Lady of the Blue and the Gray

February

2010-02-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted here. Well, with the break down of my car in November, I went to no events until the January 31st meeting of the Third Maine. I continue to do their newsletter and I maintain the Maine Rebels page, too.
This year's calendar is set for both units and my Civil War life planned out for the next 6 months!

Save the Date!!

2009-11-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

Second Annual Rally for Norlands Civil War Reenactment Weekend
Scheduled for June 12 and 13, 2010

Cedar Creek

2009-10-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

145th Anniversary of Cedar Creek
Oct 17-19

Friday
My sister lent me her VW bug. I love driving this car! It has automatic headlights and gets great milage. I arrived around 4pm and was happy to find that Dick and Marcia had already arrived and had kindly set up a tent for me to dump my things in. They also carted my clothing to the event since I flew down a few days before. It was cold and drizzling off and on but as usually, Chef Bray had dinner on the fire and plenty of wood.
2nd Vermont Leader & Captain Lawson

Marcia and I were sleeping at a hotel...yes I am a “Ramada Ranger”. On the way back to the hotel I got stopped by law enforcement. I knew I wasn’t speeding! Well, the automatic headlights on turn on the headlights, not the rest of the running lights. He very kindly (as if talking to a child) explained to me that I needed to turn on all the lights. (Ouch?). Marcia and I couldn’t stop laughing on the drive to the hotel.

Day 1 Battle
Saturday
Ok, I am all for realism, but does it have to be cold and rainy? The ladies were busy writing fun letters to the soldiers. We fell in with the 2nd Vermont And these guys are great! I can see us working together again. During lunch I got a real surprise (of the best kind!). My sister and brother-in-law surprised me by showing up. We had lunch together then headed to the Suttlers (also known as the canvas mall). The prices were scary at times but I did manage to by...*insert drum roll here* black under-sleeves and pocket watch holder.
Day 1 Lining up for Battle

Soon after it was time for the battle. I took lots of pictures and as always, was itching to get onto the field. An entertainingly cold evening. I did not attend the dance but chose a warm bed and hot shower instead.
Chapel
Sunday
The rain finally stopped by 8 am but was replaced by a strong cold wind. I attended an 1860's Catholic field mass. It was awesome! The priest did a great job and the Latin was explained to us during mass. Even the singing was in Latin.

The battle in the afternoon was great to watch. I watched from the Artillery vantage point and spoke at length with a member of the Rhode Island Battery B.
Lining up for day 2 battle

Too fast the event was over and we were having to pack up. But as always, we spent the weekend connecting with old friends and making new ones.

General and Mrs Grant

Adventures in the South

2009-10-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Adventures in the South
October 2009

I was lucky enough to head south in Mid -October and during that time I visited many Civil War Sites.

Chatham House
I stopped here first, not because I had planned to but because there Fredericksburg Website sent me to Chatham Road and this mansion. I would love to visit this place in nice weather. The gardens must be beautiful. The staff here were excellent. Although the focus of this house is not the CW, Lincoln and Washington both are said to have slept here.
Chatham garden

Fredericksburg
The staff were awesome and the film about the battle was well done. Because of rain, I didn’t venture too far from the Visitor Center. I did drive along the car tour and was amazed how many trenches were still visible for miles. I think there was more digging then fighting in these parts! Kind of odd, but there is a pyramid in the park!
vistor's center

trenches
pyramid

Spotsylvania Courthouse
No Visitor center here. Again lots of trenches. At least the rain had stopped long enough for me to get out a walk some here. Though the wind made it mighty cold. Record breaking cold in the area that day.
Bloody Angle

Wilderness
No Visitor center here. There is no doubt in my mind about how hard it was to travel in the woods here. The underbrush is dense. I read that it was worse 150 years ago. Lots of trenches. I wanted to go here before Walmart built a new store outside the gates. I gotta tell you, there is enough stores at that intersection where Walmart won’t make it that much worse. Still, would rather Not have more buildings there.

Wilderness VT Monument

Chancellorsville
Again, great staff. I really liked the museum, though the film was a little dated. I visited the house that the area is named after.

Cedar Creek
Although I was on the battlefield for the 145th Anniversary Event, I never got to the plantation or the visitor center. I had planned to after the event on Monday. Although both places had posted they were open Mondays, neither were that day! Bummer.
On the Battlefield

Arlington House
OMG! I got a personalize tour of the building, despite it being under renovation. There was CW graffiti and ghost stories.

Arlington National Cemetery
I went to section 1 and the Confederate cemetery. Also saw the changing of the guard and a wreath laying cemetery. I didn’t realize the shear size of the place. There are 25 burials each day.

Manasses
I was honored with a tour of the Battlefield by the former Superintendent of the park. Bob is now the Chief Historian of the National Park Service. This man has an amazing knowledge of Manassas. We were privileged enough to visit areas of the park not open to the public, including visits to closed buildings. Bob also explained how and why the park is set up the way it is. We even drove to secluded areas of the park. The Visitor center has a great battle map and I recommend seeing the movie offered there (at an additional cost). I even got to see graffiti carved into the wood floor of Stone House by wounded men from the second battle.

graffiti

Train Robbery, Again!!

2009-10-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

October 1oth
Yet another train robbery. Look at the soldier nearest to us. He was impaled by a sword!
Once again Mosby's raiders and the Federal army met. I "turned on the blond switch" for this event, trying to confuse the Rebels. Thank goodness the surgeon had something to help my nerves!

Catching Up!

2009-09-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

September 5th
Once again, the 15th Alabama and the Third Maine clashed at the Portland Narrow Gauge Museum. As always The Federals made every attempt to keep the payroll and dispatches from Mosby's men. This included having patrons sit on the dispatch case. One of the runs, we hid ladies under garments in the payroll box while the money stayed in my basket. Imagine the Captain Pratt's face when he opened the box! I did manage to convince him that the paper money in my basket was from the sale of my farm.

September 19th
The Third Maine spent the day at the Willowbrook Museum. It was a beautiful day and there were many visitors. The highlight was when I was accused of following a man. It's my fault of course for going unescorted to the necessary. Thankfully "Uncle Dick and 2 other privates, spoke to the man and he did indeed apologize for the insult.

Happily I have discovered that Nonpareils are period correct chocolate!

Dogs of War

2009-08-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, I had to somehow get a picture of my Black Lab "Shiloh" into the blog.
Yes his name is a tribute to the Civil War. It started as a joke. We wanted to find names and I said to my son...Let's call her Getty, for Gettysburg or something. Truly it was a joke. Quick as a rabbit he said "How about Shiloh?" The entire family loved it. Shiloh was suppose to be a yellow female lab but as it turns out is a black male. That is another story....

Shiloh age 14 weeks

I digress though. There really is a link to the Civil War.

Some of the most loyal soldiers didn’t wear uniforms!

LT George Custer, Brig Gen William Gamble, General Rufus Ingalls and Brig Gen George Stoneman Jr were just some of the Civil War soldiers who had a dog with them during the war. Sadly many regimental pets did die in war but some survived and given honorable burials. Cats, too were taken with regiments. There is a CW period song called “Kitty Popcorn” about a cat. The May 2009 issue of America’s Civil War magazine has an article with several pictures of canines. A new book is out called “Loyal Hearts: Histories of Civil War Canines by Michael Zucchero.

Custer and Friend

Unknown Group with their canine

Chief Quartermaster General Rufas Ingalls and his dog. There is a similar picture with the dog sleeping in it.

Ft Knox July 2009

2009-08-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

Ft Knox 2009
Ashley and I traveled to Ft Knox Maine for a Civil War Event. Arriving Friday, it was raining and looked like it could be a bad weekend.

Saturday was glorious! The sun was out, there was a breeze, only the mid-seventies and the Rebels won the battle. How could it get better then that?

Reading the latest news. Harper's Weekly 1862

The fort was captured by the Rebels for a brief time on Saturday. We ladies took a tour of the Fort. Frankly the place is a little creepy. Where is Ghost Hunters when you need them?

July Fourth and the Civil War

2009-06-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

Some research I found about the Fourth of July during the civil war

US Capital The East Front ca. 1861

1861

Lincoln calls an "extraordinary" session of Congress and presents an address regarding the suspension of Federal government functions by secessionists in the South.
The President also reviews 29 New York military regiments in front of the White House and also raises the stars and stripes (the flag presented to the city of Washington by the Union Committee of New York) on a 100-foot high flagstaff located at the south front of the Treasury Department.
Galusha A. Grow is the only Speaker of the House of Representatives ever to be elected and take office on the 4th of July.
An artillery salute of 15 guns is fired at Camp Jackson near Pigs Point, Va., in honor of the Southern States that have declared and are declaring their independence.
In Baltimore, the citizens there present a "splendid silk national flag, regimental size," to the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment
Gov. John A. Andrew of Massachusetts celebrates the 4th with the 1st Massachusetts Regiment at Camp Banks near Georgetown, D.C.

1862-

Lincoln is in the White House and receives the "Soldiers of the War of 1812"...Mr. Lincoln replied appropriately, thanking them for the call."
A pyrotechnic depiction of the battle between the Monitor and Merrimac takes place in New York

President Lincoln at Antietam, 1862

1863-

The President issues an address to the people honoring the Army of the Potomac and "for the many gallant fallen." There was a ceremony on the grounds of the Executive Mansion.
Upon hearing of the news of the surrender of Vicksburg, the President gives a "Fourth of July" speech on July 7 from the upper window of the White House to an "immense" crowd.
Vicksburg, Mississippi waited 82 years, until 1945, to again celebrate the 4th after General Ulysses Grant took the city in 1863 during the Civil War.
In Concord, N.H., former president Franklin Pierce addresses 25,000 persons at the "Democratic Mass Meeting" held there.
In Buffalo, N.Y., 17 veterans of the War of 1812 march in a parade there.
At Annapolis, a "flag of truce" boat filled with Secessionist women from Philadelphia and elsewhere leaves on July 3rd and travels south.
In Gettysburg, Pa., as the Rebel troops are.making their escape from the great battle just fought there, someone throws firecrackers among their ambulances carrying the wounded and causes a stampede of the horses and panic among the troops.
In Columbus, Ohio, Randal and Aston's store has 8,500 American flags to sell for the holiday.
In Newport, Rhode Island, the Fourth of July celebration is repeated on Tuesday, July 7, due to the news regarding the Union victory at Vicksburg.
Gov. Zebulon B. Vance of North Carolina giv es a speech in Granville county, urging "the people to continue their assistance in prosecuting the war until the independence of the Confederate States was established"

Charleston, S.C. Site of the night attack on Fort Sumter, September 8, 1863

1864-

The President is at the White House reviewing the Reconstruction Bill and meeting with various officials.
Gov. Andrew Johnson of Ten nessee addresses the citizens of Nashville.
In Washington, D.C., Secretary William Seward, riding in a carriage, narrowly avoids serious injury when a rocket, set off by a young boy, strikes him above his eye

1864. Maj. Gen. Sherman and staff

1865-

One of the first "Freedmen" celebrations occurs, in Raleigh, N.C.
Lincoln's "Emanicipation Proclamation" is publicly read in Warren, Ohio, and Belpassi, Oregon.
The National Monument Association lays the cornerstone of the Soldier's Monument in Gettysburg.
The Huntsville Advocate (Alabama) prints news about celebrations in Gettysburg and New York.
The celebration by the Colored People's Educational Monument Association in memory of Abraham Lincoln occurs in Washington, D.C. and is the first national celebration by African-Americans in the U.S.
In Albany, N.Y., 100 "tattered" Civil War battle flags are presented to the state and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant is in attendance.
In Savannah, Ga., Governor James Johnson addresses the citizens there telling them that slavery is dead and that they should renew their allegiance to the Government.
At Saratoga Springs, N.Y., J.C. Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton, reads the Emancipation Proclamation.
Union General William Tecumseh Sherman participates in a 4th of July civic celebration in Louisville, Ky., and witnesses a balloon ascension there.
In Hopewell, New Jersey, a monument to the memory of John Hart, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is dedicated and New Jersey Governor Joel Parker delivers an oration

Pennsylvania Ave 1865

Its interesting to note as well that when July 4th fell on a Sunday, the anniversary was celebrated in most places on Monday, July 5.

