister which found their human targets. In the midst of the dueling guns, Confederate infantry from Mississippi, South Carolina, and Georgia shrieked the famous rebel yell as they attacked Sickles' men and the work of death commenced on both sides.

The Southern forces drove Sickles' men back to the main Union line, and Sickles himself was among the wounded before the fight was over. Only dusk and reinforcements from Hancock's Second Corps stopped the terrible contest, leaving charred and broken bits of humanity behind as the knoll fell into Confederate hands. Stories of bravery abound from the Battle of Gettysburg, but there were none braver, Union AND Confederate, who met in the Peach Orchard, south of town on that summer day of 1863.

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 Web Sites We've Received

From: [email protected]:
Discovered this information and thought I would get it out to as many as possible since the deadline is Veterans Day 2001. I talked to the people at Kinko's and received a beautiful brochure explaining this opportunity.

Anyone may take a photo of a veteran who died in Vietnam to Kinko's and they will scan it and upload the photo for you to The Virtual Wall at NO CHARGE until Veteran's Day 2001. This project is known as 'Put A Face with A Name' and Kinko's wanted to contribute in this way to honor those who paid with their lives.

I suggest you all pay a visit to this website as it is a beautiful tribute and let families know that this exists.
http://www.thevirtualwall.org

Please help to get this information to other people who might wish to have their vet's picture added to the Vietnam Virtual Memorial Wall.

(((((((((Nancy & Ike))))))))))) Great stuff as usual!!!! Thank you for forwarding this to us

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From: [email protected]:

GeneaNet - Discover your genealogy and family history
http://www.geneanet.org/

GeneaNet - About GeneaNet
http://www.geneanet.org/geneanet.php3

((((((Jerry))))))) Thanks so much for sharing!!

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From: [email protected]:
I invite you all to take a look at my new Bits of Blue and Gray website. It includes includes all of my previous Bits of Blue and Gray columns from the old StateGenSites website, plus new columns, letters, poems, some suggested reading and some of my favorite CW Websites. You can go visit some good genealogy websites belonging to some of my friends too. If you have a story, poem or letter you'd like to share, please feel free to email me [email protected]
http://bitsofblueandgray.com/

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Be sure to check out:
http://www.thefinalwaltz.com/GARPost.htm
The Zook Post or Post #11 was formed in Norristown, Pa and consisted of veterans from all over the North. Amy has transcribed the membership list of the Zook Post and has included it on the site as an additional reference for those searching for their Civil War Ancestor

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

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]
Hi Jayne and everyone. A while back some kind soul sent a website for the 60th Ohio Inf. unit. Don't remember who it was, but I checked in and sure enough, my kin were listed there. It appears that the website's a new one, so I'm going to be able to add some info to their database. Whoever you are, thanks so much for the input. We don't hear much about those midwestern units, Ohio, Mo, etc., but they were definitely out there fighting.

Nadine Peterson

(((((((Nadine))))))) Thank you for the feedback and on behalf of all of us a HUGE THANK YOU to whoever sent Nadine the website!!!!

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Since Veteran's Day is coming soon, I'm going to leave the following two items in another week.

In the room, [email protected] told us about getting replacement flag holder type markers for the Civil War soldiers graves and we asked her to send the information so we could share it with all of you.

I contacted the Sons of Union Vets. One of the suggestions given me was to contact:

Mr. Henry A. Rathjen
Foundry Instructor
Lincoln Hills School
W4380 Copper Lake Road
Irma, WI 54442-9720
Tel. (715) 536-8386, ext. 1142
FAX (715) 539-3039.
Mr. Henry Rathjen's e-mail: [email protected]

((((((((Sally))))))))) We thank you so very much for sharing the information with everyone. Perhaps we can get markers on all of our Civil War Ancestors' graves.

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HOST GFS Amy sent us the following address for ordering markers and flags. You can check them out at their website.

BALCH BROS. & WEST CO., INC.
http://www.balchflags.com/19.htm
PHONE: 315-437-3157
FAX: 315-437-3170
TOLL FREE ORDER LINE: 1-888-437-3157
EMAIL: [email protected]
MAIN OFFICE & PLANT: 2201 Teall Avenue
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 465, Syracuse, New York 13206

OUR WEEKLY READING...

Camp Near Potomac Creek, Virginia
Sunday afternoon April 26, 1863

Friend Maggie,
As I have a few leisure moments I will improve them by answering your letter. Today is Sunday. We had Preaching in Camp this afternoon. I have just returned from Meeting, so I will devote my time the remainder of the day in holding Communion with you through the silent language of a pen. Eli has just arrived here, but I have not had a chance to talk with him yet. We moved our Camp last week we only moved five miles. We have orders to move tomorrow to the Scene of action. I think this whole army will move. We have orders to take three days rations with us. The is a beautiful Sabbath. The change from the intense cold and stillness of Winter to the animated Glory of Spring is wonderful. The mud disappears as if by magic, the naked trees commence budding and blooming and in a few weeks the Country is transformed into a teeming Paradise. The air is darkened by the flocks of birds circling overhead. It reminds me of bygond Days when we were a free and a happy nation. The two years men and the Nine Months men are going home every day now, as their term of enlistment has expired. It makes me feel sad to see them going because I cannot go. They all seem very anxious to go home. It seems as though they did not care much for their Country but the way the War has been conducted I cannot blame them much. I would go home myself if I could get the chance. I should be very much surprised to see your Father coming into camp. I would give most anything to see someone from up there.

You said you had heard that I was coming up there as soon as Eli came back. I do not expect to get home this summer. You spoke about me and Kathie coming to see you. I do not know how that would be, for I do not think she would except my company. You also spoke about me being disappointed when those four couples were married, and I took Mary Linhart for my pardner. I will admit that I was disappointed, but I do not know what you mean in speaking of it. I am sorry if you have heard things that are false. It has caused some hard feelings on my part, but I am a Soldier now, therefore what has transpired is just well forgotten. Maggie, I wish you happiness in the future. I cannot tell what my destiny will be. I may soon meet with a solitary common destiny, an Early and a Bloody Grave. I wll draw my letter to a close hoping you will give me an answer.

I remain as ever your true friend,
J. Ruhler

n.b. Please excuse a short letter..

Many thanks to [email protected] for sharing this letter


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

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]

I'm putting out this call for help to fulfill my goal of locating the final resting place of every 38th Alabama Infantry soldier possible.

So far, I have located approx. 120 gravesites...

I have set up a website listing of the men from the 38th of which I have not located their gravesites...

http://hometown.aol.com/ala38thcoa/myhomepage/index.html

I have previously collected a database of over 3000 gravesites of Confederate soldiers, but I am putting that project on hold while I search for 38th'ers only. (If you are seeking any Confederate soldier's grave location, I'll gladly check my database for you.)

[email protected]

William C Garrick, III
GGGrandson of
William Lewis Garrick
38th Alabama Infantry, Co A, CSA
"Deo Vindice"

((((((( William ))))))) We were happy to put your projects in, so happy as a matter of fact, that we decided to leave it in another week. <GRIN>

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.

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 :)

11/01/01 - OPEN CHAT

11/08/01 - 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

11/15/01 - OPEN CHAT

11/22/01 - to be announced

11/29/01 - OPEN CHAT

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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