Norlands Washburn Center June 5-6 2009

2009-06-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

June 6, 1864
My Dear Brother Michael,
It has been almost a year since I lost received a letter from you. You said you were at Brandy Station at the time. I fear for the worst, dear brother. Are you a prisoner in a Northern camp somewhere? Are you amongst the wounded?
I am still traveling with Uncle Dick who is attached to the Third Maine Infantry, Company A. But for him and Aunt Marcia, I would be on the streets with no where to go. After the battles of ‘62 near our Maryland farm, I had no choice but to leave the land. I hope to return there when this war is over and rebuild what remains of the farmhouse and barns. We are located on the Winchester farm near the Paumunkey River in Virginia. Here I am staying in a small group of people in an area called Unity. There is a group of Federal troops to the East and a group of Rebels to the south. Friday night we arrived and set up camp before dark. Ashley was with me, Ben staying in the North near his school. It was quite cold that night, 45 degrees. There was little sleep to be had with the arrival of late comers. A babe cried late into the night. Saturday I was told to be in the military camp at 6 am for breakfast. Chef Bray had hung a stuffed squirrel on the tent pole.

More then one person mistook the animal as being alive as the wind made its tail move. Others were convinced it was dinner.

Later in the morning, the ladies had a fashion show. It was quite shocking but very entertaining to watch Mrs Lawson clothe her dress form. There was a tea in the town square, many attended and had it not been for Mrs Cylik and Mrs Lawson and most especially Mrs Williams, all would not have been served.

During the afternoon, there was a battle with many wounded.

I feared one might be you so I snuck across the lines to the Confederate Hospital. There was a gallant surgeon tending the wounded.

The 15th Alabama’s Captain was wounded and his wife came to his side. Only the skill of the surgeon saved him. Later I went to the Sutlers in Unity and purchased a shirt for Ben. Dinner was a ham and bean supper in town followed by a Contra dance. My cousin, Private Steve Henry escorted me. The strain of the battle filled day wore on me, leaving me too tired for the festivities. The night proved cold again, though not as bad as the previous one.
I once again ate with the Third Maine. At 10 am there were church services in town. Captain Lawson marched the men into town and ordered them to attend.

Having seen some of the men's actions, I certainly agreed with the Captain’s insistence in going for their moral character. The services was well done but towards the end of the service, the men in blue were called to arms and forced to leave before the end. Once again there was a battle in the after noon and once again I crossed the lines to the Rebel hospital tents.

When I arrived I notice there were 2 Third Maine men laying wounded. They had been treated but were in need of comfort. I gave them water and reassurance, offering them laudanum from my basket. Dearest brother, at that moment a Rebel Captain tried to steal my basket. Keeping it from him I again turned to help the boys in blue. To my utter shock and surprise I heard a woman’s voice to tell me to step away from my basket! I nearly fainted! She accused me of being a spy for the Union, Another Rebel office riffled through my basket, reading the letter you sent me from Brandy Station and finding the Union pin that I wear. I was escorted at gunpoint to a tent and told to wait. To my utter relief I was left alone long enough to take my basket and run. I ran to the nearest union soldier I could find, explaining what happened. The kind man said he would see to the Union wounded and sent me to the Third Maine Camp. There I found my Uncle and Mrs Cylik. I was given a firm lecture on going unescorted into town. A few hours later, the troops gathered and we marched off to find a new camp. I hope and pray you are well, Michael. Please write to me so that my heart can be calmed. Yours always, Your sister.

Norlands Movie

Camp Pratt May 2009

2009-05-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Once again it is that time of year for the 15th Alabama, Camp of Instruction. Time for us to dig out the gear, air out the tent and head over to Farmington, ME...er Alabama...yeah yeah that's it, The Fifteenth Alabama infantry Fort Mitchell in 1861!

We had some of the usual faces, and a few new ones too. Oddly one had a USA belt buckle...Captain Pratt assured me it was a trophy of war. (I think I will keep an eye on him just the same). Benjamin was the new Aide-de-Camp for our Captain since he was too young to carry a fire arm. Corpl Laiche wore a Zuave uniform with pants big enough for the entire unit to use as a tent.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when...

2009-05-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone #'s to reach your family of 3.

4. You email the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that you don't have email addresses for them....

6. You pull up to your own driveway and use your cell phone to see is anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on Television had a website at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have for the first 20, 30 or 60 years of your life is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :-)

12. You're reading this nodding and smiling.

13. Even worse you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice that there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list...

And now you're laughing at yourself

Preparing for an event

2009-04-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

People have asked me how I prepare for an event, what do I pack. Well, I always seem to pack too much! Ultimately it depends on the weather, the length/type of event and what persona I am portraying.

Packing for a Parade: This is easy...well...unless it is a winter parade. My last winter parade was in December 2007. The temperature was 17 to 19 degrees. That was indeed my last winter parade unless Abe Lincoln comes and invites me! Packing for a warmer weather parade includes a basket with needed personal items. (water, money, etc). I take my parasol to protect me from the sun or rain.

Packing for a Gala: Besides the ball gown and underpinnings, I have to bring a selection of hair decor and jewelry.

Packing for the Train Robbery: A basket with needed personal items. Food & Water. I bring medical looking items such as "blood stained" bandages, "morphine " tablets (actually breath mints) and the ever present knitting needle for removing bullets.

Packing for a Day Encampment: This is where the over packing starts and it really depends on what is going on. If I can avoid it, I don't bring my tent and all the fixings for it. I usually pack a chair, a crate with period childrens items, food and water for the day. My table and portable desk with books and letters. I take items from my "brother" and depending on the persona, supporting information for that as well. I like to bring knitting to keep my hands busy. It's also fun to take a period newspaper to read to others at the events.

Packing for Weekend: Firstly, I'm a wimp, as a result I stay in hotels at night so there is packing for that. I pack everything for a Day encampment plus the tent, bed, quilt, mini barrel, dishes, lantern. etc. Even though I don't usually sleep in the field, I want my tent to look as I do. (See my blog on Antietam for the one night I slept in the field!). Whether it is in Maine or at a national event the list is the same. I actually bought a chamber pot for the next over night I do so I don't have to trek to the bathroom at night.

So, packing takes at least an hour or so, depending on the event.

Last summer, I attended an event with a re-enactor who had chosen to downsize everything. From what I was told, he used to take all the perifinalia. At the event, he only had what he could carry. A blanket, cup, plate and a few toiletries. Just what fit in his back pack. He slept on the ground with just the blanket. For me the idea is tempting but the reality? I'll stick with motels!

Visiting the Afflicted

2009-03-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

I found this letter online in my travels and wanted to share.

Letter written to the Philadelphia Hospital Volunteer, Mary Brady, from Joseph Winters in Virginia

CAMP NEAR BELLE PLAIN, VA., January 19, 1863.

Mrs Mary Brady

Dear Friend :

There is one of my comrades in the West Philadelphia Hospital (Ward H) by the name of Harry Griffin. I wish you would be so kind as to call and see him as you make your daily rounds.

You are engaged in a good work in visiting the afflicted, and by contributing to their wants ; and surely you will reap your reward in good season, and God will bless you. Every true soldier you have helped shall remember you with respect and gratitude. I shall always remember you myself with deep feelings of gratitude, and I shall never forget the kindness bestowed on me by the ladies.

" A friend in need is a friend indeed."

My arm is still sore.

Believe me to be, madam, yours truly,

JOSEPH A. WINTERS,
CO. B, 7th Regiment Pa. Vol.

Missy the Dog

2009-02-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

In Memory of Missy, our dog of over 11 years.

We got her August 17th, 1997. She was about 5 months old and had been locked on a porch but well fed. She had 3 different kinds of worms, fleas and doggy acne when we got her. 5 days after getting her, I was sent to Dartmouth for pregnancy complications. Andre had to teach her to play, travel in a car and house break her! Rest in Peace dear Missy!

Missy April 1997 - February 16, 2009

WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE
by Alexander Theodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards?
And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, thousands of loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.

All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming?

I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the FireFighters and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.

Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.

Missy 1998 .......................................... Missy 1997

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author Unknown..

Battlefield Preservation

2009-02-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

Stickley House and the ruins of the mill next to Cedar Creek

I try to keep an open mind about a lot of things, but often wonder what big companies are actually thinking when they destroy battlefields. For example, Walmart is planning on building a 141,000 sq. ft. Superstore next to the Wilderness and Chancellorsville Battlefields. (See Map).
Now, with all the land in Virgina, do they have to select that site!. It saddens me to think that when they dig, they will likely be digging up the graves/remains of fallen soldiers.

And while I am ranting, what about the mining operation at Cedar Creek, Have you seen the pictures?

I wish you enough

2009-01-17T17:32:00.001-08:00

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude! bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Christmas During the Civil War

2008-12-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

The first Christmas tree in America was erected in Cleveland, Ohio in 1851, so most likely you would have had at least one prior to the war. Most decorations would have been made at home and were very simple, such as dried and sugared nuts and fruits, popcorn balls and string. Colored paper, wax ribbon, spun glass, and silver foil ornaments were also popular. Ornaments were made in the shape of doll faces, angels, the Christ Child, and animals. Most trees sat on the table top. Unwrapped presents would be placed under them. Without a doubt, the Christmas tree was the centerpiece of the home. The entire house would have been decorated with greenery such as fir, pine, holly, ivy, and mistletoe.

Songs such as "Silent Night," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "Deck the Halls" were popular. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" was written in 1850, and other songs such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Away in a Manger," "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," and "Up on the Housetop" soon followed.

The Christmas Card started in 1844 and must have been dearly prized during the war!

Tally Simpson a member of the 3rd South Carolina Volunteer wrote his sister from Fredericksburg trenches.

From: Tally Simpson, Camp near Fredricksburg
To: Anna Simpson
Camp near Fred'burg
Dec 25th, 1862

My dear Sister

This is Christmas Day. The sun shines feebly through a thin cloud, the air is mild and pleasant, [and] a gentle breeze is making music through the leaves of the lofty pines that stand near our bivouac. All is quiet and still, and that very stillness recalls some sad and painful thoughts.

This day, one year ago, how many thousand families, gay and joyous, celebrating Merry Christmas, drinking health to absent members of their family, and sending upon the wings of love and affection long, deep, and sincere wishes for their safe return to the loving ones at home, but today are clad in the deepest mourning in memory to some lost and loved member of their circle. If all the dead (those killed since the war began) could be heaped in one pile and all the wounded be gathered together in one group, the pale faces of the dead and the graons of the wounded would send such a thrill of horror through the hearts of the originators of this war that their very souls would rack with such pain that they would prefer being dead and in torment than to stand before God with such terrible crimes blackening their characters. Add to this the cries and wailings of the mourners - mothers and fathers weeping for their sons, sisters for their brothers, wives for their husbands, and daughters for their fathers - [and] how deep would be the convictions of their consciences.

Yet they do not seem to think of the affliction and distress they are scattering broadcast over the land. When will this war end? Will another Christmas roll around and find us all wintering in camp? Oh! That peace may soon be restored to our young but dearly beloved country and that we may all meet again in happiness.

But enough of these sad thoughts. We went on picket in town a few days ago. The pickets of both armies occupy the same positions now as they did before the battle. Our regt was quartered in the market place while the others occupied stores and private houses. I have often read of sacked and pillaged towns in ancient history, but never, till I saw Fredricksburg, did I fully realize what one was. The houses, especially those on the river, are riddled with shell and ball. The stores have been broken open and deprived of every thing that was worth a shilling. Account books and nots and letters and papers both private and public were taken from their proper places and scattered over the streets and trampled under feet. Private property was ruined. Their soldiers would sleep in the mansions of the wealthy and use the articles and food in the house at their pleasure. Several houses were destroyed by fire. Such a wreck and ruin I never wish to see again.

Yet notwithstanding all this, the few citizens who are now in town seem to be cheerful and perfectly resigned. Such true patriots are seldom found. This will ever be a noted place in history.

While we were there, Brig Genl Patrick, U.S.A., with several of his aides-de-camp, came over under flag of truce. Papers were exchanged, and several of our men bought pipes, gloves, &c from the privates who rowed the boat across. They had plenty of liquor and laughed, drank, and conversed with our men as if they had been friends from boyhood.

There is nothing new going on. I am almost dead to hear from home. I have received no letters in nearly three weeks, and you can imagine how anxious I am. The mails are very irregular. I hope to get a letter soon. Dunlap Griffin is dead, died in Richmond of wounds received in the last battle. Capt Hance is doing very well. Frank Fleming is in bad condition. (He has been elected lieutenant since he left.)

Write to me quick right off. I wish to hear from you badly. Remember me to my friends and relatives, especially the Pickens and Ligons. Hoping to hear from you soon I remain

Your bud
Tally

Happy Holidays to all my friends!

The Letter

2008-11-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

For anyone who may have seen the Ken Burn's Series the Civil War, He quotes a letter written by a soldier to his wife. In his letter to his wife, Ballou attempted to crystallize the emotions he was feeling: worry, fear, guilt, sadness and, most importantly, the pull between his love for her and his sense of duty. People just don't write like they used to. Sullivan Ballou joined the Rhode Island Volunteers in 1861 and left for Washington, D.C. A thirty-two year old lawyer, husband, and father of two, Ballou was a Republican and an ardent supporter of Abraham Lincoln.

July the 14th, 1861

Washington D.C.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death—and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

Ironically, Sullivan Ballou’s letter was never mailed. Although Sarah would receive other, decidedly more upbeat letters, dated after the now-famous letter from the battlefield, the letter in question would be found among Sullivan Ballou’s effects when Gov. William Sprague of Rhode Island traveled to Virginia to retrieve the remains of his state’s sons who had fallen in battle.

Ballou and 93 of his men were mortally wounded at Bull Run. In an attempt to better direct his men, Ballou took a horse mounted position in front of his regiment, when a 6-pounder solid shot from Confederate artillery tore off his right leg and simultaneously killed his horse. The badly injured Major was then carried off the field and the remainder of his leg was amputated. Ballou died from his wound a week after that Union defeat and was buried in the yard of nearby Sudley Church. After the battle the territory was occupied by Confederate forces. According to witness testimony, it was at this time that Ballou's corpse was exhumed, decapitated, and desecrated by Confederate soldiers possibly belonging to the 21st Georgia regiment. Ballou's body was never recovered.

Multiple Personalities

2008-11-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Many of the ladies who re-enact have multiple impressions that they "perform" during re-enactments. Each persona has their own background and behavior. I have decided that I would share my multiple personalities. Most are done whether I am Union or Rebel that day.

The Company Seamstress: The clue to this persona is that I have my tent and there is a sign on it reading "Seamstress". The funniest part of this is that I don't machine sew very well at all.
My "brother" Michael is in the unit I work for but is usually a prisoner of war. I usually have letters from him in my tent. Most import is that the Seamstress is true to the company and not a spy. Hey, come to think of it, there are a few privates that owe me money for sewing I have done!

Private Bergeron's Wife: I am a camp follower because we lost our farm when the private joined the war. He is never seen around camp because he is on picket duty or in the brig for drinking and gambling. I am not a spy.

Maryland Bible Society Member: This lady tires to ensure that the boys receive religious guidance and enters camp handing out cards or pamphlets. The truth is that she is a spy and is actually seeking information on where the troop is going. She also is the cousin of Rose Greenhow the Washington DC spy for the Confederacy. I only do this persona when I am with the Union. I have letters from Rose in my basket along with maps of the Railroads.

Sanitary Commission Member: Dressed as a local lady, I visit the local Union camp and inspect it. I have only done this once with the other ladies and it was sooo much fun!

Train Patron: This is the most fun and challenging persona because at these events both my companies are represented and fighting each other. Usually I am pro union and have some knowledge if healing skills. I use my knitting needles to remove bullets and have "morphine" tablets (Altoids actually) to help those in pain. I try to be nice to my Rebels too though they always outnumber the union at these events.

Well that's it, that generally what I do. I am planning another persona for the next national event. I will be dressed as a man and go onto the battle field with a first aid kit, Ice and water. Anyone got an AED I could borrow?

Off Topic: The Great Moose Hunt 2008

2008-10-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hunters

**NOTE Detailed description of the Hunt- not suitable for all audience members

Every year my husband and I enter the New Hampshire Moose Lottery to double our chances. This year the joke was on us when I actually GOT the permit. This started a avalanche of time consuming activities.

In Early September I took the Hunter Safety course with my niece. We both enjoyed the class and both passed. With card in hand, I then got my hunting license. Of course on the same day we needed to buy a new gun. We spent several hours scouting the area we were to hunt. Andre, as my subpermittee logged in 60 hours finding several spots that had all sorts of sign during the rut. We invested in a moose call, watched moose call movies and got scents to attract rutting bulls.

Moose Bed

One of the movies we watch showed in detail why the call and scents were needed as well as two moose mating. We lovingly call the movie "Moose Porn".

Finally, after 6 weeks of preparations the day approached.

Scrapes

Day 1
Saturday October 17th dawned clear and we left the house at 5 am. Once in the field we climbed through brush, downed wood and mud to find a rock. There we used the moose call....not a moose was seen. We headed across the clear cut....not a moose to be seen. Then we heard gun shots..5..then 4..then 3...apparently "Machine Gun Kelly" was hunting 1000 feet from us! Needless to say we went elsewhere. We saw lots of sign but no animals. After 12 hours we had seen only 2 medium moose, a cow and a spike horn bull. Together we decided to try for a bigger bull. Little did we know that the rut was over! Home at 7 pm.

Moose Droppings

Day 2
Sunny Sunday: We left the house at 5:30 am, since calling and scents would not help us. We needed to stumble across a moose on the logging roads or in the woods. We hiked, found old signs such as prints, broken or eaten branches and scraps form bulls showing off. Nothing new though. We did see one medium cow and passed her up. Home at 7 pm.

Day 3
Sunny Monday: Again left the house at 5:30 am. We tried many roads again and even went "swamp diving". I actually walked on a beaver damn in the swamp. Later in the day at another site we saw a beaver building its damn. Very cool but no fresh sign of moose. At dusk, with 5 minutes left in the hunt, Andre saw another cow. His scope was fogged so he could not get a good shot off. Home at 7 pm.

Day 4
Cold Rainy Tuesday: More hiking in the woods. No fresh sign of Moose, no moose seen. 5:30 am to 7 pm again. With the rut over, all the Moose are hiding in the swamps resting, or so the experts tell me.
Prints in the Snow

Day 5
Cold Snowy Wednesday: More hiking in the woods. No fresh sign of Moose, no moose seen. 5:30 am to 7 pm again. I am now convinced there are elves making old tracks in the woods to tease us!

Day 6
Warm, Sunny Thursday: More hiking in the woods. 5:30 am to 7 pm again. Finally there is fresh sign again. We tried sitting in the woods for an hour burning moose incense. Late in the day we followed prints through a clear cut and up the side of a mountain. We had to stop due to the late hour or we would have to sleep in the woods!

Day 7
Sunny Friday: We started first thing where we had left off the night before. But the tracks showed that the 3 moose went up and over the mountain. The sky was so blue it looks fake looking!. We followed tracks, then would move to another site, then go back and find new tracks. All afternoon this seemed to happen. Finally we decided to stick to one area. By 6 pm we had given and started for home...then after 4 days of no Moose we saw one!

Finally the Moose!
It was dusk, we had until 6:20 pm to shoot. At 6:08 pm, lumbering in the road was a bull moose.
Andre asked for the rifle...I thought he was joking! "Give me the Rifle!" He said then with it in hand, he aimed and..."click"...yikes the bullet wasn't set in right! Andre quickly adjusted and "boom" the bull, nicknamed Motley, was struck in the chest. At the time we were not sure. The moose seemed dazed but not hurt. We couldn't see the bright blood that had sprayed around him. Motley staggered about 10 feet, then turned and Andre, unsure if the first bullet had hit home shot again. Sadly the moose's upper front leg was broken by the second shot. Still not dead and not wanting Motley to suffer, Andre shot the animal 2 more times in the chest. The Moose was dead.

We were so exited that we hugged and started calling friends for help. The next step was to start the gutting process. With the instruction manual in hand (no I am not joking) we started to cut open the skin and let the abdominal sack out. Half way through we realized that Andre had forgotten a saw. This was needed to get the animal completely gutted.

Now as the permit holder, I was not allowed to leave the animal until it was checked in with Fish and Game. There was no choice but for me to stay with Motley while Andre drove back home to get the trailer and saw. Along the way he would pick up our helpers.

Picture this. 8 pm until 9:30 pm I was in the woods, at night, with a flashlight, rifle and dead moose. Nearest main road and house was 8 miles away. I have never been so scared in my life. Anyone hearing me would have though me insane (insaner?). I cried, sang, prayed then called my sister on my cell phone for reassurance. It was the longest 90 minutes of my life (Both my labors were under 90 minutes and less painful!)

Gutting the Moose

Finally the crew arrived. Buck, Ron and Dwayne. My saviors! They had all the gear, plus a generator and big lights. It took us another 2 hours to gut the animal. Finally by Midnight we headed home with corpse in trailer.

Loading Motley On the Trialer

We woke Saturday and headed for the check station. Motley was a fine specimen.
4 1/2 years old, 740 pounds dressed, 52 inch rack with 16 points. A beauty!
The Official Weigh in

He is now at the butcher and his head is at the taxidermist.
Andre and Motley

All in all Andre and I spent the most time together then we have spent in years. We jokingly call it our second honeymoon...and this time we got along even better!

Rations

2008-10-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

The original Federal ration, in 1861 was:

3/4 lb of salt pork or bacon or 1 1/4 lb of salt beef
1 1/4 lb of fresh bread or 3/4 lb of hardtack or 1 1/4 lb of cornmeal
2 1/2 oz dried peas or beans
1 1/2 oz coffee or 1/4 oz tea
2 1/2 oz sugar
1 1/4 oz vinegar
1/2 oz of salt
2 in cube of dessicated vegetables

In 1863 the ration was changed:
increased to 1 lb for hardtack
coffee beans were specified to be 10 lbs of _green_ beans
added 1/10 oz of pepper
added 1/3 lb of fresh potatoes
added 1/3 oz molasses

In addition, each regiment was supposed to have a fund of money to buy
fresh food, but that only worked if there was fresh food available in
the area.

The Confederacy adopted the exact same standard ration. Because of
resources, however, they issued more cornmeal than hardtack or soft
bread, almost no coffee or tea, and were often short on quantity for
everything.

(Thanks to Miss Carolyn for supplying me with this)

Willowbrook

2008-09-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

September 2008
This was my third visit to Willowbrook and it will always be a favorite of mine. First, it was my first real event in re-enacting and second because I was voted as a real member of the Third there.

This time I was once again portraying a women from the Maryland Bible Society and found Company A in deep need of a moral compass. Alarmingly, there were underpinnings handing where anyone could see them!

It was delightful to meet the authoress of Billy Boy, a book I very much enjoyed. Ashley spent alot of the time running around and also enjoyed the farm.

The best part of the day was watching grown men in union uniforms riding on undersized carousel ponies. All of them had huge grins on their faces!

Public Restrooms

2008-09-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern 'seat covers' (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR! ), yank down your pants, and assume ' The Stance.'!

In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold 'The Stance.'

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, 'Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!' Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. 'Occupied!' you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT . It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made con tact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, 'You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get.'

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile polite ly to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, 'Here, you just might need this.'

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, 'What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?'

This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with a public restrooms (rest??? you've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers the other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door!

This HAD to be written by a woman! No one else could describe it so accurately!

Hurricane Ike Uncovers Civil War Ship, Fort Morgan, AL

2008-09-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

It has been buried for decades under the sands of the Gulf in Fort Morgan, Alabama. Hurricane Ike uncovers a Civil War ship. The wood of the ship is charred near the beach level.
The ship is about 150 feet long and 36 feet wide at its widest point, based on what could be seen

Ft Morgan
Ft Morgan

The Rock

2008-09-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

I Can't believe this was done by a teenager!!
There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa.
For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed..

It's quite an impressive sight. Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos. (all angles) of the rock.

I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too

Here is the artist. Ray "Bubba" Sorenson

Labor Day Weekend On the Train

2008-09-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

A small but sturdy group turned out for the Labor Day Weekend train event.
The day started with 4 against 3. As always it was most enjoyable!

After lunch, One of the Southern belles was kidnapped as a "nurse". By the next train run, she
had disappeared and oddly there was a new soldier in their ranks.

Our last train of the day was had 150 Koreans on board. Few spoke English but all seemed to enjoy the shoot out and Cousin Steve's corpse. Many took pictures with us even posing with Steve as he lay there pretending to be dead!

All Dogs go to heaven?

2008-08-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

TO: GOD
FROM: THE DOG

Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?

Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?

Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the 'Chrysler Eagle' the 'Chrysler Beagle'?

Dear God: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?

Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?

Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying "hello'.

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table.

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?

U.S. Sanitary Commission visits the Third Maine

2008-08-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

June 18, 1861 - President Lincoln signs a bill making the United States Sanitary Commission an official agency. During the next fours years of civil war the volunteer work of thousands of women in the U.S. Sanitary Commission would cut the disease rate of the Union Army in half, and raise around twenty-five million dollars in support of the Northern war effort. Sanitary agents prowled the camps, inspecting the living conditions and the hospitals and setting standards for the hiring of medical personnel.

On August 2, 1863 a group of USSC ladies visited the Third Maine Regiment, Company A at Scribner's Mill, Harrison Maine. This is the report that was filed.

To Mr Frederick Law Olmstead, General Secretary of the United States Sanitary Commission

Sir,
I had occasion to visit the Maine Regiment, Company A at Scribner's Mill, Harrison Maine. Mrs L question the Captain of the group and though he seemed reluctant to allow us to enter the camp, he did realize it was our duty and we were allowed entry. Our first sight was 2 young lads. They were playing the devil's game, gambling and cards. I am concerned that the company's First Sargent and Captain have allowed the impressionable young men to partake in these detrimental activities. The lads were persuaded to take up the good book instead.

Next we visited a Private who seemed to have difficulty standing. At first we though he might have been partaking in liquor but it was found that he was under a physicians care and had laudanum for a previous injury.

I must applaud the men on one point. They all had a spare clean shirt though the size seemed the same for all.

The next Private we spoke to had a severe case of lice. It is my recommendation that a case of strong lye soap be sent to this group as soon as can be arranged.

Our attention was then drawn to a smooth faced man with a particularly harsh cough. We suggestion that he grow a beard to keep his throat warm during the dampness of the evenings.

Mr Olmstead, there is a Senator Gowen in the ranks, I believe he will be writing you with his concerns as he was quite loud in his complaints. The first Sargent assures us that these will be handled through military channels.

To our horror, we found a tablet posted indicating that there would be a card game in the evening and that the soldiers were to lie to us during our visit. The First Sargent again assured us this was a Private playing a joke and the offending soldier would be disciplined.

It came to our attention that there was a woman living in the camp. She was a letter writer for the men so that they could keep contact with their wives and sweethearts at home. We suggested that she also read temperance literature and the good book to the men as well.

Another concern is the lack of rails and proper disposal of the men's waste. The captain assures us that there was no cause for concern but all the same we insisted he build a proper railing to prevent falls.

Our overall impression is that these men need the calming influence of a chaplain to keep their thoughts and bodies pure.

Respectfully Submitted

Confederates at Fort Knox!

2008-07-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

For the first time I was 100% confederate at an event that involved the public. At Gettysburg the Blue and Gray were separated so there was not a lot of interaction for civilians, not in the true sense of being a person of the time. At the train events I go with the underdog, which is always the North. But at Ft Knox there was no question, I was a lady of succession, trying to get information from the 2oth Maine to give to the 15th Alabama.

The encampment had a beautiful view of the Penobscott Narrows bridge. We were on the eastern side of the fort overlooking Battery A. The Yankees were stationed in the fort itself. I visited their camp twice on Saturday, once before the battle (they won). I was invited back by a fiddler player who was willing to tune my dulcimer. When I returned with the instrument he used an electronic tuner and I was able to sit a spell with one of the men who enjoyed singing songs of the period. He knew many of them and even sang the first verse of a Rebel song or two.

During the Saturday skirmish, one of the privates was "wounded" and once again I was required to remove a bullet with my knitting needle.

Our Historian Taking Pictures

Sunday, there was another battle (we won!). No knitting needle required for the Southern Gentleman. One thing I learned about the Rebels, is that I have a lot to learn about the confederacy. Another thing I learned is that a lot of people thing the Civil war was just about slavery. Had I not been aware of the ongoing issue of state's rights as far back as when the country was formed, I would most likely think that it was all about slavery too.

(pictures to be posted once they are sent to me)

Gettysburg 2008 Part 5

2008-07-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

July 5th, 2008 My Union Day

I woke up a little later Saturday, having planned to be at the Third Maine in time for Chef Bray's delicious meal. Unfortunately that didn't happen and I got there after 8 am. After ensuring that the letters to the soldier's I had written would be "mailed", I attempted again to learn to knit.

Third ME Preparing for battle

This is the second go round with my green yarn and once again the creation is scalloped on the sides (not intended) and looks to be a very useful..er...square. I was saved from total desolation when it was suggested that shopping might help. Yes, again I went to the sutlers, this time with the captain's wife. After lunch, Miss Lucy S was kind enough to show me how to play the dulcimer...I am equally talented in that as I am in knitting!

During the day, we saw a soldier accused of cowardice during battle. He was forced to "Ride the wooden horse" as punishment.

In the after noon I watched another major battle: "Hold The Line", Gallant Rally at the Klingle Farm. This was even more impressive then the previous days and I gt to chat with the National Geographic guy again!

Those who know me, know that I just might have a little trouble sitting on the sidelines sometimes. So when the yellow flags went up, and there were soldiers facing heat injuries, I couldn't stand around, the nurse clicked in. I assisted the "Ice Angles" and EMS staff passing out ice and treating a young lad of 17 who was laying on the ground with a headache. Gads I would love to dress as a field surgeon and be at the front lines!!! (maybe next years event )

Ice Angles?

After the battle there was some confusion as to where some of the Third Maine Men Were. Thankfully it worked out and everyone was accounted for and safe. Still, the confusion made The Captain lecture the men on safety.

After a superb dinner I headed back to the RV

Sadly I did not stay for the largest battle planned for Sunday. Sunday I packed my tent and headed for the highway back to New Hampshire.

My final thoughts...This was an incredible experience... Would I do it again...maybe, the company and battles were great, but the crowds were a bit much for me. Who knows, maybe its like labor and wont seem so bad for the 150th!

Gettysburg 2008 Part 4

2008-07-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

My Confederate Day Continued...

Battle: "The Devil's to Pay", First Day Struggle at Willoughby Run

Tracy and I, despite the light rain, decided to watch the battle from the Union side near the bleachers. Overall a very good site to watch the battle. While there we met a photographer from National Geographic. He took alot of pictures (not of us) and told us to check the NG web site for the pictures later this month.

The battle was amazing! Just the size and organization of having this type of event is enough to impress. And the artillery were amazing to watch. From where we were, we watched many Union groups march to the field and I was able to spot the Third Maine. Of note is a story told by a private regarding the soiled doves trying to temp the troops.

I hope Private Tom C does not mind me quoting him but he did such a great job:

We reformed, marched up the hill when suddenly the Captain ordered “Eyes front!” Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, the best way to make someone look at something is to tell them not to. We then spied the Captain’s concern - several soiled doves stood nearby - those poor children had cast away dress and bodice to make clear to the passing soldiers their commercial intentions. The Captain’s concern for the men was most understandable - like the sirens of antiquity, any weak soul harkening to such a seductive call could only find himself soon dashed among rocks in ruin.

I had no way of seeing where the 15th Alabama might be.

After the battle (and yes, more shopping!) I finally ran into Miss Vicky and stuck with her while she looked for some of the other 15th members. Finally we decided to head back to the CS camps via the hay wagon. Again, this was no speeding event. Because of the rain, the CS roads were so muddy that the event planners had to close the road up into the camps while they poured crushed stone on the roadway. That left me, Miss Sandy and Charlene to hike up the hill
(we sent Miss Vicky ahead on a golf cart).

Now I haven't spent alot of time with Little Miss Charlene, but she was delightful! We held hands as we walked and despite her being tired, we made it back to camp. At that point the modern age attacked in the form of my ringing cell phone. My presence was requested in the year 2008 again. I hiked back down the hill (didn't I just get here!) and met my family on Table Rock Road.

Battle: "Holding the High Ground", Defending East Cemetery Hill

There we were able to watch some of the evening battle from the Confederate side (Where were the 15th?)

While we watched it started to rain..Hard so I headed back to the RV.

Gettysburg 2008 Part 3

2008-07-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

My Confederate Day

The first official day "in period" was Friday, July 4th. Excited and ready to go, I made my family drop me off at 7am. But I am getting a little a head of myself. First I had to FIND where to get dropped off.

First we stopped at the registration area and naturally I asked the simple question "Where is the 15ht Alabama". Of course the response was "What regiment?" Yeah, like I am so militarily inclined as to have that clue! They then proceeded to ask me something about Mississippi? the ANV? General Longfellow? Was this a history quiz no one prepared me for? I was then directed to the CSA camps, so we drove there next and again I got the history quiz , this time from a southern soldier. I looked at him as if he had 2 heads. He was a kind southern "gentleman" (A female reenacting as a man) and sent me to the Provost. There I looked up and found my guys... part of the Army of Northern Virginia (ANV) 6th battalion. Sent the car home and started wandering around the CSA ANV 6th battalion area.

I almost had given up when I stumbled across Lindsey and Robbie from the 15th, both in a stressed out and worried state. They could not find the rest of the group who were missing since Thursday. In desperation we drove back to the registration area and found everyone else! Their horse had thrown a shoe (Car trouble) Which had delayed them all.

Making quick work of it, we returned to the camp area and set up the tents. Unfortunately there was poison ivy near by. Yuk!

With the camp set up, checked my watch. It was 9 am and I planned to attend a class in the activity tent at 10:30. Robby and Lindsey dropped me off at the hay wagon stop on their way to town. I could see the tents way across the road. Didn't seem far but every wagon that arrived was full so I spent 20 minutes waiting for a ride! By the time I got to the tent, the class was half over .. I consoled myself by going shopping at the sutlers...again.

I was delighted to run into Tracy W from the Third Maine and we went shopping...at the suttlers...again. We also attended a Civil War Wedding in the tents before watching the afternoon battle.

Gettysburg 2008 Part 2

2008-07-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

As I was laying in bed last night, I realized I forgot to mention 2 points from my first night. First, I was wearing my Third Maine tee shirt when I registered on Thursday night. While in line a tall gentleman turned to me and offered his hand.."I'm Chamberlain, Joshua Chamberlain, also from Maine". What a surprise that was...turns out that I was standing next to a famous man!

The second point was Sutlers row. Now I know you might find it hard to believe, but I was drown...no compelled to go shopping. I was startled to find so many sutlers and shocked to see some of the non period items and inflated prices. Of course I still managed to purchase some items on my daily visits!

Gettysburg 2008 Part 1

2008-07-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

The 145th Anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg took place July 4, 5th and 6th 2008. I was honored to be a participant and the next few blog entries will be about those three days.

I actually left Saturday, June 28th and drove to my sister’s in Maryland. Our car was stuff with all sorts of Civil war paraphernalia: Tent, table, crates, blankets, dresses, writing desk, small barrel...as if I was leaving for the real war!

We didn’t actually leave for Gettysburg until Thursday July 3rd. And as luck would have it, we were stuck in traffic and it took longer to get there then we hoped. We set up the RV and I quickly headed to camp arriving at 5pm.

Now finding the right camp was entertaining to say the least. At least I knew where my tent didn’t belong. I wasn’t with the cavalry or the artillery. That narrowed it down to a many acre field of Infantry. I circled the area, several times, and at last I stopped and called "Uncle Dick". Logically he asked to identify my surroundings. "I am near the flags" referring to the regimental flags. "And now you’ll tell me you’re by the white tents too!" he said...For the record, I thought I was quite clear in my directions. He saved me, led me to the Third Maine and helped me set up the tent. Good ol’ Uncle Dick!

Being a "Ramada Ranger" I of course headed back to the RV to sleep.

Union Train Attacked!

2008-06-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Once again the patrons of the narrow gauge railway traveling from Manassas Junction to Harpers Ferry were besieged by the blue and gray.The day dawned with the Federal Troops ( all 3 of them!) commandeering the train to transport payroll and important dispatches. Once the train was underway along the Potomac River (Why were there so many sea gulls?) the Rebel forces attacked.

There were many ladies of secession aboard cheering for the attackers. One even going with a Rebel!

Brave Union ladies attempted to defend the train, one even pulling a gun on the Secesh.

Despite all attempts, the gold and papers were stolen....

Contraband

2008-06-18T14:56:00.001-07:00

Sunday Tribune Headline: Contraband Found!

June 14th, 2008 Camp Baker, Pownal, ME

Mrs D Bergeron was camping with the Third ME. The First Sargent, M Bray, was tipped off by an informer that Mrs Bergeron had confederate items in her tent. On orders of the Sargent, Private Jared Johnson performed a search finding several Confederate items including a CS belt buckle, Confederate currency and personal letters.

Mrs Bergeron was asked to stand before the company while charged as a Confederate Sympathizer, upon questioning she claimed that the belt buckle and currency were sent to her by her brother, Micheal Bell. The personal letters were reviewed and offered proof that her brother was indeed a union soldier being held as a prisoner of war.

The charges were dropped at that time. Mrs Bergeron was unavailable for comment as she was suffering melancholy as a result of the experience

Music of The Era

2008-05-23T20:01:00.001-07:00

I thought it was interesting to look up some songs of the war era...

Union Dixie http://www.civilwarpoetry.org/union/songs/union-dixie.html
Away down South in the land of traitors, Rattlesnakes and alligators, Right away, come away, right away, come away. Where cotton's king and men are chattels, Union boys will win the battles, Right away, come away, right away, come away.

CHORUS: Then we'll all go down to Dixie, Away, away, Each Dixie boy must understand That he must mind his Uncle Sam, Away, away, And we'll all go down to Dixie. Away, away, And we'll all go down to Dixie.

I wish I was in Baltimore, I'd make Secession traitors roar, Right away, come away, right away, come away. We'll put the traitors all to rout. I'll bet my boots we'll whip them out, Right away, come away, right away, come away.

CHORUS: Then they'll wish they were in Dixie, Away, away, Each Dixie boy must understand That he must mind his Uncle Sam, Away, away, And we'll all go down to Dixie. Away, away, And we'll all go down to Dixie.

Oh, may our Stars and Stripes still wave Forever o'er the free and brave, Right away, come away, right away, come away. And let our motto ever be -- "For Union and for Liberty!" Right away, come away, right away, come away.

Shiloh's Hill http://www.civilwarpoetry.org/confederate/songs/shilohsg.html

Come all ye valiant soldiers -- a story I will tellAbout the bloody battle that was fought on Shiloh Hill.It was an awful struggle and will cause your blood to chill; It was the famous battle that was fought on Shiloh Hill.'

Twas on the sixth of April, just at the break of day; The drums and fifes were playing for us to march away.The feeling of that hour I do remember still,When first my feet were tromping on the top of Shiloh Hill.

About the hour of sunrise the battle it began; Before the day was ended, we fought 'em hand to hand.The horrors of that field did my heart with anguish fill For the wounded and the dying that lay on Shiloh Hill.

There were men from every nation laid on those bloody plains, Fathers, sons, and brothers were numbered with the slain, That has caused so many homes with deep mourning to be filled,All from the bloody battle that was fought on Shiloh Hill.

The wounded men were crying for help from everywhere, While others who were dying were offering God their prayer,"Protect my wife and children if it is Thy holy will!"Such were the prayers I heard that night on Shiloh Hill.

And early the next morning we were called to arms again, Unmindful of the wounded and unuseful to the slain; The struggle was renewed again, and ten thousand men were killed;This was the second conflict of the famous Shiloh Hill.

The battle it raged on, though dead and dying menLay thick all o'er the ground, on the hill and on the glen; And from their deadly wounds, the blood ran like a rill; Such were the mournful sights that I saw on Shiloh Hill.

Before the day was ended, the battle ceased to roar,And thousands of brave soldiers had fell to rise no more; They left their vacant ranks for some other ones to fill, And now their mouldering bodies all lie on Shiloh Hill.

And now my song is ended about those bloody plains;I hope the sight by mortal man may ne'er be seen again!But I pray to God, the Saviour, "If consistent with Thy will,To save the souls of all who fell on bloody Shiloh Hill."

Camp Pratt, Farmington Maine

2008-05-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

Camp Pratt May 2-4th 2008

Well, for me preparation for Camp Pratt started several days before the event. In April, I purchased a tent from birthday money (Thank you Dad!). So I needed to make tent poles. My Hubby cut them for me (Thank You Honey) and I needed to paint them. Off I went to the paint store and wanted brown paint...Who Knew??? there were so many shades of brown to choose from: Seal brown, Sand, Taupe...All I wanted was mud brown. Thank goodness they had that!

Camp Pratt, My tent's the second from the Right

So I packed the car Friday night and headed for Farmington, Maine at 6:30 Saturday morning. It was misting in Berlin, drizzling in Rumford and continued to do so all weekend!

They southern gentleman were kind enough to set up my tent for me and cart my belongings into camp.

And they cook too! Capt Mike made ribs using his special recipe. Though it was kind of creepy how he treated them with such love.

After a camp fire dinner, they gentleman were kind enough to let me and Miss Sara fire the guns at the Union picket line. It was so much fun trying the guns.

The evening was spent chatting at the camp fire. I headed to the local inn until morning returning to the cold, muddy camp for breakfast and clean up.

So are you saying...Miss Deb, it rained all weekend, how could that be fun? Cause those southern gentleman can keep you entertained with their stories, impersonations and jokes!

The Spring Gala

2008-04-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

Andre and Miss Deb

For the first time, Andre joined me at a civil war event. I think the troop thought he didn't exist.

We had a friend take care of the kids and headed to Brunswick, ME. (We arrived around 2pm and visited the Museum at Bowdoin College. Just having some time to walk around the artwork and not have children to worry about was a real treat!)

Contra Dance

We checked into the hotel and I started getting ready. It takes no less than 30 minutes to get ready. The funniest part was Andre laying on the bed, her feet on my back as he pulled the corset strings!

The Gala Committee

The Gala itself was delightful! Almost 40 people attended. The music awesome and the dancing lots of fun!

The Maine Rebels

2008-03-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK... I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan . I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Battlefields of Tennesee

2008-03-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

Battlefields
While in Tennessee in February, I toured several famous battlegrounds from the Civil war. Shiloh, Stones River (Murfreesboro) and Chattanooga/Chickamauga. What struck me the most at all three sites were the shear number of unknown graves. Row upon row of them. Of the three, Chickamauga seemed to ‘click’ with me the most. I understand the movements on the field and while there stood in the forest where they fought. It is amazing to me that they could even fight in the tangle of the underbrush and know who they were fighting and where they were going.
Bragg's Headquarters

A few days ago I discovered that the 15th Alabama was there with Bragg’s army. I can now use the information I learned in the south as part of my Living History presentations.

Chickamauga

Shiloh seemed such a lonely place to me. Perhaps it was the snow flurries and that it was off season. There was no other cars in the park, just tons of deer everywhere.
http://www.nps.gov/shil/

Shiloh

Stones River seemed chopped up as there are several unconnected parts to it. I found it hard to imagine the battle there...of course the snow didn’t help on that one!
http://www.nps.gov/stri/

Stones River National Cemetary

Look out Mountain and Point Park are well worth the drive up the side of a steep mountain side. The view of the valley is great and you can really see Missionary ridge from the top as well as the river. It gives you a great view of the valley.

http://www.nps.gov/chch/

Tennessee River from Lookout Mountain

Carnton Plantation

2008-03-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Two years ago I read the book "The Widow of the South" based on the life of Carrie McGavok. She and her husband opened their house up after the battle of Franklin. 300 wounded were in the house at one point with the upstairs children's room serving as a surgery. There are still blood stains in the wood floor today.

At 4 o'clock in the afternoon of November 30, 1864, Carnton was witness to one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Civil War. The Confederate Army of Tennessee furiously assaulted Union troops entrenched along the southern edge of Franklin. The Battle of Franklin was the bloodiest five hours of combat during the Civil War, a massive frontal assault larger than Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg. Although it was short in duration, some 9,500 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured or missing. Nearly 7,000 of that number were Confederate. Carnton served as the largest field hospital in the area for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers who were brought to the site for surgeries and medical care.

I was lucky enough to visit this historic plantation in late February. The plantation is not far from Nashville and is now considered the most haunted place in Tennessee.

The McGavocks donated 2 acres of their land to become a Confederate Cemetary, the largest private one in the nation.

www.carnton.org

Are you smarter then a Fifth grader?

2008-02-15T04:33:00.000-08:00

Late January Ashley and I were asked to come and talk about life during the Civil War. So we put on our period clothing and headed to school. Imagine the looks I got walking into the building. We spoke in 2 fifth grade classes. Both of the classes seemed interested and there were some amusing questions. When I showed them my hand muff made from real fur, one boy asked "What animals were on the endangered species list then" How could I answer anyway but bluntly.."None, they didn’t care" Sad but true.

Changing of the Guard

2008-02-05T04:31:00.001-08:00

The Third Maine has been blessed with a fine officer leading them for the last 10 years.

On January 27th, Captain Gowan became Private Gowan. During a touching ceremony, The sword was passed to the newly elected Captain Glen Lawson.

Thank you to both gentleman for their willingness to serve the Third Maine

2008-02-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

Missy

The Dog's Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!!!!

Toddy

The Cat's Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe....

Third Maine Volunteer Infantry History

2008-01-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

3rd Maine Gerrysburg Monument

REGIMENT:
3rd Infantry Regiment Maine

Date of Organization:
4 Jun 1861

Muster Date:
28 Jun 1864

Regiment State:
Maine

Regiment Type:
Infantry

Regiment Number:
3rd

Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident:
10

Officers Died of Disease or Accident:
1

Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded:
124

Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident:
148

Regimental Soldiers and History:
Regimental History
MAINE THIRD INFANTRY(Three Years)Third Infantry--
Col., Oliver O. Howard; Lieut.-Col., Isaac N. Tucker; Maj., Henry G. Staples.

This regiment responded to the first call for troops with promptness and alacrity. It was rendezvoused on the state house grounds at Augusta and was composed mainly of Kennebec lumbermen. The regiment was most fortunate in having for its colonel Oliver O. Howard, who rose rapidly to the rank of major-general and gained for himself a name distinguished among the nation's heroes. During the long three years' service the regiment was successively commanded by Maj. Staples and Capt. Moses B. Lakeman of Co. I, Lieut.-Col. Tucker having resigned to become brigade quartermaster. On the resignation of Lieut.-Col. Tucker, Capt. Sampson of Co. D, Capt. Lakeman and Adjt. Burt served as lieutenant-colonel in the order named. Succeeding Henry G. Staples as major were Adjt. Burt and Capt. William C. Morgan.

Of the original companies of the regiment Co. A (Bath City Greys) had existed under former militia laws and the others were new organizations. The regiment was mustered into the United States service on June 4, 1861, and left the state for the front the next day. Perhaps no regiment from the state saw more fighting or rendered more distinguished service.

From the first battle of Bull Run, until the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, the regiment participated in most of the important battles and movements of the Army of the Potomac. The operations of the so-called "Stove-Pipe Artillery" commenced with this regiment. While encamped at Flag Hill, Va., they employed the ruse of mounting a stove-pipe on wheels, and drew 12 shots from the enemy at their cannon.

The loss of the 3d in killed and wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks was nearly one-third of the men engaged. It was in this engagement that Sergt.-Maj. F. W. Haskell of Waterville so gre

atly distinguished himself as to win the commendation of his colonel and of the entire regiment. The 3d gave an excellent account of itself in the battle of Gettysburg. At the close of the second day's fighting Gen. Sickles declared that, "The little 3d Me. saved the army today." Its loss at Gettysburg was 113 killed, wounded and missing.

On the return of the regiment to Augusta, June 11, 1864, only 17 officers and 176 enlisted men were left to be mustered out. Sixty-four of these men reenlisted, and together with the recruits were transferred to the 17th Me. Not one of the original field and staff officers returned with the regiment and only one of the original captains--the veteran Moses B. Lakeman--who returned in command of the regiment.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 1

Gettysburg after battle report:

Reports of Col. Moses B. Lakeman, Third Maine Infantry.
Near Warrenton, Va.,
July 27, 1863.

Capt.: I have the honor to submit the following report of thepart taken by my regiment at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., on the2d instant: By order, I formed my regiment in line of battle parallel to andfacing the Emmitsburg road, on the right of the brigade, at earlymorn. Soon after, by order of Gen. Ward, I moved my regimentas a support for a body of sharpshooters, under command of Col.Berdan, to whom I was ordered to report, by Capt. Briscoe, ofGen. Birney's staff.

Advancing to and for some distance on the Emmitsburg road, I approached a dense wood on the west side of the road, and on enteringit formed my regiment (as ordered) to support the advancingline of skirmishers, and followed at supporting distance. They soon, however, became hotly engaged, and, by order of Col. Berdan, I advanced double-quick to the line they occupied, and instantly formed my regiment under a heavy fire from the enemy, which wereturned with a good will. Here I labored under a decided disadvantage, which will account for my heavy loss. The skirmishers were well secured behind trees, while my battalion filled the intervals. The enemy showed himself in overwhelming force, but so well did we hold our position that his advance was much checked and very disastrous, and not until ordered by Col. Berdan to fallback did a single man leave the ranks, with the exception of thoses lightly wounded, when I retired, giving an occasional volley to check his advance, which now became quicker.

I was obliged to leave my dead and seriously wounded on the field, and on arriving at the road formed my regiment, which had gottensomewhat confused from loss of men and obstructions in our retreat. This engagement was short but very severe, and serves to give me a renewal of confidence in the men I command. I sustained a loss of 48 in killed, wounded, and missing. While on the move to join my brigade, I received an order from Gen. Birney to take position in a peach orchard on the right of my previous one, and accordingly moved my regiment there and occupiedit. Here I was enabled several times during the day to repulse the enemy's skirmishers (who seemed very anxious to drive usfrom it), and also to seriously harass the left flank of their advancing columns to the position which the other regiments of the brigade were holding, changing my front as circumstances required. In this position my regiment lay about midway between our own and the enemy's batteries, and a few of my command were more or less seriously injured from the frequent explosion of shells immediately over us.I was heavily pressed in front and on my right flank about 4 p.m., but succeeded in repulsing, with considerable loss, the force, which was much greater than mine, and sent them flying back to their covers. An hour later they came forward again with a force much greater than before, but I engaged them and held them for som efifteen minutes, when I received a severe flank fire on my left.

I then saw a large force marching round to cut me off, and ordered my regiment to retire, and while doing so we received a most distressing fire, which threw my command into much confusion, and mixing them up with a portion of the First Brigade, which was also fallingback.I regret to report the loss of my national colors, for no men fought harder under it that day than did my regiment, but Capt. Keene, of the color company, and his first and only lieutenant, Henry Penniman, fell, the former pierced by four bullets, the latter severely wounded in the leg. The color-bearer fell, wounded; 2 of the guardwere killed, and 4 others seriously wounded; and, as darkness was fast approaching, I did not miss it till the following morning. If I had, they would have had me and my little squad or I would have had my flag. As soon as I could rally the remains of my shattered regiment, I joined the brigade, and the men lay on their arms during the night. I am proud to say the conduct of my officers and men through out the entire day is deserving the highest praise. Their coolness and courage in resisting a force which they could plainly see was four times their number I cannot pass over lightly, but feel somewhat recompensed for my loss by the knowledge that the few I have left are of the same material as the gallant spirits that have fallen. I entered the engagement of the morning with 14 officers and 196 rifles, and lost during the day 113 killed, wounded, and missing, including Maj. Lee wounded, Capt. Keene killed, &c., a list of which has already been sent to headquarters. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MOSES B. LAKEMAN,Col., Comdg. Third Maine Regt.
Capt. John M. Cooney,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brig., First Div., Third Corps.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Hdqrs. Third Maine Regt., July 27, 1863.

Col.:
I herewith respectfully report the movements of myregiment under your command at the battle of Gettysburg, on the 3d, 4th, and 5th instant. On or about noon of the 3d instant, I was, by order from Gen.Ward, sent as support to the Second Division of the Second Corps, which was being heavily pressed by the enemy, but who had succeeded in repulsing them before my arrival. I reported to Gen.Webb, and placed my regiment, as ordered by him, in support of abattery in our front, but our services were not required throughoutthe p. m. or night. Early on the morning of the 4th instant, I, with the Fourth Maine, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania, and Twentieth Indiana Regt.'s, advanced to the front, sending forward the skirmishers of the Second Corps, and, taking position on the Emmitsburg road, previously the skirmish line, relieved the skirmishers in my front, thereby being supported by, instead of supporting, the Second Corps. Quite brisk skirmishing took place during the day, but without loss, I am happy to state, to my regiment. I remained on this line until about 12 m. on the 5th, when I retired to the position occupied the previous morning, leaving my skirmishers still to the front, when, finding the enemy had gone, my skirmishers were relieved, and I, with the other regiments, joined thebrigade. Respectfully submitted.

MOSES B. LAKEMAN,Col., Comdg. Third Maine Regt.
P. S.--Permit me to add that the conduct of my officers and men throughout the whole of the trying engagement was admirable in the extreme, and they are highly deserving of special mention.S ource: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. 43

Battles Fought
Fought on 21 Jul 1861 at Bull Run, VA.
Fought on 22 Jul 1861.
Fought on 2 Apr 1862.
Fought on 2 May 1862.
Fought on 31 May 1862 at Fair Oaks, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1862.
Fought on 29 Jun 1862 at Richmond, VA.
Fought on 30 Jun 1862.
Fought on 1 Jul 1862 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 2 Jul 1862 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 4 Jul 1862 at MS River.
Fought on 29 Aug 1862 at 2nd Bull Run, VA.
Fought on 30 Aug 1862 at 2nd Bull Run, VA.
Fought on 31 Aug 1862 at 2nd Bull Run, VA.
Fought on 1 Sep 1862 at Chantilly, VA.
Fought on 30 Sep 1862.
Fought on 4 Nov 1862.
Fought on 13 Dec 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA.
Fought on 14 Dec 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA.
Fought on 1 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA.
Fought on 2 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA.
Fought on 3 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1863 at Richmond, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1863.
Fought on 20 Jun 1863 at Gum Springs.
Fought on 20 Jun 1863.
Fought on 1 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 2 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 3 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 22 Jul 1863.
Fought on 27 Sep 1863.
Fought on 9 Nov 1863 at Kelly's Ford, VA.
Fought on 1 May 1864.
Fought on 5 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 6 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 8 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 10 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 12 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 23 May 1864 at North Anna River, VA.
Fought on 25 May 1864.
Fought on 30 May 1864.
Fought on 31 May 1864.
Fought on 1 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 4 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 16 Jun 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 17 Jun 1864 at Petersburg, VA.

All Quiet Along the Potomac

2008-01-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

Potomac Bridge ca 1861 All Quiet Along the Potomac
By Ethel Lynn Beets

A poem that has been recited at thousands of Grand Army Campfires
and one of the immortal Favorites with the boys in Blue

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;
A tremulous sigh, as the gentle night wind,
Through the forest leaves softly is creeping,
While stars up above, with their glittering eyes,
Keep guard for the army is sleeping.

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 eye
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!

Reenactor Slang

2008-01-04T19:13:00.000-08:00

I though it would be entertaining to list terms we use in our hobby. We all know people that fall into some of these categories!

Anachronism:
An item that doesn’t fit into the time period portrayed...Like a cell phone ringing in a tent.

Approximator; Period Close Enough
Someone whose clothing, equipment and activity only outwardly reflects the time period. Like a Ball gown with a Zipper up the back.

Awkward Squad
Used when drilling new recruits who are still Awkward. Seasoned soldiers will join the squad as "ballast" so the new revruits can follow the actions of the more experienced.

Authentic, Period Correct
People who take great care in their uniform and gear to be accurate.

BFH
A term used when marching to warn soldiers behind you that there is a Big Fricken Hole in the road.

BOB
Better off Bowling-refers to someone who is clueless about authenticity.

Cowboy
Definition 1-A farb or non authentic reenactor
Definition 2- one who does not follow rules concerning safety and acts silly or dangerous

Death March
An overly active and physically exhausting reenactment.

Death Marcher
A disparaging term for an officer who gets the troops lost.

Farb,Variations include Farbette, Farble, Farb-fest, Farb-a-thon, farb wannbee, Farbie Barbie
Non period, non authentic equipment or person who uses them.. Believed to be derived from "Far be it from me...." or "Fast and Researchless Buying" or an acronym for Barf.

Fresh Fish, Hayfoot, straw foot, sugarfoot, tenderfoot
New Recruits

Five Yard Rule
A rule for Authenticity in which an object must be indistinguishable from an original object at a distance of five yards

Frag, fragging, skagging
Modern term for the deliberate assassination of unpopular and dangerous officers or noncoms by shooting them in the back.

gods, stitch counters, authenticity police
The inspectors who pass through the ranks of men before a reenactment and check authenticity. Stitch counters look for hand sewn items.

Hardcores, progressives, fanatics
The ultra-authentics, who take authenticity to extremes trying to attain as close to 100% accuracy as possible.

Hotdog, Glory Hound
A reenactor who becomes too active during an event and does something foolish and dangerous, such as engaging in impromptu hand to hand fighting.

Iron Underwear
A unit who won’t take hits or suffer casualties

Kentucky Windage
Originally, in black powder shooting, to aim slightly away or above the target to allow for crosscurrents of wind and distance. Now used by reenactors to describe a gross exaggeration.

Mannequin
A reenactor who is dressed correctly but does not behave with historically accuracy. For example, discussing current news events or sports.

Powder Burner

An event that has a great deal of shooting. Also, a dangerous person who shoots wildly

Resurrection
The time at the end of an event when the troops who have taken hits stand up and fall back in line.

Scarlet O’Hara, Scarlet Fever, Magnolia, Farbie Barbie
A woman who overacts or over dresses as a "grande dame".

TBG
"Tubby bearded guy". Disparaging term used by female soldier reenactors to refer to their male counterparts, who criticize them for being unauthentic.

Virginia Private
Disparaging term for a person of self appointed high rank. For example a unit that is brass heavy.

Zebra Convention
A disparaging term for any event where there are more non-commissioned officers than was typical of the period.

Civil War At Christmas

2007-12-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

This original 1863 Thomas Nast print shows a touching scene of Husband and Wife on Christmas Eve 1862. The picture is from the January 1863 edition of Harper's Weekly. This leaf is a stunning illustration and is over 140 years old!

As the war dragged on, deprivation replaced bounteous repasts and familiar faces were missing from the family dinner table. Soldiers used to "bringing in the tree" and caroling in church were instead scavenging for firewood and singing drinking songs around the campfire. And so the holiday celebration most associated with family and home was a contradiction. It was a joyful, sad, religious, boisterous, and subdued event.

"Snowy Morning on Picket" from Harper's Weekly January 30, 1864.

The final verse of a poem By the Christmas Hearth published in the Christmas edition of Harper's Weekly reflected the sentiments of many:

Bring holly, rich with berries red,
And bring the sacred mistletoe;
Fill high each glass, and let hearts
With kindliest feelings flow;
So sweet it seems at home once more
To sit with those we hold most dear,
And keep absence once again
To keep the Merry Christmas here.

Great Site with Info on Civil War and Christmas

http://oha.alexandriava.gov/fortward/special-sections/christmas/

Ball Room Etiquette

2007-12-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen were on their best behavior in the ballroom. Manners were more formal, clothing was finer, and bows were deeper.

Men were expected to be extremely active in the ballroom to make up for the total passivity required of ladies; who could not ask gentlemen to dance, and who could not even be seen to cross the dance floor unescorted. Ladies would be conveyed to their station by a gentleman, and there they would wait until another gentleman came to speak to them, ask them to dance or convey them to the punchbowl.

"The gentleman should call for the lady whom he is to escort, go with her to the ball, escort her to the dressing room, return to join her there when she is ready to go to the reception room... engage her company for the first dance, and escort her to supper when she is ready to go. He must watch and see that she has a partner for dancing through the entire evening. Upon reaching home, if the lady invites him in, he must decline. It is his duty to call in two days".

"A gentleman should always walk around a lady's train and never attempt to step over it. If by accident he should tread upon her dress, he should beg her pardon, and if by greater awkwardness he should tear it, he must offer to escort her to the dressing room so that it may be repaired. If in the ball room a lady asks any favor of a gentleman, such as to inquire if her carriage is waiting, he should under no circumstances refuse her requests... well bred gentleman will look after those who are unsought and neglected in the dance".

Rules for the Ballroom
A man who knows how to dance, and refuses to do so, should absent himself from a ball.

Noisy talking and boisterous laughter in a ballroom are contrary to the rules of etiquette.

In a ballroom, never forget nor confuse your engagements. If such should occur, an apology, of course, must be offered and pleasantly accepted.

Always wear white gloves in a ballroom. Very light shades are admissible.

Usually a married couple do not dance together in society, but it is a sign of unusual attention for a husband to dance with his wife, and he may do so if he wishes.

Great care should be taken by a lady in refusing to dance with a gentleman. After refusing, she should not accept another invitation for the same dance.

"When gentleman are introduced to ladies at a ball for the purpose of dancing, upon meeting afterward, they should wait to be recognized before speaking; but they are at liberty to recall themselves by lifting their hats in passing. An introduction for dancing does not constitute a speaking acquaintance"

[Editor's note: ladies and gentlemen could not dance unless they had been introduced, so the hosts and escort spent much of the evening rushing about making introductions]

All the above quotes are from "Rules of Etiquette & Home Culture" 1886

For those born 1920-1979

2007-12-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Me Age 4 1968

FOR THOSE BORN 1920-1979
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As infants &children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day.And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies ! or DVD's , no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms.......

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good .

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?! !

The quote is by Jay Leno: "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Freeport 12.02.07

2007-12-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

The next day after the Ear Muff Parade, I again found myself in the car and in period dress (no Farb either!) and headed to lunch at the Jamison Tavern. This tavern was built in the late 1700s.

I always find the reaction of those seeing us in period dress immensely entertaining. When I entered the tavern I got mostly stares from people. During lunch we had requests from a tourist for pictures. We rode in a horse drawn wagon around Freeport, again soliciting stares mostly.

A few asked of we were part of a local play. Another assumed we were caroling. My personal favorite was when a woman noticed the antique fur muff I was carrying to warm my hands. She asked what sort of fur it was suppose to be assuming it was fake. When I explained it was real fur and an antique she seemed taken aback.."You know some people would find that offensive around here" I did try to point out that it was an antique and that the animal had been dead for decades.

There is a saying..."Better period correct then politically correct" ....

With dressing I agree with this statement

(I don't agree with being disrespectful to African Americans or calling them the "N" word)

Ear Muff Parade

2007-12-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

December 1st, 2007 I drove 70+ miles one way to walk in the Chester Greenwood Parade. This gentleman invented the earmuff and Farmingtom Maine takes great pride in this. So with 8 Soldiers (2 were Rebels) we walked in cold (17 degrees) and windy (15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph) with wind chill at a -10 degrees, weather ...How can we possibly do this you wonder? The answer is a word known to all re-enactors. FARB..

Farb is a derogatory term used in the hobby of historical re-enacting for participants who exhibit less commitment to historical authenticity (Thank you Wikipedia).

Now some events are strictly period correct, that is, those running the show may come over and note that you do not have hand stitched button holes...hence the term "Stitch Counters". Antietam was an example of a period correct (as far as the Third Maine was concerned) event.

Now 17-19 degree weather is not an event where as a civilian I can not have Farb...Oh yes I made a valiant effort to hide what I could, but alas it was there. The list included:
Fleece Socks, Ski Pants (under every petticoat I own), multiple shirts, a fleece lined jacket with a zipper and even the little pocket hand warmers. Ashley was no better. Oh well...it is a hobby

after all.

After the parade we did get hot chocolate courtesy of Matt B. Huzzah!

We even made the news (hope this link works!)

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=75786

2007-11-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,my daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep

in perfect contentment, or so it would seem.

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near,

But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

and I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

“What are you doing?” I asked without fear

“Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!”

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,

to the window that danced with a warm fire’s light

then he sighed and he said “Its really all right,

I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night”

“Its my duty to stand at the front of the line,

that separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ‘Pearl on a day in December,”

then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram always remembers.”

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘Nam

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red white and blue… an American flag.

“I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home,

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,

I can carry the weight of killing another

or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers

who stand at the front against any and all,

to insure for all time that this flag will not fall.”

“So go back inside,” he said, “harbor no fright

Your family is waiting and I’ll be all right.”

“But isn’t there something I can do, at the least,

“Give you money,” I asked, “or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you’ve done,

For being away from your wife and your son.

”Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

“Just tell us you love us, and never forget

To fight for our rights back at home while we’re gone.

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

to know you remember we fought and we bled

is payment enough, and with that we will trust.

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.”

Veteran's Day 2007

2007-11-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

Veteran’s Day 2007
The Third Maine once again honored our Veteran’s by marching in the Portland Maine parade. Although the temperature was only 45 degrees, when the sun was shining and the wind stopped it was tolerable. As always I love to watch the boys march and listen to the fine and drums.

A Quote Worth Repeating

2007-10-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem

your own reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

George Washington

It's All Relative.....

2007-10-05T20:52:00.001-07:00

Being a proper lady of the 1860's requires that I do not go to events with out an escorted.

A difficult problem when I Do go to events with only my children. Decency insists that a male relative accompany me. As a result I have had to create an extended "family" of males from the Third Maine.

My first "elected" relative was Pvt Dick C. He was kind enough to escort me down the main street of Camp Sylvia. Once I learned that the way I was holding my hand on his arm was very "familiar" he became a cousin!

The second relation was at the first Train Robbery. "Cousin" Steve made sure I was safe. Assuring me that we would survive the Rebel raid.When he was "shot" and "killed", Miss Vicky, a lady of succession, presented his revolver to me as his nearest "relative".

At September Storm, I needed a more convincing reason to be in the field. So my husband became an imaginary private. Pvt B is an elusive man. Always on duty...or in trouble.

I had to ask the Sargeant to break up the gambling session (above) in camp so that Pvt B would not gamble all his pay away.

He also doesn't do well with drinking, as a result he is always on picket duty. He always seems to be missing at roll call too....and getting into Mrs Marsha C's Tonic!

What to do with that Man!

Compliments

2007-09-28T04:12:00.000-07:00

I was in my office where I have some pictures from Camp Sylvia on mybulliten board. A nurse came in, saw the Union uniform and startedtelling me about a great Union group she saw the Fourth of July inBath. She said the music and marching gave her chills....I was quite proud to inform her that it was the Third Maine!Awesome job Every One!!

A Spy at Willowbrook!

2007-09-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Willowbrook Museum is like a tiny town with multiple buildings. On September 15th, the Third Maine had their last encampment of the 2007 season. So to make things interesting I decided to be a Confederate spy. I even told Pvt Dick C that there were rumors of spys in the area. I tucked a letter to Rose Greenhow (a socialite from Washington DC who fed war secrets to the south), a letter From Rose and a map of the railroad system circa 1860 into my basket. Under the guise of being a member of the Maryland Bible Society, I entered camp and started asking questions about where the troop was headed. One Private told me they were going to Portland to the Train Depot. Trains I thought..... and proceeded to ask more questions about it. I didn't get too much info before heading to the next soldier. Finding no real info to feed Jeff Davis, I waiting until after lunch, informing (while out of 1860's character of course) 2 of the ladies present that I was a Spy trying to get caught. That I had clues in my book. Even with that no one thought to question my questioning. So I was forced to mail what little information I gathered to "Cousin Rose". I must have an honest face! Oh well, there's always next season!

Note the white basket on the porch, full of union secrets to be shared!

These guys & gals play awesome!

Important job here for the benefit of the union!

September Storm Part 5 Sunday

2007-09-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Thankfully morning came at last. It took me a moment to debate wearing my nicer heavier dress or the same, lighter dress from Saturday. The dirty dress won simply because it was cooler. Chef Bray spoiled us with Maine blueberry pancakes. They were awesome! Notice the
black skillet above? It is lovingly called Bertha and has been used to defend the camp again Rebels in the past.

The color guard posted the colors at the crack of dawn Sunday. After breakfast the boys readied themselves for the final battle of the event. "Assault of the Iron Brigade". So once again they geared up and marched out to the battle.

To get to the spectator area it took several minutes to walk. We ended up coming in from the end of the field where the Rebels had thier cannons.

I love this picture showing the both flags and the smoke ....

Rebels falling in battle. Then a final Cannon shot and miraculously they all stood up. Everyone applauded them!

Once the battle was done, we returned to the camp and packed up. It went very quickly. My brother-in-law picked me up and returned me to the RV. I showered, had a snack, then went to sleep for an hour. I was so tired when I woke up I was staggering!

When asked then if I would sleep in a tent again I said "no". But now that time has passed I am already looking forward to my next encampment ~Deb

September Storm Part 4 Saturday Night

2007-09-17T17:53:00.001-07:00

Ok this was my first night ever in a canvas tent in a field of canvas tents filled with fun loving unwashed re-enactors. So this post will be full of whining and b&tching. If you don’t want to read either, go no further in this post.

I’ve told you about the heat. Did I mention the crickets? Hundreds of crickets, we’re talking plague of crickets all clinging to our tents...beds...floors...oh and my green dress. Twice I dug some out of my dress! By 9:30 at night I had washed up using my new canvas bucket and sat at the opening of my tent, soaking my feet and listening to a rowdy group several camps away singing period songs. They were very good and had I not been so tired I might have joined in.
Marsha and I had a nice chat (though short) and headed for bed. Now if anyone out there thinks that a cot is comfortable to a large person then they are nuts. I couldn’t manage to get comfy and after about an hour gave up and tried my sod cloth on the ground.... it had more room but was ...the hard Maryland ground. I can’t say I did more then doze at best all night and was thankful when 5:30 am came around and I could get dressed. At least my quilt was warm.

September Storm part 3, Saturday Evening

2007-09-13T18:36:00.001-07:00

Right before Mail call, the troops were gathered, in the current state of undress and called to make judgement over a possible CS informant. It was quite entertaining for the soldier to try and explain a picture of a Southern Belle (Not his wife), a confederate flag, gold bars and a letter from a CS general. I don't recall if the man was hanged or not as the ladies were not consulted.

As the men cooled down, I seemed to get hotter! I peeled several layers off leaving my dress, corset, undershirt, bloomers and and thats it. A complete state of undress for a proper victorian woman. But I have to say I don't recall ever feeling as hot as I did around 5 pm that evening, despite the ice water and cold rags. As long as I kept sweating I wasn't going to worry. Amazing how heat makes you not want to eat. Despite the delicious meal by Chef Bray, I just couldn't. As the sun finally started to go down, the bite of the heat seem to go with it making the air tolerable. The Third Maine guys gathered their weapons and headed for the woods for some good old fashion skirmishes. With only four of us in camp chatting, we talked through the gunfire until it came closer and we could see the CS troops right near our camp. It was great to watch
but once again I wanted to join in!

Invasion of the Rebels!

With the troops skirmishing in the woods, there was bound to be a few injuries. First there was one of our guys (his name, I think was Joe?) who got a twig to the eye. Thankfully it popped out his contact lens and seemed to spare his eye. The second was Cpl Kyle H. Some one shot their musket less then ten feet behind him. The shot covered the 2nd Corporal's neck with powder! He remained deaf in right ear for hours with a headache and ringing of the left ear. Of Course I am not convinced that he also like the fact he couldnt hear me talk anymore!

The most grievous of injuries was that of the brave 2nd Sergeant Matt B. He was wounded in the woods finding a splinter in his hand on the knuckle. It was a horrid site, the pain, that redness. I asked that he be allowed to go to the nearest ER for a shower and some airconditioned rest, but no, alas the hardcore officers would not allow it so he was forced to suffer his injuries in silence.

A lot of Stripes in this picture....2nd Corporal Kyle H, 1st Sergeant Glen L and
2nd Sergeant Matt B.

September Storm part 2, Saturday Daytime

2007-09-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I left the comfort of the RV and headed the 10 miles to the event. It looked to be a hot and humid day in the making. I arrived around 7 am and greeted the Third Maine boys. It may sound odd, but when I look at them in uniform, I can't help but feel proud to be part of this group. They work so hard to be authentic and maintain a respectful and fun atmosphere.

Chef Bray, as always, works like a dog to get a decent meal ready for us. The Third Maine is so lucky to have him. After breakfast I was conscripted to meet someone with a lot of strips. He had Major in his title but something else too... I'll have to check with one of the boys. Anyway, All medical people were asked to do first aid/heat stroke duty. Because I am female, I was not allowed on the battle field despite the 90 plus heat. Women of 1862 just didn't go there. This is what I find the hardest about this hobby. I would prefer being in the thick of things, on the field if needed, If I was a male re-enactor, I would choose being a field surgeon, carrying my field kit into the battle. But I digress.... Our duty was to prepare an area to recieve heat casualties. So Mrs Cylik and I gathered ice, I went to the suttlers (again) and purchased a canvas bucket, we got plenty of rags and waited.

Somehow the call of the battlefield was just too much for me so I headed towards where I thought the troops would be. Over the hill and through the woods we went finding ourselves on the edge of the battlefield (before any battles started). I was able to take a few pictures but was already bright red with a sunburned face so didn't want to go to the spectator area in the full sun. While we watch, a gentleman approached us and explained that we need to move soon as the battle would end up where we were standing. Not wanting to go back through the woods, we headed towards a group of civilians. To our horror we ended up in the CS camp! Thankfully we could blend in as we followed a large group of Rebel soldiers back towards the sutlers and the mixed camp. Returning to the "ice stations" we waited.

Listening to the gunfire is an amazing thing. The sound of the cannons, the shouting of the men. I can't really imagine how it would have been for families living near battlefields. The fear and anxiety. The people of Gettysburg listened to the sounds for three days. Three days!

Our first arrivals to the ice station needed just cool wet rags to help cool them down. They were redfaced, sweating and dusty. One gentleman was kneeling on the ground, thinking he was in trouble I ran to him and doused him with a wet iced rag. Poor guy looks at me and tells me he was simply waiting for the privy. Sgt Lawson then called me, at the 17th camp site they had a heat stroke casualty. Quickly Mrs Cylik and I swooped down on the lad that was sitting in a chair. We iced him, got him on the ground and monitored his pulse.

I was rather annoyed that his unit would not allow us to remove his wool pants. Had he been in the Third Maine, common sense would have prevailed over modesty...so as a last resort we dumbed ice water over his groin area (normally ice bags to the Femoral pulse points in the groin would have sufficed). I am glad to report the soldier eventually recovered.

Our lads cooling down ...

September Storm Part 1 Friday

2007-09-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Gathering in the hills of Maryland, near Antietam, the Third Maine joined hundreds of reenactors to recreate the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. I arrived Friday, September 7th at around 5 in the evening. Already the mixed camp bustled with activity. Persons from as far away as Oregon where present. Needless to say after setting up my tent...thank you to those kind enough to take care of it for me...I quickly set up the cot and headed with Mrs Cylik to the Sutlers. What an amazing array of products. I visited them several times over the weekend and purchased more then I needed (typical woman??).

Someone told me that there was a civilian meeting at 8 pm. Unaware of the details, Mrs Cylik and I headed to the Civilian camp. There was an amazing tavern set up their by a nice family from Maryland. There we got a itinerary for that area. Upon returning to the Third Maine camp we discovered we went to the wrong meeting! We were suppose to be that the 2nd USV ladies meeting. Oh well....

I left around 9 pm that night and stayed in my sister's RV. Ok I admit it, I was a Ramada Ranger for the weekend. But I am girl how keeps her bedroom at 65 degrees and have a fan running! I still didn't get to bed until almost midnight.

The Great Train Robbery-More Pictures

2007-09-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

I love this picture...Brenda and I talking of course!

The battle

Steve warning the train riders

Lady of the Third Maine

Berlin NH Vetarans

2007-09-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

I decided to make it my mission (apparently I don't have enough to do?) to research the Civil War Vetaran's from Berlin, NH.

Poof Tardiff, our local historian provided the following....

In 1861, Berlin had a population of 440 people, some of whom were employed during certain seasons. Berin had a hard time to meet its quota, but finally came through. In the United States muster rolls this town was credited with nineteen three year men, thirteen one year men and three nine month men. Of these, six never returned home. They were Charles Volney Green, a member of the 13th Maine who died in New Orleans in 1864 after contracting disease in the Red River campaign, Francis D. Green enlisted in the "Fighting Fifth" New Hampshire and was killed at Fredricksburgh, Virginia in 1862, Scribner Cates of the same regiment was killed at Sailor's Creek, Samuel Andrews of the same outfit was wounded at Antietem and killed at Cold Harbor, Ethan Andrews and Nelson Green of the 13th Maine died of disease, the latter being at Ship Island.

The Great Train Robbery

2007-09-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Treating the Wounded

The Rebel Ladies

Private Cylik

It was a warm and sunny day when Miss Brenda and I took our wagon to the train depot in Manasses Junction. The children, Ashley and Benjamin we alight with excitement at the thought of a train ride through the Virginia countryside. To our delight, traveling on the train was my cousins, Private and Mrs Cylik. We were quite flustered to learn that the train had been commandeered to carry the Unions pay for soldiers station near Harper’s Ferry. I had traveled there many times with Papa in my youth and was familiar with the small town. The train, as often is, ran late leaving the station and it was easy to determine there were many Southern sympathizers aboard. We barely had time to settle in for the long ride when a group of Rebels were spotted near a key bridge. I thought I would have the vapors when the gun fire started. But when our daring boys in blue were wounded, I had to put aside my own fears to aid them. Poor Private Henry had a bullet in the chest which I removed with Mrs. Cylik’s knitting needle. The rebel ladies only flirted, shouting cheers to the Johney Rebs!. The Rebel surgeon, would only give out poor wounded opium tablets...not even a drop of whisky! Thank goodness for Mrs Cylik’s medicinal elixir. Private Bray and Private Cylik’s wounds were not as severe. Bravely they refused to allow the surgeon to touch them. Our lads were paroled to return to Manasses Junction and in the end, Brenda, the Children and I decided we would make the trip home by wagon from now on.

2007-09-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

This is me 11/11/06 at the Portland Veteran's Day Parade.